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.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers links childhood spankings to depression, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies in adulthood. The study suggests that spanking should be considered an adverse childhood experience, similar to physical and emotional abuse.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that some obese adults store their body fat more healthily than others, breaking down fat at slower rates and having fewer inflammatory cells. Aerobic exercise may lead to healthier fat storage, with regular exercisers showing increased blood vessels in their fat tissue.
University of Michigan researchers found that killer T cells use a multi-pronged attack to kill bacteria, targeting multiple processes. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications or repurposing of existing drugs to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
A new University of Michigan study compares the toxic chemical releases associated with coal-generated and natural gas obtained via fracking-based electricity. The results suggest that potential human health impacts of coal electricity are much higher, outweighing those from shale gas electricity.
Researchers developed a wearable device called VAuth that creates a unique and secure signature using speech-induced vibrations on the user's body. The technology has achieved a 97-percent detection accuracy and successfully thwarts various practical attacks, making it a promising solution to enhance voice authentication security.
A new study from the University of Michigan emphasizes the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in both environmental and economic perspectives. The research identifies timetables for action for the U.S.'s most energy-hungry sectors, automotive and electricity, after which it will be too late to stave off a climate tipping point.
A new University of Michigan study reveals the NFL's transformation from a leader in avoiding concussion discussion to one that now leads the charge. The league has implemented significant changes, including creating expert-only committees and advocating for legislation, to address the issue, which had previously damaged its public image.
Researchers at U-M have developed a technique to detect chemicals, including explosives and gases, quickly and accurately using a laser-based method. The new approach combines two techniques to speed up detection while preserving accuracy.
A new web application reveals that raising the minimum age to 21 nationwide could save over 306,000 lives. The Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) tool also examines state-by-state impacts of cigarette taxes and smoke-free air laws.
A new technology can print pure, ultra-precise doses of drugs onto various surfaces, enabling on-site printing of custom-dosed medications. This technique accelerates drug development and makes life easier for patients taking multiple medications daily.
One in five teens reported having suffered a concussion, with 5.5% experiencing multiple concussions over their lifetime according to a University of Michigan study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
A new chip etched with fluid channels sends blood samples through a hydrodynamic maze to separate out rare circulating cancer cells into a relatively clean stream for analysis. The labyrinth chip is already in use in a breast cancer clinical trial, enabling doctors to plan customized treatments and monitor genetic changes.
A University of Michigan study found that older Americans report feeling dramatically healthier than 14 years ago. However, the majority of health gains went to high-income, well-educated, and white individuals. Researchers used data from 55,000 adults to analyze health trends by education, race, and income.
Researchers are developing living patches that mimic heart muscle cells, blood vessels and optical circuitry to create implantable heart tissue. The goal is to produce a true-to-life 'heart on a chip' to aid the pharmaceutical industry in developing better treatments for arrhythmia.
A new study shows that bipedal desert rodents use unpredictable movements to evade predators and gain a competitive edge. The jerboas' unique gait use, including hopping, skipping, and running, allows them to outmaneuver their quadrupedal neighbors.
A new University of Michigan study found that elderly Chinese-Americans who experience racial discrimination are twice as likely to consider suicide. The study, which examined 3,157 Chicago-area Chinese-American adults aged 60 and older, also highlights the impact of age, loneliness, pain, and depression on suicidal thoughts.
Polypterids, known as living fossils, are repositioned on the fish evolutionary tree, shifting their origin and that of modern ray-finned fishes. The study uses CT scans to analyze fossil skulls and DNA sequences, revealing ancient cousins and specializations that evolved later.