A new study measures US diets' water scarcity footprints, with meat consumption accounting for 31% of the impacts. The top contributor is beef, followed by tree nuts and high-water-intensity fruits and vegetables.
A University of Michigan study found that emergency room visits related to suicide attempts and self-harm decreased by 40% during the first eight months of the pandemic. The decline was observed despite initial concerns about an increase in suicidal behavior during a worldwide crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
A University of Michigan study found that female nurses are twice as likely to commit suicide as the general female population and 70% more likely than female physicians. The study highlights the need for high-quality wellness programs for nurses, who face extraordinary demands from COVID-19 and often struggle with work-life balance.
University of Michigan researchers observe RNA regulating protein synthesis in bacteria through transcription-translation coupling. The study reveals the unique mechanism allows for synchronized processes, enabling bacteria to adapt to external threats.
Researchers suggest most of Earth's carbon was delivered from the interstellar medium, avoiding vaporization entirely. This discovery sheds light on the origin of life on Earth and suggests a delicate balance between too little or too much carbon for habitability.
A new project led by the University of Michigan explores how coughs disperse virus particles into the air, revealing complex airflow patterns. By studying these
Researchers discovered an effect known as nonlinearity that can modify and detect extremely weak light signals using a quantum dot array. The team created an 'egg carton' of quantum dots in a 2D semiconductor, allowing for the control of energy levels with light.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that adolescents who vape cannabis are at greater risk for respiratory symptoms indicative of lung injury than those who smoke cigarettes or vape nicotine. The study found that vaping marijuana was associated with a stronger relationship between respiratory symptoms and asthma diagnosis.
A University of Michigan study finds that groundwater depletion could significantly impact Indian agriculture, with potential losses of up to 20% in winter cropped acreage nationwide. The researchers estimate that even partial replacement with canal irrigation may not be enough to maintain current production levels.
Researchers found that sleep helps connect fear memories to sensory events, allowing accurate associations to be made. Without sleep, brain processing of fear becomes impaired, potentially contributing to anxiety and PTSD.
A new study reveals that Lake Erie sediments release nearly as much phosphorus into the surrounding waters as enters the lake each year, exacerbating the annual 'dead zone'. This self-fertilization process contributes up to 11,000 metric tons of phosphorus to the lake water each summer.
A new study from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry confirms that low-dose naltrexone is a good option for patients with orofacial and chronic pain, reducing pain intensity and improving quality of life. Low-dose naltrexone works by targeting sensitized nervous cells to reduce pain threshold and sensitivity.
A new analysis of thousands of Michigan bees reveals that the most diverse bee communities have the lowest levels of three common viral pathogens. This study suggests that promoting diverse bee communities may be a win-win strategy to reduce viral infections in managed honeybee colonies while maintaining native bee biodiversity.
A new study from the University of Michigan estimates virtual conference CO2 emissions using a framework that includes energy usage, network data transfer, and server energy consumption. The study found that a May 2020 virtual conference produced 66 times less greenhouse gas emissions than an in-person meeting in San Francisco.
A new University of Michigan study found that verbal reasoning can have both positive and negative outcomes on children's emotional development. While it promoted prosocial behavior, it also increased aggression and distraction. Positive discipline methods like providing structure and open communication are recommended instead.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a significant breakthrough in electron transfer for grid-scale batteries, which could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy storage. The study found that bridging plays a critical role in improving the reaction rate of flow batteries.
Researchers have found that physical specimens of suspected wildlife hosts were rarely preserved, limiting our ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors recommend adopting vouchering practices and collaborating with museums to archive host specimens.
A team of researchers identified an antibody called 2B7 that neutralizes the NS1 protein, a key factor in dengue virus replication and disease. The findings offer a potential strategy for developing effective treatments and vaccines against dengue and similar diseases.
A new study found that high levels of cadmium are associated with higher death rates in patients with influenza or pneumonia. Long-term exposure to cadmium may undermine lung defense systems, making people more susceptible to severe flu-like symptoms and increased mortality.
A University of Michigan-led study finds that urine diversion and recycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, freshwater consumption, and the potential for algal blooms. The method also has lower environmental impacts than conventional wastewater treatment and fertilizer production methods.
A University of Michigan study examining 3.8 million federal inventory records found little evidence that seizing military weapons increases violent crime or puts police at risk. Previous data analyses supporting the use of military equipment to reduce crime were unreliable due to data problems.
A new laser-based method allows researchers to map the electronic structures of crystals at room temperature, revealing potential capabilities for solar cells, LED lights, and artificial photosynthesis. The technique also enables the design of novel semiconductor-based quantum devices.
A new University of Michigan study finds that over half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who misuse alcohol or tobacco also have a co-occurring psychiatric disorder. Women are particularly affected, with higher rates of anxiety, mood disorders, and PTSD compared to heterosexual women.
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that internet censorship is increasing in 103 countries, including Norway, Japan, and India. The Censored Planet tool collected over 21 billion measurements across 20 months in 221 countries, revealing widespread blocking of human rights sites, same-sex dating sites, and news outlets.
A University of Michigan-led research team found that toxic mercury pollution from fish carcasses reaches the deepest ocean trenches, including the Mariana Trench. The study suggests that most of this mercury comes from human activities, posing a threat to seafood safety and human health.
