A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that background checks can produce inaccurate results due to flawed data and algorithmic errors. The study showed that over half of participants had false-positive errors and nearly 90% had false-negative errors on both regulated and unregulated background checks.
A team of scientists found evidence that the moon's shrinkage led to surface warping in its south polar region, including areas proposed for crewed Artemis III landings. Shallow moonquakes can devastate hypothetical human settlements on the moon due to loose sediments and unstable surface slopes.
The TRAILS AI Institute has awarded eight seed grants totaling $1.5 million to advance AI design, development and governance. The funded projects include developing AI chatbots for smoking cessation and designing animal-like robots for autism support.
Researchers identify microbial enzyme bilirubin reductase that converts bilirubin into urobilinogen, causing urine's yellow color. The discovery sheds light on the gut microbiome's role in ailments like jaundice and IBD.
A recent UMD study reveals that cross-pollination significantly improves the quality and quantity of soybean pods, with open-pollinated flowers producing more grade-A beans. The research also suggests that a greater biodiversity near fields can lead to increased yields by attracting beneficial pollinators.
Researchers at University of Maryland develop a new 'cooling glass' coating that can lower indoor temperatures by 3.5 degrees Celsius without electricity. The technology has the potential to reduce mid-rise apartment building's yearly carbon emissions by 10%.
A team of University of Maryland researchers developed a nasal spray vaccine that delivers the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein into cells of the airway, triggering an immune response that significantly reduced infection and spread of COVID-19. The technology can be adapted to induce immunity to other respiratory illnesses.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new technology to suppress lithium dendrite growth in all-solid-state batteries, which could increase energy storage and reduce safety risks. The innovative method, led by Professor Chunsheng Wang, stabilizes battery interfaces and prevents short circuits.
Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.
A new study confirms the presence of deadly Vibrio bacteria in Florida's coastal waters following Hurricane Ian. The research, led by University of Maryland senior author Rita Colwell, found high levels of pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus, particularly in oyster samples from Lee County.
A University of Maryland research team is developing a portable bio-nose device capable of identifying complex odors. The team has successfully created an insect-based cell line that can sense odors, and is now studying its responses to different liquids.
A new study review found children from families with low incomes and families of color are exposed to more neurotoxic chemicals, leading to greater harm on brain development. This disparity is attributed to their neighborhoods being located near factories, chemical plants, highways, and agricultural fields where pesticides are applied.
Researchers sequenced einkorn wheat's genome, tracing its evolutionary history and identifying resilient properties that can be reintroduced into modern bread wheat. The study's findings provide insight into human migration and settlement, as well as potential solutions to protect the world's food supply.
A University of Maryland study found that tree species diversity increases spider populations, providing a natural pest regulation service. Spider populations in diverse plots increased by 23-50% compared to single-species plots during late summer months.
A study by University of Maryland security experts found that 61 out of 228 phones contained personal data like social security numbers and credit card information. The researchers accessed these phones using techniques that someone on the street might use, highlighting the ease with which personal data can be accessible.
Researchers discovered a gravitationally lensed supernova named SN Zwicky, which was magnified nearly 25 times by a foreground galaxy. This discovery presents an opportunity to study the inner cores of galaxies, dark matter, and the mechanics behind universe expansion.
Researchers used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to explain how the solar wind surpasses speeds of 1 million miles per hour. The energy released from the magnetic field near the sun's surface drives the fast solar wind, comprising ionized particles flowing outward from the sun.
A team of University of Maryland engineers has introduced a high-performance elastocaloric cooling system that could represent the next generation of cooling devices. The system relies on pushing and pulling metal pieces to create cooling, bypassing chemical refrigerants and reducing global warming potential.
Researchers found worldwide protected forests have an additional 9.65 billion metric tons of carbon stored in their aboveground biomass compared to ecologically similar unprotected areas. Protected areas' efficacy in avoiding emissions was found to be significantly higher than non-protected areas.
A University of Maryland study found that walking strengthened brain connectivity and improved memory in older adults with normal brain function and those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. The research adds to the growing evidence that exercise slows cognitive decline and may delay Alzheimer's disease.
A team of researchers used JWST to observe GJ 1214b's atmosphere, discovering water vapor and a reflective haze. The findings suggest the planet is too hot to be habitable but likely contains significant amounts of water.
The UMD-led TRAILS institute will develop AI technologies that promote trust and mitigate risks through broader participation, new technology development, and informed governance. The institute aims to create AI systems that align with values and interests of diverse groups, leading to increased transparency, reliability, and accountab...
A new study by UMD criminologist Gary LaFree and former graduate student Bo Jiang found a link between rising sea surface temps and piracy. Rising temps caused an increase in piracy attacks in East Africa, while decreasing temps led to decreases in piracy attacks in the South China Sea due to changes in fish production.
Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.
A highly pathogenic bird flu, H5N1, is spreading rapidly in the US, decimating wild birds and impacting poultry, with egg prices soaring. The study's findings highlight the need for unprecedented coordination to manage the spread of the disease, which may become endemic, posing risks to food security and the economy.
