New research reveals that the evolution of cichlid jaws is linked across multiple levels, challenging a quarter-century-old assumption. This finding highlights the importance of evolutionary constraints in shaping biodiversity, and suggests that they may play a wider role in the evolutionary success of species around the world.
The UMass Amherst Reich Lab, led by biostatistician Nicholas Reich, will continue to advance real-time forecasting methods during infectious disease outbreaks thanks to a five-year NIH grant renewal. The lab's flu forecasting collaborative has been designated as one of two national Influenza Forecasting Centers of Excellence.
A UMass Amherst researcher found that walking 7,000 steps per day significantly reduces middle-aged mortality risk, but further increases do not provide additional benefits. The study analyzed data from over 2,100 participants and suggests that even small increments in physical activity can have substantial health implications.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst scientist suggests that rising social stress may contribute to the projected global population decline starting in 2064. Stress from social media and other social interactions may be leading to changes in reproductive behavior and physiology, resulting in decreased reproduction rates.
New research from UMass Amherst found that enrolling academically struggling 9th graders in an ethnic studies course significantly increases their chances of graduating from high school and enrolling in college. The study, which analyzed nearly 1,400 students, also showed improvements in attendance and engagement.
A new NIH grant will fund research on how beneficial microbes in infant gut use nitrogen from human milk to support pediatric nutrition and development. The study aims to understand the interactions between mother's diet, breast milk, and infant needs, as well as the role of probiotics and maternal lifestyle.
A recent study by University of Massachusetts Amherst found that fewer than 5% of well-child visits for privately insured young children included a recommended dental fluoride varnish application. This is concerning given the importance of this service in reducing tooth decay among children, which affects nearly 25% of 2- to 5-year-old...
A portable optical sensor system could diagnose traumatic brain injury severity in the field from a single drop of blood, potentially reducing costs and improving treatment outcomes
A research study is being conducted to understand muscle fatigue in older adults, with a focus on its effects on mobility and daily activities. The study aims to develop a new metric called fatigability to assess an individual's change in performance and perceived effort in response to standardized activity.
A new study reveals that 1,330 nurseries and retailers sell hundreds of invasive plant species, including 20 illegal ones. Regional regulation and outreach are needed to reduce their spread.
A new process for making RNA has been developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, yielding purer and more abundant RNA at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough removes the largest stumbling block on the path to next-generation RNA therapeutic drugs.
A new study published in Ecosphere suggests that fear plays a significant role in underdeveloped nestlings and increased vulnerability among urban songbirds. Urban landscapes can have a profound effect on birds' behavior, causing them to change their behavior to avoid perceived predators, leading to reduced weight and survival rates.
The UMass Amherst AI-EDGE institute will focus on designing wireless edge networks that are efficient, reliable, and secure. The goal is to solve long-standing distributed AI challenges by analyzing and managing vast amounts of data in real-time.
Researchers have discovered the amygdala's role in pre-attentive mechanisms, shedding light on its connection to schizophrenia and other disorders. The study found that activating brain stem inhibitory neurons via the amygdala is crucial for startle inhibition.
Rachel Volberg, a UMass Amherst professor, has received the National Council on Problem Gambling's Lifetime Research Award for her 35-year contributions to problem gambling research. Her studies on Massachusetts casinos' social and economic impacts are considered groundbreaking.
Researchers found impaired neurotransmitter release and synaptic signaling in human-derived neurons from patients with schizophrenia and a rare genetic mutation. This discovery provides insight into the cellular pathways perturbed in schizophrenia and offers a lead for studying this biology.
Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria living in shipworms' gills do not have the enzymes to break down lignin, a thick and difficult-to-digest layer of cellulose. Despite this finding, scientists are still trying to figure out what within the shipworm could be responsible for breaking down lignin.
A new study finds that the microbiome of grasses plays a crucial role in their ability to withstand drought. Healthy bacteria in grasses can provide nutrients, protect against pathogens and UV radiation, and help manage drought. However, under severe drought conditions, the bacterial communities become less diverse and more harmful.
A team from UMass Amherst has designed a prototype charging system for smartwatches that utilizes human skin as a conductor to recharge wearable devices. The technology shows promise for developing battery-less wearables with minimal health risks.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients matched with therapists who have a strong track record of treating their primary concerns experienced greater reductions in general impairment. This 'match effect' was more pronounced for patients with severe problems and those from traditionally underserved populations.
Research finds that actively addressing inequalities fosters social change when meeting the psychological needs of both groups. Meeting the needs of disadvantaged groups through empowerment and listening helps to bolster their interest in collective action.
States have inconsistent regulations, making it difficult to control invasive plants. Prohibited plant lists can prevent intentional introductions, but states are not creating these lists proactively. Communication is key to success.
A joint task force of healthcare stakeholders recommends educating patients and staff about prevention measures, including standardized oral care. The initiative aims to reduce harm from non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP), which causes high mortality rates and prolonged hospital stays.
New research from UMass Amherst reveals how beach sand grain size relates to the slope of the beach. The study found that finer-grained sand determines a beach's slope in bi-modal beaches. This discovery has implications for understanding how New England's beaches will respond to sea-level rise and increased storm activity.
Dr. Sarah Goff's study examines the effects of Medicaid ACOs on asthma outcomes for children, aiming to improve pediatric asthma care and address social determinants of health. The research may inform other states considering ACO models for their Medicaid programs.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have created a self-sustaining intelligent microsystem using protein nanowires that can process ultralow electronic signals. The system harnesses electricity from the ambient environment, making it a promising development in green electronics.
