A study found that media coverage of Katherine Johnson's death emphasized her exceptional mathematical skills but downplayed the ongoing racism and sexism she faced in NASA and society. The research highlights how journalists often focus on a person's achievements without critically examining systemic inequalities.
A University of Kansas study reveals that rice paddy snakes in Southeast Asia diversified after the Khorat Plateau rose, driven by environmental factors. The research uses molecular data and ecological niche modeling to shed light on the snakes' evolution and habitat suitability.
A new study examines the impact of the Dobbs decision on healthcare delivery, revealing a two-tiered system that worsens disparities for marginalized communities. Providers in restrictive and protective states report reduced quality of care, increased training gaps, and fewer trained healthcare providers.
A new study shows that despite the rise of community orgs, news outlets still dominate discussions on tough topics like racism and health disparities. Researchers analyzed over 1,250 Facebook posts from various organizations, finding that only 14.5% mentioned the pandemic and 2.5% racism/Black Lives Matter.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that students and classroom designers perceive learning spaces differently, with students associating femininity with a higher sense of belonging. Design professionals, however, see femininity as linked to a lower sense of belonging.
A University of Kansas study found that creating visual art may be an effective strategy to reduce delay discounting, a concept related to self-control and the ability to defer gratification. The research suggests using art as a delivery method for episodic future thinking could support improved treatment outcomes.
A team led by Gregory Rudnick aims to understand how galaxies react to different environments, including filaments and clusters. Galaxies can exist in isolated regions or follow highways into dense areas, experiencing disruptions to their star formation processes.
A pilot study demonstrates the effectiveness of a new treatment program for veterans and first responders struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program, called Warriors' Ascent, achieved a substantially lower dropout rate than traditional treatments, reducing depression, PTSD, and high-risk drinking in participants.
A new study finds that Americans from the South mimic Southern speech patterns when actually listening to a Southerner, but only shift their speech when told they're hearing a Southerner. Non-Southerners, however, are influenced by stereotypes and only shift their speech when told so.
A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that resistance training before basketball practice has minimal to no effect on shooting performance. In fact, the only scenario where accuracy decreased was after upper-body training, but this decrease disappeared 30 minutes post-exercise completion.
Researchers studied newspaper ads from Dust Bowl states in 1934 to understand how businesses and companies reached consumers during a dual crisis. The study found that essential services used informational approaches while nonessential services relied on sensory appeals, offering valuable lessons for current mass media during emergencies.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that copy editors experienced high job satisfaction despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with many reporting a passion for their work. The researchers also found that the pandemic did not significantly affect burnout or role overload among participants.
A study published in Nature Communications found that planting diverse crops reduces the number of microorganisms in the soil that eat plants, leading to higher yields. This is because specialized pathogens are suppressed in diverse communities, allowing for greater use of biomass.
The study reveals ballistic transport of electrons in graphene, enabling fast speed and low energy consumption. By mapping the 'reflectance' of the sample with ultrafast lasers, researchers observed electrons moving ballistically in real time.
Human activities have significantly impacted the moon's environment since Luna 2 landed in 1959. The Lunar Anthropocene concept aims to raise awareness about humanity's influence on the lunar surface and its preservation.
Scientists at the University of Kansas have identified a previously unknown gene cluster responsible for producing sartorypyrones, a chemical made by the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. This discovery could lead to new therapies for fungal infections and eco-friendly industrial uses.
Paleontologists uncover the story of Ekgmowechashala, a mysterious primate that defied extinction, through fossil teeth and jaws found in Nebraska and China. The discovery resolves the debate over its classification and origin, revealing it was an immigrant species that evolved in Asia and migrated to North America via Beringia.
A review of trials comparing ACT and CBT for depression found mixed results, but suggested that traditional CBT may have a slight edge. The research highlights the need for more reliable trial results to inform treatment decisions.
A new study finds climate change is increasing the likelihood of toxic blue-green algae blooms in US lakes, which can damage human livers and kill wild and domestic animals. Researchers used EPA data from 2,804 lakes collected between 2007 and 2017 to predict toxin spikes.
Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.
A recent study from the University of Kansas found that testimonials about a person's lived experience can increase receptivity to opposing views on polarizing issues. Participants who read testimonials were more willing to consider alternative perspectives than those who read informative articles.
The STARTUP Central project empowers public university researchers to commercialize their biomedical innovations. A smart online educational curriculum, InspireU2 iTi, will train academics on product development, business structuring, and more. The program aims to bridge the gap between groundbreaking discoveries and real-world solutions.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that mandated disaster plans have mediocre quality and modest improvements over time. Despite regular updates, the plans fail to address key issues such as public engagement and land use policies, leading to repeated mistakes in areas prone to natural disasters.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are testing a new app that delivers the proven Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) to students with disabilities. The Goal Setting Challenge App will be used in two cohorts of high schools, engaging approximately 1,000 students and 85 teachers.
A new study in Science Advances uses pollen data to tell a compelling story of early human migration across Europe and Asia. The research suggests that warming temperatures supported forests that expanded into Siberia, facilitating human migration there around the same time as other regions.
A new study co-written by a researcher from the University of Kansas examined TeachLivE, a simulator that allows pre-service teachers to deliver lessons in front of a virtual classroom of avatars. The results showed that the simulation experience combined with personalized feedback data can support teachers' practice of skills of their...
