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.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals significant racial wealth gaps and disparities in health outcomes among young adults. The study found that white and Hispanic individuals with higher wealth had better health outcomes, but Black respondents showed a more nuanced relationship between wealth and health. Policymakers argue...
Researchers at the University of Kansas propose a data project life cycle to equip students with essential data skills, including spreadsheet wherewithal. The approach emphasizes planning, acquiring, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data in simple spreadsheets.
A team of paleontologists used the history of steam engines to test competitive exclusion theory, finding limited evidence supporting its role in extinction. The researchers analyzed data on tractive effort, revealing that newer engines generated more power, making steam locomotives less efficient and eventually obsolete.
A workplace climate survey found that scientists of color, women, and those with disabilities experience higher rates of hostile behavior, including incivility and discriminatory remarks. This has significant implications for retaining scientists in geoscience careers.
A University of Kansas study analyzed over 1,000 AI-generated ads and found that they are only labeled as ads about half the time, often appealing to consumers in positive ways. The prevalence of AI in programmatic advertising raises concerns about consumer deception and the need for updated guidelines to require transparency.
A fossil plant from California has shed light on the evolution of flowering plants, pushing back their origins by 80 million years. The discovery indicates that structurally complex rainforests may have existed as early as the Cretaceous period.
A new study found that engaging in one quality conversation with a friend can significantly increase happiness and reduce stress levels. The study, led by University of Kansas professor Jeffrey Hall, explores the impact of daily communication on well-being and finds that even brief interactions can have a positive effect.
The University of Kansas has established the International Center for Avian Influenza Pandemic Prediction and Prevention (ICAIP3) with $1 million in NSF funding. The center aims to predict and prevent future avian influenza pandemics by monitoring viral strains and identifying potential outbreak areas.
A study published in Nature Food found that hyper-palatable foods consistently led to increased calorie intake across four different dietary patterns. These meals were characterized by high energy density, fast eating rates, and specific combinations of fat, sugar, sodium, and carbohydrates.
The pandemic exacerbated workforce shortages, low wages, and increased consumer responsibility in self-directed care. Policies like the Appendix K guidelines showed potential to alleviate unmet care needs, but further flexibility is needed to support consumers and workers.
Fossils of two near-primate species, Ignacius mckennai and I. dawsonae, dating back 52 million years have been discovered on Ellesmere Island in layers linked with the early Eocene epoch. The findings suggest that these Arctic-dwelling primates evolved more robust teeth and jaws to cope with tougher food sources during winter months.
The University of Kansas has received a five-year, $2.9 million grant to continue its work supporting Kansans with disabilities and their families. The grant will fund the core activities of the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities, including research, community service, training, and education.
Using genetically modified Aspergillus fungi, researchers have successfully converted polyethylene plastics into pharmacologically active compounds. The process breaks down the plastics quickly and efficiently, producing commercially viable yields of asperbenzaldehyde, citreoviridin, and mutilin.
A University of Kansas study found that SMART Recovery holds promise in addressing specific concerns of the LGBTQ population, but improvement is still needed. Participants appreciated being part of an LGBTQ-specific group, but faced challenges such as emotion regulation, coping with stigma, and recalling cognitive tools.
A University of Kansas professor argues that social work educators can adapt their teaching practices to best prepare students for in-person and virtual interactions with clients. The study provides a framework for teaching practice courses across modalities, emphasizing the importance of interactivity, empathy, and experiential learning.
A new study examined the impact of Medicaid funding cessation on neonatal circumcision rates in California. The research found a significant decrease in circumcision rates, particularly among low-income families, which can exacerbate existing health disparities such as lower rates of sexually transmitted infections. The findings highli...
Researchers at CReSIS have developed an adaptable radar system for unmanned aerial systems, enabling more complete data on ice-sheet thickness. The new system will improve ice-discharge estimates and allow routine monitoring of sea ice snow cover.
The study found that fact-checkers in the US primarily assessed existence claims, while Australians focused on solutions. Effective fact-checking presentations included visual information, concise summaries, and clear verdicts. Researchers hope to expand their research to cover the role of fact-checking in COVID-19 and other topics.
A new study by University of Kansas economist Donna Ginther found that increased TANF caseloads were associated with significant reductions in neglect victims and foster care placements. The research suggests that access to the social safety net, in the form of TANF benefits, helps reduce child abuse rates.
Research from the University of Kansas found that financial capability can predict positive health outcomes, with higher levels associated with better health measurements. The study highlights the importance of considering both individual financial skills and access to resources in improving population health.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that while the pandemic disrupted city sustainability efforts in some cases, it also increased focus on certain types of initiatives. Nearly half of cities reported negative effects on program implementation, but 75% said sustainability staffing was not affected.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that the timing of pediatric lead testing was affected by the Flint water crisis, with children receiving tests earlier after the crisis announcement. However, the proportion of Medicaid-eligible children who received tests did not change over time.
