A new study from the University of Kansas found that neighborhoods that encourage walking for leisure and transportation are associated with improved physical health and cognition in older adults. The research suggests that easy-to-walk communities can help stave off cognitive decline, even in individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease.
A study by a University of Kansas professor found that black and Hispanic children were significantly underrepresented in autism identification rates from 2000 to 2007, despite the overall increase in diagnoses. This disparity may reflect unequal access to services and diagnosis, with white students receiving more intensive supports.
A study by Jennifer Schon found that adult children's relationship satisfaction with their parents is modestly influenced by the number of communication tools used, such as cell phones, email, and social networking sites. Adding another channel can lead to a modest increase in relationship quality and satisfaction, especially for paren...
A University of Kansas doctoral student proposes using social networks as a source for photo-vouchered biodiversity records, particularly for insects and other organisms in developing nations. The proposed system leverages metadata associated with photos, requiring users to tag posts with terms indicating biodiversity elements.
Fossilized lamprey larvae, 125 million years old, have been discovered in Inner Mongolia, providing insights into the life cycle and evolution of this ancient fish. The study sheds light on the development of all animals with a backbone, revealing that human body features originate from jawless fishes like the lamprey.
Scientists at the University of Kansas have developed a miniaturized biomedical testing device for exosomes, promising earlier detection and improved survival rates for patients. The lab-on-a-chip technology uses magnetic beads to isolate exosomes from plasma samples, enabling minimally invasive and cost-effective cancer diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that a genetic modifier called Pla2g2a can protect against colon tumors in mice, which could have significant implications for cancer research and treatment. The study found that mice with the resistant allele of Pla2g2a had fewer tumors than those with the sensitive allele.
A University of Kansas-based team is developing a mobile phone system to identify species of disease-carrying insects. The project combines new technology with entomological knowledge to help public health workers tackle infectious diseases.
Physics researcher Alice Bean will work with the US Department of State's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives to communicate global climate change policy to critical faith-based audiences. She aims to foster communication, respect, and alliance between scientists and religious communities to combat climate change.
A study from the University of Kansas found that people can accurately detect personality traits through Facebook activity. However, recent changes to the social media site may be making it harder to do so, particularly with the introduction of algorithms that prioritize recent posts and limit views of friends' activities.
A study by researchers at the University of Kansas reveals a new function for APC in protecting against chronic colitis-induced inflammation and tumor development. The team found that functional nuclear APC is necessary to suppress Wnt signaling pathway, controlling goblet cell differentiation.
A new variety of Philippine tarsier has been genetically confirmed, shedding light on the species' taxonomic diversity and distribution. The discovery highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect the critically endangered primate's genetic diversity and habitats.
A University of Kansas professor is leading a grant project investigating the effects of nitric oxide synthase on muscle growth. The study aims to understand how this compound can be used to promote muscle growth in various populations, including athletes and the elderly.
A new species of frog was discovered in Malaysian swampland, genetically distinct from its doppelganger on Siberut Island. Genetic analysis using Next Generation Sequencing confirmed the separation, making it a unique finding in herpetology.
A large twin study found that language delay in 24-month-old twins was significantly higher than in single-born children, with identical twins having twice the rate of late language emergence. The study suggests that language traits are highly heritable, with genes accounting for approximately 43% of the overall deficit.
Researchers found keywords in word networks that facilitate quick recognition of similar words, opening up potential applications for language disorders and learning. Removing keywords from memory could disrupt language processing.
Researchers at University of Kansas found that listeners process words grammatically faster when speakers match their sex, affecting higher-level processes like grammar. Native Spanish speakers showed reduced accuracy when mismatched sex was present.
A study published in Pediatrics found that cell phone coaching improved parenting skills and reduced depression and stress in mothers. The intervention, which included daily texts and calls from coaches, helped mothers learn positive parenting strategies and their children adapted better to new situations.
Infants fed with DHA-enriched formula from birth to 12 months showed accelerated development and better performance on intelligence tests, including the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Weschler Primary Preschool Scales of Intelligence.
A $1.5 million clinical trial will test book reading as a potential treatment for Specific Language Impairment (SLI) in kindergarten children. The study, led by University of Kansas researcher Holly Storkel, aims to develop an effective treatment by optimizing interactive book reading.
Researchers found that prenatal DHA supplementation increased mean birth weight and gestational age, reducing the risk of very low birth weight and early preterm delivery. The study supports the use of dietary supplements during pregnancy to improve infant health outcomes.
A new study finds that rural Americans are more likely to be obese than city dwellers, with cultural diet and physical isolation identified as key contributors. The research highlights the need for cultural change in rural areas to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are analyzing military policy to develop recommendations that will benefit special-needs families of armed services personnel worldwide. Their goal is to enhance mission readiness, ease redeployment burdens, advance retention, and aid recruitment efforts.
Research by University of Kansas social psychology professor Omri Gillath suggests that economic hardship can lead men to adopt short-term mating strategies, increasing their chances of reproduction. In low survivability conditions, men become more interested in sex and are more likely to pursue multiple partners.
