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University of Maryland


Can Earthly microbes survive on the moon? Scientists say yes (in the shade)

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 2026

Scientists use moonquakes to locate lunar ice

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2026

Scientists discover an antidote to lethal snake bites that comes straight from the source

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026

Reddit posts reveal silent symptoms of menopause

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 14, 2026

The broader a fungus’s diet, the better it kills insects and helps plants

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Novel reactive ink prints as everlasting copper

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2026

Experts call on WHO to revisit its approach to airborne risk in light of hantavirus outbreak

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalBMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 13, 2026

Study: How can we stop the spread of flu?

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 8, 2026

New study charts paths to end cervical cancer

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateDec 10, 2025

Chemical traces of 2023 Canadian wildfires detected in Maryland months after smoke subsided

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEnvironmental Science Atmospheres·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2025

Scientists map the navigation styles of wild cats and dogs

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2025

UMD-led study discovers warm space dust in distant place

Researchers have discovered warm space dust in a reservoir of hot gas surrounding the Makani galaxy, located 100 million years away. The study, led by University of Maryland astronomer Sylvain Veilleux, provides evidence that ejected dust particles can survive long journeys and may be an important ingredient in planet and star formation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2025

University of Maryland geophysicist helps identify moonquake dangers that could threaten future missions

Researchers found that ground acceleration from moonquakes can shift lunar landscapes and threaten stability of future missions. The study assesses damage risk using new models of quakes and finds a one in 20 million chance of a potentially damaging moonquake occurring near an active fault.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025

University of Maryland researchers find genetic clues to infant formula pathogen’s global persistence

A study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology identified Cronobacter sakazakii's genetic survival strategies, revealing a higher prevalence of genes associated with DNA recombination and desiccation resistance. The findings suggest that accessary genes may enable the pathogen to persist in various environments.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 10, 2025