A new study published in Virtual Reality found that electroencephalography (EEG) can detect changes in brain wave activity while participants view virtual content designed to induce cybersickness. The researchers identified specific brain signals associated with the vergence-accommodation conflict, a mismatch between eye movement and f...
Researchers found that collective bacterial migration helps them stay ahead of phages, while also enabling phages to infect a fraction of cells near the migrating front edge. This coexistence relies on chemotaxis, or bacteria moving in response to changing chemical levels in the environment.
A study found that over half of highly frail breast cancer survivors over 66 years old had no Medicare home health care in a given year. Despite being eligible, these survivors often lack the necessary care due to limited coverage, leaving them vulnerable to health complications.
A recent study published in The Quarterly Journal of Economics found that noncompete agreements reduce worker mobility and earnings without providing measurable benefits in protecting trade secrets. The researchers evaluated over 14,000 job offers and found that workers often overlook fine-print noncompetes and receive no wage premium ...
A University of Maryland study predicts that repealing Florida's measles vaccine mandate could spark the largest measles epidemic in the US in nearly 500 years. The study shows that even without mandate removal, Florida's vaccine-induced herd immunity threshold is below the level needed to protect against sustained transmission.
A team of astronomers discovered water, methane, and ammonia in HATS-6 b's atmosphere, challenging our understanding of giant planet formation. The planet's unexpected temperature suggests cloud and haze may be responsible, raising questions about the reliability of atmospheric analysis.
A study published in Nature Astronomy found that catastrophic collisions on icy moons barely disturb hidden oceans, offering new insights into life beyond Earth. The research suggests that moon sizes play a bigger role in determining a collision's aftereffects, with larger moons potentially thickening existing oceans.
The study aims to identify the combined effects of wildfire smoke and extreme heat on pregnancy, with a focus on vulnerable groups. Exposure to these hazards has been linked to preterm birth, low birthweight, and serious pregnancy complications, with marginalized communities disproportionately affected.
Researchers identify three distinct strategic positions in the AI assistant market: scale leader, ecosystem player, and premium niche. The study finds that these positions are not determined by market share, but by each company's structural advantages.
A new study published in Science Advances found that bacteria and fungi from Earth can survive for at least a week in shaded nooks and crannies around the lunar south pole. The study's findings highlight the need to better understand microbial persistence in extreme lunar environments, which is crucial for future space missions.
UMD researchers successfully cloned and described a highly effective Hessian fly resistance gene in wheat. The breakthrough enables the development of gene-based solutions for persistent agricultural pests affecting wheat growers globally.
Scientists identified a physical mechanism in the brain that may help explain why progress can grind to a halt: the extracellular matrix loosens and rebuilds after each practice session, gradually stopping once a skill is learned. This dynamic process affects how the brain learns and retains new skills.
Researchers developed a method to detect water ice on the moon using seismic waves, which can travel faster through frozen soil. This discovery is critical for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to send crewed landings to the moon's south polar region in 2028.
Researchers found specific combinations of blood proteins from western diamondback rattlesnakes provided unprecedented neutralizing power against multiple dangerous snake species. Combining several FETUA proteins dramatically increased ability to neutralize venom's damaging effects.
A team from the University of Maryland has developed an open-access database to improve analysis, visualization, experiment design, and AI-driven research in solid-state battery science. The database captures critical data points on materials, components, fabrication methods, and testing conditions.
Astronomers spot supermassive black hole on outskirts of galaxy, defying assumption that it resides in the center. The discovery uses AI program to identify characteristic light patterns from tidal disruption events.
A University of Maryland-led study analyzing Danish health records found no evidence that first medication or procedural abortion increases mental health prescription use. After five years, filling such prescriptions decreased, suggesting neither method increases risk of mental health issues.
Researchers developed a new way to uncover differences in how viruses infect and destroy individual microbial cells. The study used a mathematical modeling framework to analyze infection outcomes in individual cells, revealing striking accuracy and new insights into viral behavior.
A new study reveals that menopause symptoms such as cognitive impairment and emotional wellbeing are more commonly discussed on Reddit than in clinical records. The study highlights the importance of online forums in capturing stigmatized or poorly understood conditions like perimenopause and menopause.
Researchers found that a fungus's metabolic breadth, or range of nutrients it can use, links its ability to kill insects, partner with plants, and thrive in different ecological roles. Strains capable of using a wider range of nutrients were faster and deadlier at killing insects and more effective at colonizing plant roots.
A UMD-led study reveals that wild bats balance different types of immune defenses based on sex, age, and competition for mates. The researchers found that male bats rely more on rapid-response immune defenses, while females invest in targeted responses to pathogens.
Researchers developed a liquid reactive ink that can print copper onto surfaces without oxidation or corrosion, enabling faster, cheaper, and more sustainable electronic production. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the conductive ink industry by replacing expensive metals with copper.
A new study led by University of Maryland scientist Madeleine Youngs reveals that meltwater flowing off ice shelves changes the ocean's circulation patterns, driving even faster melting. This self-reinforcing chain reaction contributes as much to rising sea levels as direct atmospheric warming.
Experts are calling on the World Health Organization (WHO) to adopt a more precautionary approach in responding to emerging respiratory viruses. The recent hantavirus outbreak, which has resulted in three deaths and several cases, highlights the need for improved ventilation, respirator use, and portable HEPA filtration.
A University of Maryland study attributes record-breaking heat in 2023 and 2024 to the Indian Ocean Dipole, a climate cycle similar to El Niño. The research found that the IOD explained nearly all of the temperature anomaly in both years.
