Researchers developed a haptic steering wheel that forewarns drivers of autonomous maneuvers, improving driving performance and trust. The system, tested in a simulation, showed drivers drove better when negotiating with the automated system through haptic feedback.
A new study led by the University of Michigan rules out planets with the mass of Jupiter or larger in the 70 Oph AB binary system, but finds that smaller worlds may still exist within the habitable zone. The research achieved record-setting sensitivity for the system and opens the door for future studies of smaller planets.
Zhen Xu, U-M Engineering professor, wins Golden Goose Award for development of histotripsy, a noninvasive cancer treatment. The technology has been used to treat over 5,000 patients worldwide and has the potential to treat various diseases, including brain diseases and cardiovascular diseases.
A University of Michigan study found that nearly every incarcerated male youth experienced prior physical abuse, with 70% exposed to sexual abuse. The study also revealed that 85% of teenagers had a learning disability, a mental health condition, or both.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a method to reduce nitrates into compounds that can be reused as fertilizer or recycled. The method uses an iron complex and hydrogen bonding to break down nitrate into nitric oxide and ammonia.
Researchers at UCLA and University of Michigan have developed a mechanism that enables small robots to hop and swim using low-power twisting. The twisting of bent elastic rods produces a snapping motion that enables the robot to move efficiently on challenging surfaces, such as slippery cloth and grass-covered ground.
The University of Michigan's National Neighborhood Data Archive (NaNDA) is expanding its collection to track how neighborhood conditions change over time and affect older adults' health. The archive links access to services, environmental hazards, and social support to lower risks of hospitalization and chronic disease.
The US National Science Foundation has funded the ZEUS laser facility for another 5 years, enabling new experiments in physics and technology. The facility, run by the University of Michigan, will undergo upgrades, including a larger target chamber and AI integration, to explore quantum and cosmic scales.
A new study has calculated the weight of 606 million buildings globally, revealing patterns in material-use efficiency across cities. Cities with dense, uniformly short buildings maximize floor space per person while minimizing materials used.
A new University of Michigan study found that smartwatches can provide accurate health data, but many outputs are estimates rather than direct measurements. Users should interpret data responsibly, considering factors like watch fit, movement, and sensor accuracy.
Researchers found that betalain pigment in beets is linked to drought tolerance in flowering plants, enabling the evolution of succulent traits. The pigment's role in water storage and metabolic processes was also explored.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that older adults who experienced food insecurity in both midlife and later life had nearly four times the risk of probable dementia. Food insecurity was concentrated among those who experienced it later in life, rather than midlife alone, suggesting a strong association between later-lif...
A University of Michigan study found that El Niño events have become nearly 40% stronger in the last 40 years than in the pre-industrial era. The study, which examined modern and ancient corals in the Galápagos Islands, found that El Niño events in the last four decades were stronger than any in the 1,000 years prior to about 1850.
The HydroGym platform uses reinforcement learning to train AI agents for actively controlling fluid flows, reducing drag and friction by up to 65%. The platform enables the systematic study of complex flows and improves the efficiency of airplanes, wind turbines, and other applications.
A new flu vaccine, made using baker's yeast, has shown strong immune responses in mice, protecting against three different strains of flu, including those that mutate slowly. The vaccine targets the M2 protein, which is less likely to mutate and could provide broader protection against future flu strains.
A new study reveals that over half of US public parks are within two miles of an active industrial facility handling toxic chemicals, with nearly 27,000 parks close to a Superfund site. This overlap can pose health risks to park users and communities.
A new study suggests that the Great Lakes' ice cover may experience a temporary increase in average ice cover due to natural global cycles, but this does not mean the lakes will escape the consequences of climate change. The research, supported by the US National Science Foundation, found that the lakes' ice cover is synced to strong b...
A University of Michigan study finds that fungi are far more abundant deep below ground than previously thought, with over 689 unique species identified. The researchers also discovered complex underground food webs and found evidence of carbon sequestration in the Earth's crust.
In medieval Kazakhstan, people living in Dzhankent city employed diverse herding practices to ensure milk and dairy products were available year-round. The study found they bred sheep throughout the year, with most births occurring in spring months, to keep them producing milk during winters.
A new dimension of protection has been found in the interaction between ants and coffee berry borers. Small ant species can use the habitats created by the borers for their own reproduction, gaining a reproductive benefit. This discovery highlights the importance of observing nature and making basic scientific observations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a device that enables control of electron flow using laser light, potentially leading to advancements in sensing, imaging, and telecommunications. The phenomenon relies on quantum interference, allowing for directional control of electrons.
Researchers used an AI tool to demonstrate that birds in Passeriformes evolved in rapid bursts and coincided with climate shifts throughout Earth's history. The findings suggest that environmental variation may be an important cause of changes in body shape.
A new study from the University of Michigan highlights the limitations of framing loneliness as a solely medical issue. Chronic loneliness and social isolation are linked to higher risks of disease, death, and economic costs, but experts argue that healthcare alone cannot rebuild social ties or address underlying social issues.
A University of Michigan study found that after introducing robot umpire ball-and-strike calls in South Korea's professional baseball league, high-status hitters performed worse in statistics tied to strike-zone judgment. Famous batters walked less, struck out more and reached base less often compared to lower-status batters.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that pollinators are driving plant adaptation in morning glories, leading to a steep decline in their ability to adapt to changing climate conditions. The study suggests that human activities such as pesticide use and habitat destruction have contributed to this decline.
