Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed electronics that mimic the human brain's efficiency in learning by utilizing protein nanowires. The device operates extremely efficiently on low power and can create new connections similar to learning in a real brain.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have outlined high-priority goals and opportunities for advancing knowledge on cavitation science, which occurs in soft materials and tissues during traumatic brain injury. The team proposes using cavitation as a unique tool to understand soft tissues and develop new medical devices.
A study of 20 years of data found that between-workplace share of wage inequality is growing in 12 of the 14 high-income countries studied, including the US. Rising between-firm inequalities are linked to declining national labor market institutions and weak protections for lower-skilled workers.
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a design for protective plastic face shields with clinical feedback from nurses, which can be mass-produced quickly by existing manufacturers. The shields are made from flexible plastic film and have been distributed to medical facilities in the region.
A UMass Amherst team, led by Professor David Julian McClements, has been awarded $200,000 to develop plant-based protein with a meat-like texture and feel. The goal is to create fiber-like structures from plant proteins that improve the texture of plant-based meat.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new tool for controlling reactions in microrobots and microreactors, leveraging capillary forces to create self-assembling hanging droplets of aqueous polymer solutions. This technique enables selective transport of chemicals and can be used as encapsulated reaction vessels.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher studied ER caregivers' on-the-job emotions and found that hospital and societal issues trigger overwhelmingly negative emotions. The study highlights the need for emotional intelligence training in healthcare education to promote meaningful discussion about emotions.
A team of scientists led by Michelle Staudinger calls for increased study of sand lance, a crucial food source for seabirds and marine mammals. The research highlights the need for better understanding of sand lance's biology and populations to inform conservation efforts.
Researchers find that introduced herbivores, like Escobar's hippos, restore important ecological traits lost due to human impacts. This is achieved through the introduction of species that share traits with extinct ones, such as giant llamas and semiaquatic habitats.
Researchers have developed a portable AI-powered surveillance device called FluSense that analyzes coughing sounds and crowd size to predict flu-like illnesses and trends. The device collects over 350,000 thermal images and 21 million audio samples from university clinic waiting rooms.
A team of UMass Amherst biologists discovered how plants maintain an optimal sperm-egg ratio by controlling the environment in their ovules. FERONIA regulates a gene that interacts with pectin, a sugar polymer in cell walls, to create a receptive environment for pollen tubes and prevent polyspermy.
A UMass Amherst biostatistician has lent his expertise to the White House Coronavirus Task Force to estimate the median incubation period for COVID-19, which is just over five days. The task force has also received modeling data from leading researchers worldwide to inform mitigation measures.
Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a lower-sodium turkey breast that was preferred by consumers in a blind sensory test. The study found that using a blend of sodium salts with a larger molecular structure slowed down the overall sodium diffusion rate, providing enough saltiness without compromising juiciness and texture.
A new study reveals that collecting water and sediment from Scottish and English rivers can detect over 20 wild British mammals. The technique uses DNA shed by animals to identify the local mammal community, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional survey methods.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified eastern hemlock and eastern white pine as structurally sound for cross-laminated timber (CLT) use. The study finds that these trees can create jobs and support better forestry management, addressing climate change.
A new analysis of 92 studies from 27 countries highlights common pitfalls in multi-species wildlife monitoring, including under-reporting and reporting bias. The study recommends best practices for future research, focusing on the use of appropriate methods and tools to ensure accuracy and precision in inferences made.
Researchers propose that massive Arctic sea ice melting disrupted North Atlantic currents, causing abrupt climate change after the last Ice Age. Thick sea ice was found in early 19th-century expeditions and numerical models show it could have slowed ocean circulation and cooled climate.
A UMass Amherst study found that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with autistic traits in young boys, but adequate folic acid supplementation during early pregnancy may mitigate these effects. The study analyzed data from over 2,000 pregnant women and followed the development of their children until age 3 and 4.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have created an 'Air-gen' device that harnesses natural protein to generate clean energy from atmospheric water vapor, offering a promising alternative to traditional renewable energy sources. The non-polluting technology has significant advantages over solar and wind power, and can even be used indoors.
Five UMass Amherst Ph.D. students have received AOCS student awards for their work in functional foods, bioavailability of nutrients and nanotechnology applications in food science. Their research has been recognized as innovative and creative, reflecting the caliber of the university's food science program.
Researchers are developing a new non-invasive test that analyzes breast milk to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages in high-risk breastfeeding women. The study aims to identify profiles of breast cells that may indicate increased risk of breast disease and shed light on breast cancer development.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst will conduct a 12-year study on the socioeconomic impacts of casino gambling in Massachusetts, with a focus on employment and public health effects. The study aims to identify populations at higher risk of problem gambling and inform prevention and treatment programs.
Researchers at Washington State University and UMass Amherst will explore the role of bacterial fragments in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. They aim to determine how these fragments affect brain functions, including sleep, cognition, mood, and appetite.
A new UMass Amherst study found that military members with serious brain injuries are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, and mood disorders. The research suggests that critically injured soldiers with severe TBI have particularly high rates of these conditions.
A recent study found that positive effects of intergroup contact tend to be weaker among members of historically advantaged groups, such as white people and heterosexuals. However, when members of these groups engage in contact with disadvantaged groups, they are more likely to support social change promoting equality.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher is studying the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on breast density in college-age women, a strong risk factor for breast cancer. High breast density has been linked to increased breast cancer risk in older women, and this study aims to shed light on the link in younger women.
