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University of Maryland


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

Bird flu study points to risk of another pandemic

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 7, 2025

The Moon’s biggest and most ancient crater is more circular than previously thought

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 28, 2024

University of Maryland-YouGov poll: Alsobrooks dominates Hogan, amendment to state constitution garners broad support

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·TypeSurvey·DateNov 1, 2024

Ancient sunken seafloor reveals earth’s deep secrets

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Discovery of 3,775-year-old preserved log supports ‘wood vaulting’ as a climate solution

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Bringing electricity to the smallest villages is not likely to reduce poverty

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...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Political Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024