Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Iowa


A happy patient is well connected to a doctor

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that maintaining a direct channel of communication between patients and primary doctors is crucial to success. Patients in regular contact with their primary physicians are most satisfied with their care, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 18, 2013

A bio patch that can regrow bone

Researchers at the University of Iowa have created a bio patch that can regrow bone by delivering DNA instructions to cells. The patch successfully regenerated bone in test animals and stimulated new growth in human bone marrow stromal cells. This breakthrough technology has potential uses in dentistry, including rebuilding bone for de...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 7, 2013

Calculating the risk: Child sexual assault

A new study from the University of Iowa found that affluent girls in two-parent homes are less likely to be sexually assaulted. The research revealed a decline in risk once family income reaches 400% of the poverty threshold, with girls aged 4-17 experiencing a significant reduction in assault risk.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateNov 5, 2013

Juno slingshots past Earth on its way to Jupiter

Juno will explore Jupiter's northern and southern lights by flying through electrical current systems that generate them. The mission aims to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system's largest planet by mapping magnetic and gravity fields, determining atmospheric composition, and observing upper atmosphere dynamics.

Listening matters for mothers

A University of Iowa study found that mothers with prematurely born infants who participated in personal sessions with NICU nurses reported lower anxiety and depression symptoms. The sessions, led by a nurse, allowed the mothers to focus on themselves and their needs, leading to improved self-esteem and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Perinatology·DateOct 1, 2013

Voyager 1 spacecraft reaches interstellar space

University of Iowa researchers confirm Voyager 1's entry into interstellar space after detecting electron plasma oscillations at a frequency corresponding to an electron density about 40 times greater than expected. The spacecraft is now the most distant human-made object at over 11.6 billion miles from the sun.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience·DateSep 12, 2013

How schizophrenia affects the brain

A University of Iowa study documents how schizophrenia impacts brain tissue and the effects of anti-psychotic drugs on those with relapses, revealing that medication can lead to lifelong brain damage, while longer psychosis periods are toxic to the brain.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateSep 11, 2013

Deep-ocean carbon sinks

A study by Tim Mattes and colleagues found that microorganisms in the dark ocean, below 600 feet, absorb considerable amounts of carbon. The team discovered sulfur-oxidizing microbes dominating carbon fixation at hydrothermal vents, which could provide insights into global biogeochemical cycles.

A fly's hearing

Researchers at the University of Iowa used fruit flies to study hearing loss caused by loud noise. The study found that the molecular underpinnings of hearing loss in fruit flies are similar to those in humans.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 2, 2013

A promising target to treat asthma

A team from the University of Iowa has found that inhibiting the CaMKII enzyme could be an effective approach to treating allergic asthma. The study suggests that airway lining cells play a crucial role in asthma, and blocking the enzyme may help alleviate symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2013

A look inside children's minds

Researchers used fNIRS to study 3- and 4-year-old children's visual working memory, finding that neural activity in the right frontal cortex is linked to higher capacity, while 4-year-olds show increased use of the parietal cortex for spatial attention. The findings could help detect childhood disorders like ADHD and autism earlier.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNeuroImage·DateJun 27, 2013

New drug could help AMD sufferers

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that Eylea can effectively treat wet AMD patients who were previously unresponsive to Avastin and Lucentis. After three monthly injections, half of the eyes treated with Eylea showed reduced fluid accumulation, while one in five experienced improved vision.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJun 18, 2013

Be gone, bacteria

A University of Iowa-led team recommends a three-step protocol to reduce post-surgical staph infections, which can cause significant pain and financial burden. The guideline involves nasal swabs and application of an anti-bacterial nose ointment before surgery to target MRSA bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 13, 2013

The developmental genetics of space and time

Researchers identified a case of spatial and temporal conflict in regulating the ventral neurons defective gene, which must be precisely regulated for proper nervous system specification. The study shows that an additional input from a complementary gradient of the Dpp morphogen solves conflicting temporal and spatial responses.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateMay 15, 2013

Study finds PCB concentrations same in urban and rural areas

Researchers at the University of Iowa found similar PCB concentrations in mothers and children from East Chicago and Columbus Junction, challenging long-held assumptions about urban-rural differences in chemical exposure. The study detected a greater variety of PCBs in the blood of mothers and children in East Chicago, but ultimately s...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 8, 2013

Telling time on Saturn

A University of Iowa undergraduate student has discovered that Saturn's magnetosphere changes with the seasons, helping to clarify the planet's day length. The findings may alter our understanding of the Earth's magnetosphere and Van Allen radiation belts.

