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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