A new study found that women who breastfed their infants exclusively had a lower risk of early menopause compared to those who did not. The study, which observed over 108,000 women, also found that longer breastfeeding times were associated with a lower risk of early menopause.
UMass Amherst researchers discovered that benzophenone-3 and propylparaben can cause DNA damage in breast cells with estrogen receptors, even at low concentrations. This finding suggests a new mechanism by which estrogens and xenoestrogens may promote breast cancer.
Scientists at UMass Amherst have discovered a new way to understand the structure and vibrations of zeolites, which are used in refining petroleum and biomass. The team's findings provide insights into the formation of nanopores and dynamical behaviors, leading to potential advances in materials for clean energy and carbon capture.
A research team led by Ana Caicedo at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has identified missing links in the tomato's evolution. The study reveals that the modern cultivated tomato is most closely related to a weed-like tomato group found in Mexico, not semi-domesticated intermediate types found in South America.
A new report models the effects of deforestation and climate change on critically endangered ruffed lemur species in Madagascar, estimating suitable rainforest habitat could be reduced by up to 59% from deforestation. Protecting protected areas is key to conserving biodiversity, the research suggests.
A new study suggests that gender-tailored methods can ease the opioid crisis by integrating child care and supportive environments to address stigma and shame. Women with opioid use disorder are more likely to have mood and anxiety disorders, and internalize trauma's effects.
A new analysis reveals significant increases in subsurface runoff and cold season discharge due to thawing permafrost. This shift is expected to alter the Arctic water cycle, with implications for coastal ecosystems and nutrient cycling.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers at UMass Amherst is investigating the effects of fat tissue on skeletal muscle structure and function. The study aims to understand how fat infiltration affects muscle strength and identify potential health benefits.
A new study analyzed 2 decades of migration data and found that spring migrants were likely to pass certain stops earlier now than they would have 20 years ago. The researchers also found that temperature and migration timing were closely aligned, with the greatest changes in migration timing occurring in the regions warming most rapidly.
Research led by UMass Amherst scientist Alexander Suvorov identified the mechanism responsible for flame retardant's effect: an altered liver epigenome. Perinatal exposure permanently changed liver metabolism in rats, potentially applicable to humans.
A unique resilience program at UMass Amherst has been shown to improve decision-making and emotional awareness among diverse college athletes, while lowering perceived stress. The program, developed by Genevieve Chandler, focuses on active coping, building strength, cognitive awareness, and social support.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many high-risk individuals eligible for HIV preventive medication face knowledge gaps, attitudinal roadblocks, and placement of responsibility on patients, leading to low access rates. The researchers recommend increased primary care access and educational initiat...
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Stanford have designed a new framework for fairer, safer machine learning algorithms. The Seldonian framework allows users to specify safety and fairness constraints, enabling the development of more responsible AI applications.
A study found that 94% of adolescents in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington reported exposure to marijuana marketing on social media. This exposure is linked to recent marijuana use by adolescents. The researchers suggest that current restrictions on social media content are not effective in preventing exposure.
Researchers found that reflecting on past sacrifices made by others for future generations can increase a sense of moral obligation to protect the environment. However, this approach has limited impact in increasing pro-environmental attitudes or motivations, and may even evoke feelings of unworthiness.
David Julian McClements, a UMass Amherst distinguished professor, received the 2019 Nils Foss Excellence Prize for his groundbreaking research on functional foods and nanotechnology. The award will support new equipment and investigation in areas like plant-based foods and nano-enabled nutraceuticals.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that the 2008 parity law increased Medicaid acceptance rates for substance use disorder treatment centers by more than 10 percentage points. The increase was attributed to an 8.4% boost in 2009, with higher acceptance rates in the Northeast and lower rates in the South and Southeast.
A panel of scientists recommends policy changes to address sexual harassment and gender bias in STEM fields, including requiring transparency in funding and internal grant funding. The recommendations aim to create inclusive professional environments for women in science.
The study found largely positive effects on employment and economy from the casino's operations, with a decrease in visitors but an increase in average gross gaming revenue per patron. Researchers also highlighted the potential risks of increased spending among patrons, which could impact their ability to meet financial obligations.
A review of 11 studies on cancer patients' sense of taste and smell reveals a reduced taste function, particularly for sweet flavors, associated with lower appetite and caloric intake. Researchers aim to develop strategies to help patients eat well during treatment.
A recent national-scale analysis found that invasive grasses can significantly increase wildfire risk, with some doubling fire frequency in affected areas. Eight non-native grass species, including cheatgrass and buffelgrass, were identified as major contributors to increased fire occurrence.
The UMass Amherst researchers have developed a portable sensing device capable of detecting and subtyping foodborne pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. This technology has the potential to quickly identify outbreaks and pinpoint the responsible food or ingredient.
The UMass Amherst team will expand research into the impact of phthalate exposure on male fertility and sperm epigenetics. The study aims to identify epigenetic signatures associated with phthalate exposures and altered sperm function, which may provide better preconception advising for couples.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and a Brazilian institute recorded the loudest bird calls ever documented by dove-sized male white bellbirds. The calls have sound pressure levels about three times that of screaming pihas, another Amazon species.