Researchers found that starting early savings accounts for low-income children, coupled with financial education, increases the likelihood of these families saving more and their children attending college. This study's findings support policies like Child Development Accounts to increase college attendance and graduation rates.
Kansas researchers found that enriched infant formulas fortified with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are beneficial for developing brains and hearts. Infants fed these formulas showed improved cognitive advancement and lower heart rates compared to those without LCPUFA.
A two-year NIH-funded study analyzing 83,000 grant applications found a significant 10 percentage point gap in research funding between white and black applicants. Despite accounting for demographic factors, the researchers discovered that applications from black researchers were less likely to be scored and had worse scores.
A new study by University of Kansas researchers shows that suburban schools have gained advantages over urban schools, perpetuating educational inequality. The researchers argue that a change in federal education policy is necessary to combat this disparity.
A new study by University of Kansas researcher ChangHwan Kim reveals that U.S. employers fail to pay Asian-American men equally, with native-born Asians earning 8% less than whites. Meanwhile, only 1.5-generation Asian-American men have achieved earnings parity with white men.
Researchers identify five flirting styles: physical, traditional, polite, sincere and playful. Self-awareness can help individuals avoid past dating mistakes and succeed in courtship. The study's results have value beyond research, highlighting the importance of early relationship development.
Research shows two major federal programs, TANF and WIA, inadequately assist people with physical or mental health impairments. Counselors lack training to help clients with disabilities, perpetuating low self-esteem and disempowerment.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have developed a drug that can stop and reverse diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a debilitating condition leading to nerve death and amputations. The compound, KU-32, has been shown to inhibit molecular chaperones and restore sensory neuron function.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a new way to recognize currents of spinning electrons within a semiconductor, paving the way for superior computers and electronics. The innovation uses powerful lasers to detect spin-current in real-time, overcoming a major hurdle in spintronics research.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that climate change is leading to increased body weight and population size in mountain rodents called marmots. The longer growing season due to warming temperatures allows marmots to gain more fat, reproduce earlier, and survive hibernation better.
A new study finds that pre-verbal vocalizations of children with autism are distinctly different from those of typically developing children. The LENA system automatically analyzed 1,486 recordings and achieved 86% accuracy in distinguishing between the two groups.
The University of Kansas researcher has evaluated the stone balls for UNESCO, exploring their outstanding value to humanity. The study sheds light on the ancient origins of the massive orbs, which were created around 600 A.D.
A study published in Physical Review Special Topics: Physics Education Research found that college students copy homework frequently, with those who procrastinate and start late more likely to repeat offenders. The researchers also discovered that changes to course formats can reduce copying by fourfold.
A study by University of Kansas researcher Jeffrey Hall found that online daters tend to lie about themselves in a way similar to those who meet in person, due to a desire to be liked and fit in. The most likely to lie are high self-monitors, who control their behavior to achieve social ends.
A joint team from the University of Kansas and Northeastern University found that microraptor's four wings allowed for successful gliding. The study suggests that birds evolved flight above the ground, not as a terrestrial adaptation.
A team of researchers from Kansas and China have discovered a venomous, birdlike raptor that lived 128 million years ago in China. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of modern birds and the tactics used by their ancient ancestors.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have discovered a potential signature of nitrate and ammonia that can be found in ice cores corresponding to suspected impacts. This finding could help scientists better understand the frequency of comet strikes on Earth, providing valuable insights for future predictions.
A new candidate gene for Specific Language Impairment has been identified on Chromosome 6, associated with variability in language, speech, and reading abilities. The findings suggest multiple genes contribute to language impairment, overlapping strengths or deficiencies across speech, language, and reading.
A new study by the University of Kansas and Gallup indicates that people are naturally optimistic, with 89% expecting their next five years to be better than current life. Optimism is highest in Ireland, Brazil, Denmark, and New Zealand, but demography has a minimal impact on individual levels.
Researchers create 'composite doublers' that take stress from joints and allow it to pass through without stressing the structure, extending its lifespan. The technology also serves as a warning system for inspectors and road workers when it begins to wear out.
A new study by the University of Kansas found that positive emotions are crucial for maintaining physical health globally, especially among the poorest populations. The research, based on data from over 150,000 adults in more than 140 countries, showed a strong link between emotional well-being and physical health.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have improved near-field optical scanning microscopy to study individual biological molecules. The new cantilevered probe reduces force on samples, allowing for gentler interaction and high sensitivity.
Valery Terwilliger's research on plant growth in Central America aims to inform reforestation efforts and capitalize on native species. The study reveals how well plants use carbon dioxide and water in tropical forests, which can aid in restoring lost ecosystems.
Researchers at KU Medical Center developed a technique predicting seizures by analyzing brain activity, potentially leading to new treatment options for patients with epilepsy. The algorithm measures seizure and non-seizure components, allowing for up to three-minute warning before a seizure occurs.
A University of Kansas researcher has successfully demonstrated a method to convert grass, stalks, and farm byproducts into sugar for use as a primary component in fuel for diesel engines. The alternative fuel mixture is estimated to cost less than traditional diesel fuel and has already been tested in conventional diesel engines.