Researchers created a 3D map of the South Napa earthquake's impact using GPS and satellite readings, predicting ground shaking and estimating human and infrastructure impacts. The study could improve reaction time to deadly earthquakes, reducing fatalities and economic losses.
A new study from the University of Iowa found that schools participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's School Breakfast Program have higher achievement scores in math, science, and reading than non-participating schools. This is particularly true for students from low-income families.
A team of students and professors is launching rockets to develop technologies that can detect the missing normal matter in space. The project aims to confirm current models of the universe by observing the absorption caused by the intergalactic medium.
A University of Iowa expert will testify before the Presidential Task Force on 21st century policing, sharing her research on improving police officer health and wellness. Her pilot intervention program has shown promise in reducing stress-related disability, improving officer retention, and increasing job satisfaction.
Researchers created a comprehensive guide for farmland in the Ohio and Upper Mississippi River Basins, narrowing the scope of choice to optimize run-off mitigation. The guide recommends specific conservation practices based on soil type, land slope, crops, and nutrients used.
University of Iowa researchers have discovered that switchgrass can remove up to 40% of PCBs from contaminated soils, with a combined treatment boosting removal rates to 47%. The study suggests a natural and sustainable method for reducing the presence of toxic chemicals in the environment.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 5,000 young boys in the US have either Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy. The disorders affect Hispanic boys more frequently than white or African-American boys. The research team's findings provide valuable information for healthcare professionals to better plan care for affected children.
Researchers found that people prefer online profiles highlighting a potential partner's success and humility, with specific details about their life. This approach balances presenting the best version of oneself while avoiding exaggerations.
Researchers from the University of Iowa analyzed daily stream gauge records from 1962-2011 and found that 34% of stations experienced an increase in flood frequency, while 9% saw a decrease. The study suggests that warmer temperatures and increased rainfall are contributing to the rising number of big floods in the region.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that pigeons can categorize and name objects, similar to how children learn words. The study used a computerized task that allowed pigeons to learn 16 categories simultaneously, comparable to how humans learn categories.
Researchers found that smoke from spring fires in Central America intensified conditions leading to severe tornadoes in the US. The study's results suggest a novel mechanism by which smoke affects tornado severity, and highlight the importance of considering atmospheric particles in weather prediction models.
Researchers found that geo-stationary satellites can greatly improve air-quality forecasting by providing aerosol optical depth every hour in high resolution. Combining this data with low Earth-orbiting satellite data produces more detailed maps for improved forecasts.
Researchers found that crows can spontaneously solve higher-order relational matching tasks, a feat previously only achieved by humans, apes, and monkeys. The study suggests that crows possess advanced cognitive abilities, challenging the notion of human exceptionalism in cognition.
A University of Iowa study finds that adding professional and vocational majors to liberal arts colleges strengthens their mission, with students achieving similar educational gains across majors. Key findings include increased interest in literacy among liberal arts majors and higher leadership skills among professional majors.
A study by University of Iowa professor Deborah Linebarger found that preschoolers who watched videos starring Cookie Monster were better able to control impulses and remember number sequences. These executive functioning skills are crucial for school readiness and predict academic skills like reading, math, and science.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that North Atlantic tropical cyclones significantly affect the Midwest, causing flooding in states hundreds of miles inland. The study used USGS stream gauge data to show a strong correlation between inland flooding and tropical cyclone passage.
A University of Iowa study found that planting trees in urban areas does not guarantee an increase in insect populations, despite attracting species. The researchers surveyed tree species and insect abundance, concluding that built environments can limit diversity by impeding insects' ability to interact with other trees.
A University of Iowa study found that homemade strawberry-baking soda remedies have no effect on teeth whitening. In contrast, over-the-counter products, professional whitening, and prescribed whitening products produced discernible whitening results.
University of Iowa researchers found a gene in an amoeba that functions similarly to the human PTEN gene, which suppresses tumor growth. They tested the gene in mice and found it fully overcompensated for defects caused by mutated PTEN genes, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
A University of Iowa study found that sleep twitches activate the brains of mammals differently than movements made while awake. Twitches during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep comprise a different class of movement and provide evidence that sleep twitches teach newborns about their limbs.
A University of Iowa study found that teenagers' brains are more sensitive to immediate rewards, leading to impulsive behavior. The researchers suggest limiting distractions to help teens develop impulse-control skills.
Parents who engage with their infant's babbling can accelerate their child's vocalizing and language learning, according to a new University of Iowa study. Infants whose mothers responded to their babbling showed an increase in developmentally advanced vocalizations and began directing more of their babbling towards their mothers.
Researchers have created a high-resolution molecular map of the choroid, supplying blood and oxygen to the outer retina, revealing patterns of protein abundance that may be critical in vision loss. The map helps explain why certain areas are more susceptible to disease and identifies potential treatment targets.
Recent studies have shown that clustered DNA mutations are common in cancer development and may result from the process of DNA repair. The discovery provides a mechanism to potentially explain how genetic changes form in human cancers.