A University of Maryland study found that LGBTQ+ teens experience more suicidal thoughts and self-harm ideation on days when they face high levels of minority stress, including microaggressions and internalized stigma. The study suggests that daily interventions are crucial to reducing these risks.
Researchers have overcome a significant barrier to using 2D materials by designing covalent organic frameworks that retain their mechanical properties even when stacked into multiple layers. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including filtration and battery technology.
A new study led by University of Maryland researchers found that melted meteorites have extremely low water content, ruling them out as the primary source of Earth's water. The team suggests that unmelted, or chondritic, meteorites may be responsible for delivering water to our planet.
A study by University of Maryland researchers found that lenient standardized test evaluators led to grade inflation, drawing wealthier residents to neighborhoods and driving up housing prices. As a result, amenities like shops and services followed, leading to gentrification and improved school quality.
A research team uncovered a specific kill mechanism responsible for several biotic disruptions during the late Devonian Period. The discovery linked sea level changes, climate fluctuations, and ocean chemistry to mass extinctions, with implications for today's oceans affected by global warming.
The DART mission successfully demonstrates the feasibility of redirecting near-Earth objects like asteroids to prevent large-scale destruction. The spacecraft's impact on Dimorphos, a small asteroid moon, resulted in an orbital change that confirms the viability of asteroid deflection as a planetary defense strategy.
Researchers found that two proteins help MRSA cells pump toxins into their environment. Targeting these proteins could disable MRSA and reduce its virulence.
A University of Maryland-led team deciphered the first comprehensive genome for a parasite responsible for transmitting Lyme disease and other serious infections. The researchers identified thousands of novel genes and new protein functions, including proteins associated with tick immunity and disease transmission.
Researchers at the University of Maryland successfully guided a 45-meter-long beam of light through an unremarkable hallway, pushing the limits of an innovative technique. The team utilized ultra-short laser pulses to create a plasma that heated air, forming a high-density core and enabling efficient light delivery.
Researchers at UMD successfully guided light in a 45-meter-long air waveguide, creating a high-density core to guide a laser. The technique utilizes ultra-short laser pulses to create a plasma that heats the air, expanding it and leaving a low-density path behind.
A University of Maryland-led team developed a miniaturized analyzer to detect signs of life on other planets. The instrument combines a pulsed ultraviolet laser with Orbitrap analysis to identify chemical structures in planetary samples.
Researchers discovered a cross-species signaling pathway between ticks and mammals that triggers an immune response before bacteria can infect. This pathway integrates immunity with development, providing early warning for tick-borne diseases.
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
Researchers identified a single protein, FETUA-3, that inhibits a broad spectrum of rattlesnake venom toxins. The discovery may lead to the development of improved snake bite treatments and novel therapeutic options.
A team led by University of Maryland astronomer Igor Andreoni discovered a bright optical flare caused by a dying star's encounter with a supermassive black hole. The event, AT2022cmc, is extremely rare and was found using a novel data pipeline that analyzed the Zwicky Transient Facility survey.
A University of Maryland study found that domestic cats in Washington D.C. have a high probability of overlapping with native wildlife, including raccoons and opossums, increasing the risk of disease transmission and harming native populations. Keeping cats indoors can significantly reduce these risks.
Researchers genetically engineered the fungus Metarhizium robertsii to amplify its mercury detoxifying effects, finding it can quickly clear mercury from fresh and saltwater. The discovery suggests a potential cost-effective method for protecting crops grown in polluted areas and remediating mercury-laden waterways.
A new study found that honey bee lifespans in lab-kept conditions are 50% shorter than they were in the 1970s, corresponding with increased colony losses and reduced honey production. The researchers suggest a genetic component may be influencing this trend, which could lead to breeding programs for longer-lived bees.
A team of 70 scientists warns that climate change will drastically reduce the ability to build a sustainable future based on healthy ecosystems. Insects face extinction and ecosystem disruption due to global warming and extreme weather events.
Scientists have detected seismic surface waves on Mars for the first time, providing new insights into the planet's crust and structure. The study estimates the average properties of the Martian crust between 3 to 18.6 miles below the surface, revealing faster seismic velocities that suggest compositional differences or reduced porosity.
A University of Maryland study found that stakeholders agree on the need for a decentralized approach to stormwater management but diverge on responsibility. Two groups believe stormwater poses a public threat, while the third sees it as an underutilized resource that can be managed with technology.
A University of Maryland-led study finds that street trees in Baltimore reflect the city's history of institutionalized racism but also modern reparation efforts. Researchers discovered that green neighborhoods have more diverse tree communities and larger, older trees, while redlined areas have less diverse tree species.
Researchers located four new craters created by impacts on Mars' surface using data from a seismometer and visuals acquired from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. This is the first time that researchers have captured the dynamics of an impact on Mars.
A new study from the University of Maryland cautions that delayed interventions make it harder to eliminate monkeypox. The research suggests that stronger and better-adapted variants may evolve if case numbers are low, making it challenging to control outbreaks.