Researchers developed a new battery management system that uses everyday charging data to detect when silicon is most vulnerable. This helps guide battery temperature control to protect it. By applying heat when silicon works harder and cooling the battery when graphite takes over, the system aims to extend EV battery life.
University of Michigan researchers developed a framework to help stakeholders consider economic, environmental, and social trade-offs in EV battery development. The framework aims to balance the needs of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, drivers, and recyclers, to achieve better outcomes for batteries and electric vehicles.
The U-M-led QuPID project aims to design connectable quantum photonic chips for field-ready, lab-grade measurements. The team plans to miniaturize these technologies with a suite of quantum components, envisioned as 'Legos' to be combined for building different devices.
Research from the University of Michigan shows that switching to fuel cells or batteries can reduce lifetime greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel-powered vehicles. The study found that hydrogen fuel cells and battery electric powertrains offered the largest emissions reductions.
The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy has created an open-access database of over 50,000 carefully designed chemistry experiments to improve AI tools in drug discovery. The dataset reveals patterns that were difficult to see from traditional studies alone, including the formation of arynes at low temperatures.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that smaller tree swallows reproduce less due to declining insect populations. The decline in insects affects the timing of breeding and reproduction, leading to a phenological mismatch, which has significant consequences for bird biology.
Researchers analyzed cloud and rainwater samples collected over 19 summers at Mount Washington, revealing that rainfall history impacts air pollution as much as wind direction. The study provides a valuable tool for meteorologists to improve predictions over complex terrains, with implications for waterways fed from the mountains.
A University of Michigan study finds that North America has sufficient rare earth element deposits to support a domestic supply chain, but most are of lower quality than those in China and Australia. The US could prioritize light rare earth elements and cooperate with Canada on heavy ones.
Researchers discovered a sun-like star TOI-5882 with unusually high lithium concentrations, suggesting it has consumed a planet in the past. The team used spectroscopy to analyze light from the star and compared its results to control stars, finding that TOI-5882's lithium content is among the highest ever observed.
A new University of Michigan study found that nursing job turnover increased significantly since the pandemic, with over 24% of registered nurses leaving their primary positions. The main reasons for this increase were stressful work environments, burnout, and inadequate staffing, which affected all care settings.
Researchers from the University of Michigan and Electra, a hybrid-electric aviation company, unveiled an advanced airliner concept that boasts a 17% efficiency improvement over standard aircraft. The design features a wide body and electric fans at the rear to reduce drag and provide thrust.
Researchers have discovered a previously unrecognized class of hairs in mice and a specialized population of touch-sensitive neurons that connect to them. The team found that these neurons play a crucial role in transmitting mechanical itch sensations, which are characteristic of chronic skin inflammation patients. Further studies sugg...
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new way to understand neurons and their connectivity by studying fruit flies. This breakthrough simplifies future studies on neurobiology and decision-making in mammals, including humans.
A research team discovered six modern fish groups, including jack, moonfish, and pipefish, dated to 62.2 million years ago, helping to fill a 10 million year gap in the fossil record. The findings suggest that certain fish groups likely went extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period, while others were established early on.
Researchers used the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model to predict internal tide sea-surface height signatures and improve SWOT satellite observations of small-scale ocean eddies. The new approach accounts for 60% more internal tide signal, yielding a clearer picture of these important ocean patterns.
A University of Michigan research team is exploring the development of knee exoskeletons to reduce joint contact forces and relieve osteoarthritis pain. Preliminary testing suggests that these orthotic brace-based exos and drone-style motors could provide significant relief.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that drought conditions in the Southwest have reduced the suitable habitat for herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores by at least 10%. The analysis of 12 years of data from GPS collars on mule deer, black bears, and cougars showed that drought is negatively impacting life across Utah a...
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and other institutions developed a quantitative measure to quantify complexity in nanomaterials. The metric enables engineers to design materials with unique properties not seen in natural or existing man-made materials.
Scientists have developed a new manufacturing method that preserves silk's crystalline structure, creating strong, transparent plastic-like materials. These materials can twist terahertz light and may enable components of 6G networks to be made from upcycled silk.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that US teens are using less anabolic steroids and more creatine supplements, which may be driven by social media trends promoting extreme fitness practices. The rapid increase in creatine use among adolescents is concerning due to limited evidence on its safety and efficacy in youth.
A national study found that over 5 million Americans have used kratom in their lifetime, including 100,000 children aged 12-17. The study highlights the increasing popularity of kratom among young adults, associated with higher rates of substance use disorder and mental health issues.
A new University of Michigan study highlights a distinct rural-urban gap in adolescent health. Teens in poor rural neighborhoods are more likely to smoke cigarettes than their peers in less disadvantaged rural areas, suggesting that urban areas may offer different social influences.
Researchers are developing a system that uses AI and robotics to track what's installed inside the growing ship and compare it to a digital twin of the intended structure. The system will create reports of mismatches that workers can use to make adjustments, potentially reducing delays in delivery.
Electron crystals, similar to atomic structures of crystals, can accumulate defects as they melt. Controlling the degree of melting may enable devices with neuromorphic computing and superconductors. The researchers found that electron crystals in metals can deform and melt, similar to physical solids, and their structure could be prec...
A protein from tardigrades has been found to protect synthetic cell membranes during dehydration, allowing them to survive rehydration. This discovery could lead to a way to store and transport biological microfactories, revolutionizing the production of medicines and other valuable molecules.