The DART mission's successful asteroid deflection has revealed a complex issue: massive boulders carrying three times the momentum of the spacecraft itself. This unexpected blast complicates future asteroid deflection efforts, as researchers now need to consider the physics of these chaotic and filamentary structures.
Researchers found that immunocompromised animals respond better to phage therapy due to depleted alveolar macrophages, which initially seemed to hinder its efficacy. The study highlights the importance of the immune system in phage therapy and may inform personalized treatment strategies.
The University of Maryland-led study found that the bay experiences 25 days of heat waves annually, with a 10% uptick in recent years. Satellite data shows varying duration and frequency of heat waves across different regions of the bay, highlighting the need for a marine heat wave warning system.
A major global review of bird flu in cats found 607 cases, including 302 deaths, from 18 countries and 12 cat species. The virus is highly infectious and can spread through direct contact with infected birds or other mammals, leading to severe symptoms like brain swelling.
Geologists have connected a 120-million-year-old 'super-eruption' to its source, revealing insights into Earth's complex geological history. The discovery provides a more complete history of the Pacific Ocean basin and sheds light on volcanic activity in the region.
Researchers at the University of Maryland discovered a way to predict treatment success for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a devastating skin infection. By analyzing a patient's immune system, they identified a distinctive pattern that distinguishes responders from non-responders, with 90% accuracy.
A University of Maryland study reveals that young plants face a hidden trade-off between fighting disease and growing, leading to reduced reproductive fitness. Plants with stronger disease resistance as seedlings produce fewer flowers and seeds over their lifetime.
A new study led by University of Maryland geologist Sujay Kaushal finds that multiple threats are making fresh water saltier, including land-based pollution and saltwater intrusion. The researchers offer a framework for predicting and preventing the issue, which affects ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies.
A new paper proposes that temperature plays a fundamental role in setting off shapeshifting in metamorphic proteins. Researchers analyzed differences in hydrophobic contacts and found significant temperature-dependent changes, supporting their theory.
A new study found that Black, Hispanic, and Asian people with private insurance pay significantly more out-of-pocket for maternity care than white people. The study analyzed data from over 87,000 pregnancies and deliveries, revealing disparities in coinsurance rates and resulting costs.
Researchers at the University of Maryland discovered multiple pathways for dsRNA molecules to enter cells, challenging previous assumptions about RNA transport. They found that a protein called SID-1 plays a key role in regulating genes across generations, which could lead to better targeted treatments for human diseases.
The Lunar-VISE project aims to investigate the enigmatic Gruithuisen Domes on the moon's surface, studying their silica-rich volcanic origins and ancient lava flows. With a 2028 launch date, scientists hope to reconstruct the moon's history from formation to its current state.
Scientists found evidence of relatively recent geological activity on the moon's far side, contradicting previous assumptions about its 'geological dead' status. The team used advanced dating methods to track changes and found small ridges formed within the last 200 million years.
A new study reveals that climate change can dramatically alter how grasslands use and move water. Under drought conditions and warmer temperatures in a CO2-rich climate, plants conserve more water by releasing less to the atmosphere through transpiration.
Researchers are developing a marine-based microbial fuel cell to power ocean sensing devices, eliminating the need for batteries and cables. The system, called PODPower, can produce up to 10 Watts of electricity consistently for over a year.
Researchers aim to identify 'ghost networks' in Medicare Advantage plans, where advertised providers differ from actual access options. The study will analyze nationwide data from 2017-2021 to pinpoint the extent of these disparities and their impact on patients.
Researchers at University of Maryland have discovered that the South Pole-Aitken basin, the moon's oldest and largest visible crater, is more circular than previously believed. The team used high-resolution data to analyze mountain formations around the basin, revealing a rounder shape indicating a more vertical impact angle.
Two strains of pathogenic fungi cooperate to share insect victims, dividing territories and utilizing unique specialties. This peaceful coexistence allows them to partition limited resources and adapt to their environment.
A recent Maryland poll found Angela Alsobrooks (D) leading Larry Hogan (R) in the U.S. Senate race and a strong majority supporting an amendment to guarantee reproductive freedom. The poll also shows Kamala Harris (D) holding a significant lead over Donald Trump (R), with abortion services ranking as a top issue for voters.
A new study uses AI models to create an early warning system for disease outbreaks resulting from climate change-related extreme weather. The system can predict area-level disease burden weeks to months ahead of time, providing public health practitioners crucial time to prepare.
Researchers identified a protein that could improve the cardiovascular health of patients with progeria, a rare genetic disorder. The discovery provides promising insights into potential treatments targeting cardiovascular complications in HGPS.
Astronomers have reduced concerns about a potentially hazardous asteroid swarm near Earth after discovering fewer large space rocks than previously thought. The study found only a handful of asteroids, likely less than 14, that fit the large size class, suggesting a smaller parent object and reducing the risk of extinction-level events.
Researchers found that geckos utilize the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally linked to balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This 'sixth sense' plays a complementary role in the geckos' normal hearing and sensory perception.
Two UMD Astronomy space probes, AXIS and PRIMA, have advanced to the next round of consideration for a $1 billion NASA mission. AXIS will study X-rays from stars and black holes, while PRIMA will explore far-infrared radiation to understand galaxy formation.
