Researchers found that a new movement curriculum increased physical activity and motor skills competence in preschoolers by two minutes per day, compared to traditional programs. The study suggests that teaching basic skills like throwing, running, and jumping can improve girls' physical activity levels and close the gender gap.
A new scoring system, known as the Panzi Score, has been developed to assess and treat fistula injuries in women. The tool helps physicians predict surgical success and guides treatment decisions.
Researchers have discovered a molecule directly linked to thermogenesis in beige fat cells, which can be activated by nicotine and acetylcholine molecules. The study suggests that CHRNA2 receptor proteins play a role in energy metabolism, potentially leading to new approaches for combating weight gain after smoking cessation.
Researchers at the University of Michigan demonstrated the effectiveness of connected cruise control, which uses vehicle-to-vehicle communication to adjust speed and improve safety. The technology reduced braking force by 60% and saved energy by up to 19% compared to human-driven vehicles.
A new artificial photosynthesis device doubles the efficiency of harnessing sunlight to generate hydrogen, a clean-burning fuel. The device uses water and light from the sun, paving the way for large-scale production of clean hydrogen fuel.
A recent study from the University of Michigan found that racial disparities in opioid prescribing have decreased, with blacks and whites now receiving equal numbers of opioid prescriptions. However, blacks are at a higher risk of addiction due to prescription narcotic exposure.
A new study reveals that workplace flexibility bias, which assumes employees with family responsibilities are less devoted to their jobs, negatively impacts all workers, including men without children. Employees who feel penalized for taking time off experience lower work satisfaction and are more likely to leave their jobs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a pill that makes tumors light up when exposed to infrared light, offering a potential alternative to mammograms. The pill uses a dye that responds to infrared light to tag tumor cells, allowing physicians to better distinguish malignant from benign tumors.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have demonstrated organic solar cells that can achieve 15 percent efficiency, comparable to conventional solar panels. The new design combines specialized layers to absorb visible and infrared light, increasing efficiency by 5 percentage points.
A new neuropathy measurement tool has been developed and found effective in quantifying symptoms and treatment efficacy. Minor revisions can improve its validity and universality for adoption in clinics and research settings.
A University of Michigan study found that individuals with a superiority complex tend to overestimate their knowledge and seek out biased information. They are more likely to choose articles that support their beliefs, even when presented with contradictory evidence.
A University of Michigan study found that energy-efficient lighting availability and price vary with poverty levels. In high-poverty areas, the upfront cost of LED bulbs is twice as high as conventional incandescent bulbs, limiting access to energy efficiency.
Researchers found that satellite DNA, once thought to be 'junk,' is essential for holding the genome together and ensuring cell survival. This conserved function is critical for chromosomes to bundle correctly inside the nucleus.
A new 'omniphobic' coating repels liquids, including oil and alcohol, while remaining clear and durable. The coating could be used in various industries, including childcare, refrigeration and power generation, to increase efficiency.
A new study reveals that households in cohesive neighborhoods with less spanking are less likely to be involved in the child welfare system. Researchers analyzed nearly 2,300 families and found that strong social connections protect families from CPS intervention.
A systematic review of 23 studies on happiness and physical activity found a positive association between exercise and happiness. Regular physical activity is essential for happiness, and even small changes can make a difference.
A recent study concludes that natural population turnover, incomplete vaccination coverage, and waning protection from a highly effective yet imperfect vaccine explain the resurgence of whooping cough in the US. The disease's high contagiousness and potential for fatal complications make it essential to understand its causes.
A new study found that 20% of American diets account for 46% of total diet-related greenhouse emissions, with high beef consumption contributing 72% of the difference. Shifting to more plant-based diets could reduce emissions by nearly 10%.
A University of Michigan biophysicist and her team have imaged the moment a photon sparks the first energy conversion steps of photosynthesis. The findings provide crucial insights into the initial charge separation during photosynthesis, an essential step in the process.
A new University of Michigan study highlights the critical role of social and public health services in helping patients access lifesaving HIV services. Providers who offer behavioral interventions are more likely to link patients to testing and care.
A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan and University of Washington found that emotional and sexual abuse can lead to chronic criminal behaviors. However, achieving good grades and avoiding skipping school significantly reduces the likelihood of self-reported crime.
The University of Michigan has developed a new surgical device called the 'arterial everter' that can connect arteries more quickly and easily. The device, which is currently in development and partnership with Baxter, may reduce surgery time by up to an hour and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered that brain-gut signals lead to an axis of aging, where the brain and intestines work together to regulate longevity. The study found two types of neurons processing temperature cues, transmitting information to the intestine to boost or slow down aging processes.
A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that more nurse practitioners practice in lower-income areas with low life expectancy. This trend may offset a shortage of doctors in high-need areas.
A study estimates that reforesting US topsoils stores 13-21 million metric tons of carbon annually, equivalent to 10% of the country's forest-sector carbon sink. Over a century, this could sequester up to 2.1 billion metric tons of carbon.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that fruit flies use external temperature to regulate their sleep cycles, which may provide insights into human sleep patterns. Mild changes in temperature have physiological effects on clock neurons that control sleep timing.