A longitudinal study of 629 first-year college students found COVID-19 negatively affected student mental health, identity development, and academic resilience. The pandemic disrupted critical developmental tasks typical for emerging adults in college.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that people tend to have more memories associated with older songs and movie clips, which are often happier and more positive. The researchers discovered that these nostalgic experiences can lead to appreciation for lighthearted entertainment, such as pop music or superhero movies.
A new study from the University of Kansas finds that parents from marginalized backgrounds and lower educational attainment make more compromises on school features, resulting in lower satisfaction. The research suggests that these parents are not lacking in understanding what would be best for their children, but rather face constrain...
Researchers use machine learning to generate beta-barrel proteins that can detect metal ions in water, a potential solution for identifying pollutants like lead in waterways. The 'deep-fake' protein is designed to be ideal for binding specific metals and creating conductance differences.
A University of Kansas researcher is using a $2.3 million grant to investigate the connection between DNA break-and-repair processes and opioid addiction. The study aims to understand how molecular changes in the brain contribute to addiction, with the goal of developing new therapies.
A new analysis by University of Kansas researchers shows that tectonic drivers, such as river steepness and seismic activity, dominate the strength of connectivity in hillslopes across the continental United States. High connectivity zones are associated with increased landslides, while low connectivity zones promote wetland development.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that media coverage of Hurricane Harvey in 2017 perpetuated racial biases in image presentation, showing people of color as displaced migrants, women as damsels in distress, and white men as saviors. The study highlights how these representations reinforce cultural narratives and stereo...
A new study proposes a powerful computer-modeling approach to cell simulations, reaching unprecedented simulation timescales at all-atom resolution. The technique combines advantages of protein docking and molecular simulations, enabling faster and more precise treatment of human disease.
New research from the University of Kansas found that two common federal survey question sets are missing significant numbers of individuals with psychiatric disabilities and chronic health conditions. The study suggests that these gaps indicate undercounting of disability funds, services, and healthcare resources.
A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that fostering positive attitudes toward math and science early in students' lives can address gender and socioeconomic gaps in STEM. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 students and found that having a science or math identity in ninth grade can increase the likelihood of enrolli...
A University of Kansas paleontologist is using a 3-million-year-old fossil record to predict the future of Western Atlantic mollusk species. By analyzing the fossil record, the researcher hopes to identify biological and behavioral traits that gave some species evolutionary success and others extinction.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that racial and ethnic minority populations in the US faced unique challenges while seeking COVID-19 information online, including misinformation, harassment, and hostility. Younger and healthier individuals were more resistant to vaccination due to lower perceived risk and benefit.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Social Psychology found that wearing a mask has no effect on the ease, authenticity, friendliness of conversations. Participants reported minimal difference in interactions between masked and unmasked individuals, suggesting masks do not impair most social interactions.
A researcher will combine ARM data and fine-scale modeling datasets to understand marine boundary layer aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions. The goal is to improve climate models' portrayal of cloud-processing of aerosols and address uncertainty in global climate models.
KU and UChicago researchers are working on identifying human gene sequences that respond to drug therapies through RNA splicing. They hope to overcome the 'undruggable proteome' problem, where approximately 70% of proteins cannot be targeted by drugs.
A study by University of Kansas faculty member Daniel Thomas III founds Black male teacher-coaches in predominantly white private schools employ unique civic-oriented practices to counter historical anti-Blackness. They engage students and athletes in social activism, community service, and critical civic engagement.
A new paper outlines principles for reducing power imbalances in biological fieldwork, including procedures for permitting and licensing developed at the University of Kansas. The guidelines aim to ensure safety, legal, and ethical conduct, prioritizing communication and transparency in fieldwork planning.
A new Bayesian method and genomic data analysis reveal strong statistical support for the 'Pleistocene aggregate island complex (PAIC) model', a theory suggesting species diversification during ice ages. This study tested the PAIC model in two genera of lizards, each with species found only in the Philippines.
Genomic data reveals two distinct species of scrub jays: A. sumichrasti, endemic to southern Mexico, and A. texana, found only in Texas. The study's findings support the recognition of these new species based on phenotypic, behavioral, and genetic differences.
A study from the University of Kansas found that social support was crucial in predicting good sleep quality among individuals with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted during the pandemic, revealed that tangible and positive social interaction support significantly predicted better sleep quality.
Two researchers argue that hyperpartisanship has led to a decline in political apologies, making it difficult for politicians to acknowledge wrongdoing and seek redemption. This shift away from apology is attributed to the influence of social media and partisan echo chambers, which reward silence over accountability.