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.
A new analysis confirms that a small number of plant species drive changes in community temperature profiles under warming temperatures. The study found that these dominant species remain influential even as warming increases, making it easier to manage for climate change by focusing on key contributors.
The University of Michigan study reveals that Napata, an ancient city in Sudan, benefited from the Nile's relatively stable flow and deposits of clay and silt. This landscape feature reduced flood risk while maintaining access to water, allowing for successful settlement and cultural development.
Researchers discovered a specific type of water in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS that contains deuterium, revealing it came from a colder environment. This finding suggests the conditions that led to our solar system's formation are not ubiquitous throughout space.
Researchers at University of Michigan created a stem cell model that produces a yolk-sac-like structure in a human embryo, mimicking early pregnancy loss. The model uses mechanical signals to guide development and does not require genetic manipulation.
A new University of Michigan study tested a family-centered approach to firearm safety, which showed high feasibility and community support. Participants reported reduced concerns and improved communication with family members after completing the Family Safety Net intervention.
A new study by University of Michigan found that global urban methane emissions have risen 6% since 2019, with C40 cities facing a 30% increase in their emission reduction targets. The discrepancy between satellite measurements and accounting estimates highlights the need for more accurate monitoring and mitigation strategies.
A new study suggests that AI-written text messages can motivate older adults to move more, but cultural insensitivity and quality issues affect their responses. Participants rated only about 5% of the messages as culturally insensitive and roughly 6% had quality problems.
The University of Michigan's new solar particle forecasting technology has been integrated into NASA's Artemis II mission to provide situational awareness of impending harmful radiation released during solar flares and eruptions. The machine-learning model uses satellite images of the sun and corona to forecast solar particle storms up...
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a fast method to measure the effectiveness of plasma-based air disinfection, which can deactivate up to 99.9% of virus particles. The approach harnesses UV fluorescence to track changes in aerosol infectivity in real-time, providing essential information for public health guidelines.