A new study found that autonomous vehicles can minimize environmental impacts with energy-efficient design and operational benefits outweighing increased energy use from sensors and computers. The study showed a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for electric powertrains versus internal-combustion engines.
A genetic study found that house dust mites replaced the traditional Piwi pathway with a new small RNA mechanism to control transposable elements, affecting up to 1.2 billion people worldwide. The discovery provides insights into the evolutionary history of these common indoor pests.
A new University of Michigan-led study finds that nitrogen pollution will not fully offset the negative effects of a warmer, drier climate on sugar maples. The research indicates that decreased growth and potential disappearance from the state's Lower Peninsula are expected if extreme climate predictions prove true.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found a way to enhance the conductivity of organic solar cells, enabling electrons to travel longer distances. This breakthrough could lead to the development of transparent solar cells that can be integrated into windows and other surfaces.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a new type of neural network made with memristors that can dramatically improve the efficiency of teaching machines to think like humans. The system, called reservoir computing, uses fewer nodes and requires less training time than traditional neural networks.
A new study found that adolescents who experienced frequent psychosocial risks are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual behavior and report unprotected sex. The longitudinal study of 850 African-American students from age 14 to 32 revealed a higher risk of HIV infection for those with co-occurring psychological and social risk factors.
A University of Michigan team is developing a new cybersecurity approach called MORPHEUS, which aims to create an unhackable computer by turning computer circuits into unsolvable puzzles. The technology could protect both hardware and software from attacks, making it difficult for hackers to identify vulnerabilities.
Misfolding proteins accumulate in the pancreas, killing cells. Researchers use nanodiscs to study these proteins at the atomic level, gaining insights into their toxicity. This work may lead to the development of new drugs targeting incorrectly folding proteins.
A new optical-fiber-based laser enables detection of chemicals by analyzing reflected light patterns. The device uses a broadband infrared supercontinuum laser to identify substances based on their chemical signature.
Researchers have developed soft power cells that mimic the electric eel's ability to generate high-voltage electricity while consuming low current. The cells are made of hydrogel and salt and could potentially power implantable or wearable devices without toxicity or frequent recharging.
A study published in Nature Communications found that reduced individual plant growth can benefit overall communities by controlling herbivore populations and indirectly supporting pollinators. This counterintuitive effect helps explain the persistence of some plant communities despite theory predicting their extinction.
A recent study found that how children use devices, not hours spent on them, is the strongest predictor of emotional or social problems. Warning signs include interfering with daily activities, conflict, and unhealthy media habits leading to relationship, conduct, and emotional issues.
A new study at the University of Michigan identifies a pathway that links efferocytosis, the process of removing dead cells, to tumor growth in metastatic prostate cancer. The researchers found that a pro-inflammatory protein called CXCL5 accelerates tumor growth and sheds light on novel effective cancer therapies.
A University of Michigan study found that food-related cues stimulate brain activity, leading to overeating among some participants. The study revealed that such cues have little impact on liking or pleasure derived from eating.
New research reveals cinnamaldehyde's ability to induce thermogenesis in fat cells, improving metabolic health. The compound may offer a non-pharmacological approach to combating obesity and related health issues.
Researchers created a synthetic material that combines the strengths of Kevlar with polyvinyl alcohol to mimic natural cartilage's properties. The new material boasts the same mechanism as natural cartilage, releasing water under stress and recovering by absorbing it later.
A new study suggests that replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs or LEDs is a good option, especially for reducing power-plant emissions. However, delaying adoption may be more cost-effective for consumers who want to minimize their energy bills and reduce home energy use.
Researchers have developed enzymes that can perform complex chemical reactions with improved selectivity and efficiency. These catalysts show promise for building molecules with important biological activity and reducing waste in the process. The discovery opens up new practices for chemists to create more powerful tools.
Researchers found that 63% of reduced hospital readmissions could be attributed to changes in diagnosis coding. The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program may have been more successful due to increased documentation of secondary diagnoses, which impact risk-adjusted coding severity.
Scientists at the University of Michigan found that injecting nanoparticles can redirect neutrophil immune cells away from an injury site, reducing inflammation. This discovery could lead to new treatments for acute lung injuries, sepsis, and atherosclerosis.
Researchers have developed a method to grow hundreds of lab-grown cancer spheroids from just a few tumor cells derived from a patient. These 3-D cultured cells can accurately mirror the response of natural cells implanted in mice, making them a potential tool for testing individualized treatments.
Researchers found a previously dismissed genetic mechanism that contributes to nicotine dependence and withdrawal effects. The study identified specific genes and microRNA that play an essential role in how the roundworms develop nicotine dependence and withdrawal responses.
Researchers found that a positive outlook and BMI both contribute to good health among college students. The study showed subjective happiness had the most significant impact on overall health, followed by hope and then BMI. In contrast, gratitude and life satisfaction didn't influence overall health individually.
A recent study has identified Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) as a key driver of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression. Increasing levels of Nrg4 protected liver cells from metabolic stress in mice, while loss of the hormone led to accelerated disease progression.