A recent expedition to Mindanao, Philippines, revealed 126 species of amphibians and reptiles, including 40 frogs, making up 36% of known Philippine species. The research team used genetic and morphological analysis, international collaboration, and rigorous fieldwork to uncover the island's biodiversity hotspot.
Ferns are inaccurately depicted as extreme inbreeders in most biology textbooks, but research suggests this is not the case. New study co-authored by KU researcher Christopher Haufler reveals that ferns use outbreeding to produce genetic variation, contrary to long-held assumptions.
Advances in biomolecular modeling and understanding life at the molecular level are paving the way for a three-dimensional computer model of a cell. This could provide fundamental insight into how cells work and improve disease diagnosis and drug design.
Researchers conducted focus groups with Special Operations personnel and found that female soldiers' experiences refute stereotypes about women's ability to serve in combat units. The study suggests that the military needs to shift its mindset and train soldiers to address underlying assumptions of male soldiers.
Researchers reconstructed songbird evolutionary history using DNA sequences and fossil records, revealing diversification in Australia about 33 million years ago. Songbirds first dispersed out of Australia through early Indonesian islands into Asia and subsequently the globe around 23 million years ago.
A recent study by University of Kansas researcher found that checked baggage fees have improved US airlines' departure performance and reduced delays. The study revealed a 'below-the-cabin effect,' where less weight resulted from passengers carrying fewer bags, offsetting changes in carryon luggage.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that environmental organizations have shifted towards neoliberal policies, prioritizing economic expansion over radical changes. This shift has led to inadequate responses to climate change and other environmental issues.
In Kansas, healthcare consumer advocates pushed for moderation in Medicaid reform, securing modest wins despite facing limits. Their strategies reshaped the discourse on accountability and responsibility, informing mechanisms like public oversight committees.
A new study by Victor Agadjanian found that members of the ethnic majority in Kyrgyzstan are more optimistic about future economic trends compared to minority groups, particularly Uzbeks. The study highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of ethnic tensions and their impact on minority group experiences.
The University of Kansas is partnering with the Peace Corps to provide custom, web-based resources to staff and volunteers in Africa. The Community Tool Box will support volunteers with research-based knowledge from disciplines such as community development and urban planning, making best practices easy to implement in the field.
A recent University of Kansas study found that environmental regulations can increase firms' profits when implemented in the right balance. When wastewater discharge limits were stringent and inspections were frequent, profits declined as expected, but under conditions where one was stronger than the other, profits improved. This sugge...
A University of Kansas study suggests people can distinguish between social media and face-to-face interactions, with most interactions being in-person. Most social media activities, such as 'liking' posts, are considered passive behaviors.
Kyoungchul Kong, a physicist at the University of Kansas, offers an alternative explanation for the mysterious signal detected at the Large Hadron Collider, proposing a sequence of particles with different masses. The theory suggests that the signal could be the result of a sequential cascade decay of a heavier particle into photons.
The new Askaryan Radio Array detector is making waves with its ability to penetrate through Antarctic ice and detect high-energy neutrinos. Scientists are optimistic about the potential for this technology to reveal secrets about the universe's origins and evolution.
A new study led by University of Kansas economist Donna Ginther found that race is the key factor influencing NIH awards, with black and white applicants facing significant gaps in funding. White women have a slight advantage over men in receiving NIH Type 1 awards, while women of color face disadvantage due to racial bias.
A study suggests that ancient supernovae caused a significant increase in cosmic radiation on Earth, which may have boosted mutation rates and contributed to cancer. The researchers also found that this increased radiation could have led to a minor mass extinction event around 2.59 million years ago.
A better understanding of how pollinators interact with plants is key to untangling the decline in pollinator health. Researchers are using molecular genetic analysis to reconstruct historical records of plant visits by native bees across 10 prairie sites in Kansas.
A recent study cataloged 18 independent evolutions of venom in freshwater and saltwater fishes, highlighting opportunities for therapeutic applications. The research also found that venom is predominantly used for defense rather than offense, with some species using it to debilitate prey.
A University of Kansas special education professor advocates for increased use of single-case experimental research design to complement group experiments and address the replication crisis. This approach can lead to effective interventions and make replication less cumbersome, providing clarity on individual responses to interventions.
A University of Kansas researcher is studying the co-evolution of flowers with pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, exploring how natural selection has enabled flowers to shift strategies from bee-pollination to hummingbird pollination. She aims to discover the extent to which evolutionary change is predictable.
Bioluminescence has evolved independently 27 times in 14 major fish clades, underscoring its importance to vertebrate fish in the deep seas. The phenomenon is found throughout the ocean and is used for signaling, camouflage, and species recognition.
Researchers found that savvy traders obtain larger profits when trading in stocks of more connected firms. The study shows that companies with more connected boards perform better and can benefit from director networks. However, the integrity of directors is crucial to avoid information leaking out.
A decade-long fieldwork project in southern China has uncovered six new fossil species of primates, which survived the Eocene-Oligocene transition due to their tough enamel surfaces. The discovery sheds light on the vulnerability of primates to climate change and provides a unique snapshot of early primate evolution.
A new study suggests that verbal disclosure of gay identity has different effects on the well-being of white and Latino gay men. While it increased subjective well-being for white men, it had no impact on Latino men. The researchers propose alternative strategies for gay men of color to improve their mental health.
Researchers are conducting a groundbreaking study to understand how children cope with traumatic life events from ages 3-5. The five-year project will track hundreds of Kansas City children and their families, providing real-time assessment and interaction data to identify key factors influencing outcomes.