The nose's unheralded neighbor

Researchers discovered that maxillary sinuses change size to accommodate different climates, affecting nasal cavity shape and function. The study found a significant correlation between nose size and sinus volume in both African and European populations.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateMar 12, 2013

Virtual vehicle vibrations

A UI researcher has developed a computer program that can accurately predict the effect of role posture on bone and muscle stress in the head and neck during whole-body vibration. The model may reduce the need for human subjects in design and testing, benefiting industries such as automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 11, 2013

Human brain is divided on fear and panic

Researchers have identified multiple brain regions responsible for generating fear and panic, including the amygdala, brainstem, diencephalon, and insular cortex. The findings suggest that an intact amygdala normally inhibits panic, and its absence can lead to anxiety-related conditions.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 4, 2013

More casinos does not mean more gamblers

A new survey by the University of Iowa found that gambling rates among residents in eastern Iowa have decreased overall, with a rise in non-gamblers and a stabilization in problem gambler numbers. The study suggests that the number of casinos has not led to a corresponding increase in gamblers.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAnnals of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2012

Infants learn to look and look to learn

Researchers at the University of Iowa documented infants' ability to create knowledge by looking at their surroundings, starting nearly from birth. Infants need to dwell on objects to learn about them, and a mathematical model validates this importance.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCognitive Science·DateDec 4, 2012

Rethinking reading

A recent study published in Developmental Psychology found that variation in words, rather than similarity, may help early readers learn the rules of phonics more effectively. The study showed that students exposed to varied practice outperformed those with similar word lists, particularly among struggling learners.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 1, 2012

Parental bonding makes for happy, stable child

A study by the University of Iowa found that infants who form a secure relationship with either parent during the first two years of life are less likely to experience emotional and behavioral problems later on. The researchers discovered that being attached to one parent is just as beneficial as being close to mom, and that this bond ...

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalChild Development·DateOct 11, 2012

A mammal lung, in 3-D

A team of researchers created the most detailed, three-dimensional rendering of the pulmonary acinus, a complex region in the mammal lung. The model, derived from mice, can help scientists understand where and how lung diseases emerge and how drugs are delivered.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2012

Engineering a better hip implant

A study by University of Iowa researchers found that morbidly obese patients experience higher dislocation rates due to increased thigh girth, which creates hip instability. The team suggests surgeons modify procedures and consider new implant designs to minimize this risk.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateSep 18, 2012

Why are elderly duped? UI researchers explain why

Researchers identify ventromedial prefrontal cortex as key area controlling belief and doubt, explaining why elderly are more prone to scams. Damage to this region, particularly after age 60, can lead to increased credulity and decreased ability to distinguish misleading information.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 16, 2012

Researchers identify key culprit causing muscle atrophy

A team of researchers from the University of Iowa has identified Gadd45a as a key culprit causing muscle atrophy, reprogramming hundreds of genes that ultimately lead to muscle deterioration. The protein affects muscles in two main ways: instructing cells to produce fewer proteins and causing existing proteins to break down.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 13, 2012

Infants of overweight mothers grow more slowly

A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers gained less weight and grew less in length than those born to normal-weight mothers. This delayed growth may be attributed to inflammation and an underdeveloped pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in fetal development.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 6, 2012

Police need sleep for health, performance

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that police officers working evening or night shifts were more likely to get less restful sleep, leading to chronic fatigue and health issues. The study recommends practices to ensure proper sleep, such as adjusting court appearances and partnering with nurses.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalWorkplace Health & Safety·DateJul 18, 2012

UI researchers develop technique to help pollution forecasters see past clouds

University of Iowa scientists have created a technique to estimate cloud properties using remote sensing observations from satellites, correcting predictions of particle concentrations. This new method is expected to find immediate application in various activities, including air quality forecasting and climate projections.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2012

This is your brain on no self-control

A University of Iowa study using fMRI images shows the anterior cingulate cortex fires with equal intensity during self-control tasks, while the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex fires less intensely after prior exertion. This depletion can lead to impulsive decisions, making therapies that focus on implementation stages more effective.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJun 18, 2012