Biochemist Alejandro Heuck maps molecular structure of needle-like tool used by bacteria to drill holes in mammalian cell walls. Researchers aim to identify new targets for developing drugs and treatments against diseases caused by bubonic plague, dysentery, food poisoning, and sepsis.
A new study reveals intense warm intervals in the Arctic over the past 2.8 million years, corresponding closely with times when parts of Antarctica were ice-free and also warm. The findings suggest strong inter-hemispheric climate connectivity and imply that the polar regions are more vulnerable to change than previously thought.
UMass Amherst researchers Michael Zink and Brenda Philips lead US Ignite project to create virtual online laboratory for real-time network experimentation. The goal is to enhance next-generation Internet with ultra-high-speed networks, improving weather forecasting and aircraft surveillance.
Researchers at UMass Amherst identify fundamental mechanism for spontaneous emergence of complex patterns like wrinkles and crumples. The discovery confirms theoretical predictions and reveals unusual sequence of transitions underlying these morphological complexities.
Wildlife researchers at UMass Amherst have captured photographs of the rare Sumatran striped rabbit, which may now be found only in two remote national parks on the Indonesian island. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting these areas from encroachment and development, which threaten the survival of the species.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst used miniaturized satellite tags to track young Atlantic bluefin tuna, revealing their dispersal patterns and habitat use. The study provides the first fishery-independent data on bluefin tuna migration and behavior, shedding light on the ecology and management of wild stocks.
A new study suggests that infants start learning about race from birth, but their ability to recognize faces and emotions from other races declines at around 9 months. This decline in ability is thought to be a result of the infant's brain processing more information from familiar groups, such as family members.
A geneticist has developed a technique to test the functional differences of human gene variants using yeast cells. This method identified 37% of alleles associated with vitamin B6 supplementation for treating homocystinuria, a metabolic disease causing blood clots and mental retardation.
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst have discovered a new method to produce p-xylene with an efficient yield of 75%, using most of the biomass feedstock. The process creates the same chemical used in petroleum-based plastics, but from renewable biomass sources.
A kinesiology research team at UMass Amherst will investigate how heavy loads affect soldiers' survivability, injury likelihood, and mission performance. The study, funded by the Navy Health Research Center, will also have practical implications for firefighters and law enforcement officers.
A new biostatistical tool, prediction-based classification (PBC), can help allocate resources to patients who need them most by linking CD-4 T-cell levels to other patient data. The study found that PBC could reduce the number of CD-4 tests needed during the first year of ART by nearly 57 percent.
The NRC report highlights accelerated global warming in the Arctic and Antarctica, with serious retreat of ice sheets and rising sea levels. Researchers emphasize the urgent need for balancing energy needs with addressing climate change.
Researchers propose that thawing permafrost 50 million years ago released massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, triggering global warming events. The study suggests a simple new mechanism for past global warming events and highlights the potential for similar feedback loops in modern times.
Elih Velázquez-Delgado uses X-ray crystallography to discover how nature inactivates caspase-6, a disease-related enzyme. He finds that deleting three specific amino acids reverses the effect and opens a door for developing a drug.
Computer scientist Hava Siegelmann has developed an adaptable computational system that learns and evolves, using input from the environment in a way much more like our brains do. The Super-Turing model yields exponentially greater repertoire of behaviors than classical computers.
Theoretical physicists at UMass Amherst have developed a new technique called Diagrammatic Monte Carlo to simulate strongly interacting quantum systems. This breakthrough enables accurate predictions of their properties, opening doors to practical superconductor applications and solving complex 'many-body' problems in high-energy physi...
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new method of halftone gel lithography for photo-patterning polymer gel sheets, mimicking nature's ability to shape growth patterns. This technique allows for the creation of complex shapes and may aid advances in biomedicine, robotics and tunable micro-optics.
Researchers create 'Geckskin' device with integrated adhesive and soft pad for easy attachment and detachment, enabling heavy everyday objects to be stuck to walls. The innovative material shows promise for medical and industrial applications.
A team of UMass Amherst chemical engineers has discovered a 'mini-cellulose' molecule that behaves like cellulose when converted to biofuel. This breakthrough enables the use of computer simulations to study biomass conversion, which could lead to more efficient and cost-effective biofuels.
Researchers created a zebrafish model to study Maple Syrup Urine Disease, which causes brain injury and severe dystonia. The model reveals abnormal swimming behavior and neurotransmitter imbalances, shedding light on disease mechanisms.
A UMass Amherst cognitive researcher has developed a systematic approach to enhancing creativity by teaching people to notice obscure features and build solutions around them. The technique, known as the generic parts technique (GPT), was shown to improve problem-solving skills in individuals trained with it.
A new building-integrated aquaculture (BIAq) model aims to improve fish farming operations by combining building design, fish ecology, and aquaculture engineering techniques. The model aims to provide an affordable, holistic, and sustainable approach to indoor fish production, reducing energy costs and environmental impact.
Researchers used hydrophones to record 24-hour sounds from the sea floor and found a wealth of biological sounds, including whale and dolphin calls. The study suggests that man-made noise could be a problem for some species, highlighting the importance of passive acoustic monitoring.
Researchers found that the total cost of asthma due to pollution is significantly higher than past estimates, with an additional $18 million in annual costs in Long Beach and Riverside, Calif. The study reveals that exposure to traffic-related air pollution is a major cause of asthma and exacerbates attacks.
A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst researchers found that sleep preserves and enhances unpleasant emotional memories. Contrary to previous assumptions, sleep was associated with maintaining the strength of initial negative feelings, rather than softening their effects.
