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University of Michigan


Individuals with bipolar disorder need workplace support

A new study found that individuals with bipolar disorder often face exclusion and stigma at work, leading to negative outcomes. The research highlights the importance of intervening to improve relationships with co-workers and supervisors, and suggests that workplace support is crucial for individuals with severe mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of the Society for Social Work and Research·DateAug 7, 2017

Bold new approaches needed to shrink Gulf of Mexico dead zone and meet elusive goals

A new study predicts that shrinking the Gulf of Mexico dead zone will require a 59% reduction in nitrogen runoff, primarily through changes to agricultural practices. The study suggests that bold new approaches are needed to achieve this goal and meet the longstanding objective of reducing the dead zone by two-thirds.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2017

Nanoparticles could spur better LEDs, invisibility cloaks

A University of Michigan team has created a method to add metallic nanoparticles into semiconductors with virtually no added manufacturing cost. The process enhances LED lighting efficiency and allows for precise control over the distribution of particles, potentially enabling future applications such as invisibility cloaks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 19, 2017

One amino acid, a whale of a difference

Researchers found a single amino-acid difference between toothed whales and filter-feeding baleen whales that may explain their distinct body shapes. This variation affects the sensitivity of a key receptor, potentially impacting feeding behavior and body size in these species.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 18, 2017

Digital dating abuse especially bad for girls

Girls experience higher rates of digital dating abuse and report more negative emotional responses compared to boys. Digital sexual coercion victimization also disproportionately affects girls due to societal expectations of prioritizing relationships and feeling entitled to sexual power over girls.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJun 27, 2017

'Magic' alloy could spur next generation of solar cells

Researchers at University of Michigan develop cost-effective material to capture near-infrared light in solar cells, making concentrator photovoltaics more efficient and practical for large-scale electricity generation. The new alloy is significantly less expensive than previous formulations and enables easier manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 15, 2017

It's really about me, not 'you'

New University of Michigan research finds people use generic-'you' to make meaning from personal experiences, helping them view events as more distant. The study suggests this ability allows individuals to derive broader meanings from their own experiences.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017

Revised understanding of graft-versus-host disease origins offers new direction for potential therapy

Researchers have discovered that structural and connective cells in the lymphatic system called stromal cells are major players in priming donated immune cells to attack the host's body. Disrupting a critical signaling pathway during the first 48 hours can provide long-term protection against graft-versus-host disease.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 20, 2017

Game theory could improve cyberwarfare strategy

A new framework guided by game theory, known as the Blame Game, can help policymakers decide whether to retaliate against a cyber attack. The framework considers vulnerability and potential consequences of assigning blame, helping nations make informed decisions in the face of increasing cybersecurity threats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2017

Genomic tools for species discovery inflate estimates of species numbers, U-Michigan biologists contend

A new study from University of Michigan biologists found that genomic tools can lead to inflated diversity estimates by misidentifying normal genetic variation as species boundaries. The multispecies coalescent model, widely used for quick species determination, overestimates species numbers five to 13 times higher than true numbers.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2017