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University of Michigan


Justice after trauma? Race, red tape keep sexual assault victims from compensation

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...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateFeb 19, 2026

Study pairs key air pollutants with home addresses to track progression of lost mobility through disability

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironment International·DateFeb 11, 2026

Open-source modular robot for understanding evolution

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 11, 2026

Noise pollution is affecting birds' reproduction, stress levels and more. The good news is we can fix it.

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2026

Ancient American pronghorns were built for speed

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateFeb 4, 2026

Family care expectations clash with shrinking availability, dementia needs

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...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging·DateJan 29, 2026

High nursing school debt, proposed education loan caps threaten US health care access

A new study from the University of Michigan reveals that nearly a third of registered nurses and advanced practice nurses in Michigan carry substantial student loans, influencing their decision to leave the profession. The proposed education loan caps threaten US healthcare access by limiting the pathway for advanced clinicians and nur...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateJan 26, 2026

Vulnerable populations shoulder larger number, higher intensity of environmental burdens

New research shows that vulnerable populations in the US are exposed to a larger number and higher intensity of environmental burdens. The study found strong relationships between concentrated environmental burdens and vulnerable communities, with communities of color and those with limited English fluency facing the greatest risks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 13, 2026

This genetic trick gives woodrats an evolutionary advantage against rattlesnake venom

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that woodrats' duplicate SERPINA3 genes give them a potent immunity against rattlesnake venom. The study found that the different proteins encoded by these genes can block toxic components in snake venom, allowing woodrats to survive bites that would be deadly for humans.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateDec 17, 2025