A new study from the University of Kansas found that creativity assessments in education rely on standardized approaches, overlooking many students. The research highlights the need for a more diverse range of assessments to identify and encourage creative young people across different domains and populations.
Researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that microalgae-produced diatoms played a crucial role in preserving ancient spider fossils at Aix-en-Provence. The unique chemical process, similar to industrial vulcanization, stabilized carbon-based exoskeletons and promoted sulfurization, resulting in exceptional fossil preservation.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that effective change agents and realistic timelines are crucial for successful change implementation. The study identified six key organizational change management practices to achieve high adoption of change initiatives in the AEC industry.
A new study published in Integrative Organismal Biology sheds light on the evolutionary history and anatomical variation of archerfishes, a group of fishes known for their ability to spit water from their mouths. Researchers found that all species can shoot, but there are differences among them.
Jellyfish have evolved separate and independently complex eyes many times over millions of years, making them an ideal model to understand genetic expression. By analyzing multiple species and genes, researchers aim to uncover similarities and differences in evolutionary patterns.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have identified a new gene target, BUD13, related to Specific Language Impairment (SLI). A family-based study found that rare variants of this gene are associated with SLI in affected individuals. The study suggests that BUD13 may be a key factor in language acquisition and holds potential for ea...
A new study from the University of Kansas found that men and women in the Army's special operations view mentorship positively, but with differing goals. Men see mentoring as a means to advance their careers, while women view it as a way to survive and navigate a male-dominated organization. The study highlights the need for more robus...
Researchers at the University of Kansas will investigate improved detailing in steel bridges to prevent constraint-induced fractures, which can lead to bridge failures. They will also evaluate university curricula for graduate students studying bridge design to address gaps in education and improve continuing education.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that rural transgender youths use resilience and resistance strategies to cope with discrimination and hostility. These strategies include affirming themselves, maintaining authenticity, resisting oppressive narratives, and taking action to defend their rights.
New research from the University of Kansas suggests that representative bureaucracy is a positive step, but the neutral effects of white male overrepresentation need further understanding. The study argues that acknowledging the value of diverse perspectives can improve outcomes for all members of a community.
Researchers found ancient Ceratopetalum suciensis fossils on Sucia Island in Washington, prompting questions about how plants spread across the globe. The discovery suggests a biotic exchange between North America and South America-Antarctica during the Late Cretaceous.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas has analyzed the cost of two commonly used interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder. The results showed that implementing emerging or ineffective interventions can consume valuable resources without promising positive outcomes. The study's goal was to p...
A University of Kansas study analyzed 451 news articles from major publications and found that media worldwide reported on the pandemic as a racial threat, often blaming China or Asia. The study highlights the importance of responsible language in media coverage to avoid perpetuating xenophobia and discrimination.
A study found that Black Americans on Instagram are more willing to post political content than their non-Black counterparts, defying expectations. Despite uncertainty about their followers' political leanings, Black users are more likely to engage in political expression on the platform.
A recent study from the University of Kansas found that college students' self-reported attitudes towards sex on dates do not match their actual behavior. When men initiated dates, sex was more restricted than when women asked for a date. In contrast, female-initiated dates saw genital contact occurring on 63% of occasions, while tradi...
A KU researcher has received a National Science Foundation CAREER award to investigate how to boost the effectiveness of security operations centers. The goal is to create a framework that tailors automation for operational environments and reflects human involvement in the process.
The project aims to address concerns and dispel misinformation about COVID-19 testing and vaccination among women leaving incarceration. Researchers will use a modular system to deliver education on critical health literacy, meeting the unique needs of this underserved population.
Researchers have discovered that participants in California's Gold Rush dined on salted Atlantic cod, highlighting the importance of global maritime trade. The findings were made possible through genetic analysis of 18 cod bones recovered from Thompson's Cove, which confirmed the importation of Atlantic cod during the late 1850s.
The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute is upgrading its storage facilities to safeguard its massive mammal specimen collection. The $646,000 project will replace old wooden cabinets with modern stainless steel cases and aluminum drawers, ensuring the long-term preservation of over 279,000 specimens dating back to 1866.
A KU study reveals that individuals' political ideologies play a crucial role in shaping their health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, conducted using two surveys and a review of existing data, found that ideology was a significant predictor of health behavior, especially when compared to other factors such as age,...
The University of Kansas team is creating new models to forecast water availability in Kansas, accounting for climate uncertainty. The project will improve tools for the Kansas Water Office to incorporate climate variability into future water supply planning.
A researcher has traced the concept of taste in literature to the 16th century, highlighting Francis Bacon's 1597 aphorism that influenced the development of aesthetic discrimination. The study utilized Early English Books Online and found language patterns that shifted over time, ultimately leading to the modern meaning of taste.
A new study reveals that nurses who are parents face a unique challenge: poor sleep quality is linked to increased daily stress and frequency of stressors, particularly those with one or two children at home. This can impact their work performance and caregiving roles.
The KU Center for Community Health and Development monitored and evaluated the COVID-19 response in Douglas County, finding factors that delayed and controlled outbreaks. Local school closures, stay-at-home orders, and mask-wearing mandates were key in bending the curve of cases.
A University of Kansas study examined three key cognitive functions in teaching writing to Hispanic English learners, revealing word retrieval skills, verbal language skills, and working memory are crucial for success. The research highlights the negative effects of a lack of bilingual education on these students' writing abilities.
