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University of Iowa


Blended galaxies

Astrophysicist Hai Fu aims to study the late stages of merging galaxies and observe supermassive black holes' accretion using a large chunk of the night sky. The research project will use radio-emission maps and optical observations to confirm findings.

Flood threats changing across US

A new study by University of Iowa engineers finds that flood risk is growing in the northern US and declining in the southern half, due to shifting rainfall patterns and groundwater levels. The research suggests regional variations can be attributed to changes in rainfall and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 29, 2016

Lunar sonic booms

Scientists studying lunar sonic booms hope to answer whether mini shock waves on the moon are being generated by protons in the solar wind colliding with pockets of magnetic fields. The findings come from NASA's ARTEMIS mission, which has gathered high-fidelity measurements of the shock waves.

Should crime victims call the police?

A nationwide study of over 18,000 crime victims found that reporting initial experiences to police reduces the likelihood of future victimization. The researchers suggest increased awareness and services for victims after reporting contribute to this effect.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2016

Optimizing Monday Night Football

Researchers from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business developed an optimization model that analyzes years of Monday Night Football viewership. The study identifies factors such as defending Super Bowl champions, high-profile personnel changes, and teams with high-powered offenses as key predictors of high ratings.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalStatistical Analysis and Data Mining The ASA Data Science Journal·DateJul 25, 2016

Quantum drag

Researchers found that a magnetic current flowing through one iron sheet can create quantized spin waves in another separate sheet, without physical connection. This phenomenon has potential benefits for emerging spintronics technology.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 2016

Does discrimination increase drinking?

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a significant link between discrimination and heavy drinking among minority groups. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, analyzed 97 peer-reviewed studies that showed a clear connection between racism, sexism, and homophobia and increased alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016

At attention, molecules!

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that molecules in ionic liquids reassemble without being prodded, taking time to complete. The team discovered a much thicker interfacial layer than previously known, with some layers reaching 1 micron thick.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 17, 2016

Measuring happiness on social media

A study published in PLOS One found that people's feelings of long-term happiness and satisfaction with their lives remained steady over time, unaffected by external events. The researchers grouped Twitter users into satisfied and dissatisfied groups, finding differences in language use, activity patterns, and psychological processes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2016

Are money problems and violence related?

Researchers found that women are more likely than men to experience financial stressors and report violence, but the study doesn't prove a direct link. The study's findings affirm the complexity of domestic violence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateApr 25, 2016

The Red Queen rules

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that female New Zealand freshwater snails that reproduce sexually are more resilient to parasitic worms than females that produce offspring asexually. The team tested the hypothesis in Lake Grasmere, finding that male snails were present even in areas with low parasite activity.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNew Zealand Journal of Ecology·DateApr 14, 2016

Shifting sands on Mars

Researchers aim to learn about changes in Martian-like sand dunes' grain size, chemical composition, and shape. They seek evidence of microbial organisms in similar environments as Earth, which could provide clues about Mars' past habitability.

How weight affects 'wait!'

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that children with higher body mass indices were more impatient, impulsive, and prone to collisions while crossing the street. They were also less likely to select the safest route, a risk factor for pedestrian injuries.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateMar 8, 2016

From mother to child, passing on disease

Two vector-borne diseases, Chagas' disease and Leishmaniasis, can be transmitted from mother to child through the placenta, posing a significant risk to newborns. Research highlights the importance of healthcare workers remembering these diseases when examining sick children whose mothers have traveled from affected areas.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJan 29, 2016

Cancer riddle, solved

University of Iowa researchers track cancerous human breast tissue cells' motion and accretion into tumors, discovering that only five percent of cancerous cells are needed to form a tumor. The team finds that cancer cells actively recruit healthy cells by extending cables to grab their neighbors, forming a larger mass.

