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University of Iowa


The Milky Way galaxy has a clumpy halo

The Milky Way's circumgalactic medium (CGM) has a disk-like geometry, with denser areas where stars are forming and material is being traded between the galaxy and the CGM. The discovery provides insight into the galaxy's formation and evolution, as well as its interaction with the surrounding universe.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 19, 2020

Stay in touch with your emotions to reduce pandemic-induced stress

A new study led by Emily Kroska found that people who acknowledge and address their emotions during stressful times report lower stress levels than those who avoid identifying with their emotions. By maintaining relationships and engaging in valued activities, individuals can increase their psychological flexibility and reduce distress.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Contextual Behavioral Science·DateOct 14, 2020

Researchers find link between Atlantic hurricanes and weather system in East Asia

A new study by University of Iowa researchers identifies a connection between the East Asian Subtropical Jet Stream and the frequency of tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean. The study found that stronger EASJ is associated with fewer Atlantic tropical cyclones, suggesting a link between climate systems in Asia and hurricane formation.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 7, 2020

Spring rains are a surprising source of pollen

Researchers found that tree pollen fragments remain airborne for up to 11 hours after spring rains, posing a risk to allergy sufferers. The study advises people to stay indoors during and after rain events, especially thunderstorms, to minimize respiratory impacts.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateMay 20, 2020

Voyager 2 reaches interstellar space

Researchers confirm Voyager 2's entry into interstellar space with a plasma density jump detected by an Iowa-led instrument. The spacecraft crossed into the ISM at a distance of over 11 billion miles from the sun, providing valuable clues to the structure of the heliosphere.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 4, 2019

Researchers recreate living 3D displays

A team of researchers has developed a smart skin that can change shape and texture using artificial muscles, mimicking the cephalopod's ability to morph its structure. This innovation enables lightweight and flexible displays, interfaces for the visually impaired, and drag reduction on marine vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateSep 23, 2019

Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that women with normal weight but high waist circumference were 31% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and obesity-related cancer. Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity, and its inclusion could lead to better risk evaluation and intervention programs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2019

Crocodiles have complex past

Modern-day crocodiles and alligators originated from various ecosystems over time, including land, estuarine, freshwater, and marine environments. This challenges the long-held assumption of a simple evolutionary path from a land-based ancestor.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 24, 2019

Tele-ERs can help strengthen rural hospitals

A University of Iowa study found that rural hospitals using tele-medicine to back up their emergency room health care providers save an average of $117,000 annually in healthcare provider costs. This model also helps recruit new physicians by offering better work-life balance and reducing burnout.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 3, 2018

Study: Older people less apt to recognize they've made a mistake

A new study by University of Iowa researchers reveals that older adults are less likely to recognize when they've made a mistake. Despite performing tasks similarly to younger adults, older participants acknowledged errors less often and were more adamant about not having made a mistake. This impaired ability has significant consequenc...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateAug 3, 2018

UI researchers explain ammonia distribution in Earth's upper atmosphere

A new study led by University of Iowa researchers explains how ammonia is distributed in the upper atmosphere, aligning with satellite measurements. The research answers a mystery of how ammonia is absorbed and released into the air during convection, resolving a discrepancy between satellite data and scientific understanding.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2018

Pigeons can discriminate both space and time

Researchers found that pigeons process space and time in ways similar to humans and other primates, using a common neural coding mechanism. This suggests that abstract concepts are not processed separately and that lower-order animal species can exhibit high-level decision-making abilities.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 4, 2017

Worms learn to smell danger

Researchers found that roundworms can prime a defense mechanism when exposed to the scent of a lethal bacterium, increasing cell survival. This discovery could lead to a non-pharmaceutical treatment for neurodegenerative diseases by stimulating the same sensory trigger in humans.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience Signaling·DateOct 17, 2017

Researchers propose how the universe became filled with light

A team of researchers at the University of Iowa suggests that black holes played a crucial role in making the universe visible. By ejecting matter violently, black holes may have pierced cloudy surroundings, enabling light from stars to escape. This theory is supported by observations of a nearby galaxy emitting ultraviolet light.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 30, 2017

Researchers document how melanoma tumors form

A team of researchers at the University of Iowa documented how melanoma cells form tumors in a 3D model, finding similarities with breast tissue cancer cells. They identified two drugs, anti-beta 1 integrin/(CD29) and anti-CD44, that block tumor creation in both types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2017

Biologists identify reproductive 'traffic cop'

Researchers discover FKB-6, a protein that regulates the speed of chromosome pairing in nematodes, ensuring accurate genetic information swap during reproduction. The findings offer new insight into animal fertility and could help understand defects contributing to conditions like Down syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 24, 2017

A quark like no other

A University of Iowa physicist is searching for the 'bottom quark', a subatomic particle expected to arise from a Higgs boson's decay. Evidence of this particle could confirm the existence of the Higgs boson, a theory about how the universe works.