A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and other institutions developed a quantitative measure to quantify complexity in nanomaterials. The metric enables engineers to design materials with unique properties not seen in natural or existing man-made materials.
Scientists have developed a new manufacturing method that preserves silk's crystalline structure, creating strong, transparent plastic-like materials. These materials can twist terahertz light and may enable components of 6G networks to be made from upcycled silk.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that US teens are using less anabolic steroids and more creatine supplements, which may be driven by social media trends promoting extreme fitness practices. The rapid increase in creatine use among adolescents is concerning due to limited evidence on its safety and efficacy in youth.
A national study found that over 5 million Americans have used kratom in their lifetime, including 100,000 children aged 12-17. The study highlights the increasing popularity of kratom among young adults, associated with higher rates of substance use disorder and mental health issues.
A new University of Michigan study highlights a distinct rural-urban gap in adolescent health. Teens in poor rural neighborhoods are more likely to smoke cigarettes than their peers in less disadvantaged rural areas, suggesting that urban areas may offer different social influences.
Researchers are developing a system that uses AI and robotics to track what's installed inside the growing ship and compare it to a digital twin of the intended structure. The system will create reports of mismatches that workers can use to make adjustments, potentially reducing delays in delivery.
Electron crystals, similar to atomic structures of crystals, can accumulate defects as they melt. Controlling the degree of melting may enable devices with neuromorphic computing and superconductors. The researchers found that electron crystals in metals can deform and melt, similar to physical solids, and their structure could be prec...
A protein from tardigrades has been found to protect synthetic cell membranes during dehydration, allowing them to survive rehydration. This discovery could lead to a way to store and transport biological microfactories, revolutionizing the production of medicines and other valuable molecules.
A new analysis confirms that a small number of plant species drive changes in community temperature profiles under warming temperatures. The study found that these dominant species remain influential even as warming increases, making it easier to manage for climate change by focusing on key contributors.
The University of Michigan study reveals that Napata, an ancient city in Sudan, benefited from the Nile's relatively stable flow and deposits of clay and silt. This landscape feature reduced flood risk while maintaining access to water, allowing for successful settlement and cultural development.
Researchers discovered a specific type of water in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS that contains deuterium, revealing it came from a colder environment. This finding suggests the conditions that led to our solar system's formation are not ubiquitous throughout space.
Researchers at University of Michigan created a stem cell model that produces a yolk-sac-like structure in a human embryo, mimicking early pregnancy loss. The model uses mechanical signals to guide development and does not require genetic manipulation.
A new University of Michigan study tested a family-centered approach to firearm safety, which showed high feasibility and community support. Participants reported reduced concerns and improved communication with family members after completing the Family Safety Net intervention.
A new study by University of Michigan found that global urban methane emissions have risen 6% since 2019, with C40 cities facing a 30% increase in their emission reduction targets. The discrepancy between satellite measurements and accounting estimates highlights the need for more accurate monitoring and mitigation strategies.
A new study suggests that AI-written text messages can motivate older adults to move more, but cultural insensitivity and quality issues affect their responses. Participants rated only about 5% of the messages as culturally insensitive and roughly 6% had quality problems.
The University of Michigan's new solar particle forecasting technology has been integrated into NASA's Artemis II mission to provide situational awareness of impending harmful radiation released during solar flares and eruptions. The machine-learning model uses satellite images of the sun and corona to forecast solar particle storms up...
Researchers at University of Michigan have developed a fast method to measure the effectiveness of plasma-based air disinfection, which can deactivate up to 99.9% of virus particles. The approach harnesses UV fluorescence to track changes in aerosol infectivity in real-time, providing essential information for public health guidelines.
A study by researchers from the University of Michigan and international institutions recommends prioritizing grid upgrades targeting long-term demand expectations to minimize total costs. By upgrading the grid first, utilities can create a more efficient infrastructure that leverages Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) chargers more effectively.
Researchers at University of Michigan Engineering and Michigan Medicine used protein nanoparticles to genetically modify several types of human cells, including liver cancer and immune cells. The goal is to develop a safer method for delivering gene therapies without using modified viruses.
A $2M USDA grant funds research on bird flu's infectivity in the air, with goals of preventing or mitigating future outbreaks. Nonthermal plasma technology has been shown to deactivate airborne virus particles.
A University of Michigan study suggests that scientists wearing nitrile and latex gloves while measuring microplastics may overestimate the amount of tiny pollutants in air, water, and samples. The researchers recommend using cleanroom gloves instead to minimize contamination with stearates.
Researchers found that heavy young adult substance use was associated with poor memory in late midlife. The study highlights the importance of early interventions to support cognitive health.
The fellow aims to co-build workshops and research that identify material limitations to music participation in progressive movements. He will share stories of artists through an album and field recordings, supplementing existing protest songs with new material.
A new study found that childhood deaths are significantly higher among children who lose a parent to drug overdose, homicide, or suicide compared to the general child population. The research highlights the need for early preventive interventions and bereavement services to improve children's health following parental death.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that urban living may shield against stroke. Residents in densely developed neighborhoods had a 2.5% lower risk of suffering a first-time stroke compared to those in less developed areas.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that nanoscale hotspots in OLEDs can flicker, affecting device lifespans. These hotspots can cause uneven current flow, leading to faster burnout and reduced device performance.