When it comes to newborns, age matters

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a reliable method to estimate an infant's gestational age using a metabolic profile derived from routine newborn screenings. This technique can help doctors determine if a baby was born on time or prematurely, which is crucial for deciding medical care and identifying potential health is...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 21, 2016

Making bicycling safer for kids with ADHD

Researchers found children with ADHD struggle to pay attention and make impulsive decisions while crossing roads on bicycles, putting them at risk of accidents. The study suggests teaching children to look for longer gaps between cars can help compensate for timing deficits.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2015

One very brainy bird

A new study finds that pigeons can accurately categorize digitized microscope slides and mammograms of benign and malignant human breast tissue. With training, they perform as well as humans in this task, demonstrating a remarkable ability to perceive and process visual cues.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2015

Martian desiccation

NASA's MAVEN mission has determined that Mars is losing gas to space via stripping by the solar wind, a process that may have contributed to the planet's dry climate. The research suggests that powerful solar storms can accelerate this process, potentially playing a significant role in changing Mars' climate over billions of years.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 5, 2015

Helping kids hear better

Researchers found that children with mild to severe hearing loss have poorer language development than their peers, but provide well-fit hearing aids can help. Optimal early services enable hard of hearing children to catch up or close gaps with hearing peers.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEar and Hearing·DateOct 27, 2015

Carbon canopy

A new University of Iowa study found that tree planting in the Twin Cities region offsets only one percent of the area's carbon emissions. The research identified 'hotspots' where trees are scarce and carbon generation is high, suggesting targeted tree-planting efforts may help balance carbon supply and demand.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2015

Don't stop at 'Don't do that again!'

A new study by the University of Iowa found that parents' conversations with their children after an injury play a crucial role in shaping their safety values. The study revealed that parents are more likely to urge daughters than sons to be more careful and discuss why certain activities are dangerous, especially for older children. B...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateOct 14, 2015

A stand-up solution

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that employees using sit-stand desks stood for 60 minutes more per day and burned up to 87 more calories than those with sitting desks, supporting the redesigning of office environments as a potential approach to fighting obesity.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 2, 2015

Bravo to biomass

Researchers found significant environmental and public-health benefits from co-firing oat hulls with coal, including 90% reduction in filterable particulate matter. Burning oat hulls also reduced hazardous air pollutants by 41% and heavy metals by 51%.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalFuel·DateSep 25, 2015

The power of film

A University of Iowa researcher found that local screenings of Gasland led to an increase in anti-fracking mobilizations and influenced local policymakers to ban hydraulic fracturing. The study used online searches, social media chatter, and mass media coverage to measure the impact of the documentary on public perception.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateSep 2, 2015

Food is community

A University of Iowa study reveals local food markets are rooted in relationships, values, and a sense of community. Consumers shop at farmers markets and join coops due to a desire to know the farmers behind their food, reflecting a commitment to healthy lifestyles and sustainable environments.

Work, pedal, and be healthy

A study from the University of Iowa found that portable pedaling devices under desks can inspire active work habits in sedentary employees. Participants who used these devices for 50 minutes a day over 16 weeks showed significant benefits.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 10, 2015

Cutting health care costs isn't easy

A new study from the University of Iowa found that improving access to affordable primary care reduced preventable hospital stays for black and Hispanics who receive both Medicare and Medicaid. However, it also showed that trips to the emergency department went up among all dual eligibles, regardless of race or ethnicity. The study sug...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 7, 2015

University of Iowa studies impact of marijuana on driving

A new study conducted at the University of Iowa's National Advanced Driving Simulator found that drivers who use both alcohol and marijuana together weaved more on a virtual roadway than those using either substance independently. The study, which analyzed the effects of inhaled cannabis on driving performance, also found no double eff...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJun 23, 2015

How do toddlers use tablets?

A team of University of Iowa researchers analyzed over 200 YouTube videos to understand toddler tablet use. They found that by age two, most children can moderate their ability to use a tablet, while younger toddlers require more guidance.

Study finds swine farming is a risk factor for drug-resistant staph infections

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that swine farmers are more likely to carry multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) than people without current swine exposure. The researchers followed a group of 1,342 Iowans for 17 months and discovered that farmers with livestock exposure, particularly swi...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 30, 2015

Why we have chins

University of Iowa researchers found that human chins are an evolutionary adaptation, emerging as faces became smaller. The study suggests that mechanical forces like chewing did not create the chin, but rather a geometric change in face shape led to its development.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateApr 13, 2015