A multidisciplinary team at UMass Amherst explores the science behind designing better plant-based protein, addressing nutritional and sensory attributes. They aim to create healthier and more sustainable alternatives while maintaining their appeal.
A global collaboration has identified 24 new loci linked to glycemic traits, improving our understanding of type 2 diabetes and its impact on different ancestries. This study highlights the importance of including diverse populations in genetic research, yielding better results and enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment.
A new paper provides ten guiding principles for structured lab group meetings that are more inclusive and productive, leading to better science. The guidelines aim to create diverse and inclusive lab environments, increasing individual and collective productivity.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery at the center of our galaxy, revealing an X-ray thread and hinting at a previously unknown interstellar energy source. The findings provide the clearest picture yet of a pair of X-ray-emitting plumes emerging from the region near the massive black hole.
A new study co-authored by UMass researcher Andy Danylchuk warns that advances in recreational fishing technology can have significant impacts on fish ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for resource management agencies to share their experiences and for scientists to intensively study the effects of technological innovations.
Researchers identified genetically marked neurons in a zebra finch's forebrain, revealing a landscape of physiology and network roles that mirror those in mammals. This breakthrough advances insight into the fundamental operation of complex brain circuits, suggesting ancient cell types retained features over millions of years.
A UMass Amherst research team has engineered a nanoparticle that can deliver cancer-fighting drugs to specific cells, reducing side effects. The innovation combines biologics and antibody-drug conjugates, enabling safer treatments for various genetic diseases.
A new study led by UMass Amherst's Rob DeConto models the impact of different warming scenarios on the Antarctic Ice Sheet, finding that exceeding Paris Agreement targets will accelerate sea-level rise. The research suggests that ambitious action to rein in warming is necessary to prevent catastrophic ice loss and sea level rise.
Biomedical engineer Chase Cornelison is exploring ways to harness cancer cells to treat spinal cord injuries and restore function following brain damage. His research aims to retrain neural cells to suppress inflammation and promote repair, potentially reversing the damage caused by paralysis and diseases.
A UMass Amherst-led team will develop a self-powered, decentralized network of computing hardware and solar batteries to reduce carbon emissions. The team plans to virtualize energy systems and engineer digital carbon-capping policies to track applications' use of traditional grid-based carbon emissions.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a platform for interactive soft materials that can respond to external stimuli in predictable ways. By mimicking the natural oscillators found in animals, the team created a diverse array of oscillators that can move in unison and adapt to changes in light and temperature.
Researchers aim to develop a human-centered platform that motivates patients with mild cognitive impairment to stick to a therapeutic regimen of mobile game-playing. Neuro-World games have shown promise in improving cognitive function and predicting expected improvement in patients with MCI.
Researchers at UMass Amherst used a novel approach to model ancient Antarctic ice sheets, revealing a thick but diminished ice sheet under mid-Miocene warmest conditions. The study suggests that greater precipitation led to a thickening of the ice sheet's interior regions, with potential implications for future sea level rise.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is collaborating with Big Idea Ventures on a $125 million fund to develop sustainable food products and agricultural innovation. Researchers at UMass will focus on plant-based proteins and their impact on the human microbiome, aiming to create tastier and more economically beneficial products.
A new study by UMass Amherst researchers found that couples where one partner is responsive and supportive can maintain better relationship quality despite the other's depression or external stress. The study involved over 200 newlywed couples and found that responsiveness was associated with improved relationship outcomes.
The Muon g-2 experiment has shown fundamental particles behaving in a way not predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics. Researchers have confirmed discrepancies that have been gnawing at scientists for decades.
The UMass Amherst team has made a significant breakthrough in creating ultrathin flexible materials that can self-organize and respond immediately to mechanical force. By modifying the curvature and tension of a membrane, researchers were able to control the positions of tiny solid plates within the membrane.
The UMass Amherst team developed a graphene-based flow sensor that can detect biofluidic flows as low as micrometer per second, enabling minimal changes in blood flow monitoring. The sensor's high sensitivity and stability make it suitable for long-term implantation in small blood vessels.
Researchers found that low doses of propylparaben can alter pregnancy-related changes in the breast, potentially lessening its protective effects against breast cancer. Propylparaben was shown to disrupt mammary gland development and increase cell proliferation rates in mice exposed during pregnancy.
Dr. Kelly Haas is studying the structure, stability, and resilience of the hand microbiome in collaboration with GOJO Industries. Her goal is to understand how the hand microbiome responds to hand hygiene events and develop new products that minimize the trade-off between public health and personal hand health.
A UMass Amherst study found a positive linear relationship between tobacco smoking intensity and duration with inflammation in HIV-positive individuals. The researchers suggest that people living with HIV would benefit from quitting or reducing smoking to lower inflammation levels, which are linked to increased disease risk.
The US Department of Agriculture has underestimated the true magnitude of farmland erosion in the Corn Belt, which has lost nearly 30 million acres of its carbon-rich topsoil. Researchers used remote sensing to quantify the previously underestimated erosion, highlighting the need for tillage erosion inclusion in soil loss models.
Researchers from UMass Amherst have successfully demonstrated spontaneous quantum error correction, a significant breakthrough in the development of powerful fault-tolerant quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for potential advances in fields like new materials discovery, artificial intelligence, and biochemical engineering.
UMass Amherst researchers discovered that the actin networks of a deadly fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), play crucial roles in its pathogenicity. The study provides insights into the evolution of actin cytoskeleton and sheds light on the disease chytridiomycosis affecting amphibian populations.