A high-sugar diet reprograms taste cells in fruit flies, leaving a lasting molecular memory that affects future eating behavior. The researchers found that the molecular memory is persistent even after switching to healthy diets, leading to changes in gene expression that impact sweet taste perception.
A synthetic protein nanoparticle has been developed that can deliver cancer-killing drugs directly to malignant brain tumors. In a study, the treatment led to long-term survival in seven out of eight mice with glioblastoma, with no signs of regrowing tumor cells.
The study aims to assess the prevalence and attitudes towards workplace genomic testing in diverse workplaces, as well as employees' interest and objections to such testing. The research team will analyze employers' perspectives, employee responses, and potential issues related to genetic privacy and discrimination.
Researchers from the University of Michigan found that the vast majority of field massive stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud are 'runaways,' or stars ejected from clusters. They discovered that these stars could have formed in isolation or were dynamically ejected due to unstable orbital configurations.
A study from the University of Michigan challenges the notion that plastic packaging is the primary environmental concern, instead revealing that product content often has a greater impact. The research emphasizes the importance of reducing overall consumption and waste management.
A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that localized data on childhood vaccination coverage can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks. The research found that when people who are not vaccinated cluster geographically, the probability and size of an outbreak increase.
A new study suggests that localized vaccination surveillance can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks by analyzing geographic clustering of non-vaccinators. The researchers found that even at high overall vaccination coverage, clustering of non-vaccinators increases the probability and size of an outbreak.
A University of Michigan study found that nearly one-third of students who reported misusing prescription opioids as high school seniors later used heroin by age 35. The research also showed a significant increase in heroin use among individuals with a history of prescription opioid misuse, contributing to the opioid epidemic.
A new study found that light pollution draws mule deer to artificial lighting, making them more active at night, while cougars exploit dark spots to hunt successfully. The research combined satellite data with GPS location information from hundreds of animals, providing the largest dataset on cougar-mule deer interactions.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a neural network in fruit flies that can convert external stimuli into a binary decision. The network, which involves the posterior medial core region, amplifies weak signals and suppresses strong ones to make 'yes' or 'no' decisions.
A new study by the University of Michigan and Texas State University found that more college-age Americans are abstaining from alcohol, with a significant decrease in alcohol misuse. However, the study also shows an increase in marijuana use and co-use of alcohol and marijuana.
Researchers found daily average sound levels dropped approximately 3 decibels during the pandemic, which could have a significant impact on people's overall health outcomes. The analysis shows that digital devices can be used to evaluate daily behaviors and exposures.
A University of Michigan researcher found that religious Muslims experienced the largest decline in mental health, with a 11 percentage point rise, compared to other groups. The study suggests that sociopolitical events can have negative consequences for educational and social outcomes among affected groups.
Researchers developed a machine learning technique that rapidly discovered rules governing catalysts, which took humans years of difficult calculations to reveal. The team believes this will enable faster progress in designing materials for various purposes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a self-erasing chip that can store authentication information or secret messages. The chip uses a new material that emits light in specific frequencies, which can be erased with a flash of blue light, making it suitable for anti-counterfeit measures and secure data transmission.
Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that can reflect 99% of the energy it can't convert into electricity, allowing for more efficient use of waste heat from exhaust pipes and chimneys. This technology has the potential to make renewable energy storage cheaper by ten-fold compared to traditional battery-based systems.
A new study on chimpanzees shows that a plant-based diet and substantial opportunities for exercise can reduce cardiovascular disease risk to human levels. Free-ranging chimpanzees in sanctuaries exhibit lower body weight and lipid levels, indicative of better health.
Researchers developed a 3D bioengineered model of lung tissue that showed drugs effective in Petri dish tests did not work in patients, highlighting the need to target other aspects of pulmonary fibrosis. The study used tissue engineering and mechanical cues to understand how fibroblasts drive disease progression.
Older caregivers of newly diagnosed dementia patients experience a 30% increase in depressive symptoms, which persists over two years. This is significantly higher than those without a partner diagnosis, with an additional 27-33% increase depending on the length of caregiving time.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that two-thirds of the plastic put into use in the US in 2017 were used for other purposes, including electronics and furniture. The overall recycling rate for plastics in the US is slightly lower than previous estimates, at 8%.
A new study emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in global forest restoration efforts, which could provide benefits to millions of people living on lands suitable for forest restoration. The research highlights opportunities for tropical countries to remove atmospheric carbon, promote biodiversity conservation, and ...
Researchers have developed a new rechargeable zinc battery that integrates into the structure of a robot to provide much more energy. The battery uses a network of aramid nanofibers and a water-based polymer gel, making it environmentally friendly and efficient.
A new study reveals that cold-climate forests at high latitudes are already absorbing less carbon, casting uncertainty on their ability to continue doing so. In contrast, Siberian forests have increased their carbon uptake four times more than other North American forests, suggesting stark divergent responses across regions.
Researchers at University of Michigan develop transparent organic solar cells with 8.1% efficiency and 43.3% transparency, ideal for buildings with glass facades. The new material balances sunlight absorption, voltage, current, resistance, and color-neutral transparency.
The region's forested areas grew more fragmented due to urban sprawl, but also saw an increase in tree cover, mainly attributed to maturing trees and land-conservation efforts. This paradox highlights the need for effective land-use planning techniques to protect habitats and minimize fragmentation.