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University of Maryland Baltimore County


Hippocampal pathways once thought separate converge to integrate “where” and “why” in reward processing

Researchers from UMBC discover that inputs from the dorsal and ventral hippocampus interact closely on the same neurons in the nucleus accumbens, integrating memories of places and contexts with drive to pursue rewards. This convergence may help animals form associations between rewarding outcomes and environments, essential for survival.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2026

NASA's PACE enables new method for monitoring global plant health

A new study using NASA's PACE satellite data established a novel method to determine global plant productivity. The technique relies on the light plants reflect, allowing for accurate capture of short-term changes. This approach has significant implications for understanding carbon sequestration, climate change, and ecosystem monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2025

Study deepens understanding of cell migration, important for potential medical advances

Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have made an important discovery about how cells move through tissues, combining mathematical modeling with advanced imaging to show that physical shape and chemical signals interact. The study's findings could inform new strategies for controlling cell movement via medical tre...

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Astronomers observe real-time formation of black hole jets for the first time

Astronomers have observed a phenomenon where a supermassive black hole forms plasma jets in real-time, marking the first-ever observation of this process. The discovery provides new insights into how black holes interact with their host galaxies and could help scientists understand the evolution of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

Study shows natural regrowth of tropical forests has immense potential to address environmental concerns

A new study published in Nature found that up to 215 million hectares of land in tropical regions around the world has the potential to naturally regrow, storing 23.4 gigatons of carbon over 30 years. The study identified areas with high regrowth potential based on factors such as soil quality and proximity to existing forest.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2024

New study increases understanding of HIV drug’s negative effects on the brain

A new study in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science investigates the molecular mechanisms behind Efavirenz's negative effects on brain function. The research reveals that the drug alters lipid metabolism and downregulates certain enzymes, which could lead to the development of new drugs to block its negative activity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

“Hidden” sex differences in neurological reward pathways suggest opportunity for improved psychiatric therapeutics

Researchers discovered underlying sex differences in molecular pathways driving reward-related behaviors, which could lead to more effective treatments for mental health disorders. The study found that females use a different channel for calcium ions and an estrogen receptor to strengthen connections between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Soil fungi may help explain the global gradient in forest diversity

Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi form mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots, improving juvenile survival and promoting species diversity. The study suggests that these symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi may play a role in driving global patterns of forest tree diversity associated with latitude.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Role of enzyme SMYD3 clarified in prostate cancer progression

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the enzyme SMYD3's involvement in prostate cancer's progression to a more aggressive stage. The study found that adding methyl groups to the MAP kinase protein is likely SMYD3's role in driving metastasis, and compounds that can inactivate SMYD3 are already available

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

A new force of nature is reshaping this planet

Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems, argues that human societies have developed unprecedented capabilities to scale up and transform ecological systems. However, these advancements often come with negative environmental consequences, such as climate change and species extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 14, 2023

UMBC team makes first-ever observation of a virus attaching to another virus

Researchers observed a satellite bacteriophage consistently attaching to a helper bacteriophage at its neck, revealing a new viral relationship. The discovery suggests that this system may be more common than previously thought and could have significant implications for understanding the evolution of viruses.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2023

New research points to price discrepancies almost three years after federal hospital price transparency rule

A new study reveals that many hospitals fail to accurately post their standard charges online, with significant discrepancies found when comparing phone prices. The research compared prices for vaginal childbirth and brain MRI at 60 US hospitals and found missing data for over half of the hospitals.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2023

Underwater cameras facilitate large-scale study of oyster reef habitat in Chesapeake Bay

A new study used underwater cameras to assess oyster reef habitats across 12 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay, finding that unharvested reefs and restored reefs had more complex structures. The results showed an upward trend in habitat scores over time, with unharvested and restored reefs maintaining higher habitat scores consistently.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Beyond protected areas: Novel method shows promise for monitoring biodiversity on working lands

Researchers developed a novel method combining satellite imagery and bioacoustic data to monitor bird species on cropfields, finding larger habitat areas and greater variety in texture are associated with more bird species overall. However, grassland birds relying solely on the habitat for their life cycle seem to benefit less.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2023

X-ray emissions from black hole jets vary unexpectedly, challenging leading model of particle acceleration

Researchers discovered that black hole jets exhibit surprising variability in x-ray emissions over short time scales, contradicting a long-held theory. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding particle acceleration in these jets and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

A new way to make a virus-fighting protein could save lives during the next pandemic

A multidisciplinary research team has developed a promising virus-fighting protein using a quick, portable process that could be easily deployed at the source of a future virus outbreak. The protein, Griffithsin, disables a wide range of viruses, including COVID-19, and can be manufactured without living cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNew Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

Fast and low-cost computational method can monitor spread of antibiotic resistance over time

A new computational technique analyzes bacterial genetic sequences to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance over time. The study found that resistance genes most likely to spread are those on conjugative plasmids and targeting specific antibiotics, with many coming from a single source.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalAntibiotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

First global map of cargo ship pollution reveals effects of fuel regulations

A new study used satellite data to determine the effect of fuel regulations on sulfur pollution from cargo ships. The research team found significant changes in pollution after regulations went into effect, and their data can contribute to understanding how pollutants interact with clouds and affect global temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2022

International land use scientists urge policymakers to adopt new approaches to addressing climate change, biodiversity and other global crises

A new study identifies key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study's findings emphasize the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs between competing benefits and prioritize value judgments when making land use decisions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 7, 2022

UMBC researchers develop new approach to nanoparticles that stop internal bleeding

Researchers at University of Maryland Baltimore County have developed a novel approach to modifying nanoparticles' surfaces to provide infusions with reduced negative reaction risks. By changing the core material, they reduced markers associated with infusion reactions, improving the effectiveness and safety of life-saving medications.

New research in rural Costa Rica suggests community-based monitoring can improve water management

New research published in PNAS suggests that community-based monitoring can improve water management in rural Costa Rica by reducing groundwater extraction and improving water quality. The program, which used a smartphone application and WhatsApp, showed modest but significant effects after one year.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

People have shaped Earth's ecology for at least 12,000 years, mostly sustainably

A new study reveals that most areas depicted as 'untouched' were actually inhabited and used by human societies for thousands of years, sustaining native biodiversity. The research supports empowering Indigenous peoples and local communities to promote long-term environmental stewardship and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

New graph-based statistical method detects threats to vehicular communications networks

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a cost-effective way to detect security threats in vehicle networks using graph-based anomaly detection techniques. This simple method requires less energy than machine learning or AI methods and can be easily adapted by car manufacturers.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateNov 24, 2020