A new University of Kansas genomic investigation has rewritten the evolutionary history of the Homalopsidae, a group of unique mud snakes found in Southeast Asia. The study combined genetic analyses of older museum specimens with fresher field collections to reconstruct the family tree and shed light on their evolution.
Research shows that tobacco-owned food brands have selectively disseminated hyperpalatable foods, making them hard to resist. This study found that these foods are high in fat, sugar, sodium, or refined carbohydrates, leading to increased risk of obesity and related health consequences.
A study by University of Kansas and Georgetown University found that facilities with more religious orientation offered a wider range of services and were located in racially diverse communities. This can help service providers make better referrals and provide a roadmap for other communities to better understand their substance use se...
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that feeding infants formula with a complex component of milk (MFGM) and lactoferrin for 12 months raised IQ by 5 points at 5 ½ years of age, improving speed of processing information and visual-spatial skills. The effects were seen long after the end of formula feeding.
The University of Kansas has established a virtual institute to train leaders in cybersecurity and electromagnetic spectrum research, partnering with Ohio State and Purdue universities. The VICEROY Virtual Institute will offer courses, scholarships, and hands-on training to combat growing cyber threats.
A new study from the University of Kansas used motion capture technology to analyze the biomechanics of proficient free-throw shooters. Proficient shooters exhibited lower knee and center of mass peak and mean angular velocities, greater release height, and less forward trunk lean compared to nonproficient shooters.
Researchers have identified a key protein in SARS-CoV-2 that, when targeted, elicits a robust immune response. A live-attenuated vaccine based on this protein shows promise in preventing disease and offering long-lasting immunity. The approach could target areas of the genome less likely to change with variants.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have created a powerful dataset to facilitate drug development against gram-negative bacteria. The dataset reveals over 270,000 previously unidentified outer-membrane proteins with potential as vaccine targets.
A KU project aims to train women leaving incarceration in digital skills, employment, and online navigation to reduce recidivism. The three-year program will support up to 600 women in Kansas and Missouri, providing holistic education and job readiness training.
Researchers suggest using geoarchaeological tools to study human migration in space, with a focus on preserving material records on the moon and Mars. The study aims to address concerns about accidental crashes and limited protections for space heritage.
Researchers found microplastics in all studied lakes and reservoirs, with higher concentrations in densely populated areas. Human interaction with lakes is the biggest contributing factor to microplastic contamination.
Melinda Adams' research highlights the benefits of pyromantic or 'good fire' in reducing environmental dread, fostering control, and promoting carbon storage. Her work, co-authored with Erica Tom and Ron W. Goode, aims to educate students and community members about Indigenous land stewardship and climate solutions.
The University of Kansas researcher has been awarded a grant to study eating disorders in active-duty military members, identifying risk factors and potential links to substance use and mental health symptoms. The goal is to improve screening tools and develop targeted interventions.
A group of educators is urging caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) in special education, highlighting its potential to benefit students with disabilities. The authors emphasize the need for careful consideration of AI's uses and limitations, including information literacy, consent, and critical thinking.
A chemist at the University of Kansas has developed a digital tool that can spot scientific text generated by ChatGPT with 99% accuracy. The tool, which was published in Cell Reports Physical Science, uses human insight and intuition to identify key differences between human-written and AI-generated texts.
A new study found that federal and state lockdowns and health mandates implemented during the pandemic exacerbated mental health issues in people living in four US geographic regions. The research showed a significant increase in feelings of anxiety and depression, particularly in Southern states with Republican governments.
A new study from the University of Kansas shows that neighborhood characteristics such as being predominantly Black and having families with children are strongly associated with higher eviction rates. In contrast, gentrified neighborhoods or those with high rents do not predict increased eviction levels.
A new study from the University of Kansas emphasizes the importance of including unpaid care work in economic statistics, highlighting women's significant contributions to the economy. The study aims to provide a more complete understanding of labor activity and inform equitable public policy.
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, LP 791-18 d, which orbits a small red dwarf star in the constellation Crater. The planet may experience volcanic flare-ups as frequently as Jupiter's moon Io, potentially making it habitable for life. However, more research is needed to confirm its atmosphere, water content, and hab...
Scientists have discovered a new method for producing pure hydrogen from renewable energy, a significant step towards a greener future. The breakthrough uses specialized techniques to understand how a catalyst works, enabling the creation of clean fuels like hydrogen.
A recent study found that people tend to blame government less when a service is contracted, such as prisoner transport, and more when the victim is another inmate. This shift in blame could lead to better accountability and policies for prison services.
A new fossil discovery in California has rewritten the scientific understanding of cycad plants, revealing a more dynamic evolutionary history than previously thought. The 80-million-year-old pollen cone found in Silverado Canyon is distinct from modern cycads, with differences in morphology and anatomy.
A new study published in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism found that a 'typography as image' approach was most effective for grabbing attention and conveying messages on trailside signs. The design strategy combines attention capture and elaboration to prompt users to provide more information.
Research from the University of Kansas shows that families in Washington D.C.'s school choice policy are making choices that perpetuate segregation. Despite having more opportunities for integration, white families are returning to city centers and using tactics such as gaming the lottery system to secure spots in desirable schools.