Cells use a previously unknown molecular mechanism to protect host organisms from disease, revealing a 'beautiful' ring structure on the cell membrane that enables targeted cell death. This discovery has implications for biological resilience, immunity, and potential applications in plant resilience and human medicine.
A new neural circuit has been identified that rewards gnawing behavior in rodents, driving a release of dopamine in the brain. This discovery could help explain oral health issues in humans, including bruxism and malocclusion.
Researchers at University of Michigan found that improved EV battery technology will outlast expected heat-related degradation from climate change, even in warming scenarios. The study's results suggest a boost to consumer confidence in EV batteries.
A two-year study found that small household solar power systems have limited capacity, typically only 6 watts, which does not deliver meaningful energy services. Households with access to higher-capacity systems (50+ watts) reap the most direct benefits and are more likely to adopt additional solar components.
Researchers have developed a new method for qualifying materials for use in advanced nuclear reactors, which uses ion beams to mimic radiation damage. This approach can be done at a fraction of the cost and time required by traditional test reactors.
Researchers aim to harness entanglement for high-precision networking, improving measurement sensitivity and resolving finer details. The five-year effort seeks to establish ways to maintain entanglement over time, paving the way for a future quantum internet.
Researchers developed open-source software to measure AI model energy use, revealing trends in how design affects power requirements. The tool can automate the search for efficient parameters, helping lower energy costs and environmental impact.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that bureaucratic hurdles and racial disparities significantly impact access to victim compensation for adult survivors of sexual assault. The study revealed that Black and Indigenous women's claims were less likely to be approved, while excessive documentation requirements also contrib...
Xiwen Gong and Zhen Xu, both from the University of Michigan Engineering, received the award for developing optoelectronics and histotripsy, a cancer treatment using sound waves. The new treatment can spare patients from chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
A new University of Michigan study found that children with co-occurring persistent pain and mental health symptoms are 40% more likely to initiate substance use by age 14. The strongest predictors of early substance use are family environment and peer influence, according to the study.
To meet basic copper demands, prices must rise substantially and mining processes need reforms. Recycling and alternative materials can alleviate some demand but may come with higher emissions.
A University of Michigan study found that long-term exposure to key air pollutants increases risk of progressing from no physical function limitations to full disability over time. Cleaner air may help maintain physical function and recover setbacks, allowing older Americans to stay stronger and more independent as they age.
A new tool has arrived: a highly customizable, open-source robot design called The Robot of Theseus (TROT), developed at the University of Michigan. TROT can model most mammals and enable direct comparisons of variations on the same structure, helping researchers discover the advantages related to limb length and segmentation.
Researchers found that exposure to key air pollutants was associated with faster declines in physical function and reduced chances of recovery among older adults. Cleaner air may help maintain physical function and even recover from setbacks, allowing individuals to stay stronger and more independent as they age.
A new University of Michigan study finds large differences in financial outcomes, health and stability among formal and informal self-employed workers. Informal self-employment, including gig work, is concentrated among lower-income workers and faces significant challenges.
A new University of Michigan study found that Asian American Olympians Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu were subjected to
New research reveals that anthropogenic noise impacts bird behavior, physiology, and reproduction, highlighting the need for solutions to reduce and manage noise. By synthesizing data from over 150 studies, the study identifies predictable effects of noise pollution on birds, including increased stress hormones in urban areas.
Researchers analyzed over 25,000 YouTube comments on wildlife videos to find only 2% calling for conservation efforts. Despite the low number, experts believe there is an opportunity for improved conservation messaging on social media.
A University of Michigan study reveals that ancient American pronghorns were built for speed, with ankle bones remaining unchanged despite environmental change. The findings suggest that pronghorns adapted to running efficiently in a mosaic of woodlands and grasslands, implying their ability to thrive in future landscapes.
A new AI tool uses discovery learning to predict battery cycle life with just a few days' data, saving months to years of testing and substantial energy. The tool leverages physics-based features to establish parallels between historical battery designs, allowing for accurate prediction performance.
Twenty-seven University of Michigan students and faculty scholars have been awarded Fulbright grants to conduct overseas research. Ava Kuiper, a recent graduate, teaches English and conducts research studies on chemistry education and basic science in Mexico.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that family structures and changing population demographics affect caregiving expectations. The study found that public perceptions of responsibility vary by relationship type, including a higher expectation for family members to care for older adults with dementia. Researchers emphasize the n...
A new study from the University of Michigan found that used electric vehicles (EVs) currently offer the lowest lifetime cost of ownership, with significant savings for drivers. The researchers analyzed virtual vehicle models, monthly gas and electricity prices, and Craigslist data to determine the total cost of ownership for different ...
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a pair of sensors that can detect ice and freezing rain, alerting pilots to potential hazards and reducing crashes. The sensors use microwaves and lasers to detect ice on planes and roads, potentially saving lives by slowing down drivers and preventing accidents.