The University of Kansas researcher will receive a three- to five-year grant to develop new theories and experiment with ultrafast lasers. The goal is to overcome the absorption problem in metamaterials, enabling breakthroughs in imaging applications such as medical research and next-generation microscopes.
A new study found that public understanding of genetics can reduce stereotypes on homosexuality and gay marriage by making same-sex relationships less stigmatized. The researchers discovered that attributing homosexuality to genetics leads to more favorable stereotypic judgments about homosexuals.
New research uses iron-60 isotopes to prove ancient supernovae buffeted Earth, dating events between 1.7 million and 8.7 million years ago. Scientists estimate potential effects on human evolution and search for signs of impact on the planet.
A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that a mother's increased vitamin D levels during the second trimester may lower her child's chance of developing asthma. The research found that increased sunlight exposure, which is where Americans get most of their vitamin D, reduces the risk of asthma in children.
A recent study found that only 17.9% of published autism intervention studies reported racial and ethnic diversity of participants, with white children making up a majority. This lack of diversity presents a problem as response to interventions is not guaranteed, and it's unclear why some children respond positively while others don't.
Research suggests that land bridges between ancient India and Eurasia acted as 'freeways' for the exchange of animals and plants. Indian Dragon Lizards show multiple origins in Southeast Asia, indicating a two-way flow of biodiversity. The findings shed light on the origins of modern species.
A University of Kansas researcher is questioning traditional methods for defining species by studying the genetic basis for species differences in lizards. He found that variation in dewlap colors and patterns, previously used to separate subspecies, were not a reliable sign of underlying genetic differences.
A recent study found that mainstream political parties in Europe have failed to respond to growing public skepticism of the EU, allowing nationalist groups to gain more power. The financial crisis and migration crisis have further eroded support for European integration.
A study from the University of Kansas found that people who relocate frequently tend to view their relationships as disposable, leading to superficial connections. The research suggests that this mindset can negatively affect one's mental and physical health, as well as longevity.
A comprehensive study of the San peoples' hunting tradition in Namibia reveals the ingenious practice of using beetle and plant poisons to boost arrow lethality. The research provides new insights into the biological purpose of the poison, its application process, and its impact on prey.
The University of Kansas School of Engineering will educate cyberdefense experts dedicated to public service with a new $4.7 million grant. The initiative supports dozens of students, who commit to work at government cybersecurity jobs safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Cognitive neuroscientist Evangelia Chrysikou and her team investigate how transcranial direct current stimulation enhances creative thinking about everyday objects. They will use the technique to assess brain activity in frontal lobes, with hopes of developing a standardized measure of creative potential.
Researchers found that winter temperatures drive synchrony in aphid flight timings, affecting commercial crops like alfalfa and wheat. Climate change influences spatial synchrony in many species, with implications for public health and commercial endeavors.
Researchers propose astrophysical explanation for discrepancies between molecular clock and fossil record, suggesting increased cosmic radiation accelerated mutation rates. The hypothesis predicts that organisms in deeper ocean layers will show less disparity between the two methods.
A team of researchers from the University of Kansas has discovered a previously unknown species of early anthropoid primate, Apidium zuetina, in the Libyan desert. The find provides evidence that climate change and environmental conditions played a significant role in shaping the evolution of these primates.
Researchers at the University of Kansas sequenced the genomes of microscopic parasites known as myxozoans, revealing they are highly reduced cnidarians. The findings challenge traditional definitions of an animal and could have commercial implications for aquaculture.
A study by University of Kansas researchers reveals a major Greenland glacier is losing ice rapidly, contributing to increased global sea levels. The Zachariæ Isstrøm glacier holds enough water to trigger a half-meter rise in ocean levels.
A doctoral student at the University of Kansas has been awarded a yearlong Fermilab Graduate Student Fellowship in Theoretical Physics to work on dark matter research. He aims to investigate the universe's deepest riddles, including its place in the cosmos and the history of human existence.
Dr. Emily Scott's work focuses on understanding how cytochrome P450s remove foreign chemicals from the body, allowing physicians to determine optimal medication frequencies and prevent diseases like cancer. Her lab is now working to stabilize interactions between P450s and helper proteins.
A $4.2 million grant will support research on nine rivers in the US and Mongolia, with a focus on large-scale ecological processes and interactions between ecoregions. The study aims to improve understanding of river systems' condition and resilience to climate change.
The Digital Atlas of Ancient Life app enables anyone to discover and classify fossils with the eye of a scientist, featuring pictures, maps, and information on fossil origins. The app is available for download and can be used by farmers, amateur paleontologists, teachers, and biologists to learn about fossils in the field.
A study found that local government supervisors benefit from training on conceptual leadership skills every 8-9 months, but less frequent training is needed for interpersonal skills. The study suggests that investing in more frequent conceptual skill-building can be a cost-effective way to improve employee performance.
Research from the University of Kansas shows that government funding cuts aimed at abortion providers result in a significant decrease in preventive care for women. The study found that women with less education are most affected by clinic closures, experiencing a drop in breast exams, mammograms, and Pap tests.
Researchers analyzed Eocene rocks found in the Green River Formation and identified features that visually indicate the presence of life. They used chemical analysis to confirm the presence of lipid biomarkers, which are preserved remnants of lipids synthesized by organisms.
Most states do not consider ignition interlock devices a severe enough punishment for first-time DUI offenders, despite their effectiveness in reducing arrest rates and fatalities. The study found that only less than half of states mandate the use of these devices for first-time offenders.