The University of Kansas Chemical Biology of Infectious Disease Center has received a five-year, $11.35 NIH COBRE grant to expand research on next-generation drug therapies for infectious disease. The center will build on previous accomplishments to push forward biological research and foster a collaborative research network.
A study of former journalists found that those who left their jobs voluntarily reported positive well-being and relief, while those who were laid off experienced depression, shock, and financial difficulties. The study also found that the skills honed as a journalist are highly transferable to new careers.
A University of Kansas researcher is investigating how estrogen interacts with cells to promote tissue repair and regeneration after injury. The study aims to understand why male and female tissues regenerate differently, which could lead to the development of new tailored therapies.
A $4 million NSF grant will fund research to develop sustainable ways to turn non-food biological resources into plastic products. The team will also find better ways to deconstruct used plastic into building blocks for new plastics, addressing climate change and pollution issues.
The University of Kansas is leading a $250,000 project to support strategic links among US and international research networks in nuclear physics. The Accelerating Research through International Network-to-Network Collaborations (AccelNet) program aims to tackle grand scientific challenges with coordinated international effort.
Scholars argue that well-done vaccine selfies can encourage others to get vaccinated and share personal stories about the effects of the vaccine. The practice can create a bandwagon effect, highlighting health, joy, and optimism and positively shaping public perception of COVID-19 vaccines.
A machine-learning approach, MAHOMES, has been developed to distinguish between enzymatic and non-enzymatic metals in proteins with a precision rate of 92.2%. This method could lead to the development of more effective and eco-friendly drug therapies and other industrial products.
A new effort at the University of Kansas aims to design course modules to train students in building and maintaining more secure computer hardware. The work is supported by a $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation's SaTC program.
A study of over 200 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) found key differences in their fine motor control and eye movements compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple systems, including feedback and feed-forward systems, in understanding sensorimotor deficits in ASD.
A multidisciplinary team at KU is working with middle school teachers to develop education modules that expose students to science, psychology, and engineering design. The goal is to address barriers faced by women and minorities in the field, such as gender stereotyping and self-efficacy.
Researchers found that individuals who consumed more hyperpalatable carbohydrate and sodium foods at an all-you-can-eat buffet had significantly greater weight change and percent body fat change. Hedonic eating, characterized by rewarding food properties, may boost a person's risk for weight and body-fat gain in early adulthood.
A team of researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that soil microbes facilitate heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor, in hybrid corn. In most cases, heterosis is restored by inoculation with a simple community of seven bacterial strains under sterile conditions.
A study by the University of Kansas reveals that parental substance use disorder is linked to neglectful behavior, but only when combined with mental health issues or lack of social support. The researchers suggest that treatment should consider these multiple factors to prevent child neglect and help families.
Researchers have discovered two ancient bat fossil teeth in Asia, dating back to the Eocene epoch and pushing the evolutionary record for bats on that continent back by 55 million years. The findings suggest that bats may have originated in Asia before spreading globally, but the exact characteristics of these early bats remain unclear.
Researchers find constructed wetlands are most cost-effective way to reduce nitrate and sediment loads in large streams and rivers. Wetlands slow down water and contain vegetation that processes nutrients, removing excess nitrates from the water.
A study by University of Kansas researchers found that face masks reduced COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in adoptive counties by approximately 60%. The study estimated that masks saved around 500 lives.
A University of Kansas study reveals the critical role of a diverse network of local champions in Tulsa's successful flood control efforts. The authors highlight the importance of communication, collaboration, and adaptability in managing risks and facilitating change.
A study by the University of Kansas found that women leaving jail have high rates of vaccine hesitancy, with only 20% willing to receive a vaccine. An online app developed by researchers aims to boost health literacy and address misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines.
A study from the University of Kansas found that the speech-to-song illusion occurs in adults 55 and older at similar rates as younger people, with no difference in perception or intensity. The findings suggest that older adults may not experience a decline in cognitive abilities related to this phenomenon.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that people flocked to Parler to discuss COVID-19 vaccines in an echo chamber-type environment, where they shared misinformation and reinforced conspiracy theories. The analysis shows that users followed themes and used hashtags to spread their content, highlighting the importance of ad...
A massive Saharan African dust plume traveled across the Atlantic in June 2020, affecting Caribbean and Gulf Coast states. Researchers used satellite data to understand the mechanism behind the phenomenon, which could occur more frequently due to climate change, posing health risks and disrupting transportation systems.
A $1.2 million NSF EPSCoR grant will establish a new faculty position, support postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, and fund work on neutrino detection at IceCube and RNO-G observatories. The research aims to improve calibration of massive instruments and develop advanced data analysis techniques.
A study published in EClinicalMedicine found that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplements can significantly reduce the risk of early preterm births. Women with low DHA levels who received a higher dose of 1000 mg had half the rate of early preterm birth compared to those given a 200 mg supplement.
A new study from the University of Kansas highlights the strengths and resilience of students with disabilities during the pandemic. Researchers found that these students used their self-determination skills to navigate challenges and build relationships with teachers, leading to improved educational outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have described a new species of fanged frog found in the Philippines, which was previously thought to be the same as another species on a neighboring island. The Mindoro Fanged Frog has distinct genetic differences and unique mating calls, setting it apart from its cousin.