A University of Iowa study found that background TV can divert children's attention from play and learning, negatively affecting cognitive development. Parents who create a loving and nurturing environment with set rules and expectations can help buffer these impacts.
A new study at the University of Iowa has identified a potential genetic link between epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders, revealing a novel pathway involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. The researchers found that mutations in prickle genes cause seizures in flies, leading to epilepsy-like behaviors.
A new vaccine developed by researchers at the University of Iowa reduces lung inflammation caused by dust-mite allergens in both lab and animal tests. The vaccine uses a booster called CpG to alter the body's immune response, producing antibodies that dampen the damaging effects of dust-mites.
Research at the University of Iowa found a link between high cortisol levels and gradual loss of synapses in the prefrontal cortex, leading to short-term memory lapses. Elevated cortisol can cause synapse shrinkage and disappearance, particularly in older adults, potentially slowed by treatments targeting cortisol reduction.
A US study found that prostate cancer surgery costs varied greatly among hospitals, with a 13-fold price difference. The study also highlighted the lack of transparency in hospital pricing, making it difficult for consumers to compare costs.
A study by Deanna Soper and colleagues found that exposure to parasites increases mating behavior and promiscuity in New Zealand freshwater snails. This supports the Red Queen hypothesis, which suggests that sexual reproduction helps organisms adapt to a changing environment by increasing genetic diversity.
A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.
A study at the University of Iowa found that infertile women want more than just practical aid but also emotional reassurance and empathy. The researchers suggest spouses, friends, and family can help by being more supportive and emotionally invested in the process.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified the mutated protein responsible for a common eye mobility disorder. In a study published in Neuron, they found that a unique swelling in one of the nerves to the eye muscle causes the defect, and that breeding mice with this mutation can enhance the effect.
A new proposal converts stored information from magnetism to light efficiently, enabling the development of inexpensive and flexible plastic computers. This breakthrough could lead to high-capacity storage technologies in miniaturized devices.
The University of Iowa will expand and strengthen its recruitment, mentoring, educational support, and professional development programs for underrepresented minority graduate students in STEM disciplines. Colleen Mitchell, mathematics associate professor, will lead the UCEM grant project.
A University of Iowa study found that mothers and children often disagree on the danger of situations, but mothers can bring their child's thinking around with effective conversations. Mothers use a specific tactic to explain why a situation is dangerous, focusing on present features rather than potential outcomes.
Scientists discover extraordinary diversity and specialization in tropical insects, with each fly having a unique ability to escape parasitic wasp species. This specialization leads to increased niche diversity in the community, revealing that insects are more diverse than thought.
A University of Iowa-led study found that adding healthy foods to concession stands can increase sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction. The study, which involved a school booster club in Muscatine, Iowa, showed that introducing healthier options led to stable sales and revenue increases.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that humans tend to forget sounds they hear, rather than visual or tactile information. The study suggests that our brain may use separate pathways to process auditory information, and that alternative strategies like increased mental repetition may be needed to improve memory.
A University of Iowa study reveals police work is primarily sedentary, with officers expending energy comparable to washing dishes or ironing. The findings highlight the need for workplaces to encourage movement and introduce low-cost aids like standing computer workstations.
UI researchers assessed global numerical weather prediction models' performance in predicting severe flooding in Boulder, Colo. in September 2013. The study found that while models generally performed well, there is room for improvement in capturing persistent rainfall and accurately forecasting flood events.
A new study supports tele-emergency services in extending emergency care to rural areas. The research found that 95% of respondents felt tele-emergency improved the quality of care at their facility, with benefits including second opinions and adherence to evidence-based protocols.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a non-invasive chemical probe that can detect Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in the body, potentially leading to quicker and more accurate diagnoses. The probe uses the bacteria's propensity to cleave DNA, allowing doctors to pinpoint its location and detect infections sooner.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that a single loud voice can skew the result of voice votes, a common decision-making feature in American public life. The study suggests adjusting voting locations or controlling sound levels to minimize bias.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a new vaccine that targets staph toxins, providing almost complete protection against staph infections. The vaccine was tested in an animal model and found to be effective even against high doses of bacteria.
A University of Iowa researcher studied the evolution of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme from bacteria to humans. Key findings include the preservation of protein dynamics and catalysis across millions of years of evolution.
Researchers developed an algorithm that pairs people according to their past interests and online mating success, rather than who they say they're interested in. The model improves return rates by 44 percent compared to existing models.
A University of Iowa researcher found a 'Goldilocks' effect in snail populations, where certain boundaries restrict growth and reproduction. This discovery may one day aid in controlling the spread of invasive species.
Researchers found that toddlers who interacted with food in a high chair learned words for nonsolid objects more effectively due to familiarity with the setting. The study showed that changes in environment and exploration help children acquire early vocabulary, linked to better later cognitive development.
A University of Iowa study found that men's noses are about 10 percent larger than female noses, on average, in populations of European descent. The size difference is attributed to the sexes' different builds and energy demands.