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University of Miami


Predicting happiness of couples raising children with autism

A study by researchers at the University of Miami found that individual traits such as optimism, social and spouse support, benefit finding, and coping styles positively associated with better relationship satisfaction for parents of children with ASD. The study highlights the importance of positive traits in enhancing family functioni...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateJul 7, 2015

Studying how species evolve

The documentary follows University of Miami researcher J. Albert C. Uy as he investigates a genetic mutation causing two bird populations to split into separate species. Uy's research aims to unlock secrets of speciation and the planet's animal diversity.

The hidden burden of dengue fever in West Africa

A study by University of Miami researchers found dengue virus circulating in urban areas of Ghana, with 21.6% of malaria patients tested positive for long-lasting dengue IgG antibodies, indicating lifetime exposure. The findings suggest that up to one-third of all outpatient visits could be misdiagnosed as malaria.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMar 2, 2015

Climate affects the development of human speech

Researchers discovered a correlation between climate and language evolution, finding that complex tones occur more frequently in tropical regions. The study suggests that inhaling dry air can cause vocal fold dehydration, making it harder to achieve complex tones.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2015

Salience network is linked to brain disorders

The insula is essential for selecting salient stimuli, and dysfunction can lead to deficits in attention, social, and cognitive processes. Mapping the structure and function of the insular cortex may provide targeted treatments for developmental and degenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateDec 5, 2014

Fighting crime through crowdsourcing

University of Miami researchers create a new model combining human and machine efforts to solve complex tasks, improving accuracy in face recognition. The crowdsourced approach leverages the power of social networks and smartphones to facilitate efficient analysis.

Helping patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers

Researchers developed a family-focused, culturally-informed treatment for schizophrenia that reduced patients' psychiatric symptoms and improved caregiver emotional well-being. The program tapped into the family's cultural beliefs, values, traditions, and religious practices to help them manage the illness.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateNov 11, 2014

Realizing the promise of education

The University of Miami's Linda Ray Intervention Program demonstrates positive outcomes for children with developmental delays, cognitive improvements, and reduced need for special education services. Children who received 25 hours of services per week made significant strides in cognitive, language, and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJuvenile and Family Court Journal·DateSep 24, 2014

Forming consensus in social networks

Researchers developed a novel computational model to capture the process of reaching consensus in social networks. The model analyzes communication patterns and handles uncertainties associated with soft data, establishing conditions for agents to reach a consensus that is consistent with the ground truth.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing·DateSep 3, 2014

Efficient structures help build a sustainable future

The study reveals that steel cable structures have a significantly lower environmental impact, with 29% less mass and 65.1% less embodied energy than traditional truss systems. This finding highlights the importance of material selection in reducing construction's environmental damage.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Architectural Engineering·DateJul 16, 2014

The power of making amends

A recent study from researchers at the University of Miami found that peacemaking efforts such as apologies, offers of compensation, and owning up to one's responsibility increase forgiveness and reduce anger by making the aggressor seem more valuable as a relationship partner. The study suggests that humans have a psychology for confl...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2014

Vocal fry hurts women in the labor market

A study by University of Miami researcher Casey Klofstad found that vocal fry is perceived negatively, particularly in labor market contexts, affecting women's hiring prospects. Women who use vocal fry are seen as less attractive, competent, educated, trustworthy, and ultimately less hirable than those with normal speech.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014

Your high school GPA could affect your income

Researchers at the University of Miami found that a one-point increase in high school GPA raises annual earnings by around 12% for men and 14% for women. The study also shows that African-Americans with high GPAs are more likely to graduate from college than their white counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEastern Economic Journal·DateMay 19, 2014

A symbiotic way of life

University of Miami researchers found that an amino acid transporter regulates glutamine supply to symbiotic bacteria in pea aphids, enabling the exchange of essential nutrients. This simple mechanism allows the insect-bacteria partnership to adapt to changing demand for nutrients.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2014

Excessive deer populations hurt native plant biodiversity

A study by researchers from the University of Miami and University of Pittsburgh finds that high deer populations facilitate garlic mustard population explosion while suppressing native trillium plants. Deer exclusion reversed invasive species growth, supporting an ecological theory where native plants exert biotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2014

Watching how the brain works

Scientists have observed intact protein interactions directly in a live animal's brain for the first time, using a novel imaging technique. The study reveals that proteins interact within neurons during brain development, forming complex networks.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2014

What cooperation and conflict in an insect's society can teach us about social acceptance

A new study by University of Miami biologist Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy explores the acceptance of non-related individuals in highly organized and adaptable societies. Young, unfamiliar individuals were accepted more frequently than old ones and those in late-stage colonies, suggesting that social context and immediate needs mediate accepta...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateFeb 18, 2014

Controlling magnetism with an electric field

Scientists have developed a new method to control magnetism using an electric field, reducing heat generation and increasing memory density. This innovation has significant implications for the development of more efficient electronic devices, such as MRAM and logic chips.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2014

Mindfulness helps undergraduates stay on track

A study by University of Miami researchers found that mindfulness training significantly reduces mind wandering in college students, improving attention and reducing stress. The seven-week program was highly effective in increasing focus and decreasing mind-wandering, with significant benefits for undergraduate students.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 2014

The power of packaging in consumer choices

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that colorful or noticeable food packages predispose people to look and choose certain options. Visual attractiveness influences where people look, with a ratio of 1:3 compared to consumer preferences, and plays a significant role in decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2014