A new study by University of Maryland researcher Meredith Gore and colleagues found that traded wild mammals are 1.5 times more likely to share infectious agents with humans than species not involved in trade. The risk is higher for animals traded illegally or sold live, which fuels the demand for exotic pets.
A collaboration between the University of Maryland and University of Concepción has discovered a previously unknown communication chain involving astrocytes and tanycytes that controls behavior. The study suggests that targeting the HCAR1 receptor in astrocytes could offer a novel approach to treating eating disorders.
The ARLIS initiative aims to apply Zero Trust Architecture principles to quantum systems, evaluating security postures and developing recommendations for future security standards. By aligning emerging quantum technologies with national security standards, ARLIS seeks to enable rapid government adoption of quantum systems.
Asteroids in binary systems actively exchange rocks and dust through gentle, slow-motion collisions, reshaping them over millions of years. The DART mission's findings confirm the YORP effect, where sunlight makes small asteroids spin faster, causing material to fly off their surfaces.
Researchers at UMD used AI and 3D imaging to accelerate the scanning and creation of 2,000 interactive ant models, reducing scanning time from 10 hours to a single week. The project, dubbed Antscan, aims to create a living library of interactive models corresponding to Earth's biodiversity.
Bacteria levels have decreased but high E. coli and staph still present near the spill site and downstream. UMD experts advise avoiding Potomac water and banks for health risks.
Researchers developed wearable devices that track hydrogen levels in flatus to better understand gut microbial metabolism. The Human Flatus Atlas project aims to establish normal ranges for flatulence production, helping to identify excessive gas complaints and inform dietary interventions.
University of Maryland researchers found extremely high levels of disease-causing bacteria, including MRSA, in the Potomac River after a sewage spill. The team's testing revealed over 10,000 times above EPA recreational water quality standards for E. coli and detected Staphylococcus aureus at multiple sites.
A new action plan recommends 13 key steps for strengthening Maryland's agriculture in the face of climate change. The plan aims to increase productivity and incomes, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resilience.
A new study found that airborne transmission of the flu is a major factor in its spread, but ventilation and air movement can reduce transmission. The study used a controlled environment to investigate how the flu spreads through the air between infected and uninfected people.
Research shows that ants with less protective armor, such as cuticle investment, tend to have larger colony sizes and are more successful in terms of diversification rates. This suggests that complex societies like humans may evolve by sacrificing individual quality for collective power.
A new mathematical model developed by University of Maryland researchers can help public health officials design effective vaccination and cancer screening policies for HPV-related cancers. The model suggests that expanding vaccine access, particularly to boys, could eliminate the disease in South Korea within 60-70 years.
Researchers at the University of Maryland analyzed air samples from College Park, Md., and found that chemical compounds from Canada's historic 2023 fires persisted in the atmosphere, forming an 'atmospheric soup.' The study provides insights into the long-term effects of wildfire smoke on human health and the environment.
Dinosaurs operated with a 'latchkey kid' approach, with young offspring independent and foraging alone after just a few months. This led to an increased number of functional species in dinosaur fossil communities compared to modern mammals.
A University of Maryland researcher has identified cost-effective solutions for the steel industry to reduce its carbon footprint. By implementing changes such as reusing scraps and making energy-efficient upgrades, steel manufacturers can reduce global emissions by 7.2-7.8 gigatons by 2030.
A team led by UMD astronomers has created the first three-dimensional temperature map of a planet orbiting another star, revealing distinct temperature zones and water vapor breakdown. The new technique lays the groundwork for future explorations of faraway planets.
Researchers engineered a new strain of Metarhizium fungus that mimics flower scents to attract and kill mosquitoes. The floral-scented fungus is harmless to humans and breaks down naturally, making it a promising alternative to chemical pesticides.
Astronomers detected complex organic molecules in ices outside the Milky Way for the first time, finding five different carbon-based compounds, including methanol and acetic acid. This discovery sheds light on how chemical ingredients for life spread throughout the cosmos.
University of Maryland researchers identified a gene that enables rare wheat varieties to grow three ovaries per flower, increasing potential wheat production. This discovery could lead to cost-effective hybrid wheat varieties with improved yield and reduced environmental impact.
The DIST-ALERT system uses five satellites to receive more frequent images of global land surfaces, enabling scientists to track lands changing due to human activity, weather events, and natural causes. Land surface changes in 2023 were primarily driven by natural climatic variations and shifts in human-led management.
A University of Maryland-led study found that wild canids create and stick to specific travel routes within their territories, while felids tend to roam more freely. The research challenges traditional assumptions about animal movement and has implications for conservation and management of at-risk mammalian carnivores globally.
Researchers from UMD found that cats can survive bird flu if treated promptly with oseltamivir, a common influenza treatment. Early intervention significantly increases the chances of survival and strong protection against reinfection for several months.
A new project aims to increase HPV vaccine uptake by harnessing AI to tailor health information to parents' specific concerns and communication styles. The AI-driven chatbot will simulate human conversation, addressing misconceptions and fears associated with the vaccine.
The Center for Seniors Uniting Nationwide to Support Health will strengthen resilience in aging populations through interdisciplinary research and innovation. The center aims to improve care coordination, empower communities, and reimagine healthcare infrastructure.
The University of Maryland is developing an AI-powered early warning system to help communities prepare for and respond to diarrheal disease risks exacerbated by extreme weather events. The system will provide timely, actionable information to public health agencies and local leaders using integrated weather, health, and demographic data.