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University of Michigan


New U-M study assesses the impact of automation on long-haul trucking

A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan and Carnegie Mellon University found that automated trucking technology could replace up to 94% of operator hours in long-haul trucking. The study suggests that automation may not happen all at once, but rather be deployed in southern states with improved weather conditions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMar 15, 2022

Study: Greater greenhouse gas reductions for pickup truck electrification than for other light-duty vehicles

Researchers found that replacing internal-combustion-engine vehicles with battery-electric vehicles results in significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, especially for larger vehicles. Battery-electric pickups offer the greatest reduction of 74 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent over their lifetime.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 4, 2022

How well do boosters work? Depends on your genes

A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that genetics play a crucial role in how our bodies respond to vaccines and booster shots. The team identified a specific form of an antibody-related gene that predicts whether boosting will be effective for increasing innate immune responses.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2022

Maternity health care workers expressed anguish, questioned roles early in pandemic

A survey of Michigan healthcare providers found increased anguish and fear due to COVID-19, with implications for mental health and worker retention. The study identified five major themes: provider health, patient care impact, burdens of personal protective equipment, decreased support during labor, and ethical challenges.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Perinatal Pediatric and Neonatal Nursing·DateFeb 7, 2022

Nanostructures get complex with electron equivalents

Researchers create complex colloidal crystals by using smaller nanoparticles that simulate electrons, breaking symmetry and enabling new materials with tailored properties. The study reveals three low-symmetry structures with no known natural equivalents, offering opportunities for advanced applications in photonics and catalysis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 13, 2022

Unveiling the hidden cellular logistics of memory storage in neurons

University of Michigan scientists found that RNAs associated with an understudied cell compartment in hippocampal neurons vary greatly between sleeping and sleep-deprived mice after learning. These changes are present almost exclusively on ribosomes associated with neuronal cell membranes, suggesting a novel mechanism for memory storage.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

How pearls achieve nanoscale precision

A University of Michigan-led team discovered how mollusks build pearls with precise symmetry and layers, governed by the phenomenon of 1/f noise. The study found that pearls lack true long-range order but exhibit medium-range order, maintaining consistency and durability.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2021

Mindful breathing for pain control: Like yin and yang

Researchers found that mindful breathing can reduce pain by modulating the somatosensory cortex, a region responsible for processing pain. The study compared two types of meditation: traditional mindful breathing and virtual reality guided breathing, which used immersive visual and audio stimuli to decrease pain sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 12, 2021

Municipal takeover in Michigan: A rational, apolitical response to financial distress, or something else?

A study of Michigan cities under state emergency management found that the likelihood of takeover was not driven solely by financial distress, but also by factors such as race and economic status. Changes to drinking water systems were common in takeovers, often leading to poor water quality and increased bills.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalState and Local Government Review·DateSep 15, 2021