Researchers discovered a mysterious subduction zone deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, reshaping our understanding of Earth's interior structure. The team found an unusually thick area in the mantle transition zone, suggesting the presence of colder material that slows down oceanic slabs as they sink through the mantle.
A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.
A University of Maryland study highlights the complexity of designing wildlife corridors, which can vary widely in their effectiveness depending on the evaluation method used. The research found that none of the tested corridor designs captured all black bear movements, and some even failed to account for unique dispersal behaviors.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that village size plays a crucial role in determining the economic impact of electrification. Villages with populations over 2,000 people experience significant benefits, including doubled household expenditure and growth in microenterprises. In contrast, smaller villages see litt...
A University of Maryland study found that collaborating with medical scribes can help doctors reduce documentation time and increase weekly patient visits. Doctors who used scribes to complete notes saw a significant decrease in their time spent on paperwork.
A new study by the University of Maryland reveals that NASA's DART spacecraft collision with asteroid moon Dimorphos created a large crater and reshaped it, causing the moon to derail from its original evolutionary progression. The impact also changed Dimorphos' orbit around its parent asteroid Didymos.
Researchers from University of Maryland discovered RNA mechanisms that can lead to more effective and durable RNA-based drug treatments for conditions like high cholesterol, liver diseases, and cancers. The study highlighted the need to consider drug resistance when developing these treatments.
A new study from the University of Maryland suggests that boosting urban soil health with compost and treated manure can reduce the amount of harmful bacteria. The research found that amended soils had lower levels of antibiotic-resistant strains and more beneficial bacteria.
Researchers at UMD developed a method to produce high-performance, structural wood without chemicals or energy-intensive processing. The engineered wood can resist deterioration, storing carbon for longer periods and reducing emissions.
Researchers discovered a pheromone receptor that controls parenting behavior in African cichlid fish. The study found that males with a specific genetic mutation picked up eggs in their mouths, taking on the role of 'mouthbrooding' dads.
A new study from the University of Maryland analyzed over 100 recent pest introductions to discover significant patterns. The findings suggest that public involvement in pest detection is crucial for early detection and response to emerging pests.
The University of Maryland has been awarded a five-year, $388 million cooperative funding agreement with NOAA to conduct collaborative research in Earth system science. The Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS) will continue its national leadership in this field.
A University of Maryland study reveals how the brain adapts to different listening situations, with the orbitofrontal cortex playing a central role. The findings may have implications for human health and well-being, particularly in conditions such as autism, dyslexia, or schizophrenia.
A new study by University of Maryland researchers identifies 'rule-bender' language in job postings as a seductive tool for narcissistic applicants, particularly in accounting positions. This language can significantly increase the likelihood of attracting unethical or fraudulent candidates before they even apply for the job.
A new UMD-led study found that extensive areas of Indonesia's cleared old-growth forests remain idle, with over half idle for at least one year and 44% for five years. Palm oil plantations were the most common outcome, often established after a lag of at least one year.
Researchers develop a method that fuses AlphaFold's strengths with computer simulations based on physics laws to predict protein structures, enabling faster drug development. The approach filters down initial hypotheses to a more manageable set of structures, increasing the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals.
The University of Maryland team created a camera mechanism that mimics the involuntary movements of the human eye, resulting in sharper and more accurate images. The Artificial Microsaccade-Enhanced Event Camera (AMI-EV) has implications for robotics, national defense, and industries relying on accurate image capture.
A new UMD study found that areas with higher levels of greenery, streetlights, single-lane roads, and sidewalks have fewer fatal car crashes. Sidewalks had the greatest impact, reducing traffic accidents by 70% in places with more sidewalks.
The team created a prediction model that generates sustainable products with high accuracy and explores the vast design space of aerogel assembly. Their strong and flexible aerogels have programmable mechanical and electrical properties, opening up new possibilities for green technologies.
A University of Maryland study found N95 masks to be near-perfect in blocking the escape of airborne COVID-19 particles, with 'duckbill' N95s outperforming others. The study suggests that N95 masks should be the standard in high-risk settings.
Researchers found that the dual moons, named Selam, are a contact binary, with one quarter of the asteroid breaking off to form a trough. The team theorized that Dinky's fast spinning motion caused it to shed debris into orbit, which aggregated to form Selam.
A recent study by University of Maryland economists suggests that the current payment structures in Ecosystem Services Incentive Programs limit participation and create incentives to leave early. The new design uncouples penalties from payments, resulting in increased program completion rates, higher payments to farm owners, and more e...
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland has developed a novel way to produce and observe carbenes, a class of highly reactive molecules necessary for life. They successfully formed a carbene called hydroxymethylene (HCOH) by breaking down methanol with pulses of ultraviolet radiation.
The Lunar Environment Monitoring System, developed by UMD researchers, will track seismic activity on the moon's surface during the upcoming Artemis III mission. The system's data will help prepare NASA for a long-term presence on other planetary bodies.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a genomic method to monitor pesticide resistance in crops, allowing for early detection of emerging threats. The approach identifies specific genes with mutations that can explain toxin resistance, and provides insights into how common strategies may be facilitating resistance.
Gossiping provides a social benefit by disseminating information about people's reputations, helping recipients connect with cooperative individuals while avoiding selfish ones. This allows gossipers to gain an evolutionary advantage as their actions influence others' behavior and encourage cooperation.