Researchers found that cold periods in the Northern Hemisphere are associated with increased precipitation in the Amazon Basin, while warm-cold climate oscillations influence South American rainfall. This study provides new insights into the relationship between Antarctic temperatures and Southern hemisphere rainfall cycles.
Chemical engineers at UMass Amherst develop a new catalyst that boosts the yield of five key petrochemicals from biomass by 40%, creating a sustainable and competitive production process. This breakthrough could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels, worth an estimated $400 billion annually.
Climate change and global trade are expected to increase demand for drought-tolerant plants from Africa and the Middle East, increasing the risk of new invasive species. Ecologists recommend proactive management practices, including pre-emptive screening of nursery stock before imports.
Researchers at UMass Amherst discover a key interaction for treating Fabry disease using small molecule chaperones like galactose and DGJ. These molecules help stabilize the faulty alpha-galactosidase enzyme, reducing symptoms and toxicity.
A toxicologist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is urging governments and industries to adopt more evidence-based risk assessments for nuclear radiation and chemical exposure. He argues that the current linear no-threshold model has questionable scientific foundations and should be objectively assessed.
Astronomers have discovered that galaxy halos are much larger and more massive than previously thought, with up to 90% of mass undetectable by previous instruments. The new data provides a detailed picture of the chemical structure, movement, and temperature of gases in the halo.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been chosen to lead a consortium of seven universities in hosting the Northeast Climate Science Center, a five-year, $7.5 million grant. The center will study climate change effects on ecosystems, wildlife, and resources in the region.
The Borexino instrument has measured the flux of beryllium seven (7Be) solar neutrinos with high precision, allowing for a detailed study of their behavior. This advance confirms predictions of neutrino oscillations, flavor changes, and flow predicted by models of the sun and particle physics.
The UMass Amherst School of Public Health has received a four-year, $2.5 million grant to establish a Public Health Training Center. The center will provide training to community health workers and place UMass Amherst SPHHS undergraduate student interns in local communities to develop diabetes prevention strategies. The goal is to focu...
A recent study published in the Journal of Trauma and Injury found that even after adjusting for injury severity and other factors, African-American patients have a significantly higher overall post-scene mortality rate than white patients. The study analyzed data from over 137,000 assault cases and found that black patients faced high...
Scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a simplified method to create ordered magnetic materials using nanostructures, achieving room-temperature ferromagnetism with fewer steps than before. The process uses block copolymers to confine magnetic particles, inducing stronger interactions and yielding stable m...
Hermann Muller knowingly lied about safe levels of radiation exposure, says UMass researcher Edward Calabrese. Muller's suppression of evidence led to the adoption of a linear dose-response model that has shaped radiation and chemical exposure regulations.
Researchers successfully establish and release parasitic fly Cyzenis albicans to control invasive winter moths in four sites. The flies have shown active preying on the moth's young, marking a significant milestone in controlling defoliation of eastern Massachusetts trees.
The UMass Amherst team discovered a fundamental property of microbial nanowires in Geobacter sulfurreducens that allows for long-range electron transport. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper, nontoxic nanomaterials for biosensors and solid-state electronics.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a new cooperative behavior in anaerobic bacteria, allowing microorganisms to form direct electrical connections and pass electrons. This discovery has significant implications for the global carbon cycle and bioenergy production.
Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a method to produce high-volume chemical feedstocks from pyrolytic bio-oils, a cheap liquid fuel derived from biomass. This process could reduce industry's reliance on fossil fuels worth $400 billion annually.
Researchers at University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a new technique using the Ultrachron machine to analyze monazite mineral, allowing them to pin dates to geologic processes with high accuracy. This breakthrough is providing new insights into the expansion of the North American continent and the growth of the Himalayas.
Researchers discovered Geobacter's ability to transfer electrons outside cells through microbial nanowires. These ultrafine conductive structures could enable mini-power grids and nano-manufacturing.
The Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2Mass) has completed its vast archive of images and data, featuring five million images, now available online. The survey revealed new class of stars, brown dwarfs, a more complete understanding of the Milky Way's structure, and a detailed database of asteroids.
A UMass study suggests that greenhouse gases were the primary driver behind the rapid formation of Antarctica's ice sheet, contradicting a long-held theory on plate tectonics. The researchers used computer simulations to recreate the world 34 million years ago and found that a drop in carbon dioxide levels triggered the glaciation.
Researchers at UMass developed a method to create robust capsules from nanometer-sized particles and make them water-soluble by shining light on them. The study also found that nanoparticles can be functionalized with tailored properties, such as luminescence, and that larger particles win in assembly competitions.
Researchers have developed a web-based project to familiarize drivers with Boston's new Big Dig routes. The Web Big Dig Drive provides detailed information on signage, pavement markers, and side barriers, helping commuters and travelers adjust to the changes ahead of time.
A UMass scientist has identified a gene, Nhlh2, that regulates body weight, physical activity levels, and sex behaviors in mice. The knockout mice are severely obese and exhibit reduced physical activity, illustrating the critical role of the gene in regulating appetite and exercise.
Researchers are studying the natural processes that clean up acid and heavy metal-contaminated water at a Massachusetts mine site. The UMass team is investigating the role of microorganisms in breaking down these pollutants, with the goal of demonstrating global importance of using bacteria to clean up the environment.
Researchers found that novice drivers don't always identify hazardous situations, leading to unsafe responses. A new web-based program helps teach new drivers to anticipate these dangers without putting themselves or others at risk.