Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a novel metamaterial that can switch between being hard and soft, maintaining its properties despite repeated changes. This breakthrough enables potential applications in various fields, including car safety and rocket technology.
Researchers identified that mesalamine, a medication for ulcerative colitis, works by targeting the bacterial stress response system and reducing polyphosphate production. This study reveals potential new insights into how mesalamine treatment improves the gut microbiome.
A new technique can precisely measure individual protein molecules in blood and body fluids, providing valuable information on neurodegenerative diseases. The 5-D fingerprint analysis uncovers unique characteristics of misshapen proteins that contribute to disease progression.
A University of Michigan study found that less than 2% of customers regret receiving genetic health data and only about 1% are harmed by the results. The majority of participants were interested in ancestry information, with 74% wanting to know their ancestral origins.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that older kids are more likely to view confessing as right, while younger children connect positive emotions to lying and negative emotions to confession. Parents can foster open communication by listening without anger, making it critical for teens grappling with adult issues.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that growing multiple algal species helps stabilize biocrude production and makes the system more reliable. However, competition among species often causes mixtures to produce less biocrude than individual species.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully tested nanodiscs in mice for personalized cancer immunotherapy. The therapeutic vaccine targets cancer mutations and generates T-cells that recognize unique neoantigens, leading to the elimination of cancer cells.
A University of Michigan-led team is mapping surface ruptures and earthquake-triggered landslides in New Zealand using a combination of satellite imagery, drone footage, helicopter observations, and on-foot data collection. The high-resolution maps will help response teams assess landslide threats and prepare for future large earthquakes.
A new study suggests that persistent job insecurity over a 25-year career can lead to increased psychological distress among older workers. The research found that stress from perceived job insecurity was particularly high among minorities and those without a high school degree, and that this stress can have significant impacts on health.
Research from University of Michigan found that herbicide-resistant morning glory populations self-fertilize more than susceptible ones. This adaptation helps perpetuate resistance genes and blocks the flow of susceptibility genes from other plants. The study highlights unintended consequences of human activities on wild plant species.
A new study reveals that cancer patients find emotional support in personal stories from peers on online forums, not television entertainment. The researchers found that women make more use of these resources than men, providing a safe space for comfort and community.
A new type of photoreceptor, LITE-1, has been discovered that is 50 times more efficient at capturing light than the rhodopsin in the human eye. This receptor protein was found among a family of taste receptors in invertebrates and has unusual characteristics suggesting potential future applications.
A University of Michigan study found that low-carb meals significantly lower insulin resistance by over 30 percent within 24 hours, while high-carb meals sustain it. Exercise before meals also failed to lower insulin resistance, and may even increase blood sugar levels.
A team of researchers discovered that a specific mutation in the telomere protein TPP1 causes an incurable premature aging disease called dyskeratosis congenita. The mutation compromises telomerase function, leading to stem cell division slowdowns and tissue breakdown. This breakthrough provides a potential drug target for the disease.
A US survey finds that while 51% of Americans are interested in science, only 28% have a sufficient level of scientific understanding. The adult literacy rate is driven by completion of college-level science courses and baccalaureate degrees. NASA's educational programs aim to boost science literacy among learners of all ages.
A study by University of Michigan professor Daniel Romero found that matching an opponent's linguistic style in presidential debates can lead to a bump in polls. Function words like conjunctions and quantifiers play a crucial role in this phenomenon, which is linked to processing fluency and easier understanding for third-party viewers.
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan created a window in a battery to study dendrites, which cause fires in next-generation lithium metal batteries. They observed that small dendrites can be stable and even help prolong battery life, but large ones can reduce performance and raise safety concerns.
Researchers have engineered a magnetoelectric multiferroic material that combines electrical and magnetic properties at room temperature. This new material could enable devices with lower energy consumption, addressing the growing concern of electronics being the fastest-growing consumer of energy worldwide.
Researchers analyzed genomes from 1,167 bacterial species, finding that the number of copies of ribosomal RNA genes predicts growth rate and efficiency. The study provides insights into microbial strategies for rapid or efficient growth, with implications for predicting behavior in response to human activities.
College student marijuana use has continued to rise since 2006, with daily or near-daily use increasing from 3.5% in 2007 to 4.6% in 2015. In contrast, nonmedical use of prescription narcotic drugs has declined among college students, falling from 8.8% in 2006 to 3.3% in 2015.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new molecular gel recipe that enables accurate detection of lead in paint chips. The test uses heat and chemical reactions to distinguish between safe and hazardous levels of lead, making it easier for homeowners to assess their risk.
A new study from University of Michigan researchers found that biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel increase, rather than decrease, heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions. The study analyzed U.S. crop-production data and found that only 37% of the CO2 emissions due to biofuel combustion were offset by the CO2 uptake by crops.
A new technique detects methane leaks in real time, informing strategies to meet federal limits on emissions from the oil and gas industry. The approach identified 250 methane plumes emanating from various sources, including natural gas processing facilities and pipeline leaks.
Scientists have discovered the molecular structure of a key Zika virus protein, shedding light on its role in viral reproduction and immune system interaction. The study provides new insights into the NS1 protein's functions and potential targets for vaccine development.
A large international research team identified common genetic variants as the biggest culprits behind type 2 diabetes, with novel East Asian-specific variant PAX4 also found. The study's findings provide a more complete picture of the disease's genetics and hold promise for precision medicine.
The study found that the distinctive ball-and-socket vertebrae arrangement in sauropods allowed for greater flexibility and reduced stress on the spine. This design enabled the evolution of long-necked sauropod dinosaurs, which reached lengths of over 100 feet and weighed up to 70 metric tons.
A new reconstruction of Antarctic ocean temperatures around the time of dinosaur disappearance supports the idea that volcanic eruptions and an asteroid impact caused the planet's biggest mass extinctions. Two abrupt warming spikes coincide with two previously documented extinction pulses.
A study found that paper wasps aggressively punish dishonest signals, leading to reduced hormone levels and long-term impacts on social interactions. The researchers tested how facial patterns influence behavior and hormone levels in paper wasps, revealing a complex relationship between honesty and evolutionary fitness.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a protein that acts as a powerful protectant against free radicals, which cause cell damage and death. The protein is activated by excessive free radicals and helps to regulate autophagy, a process that reduces oxidative stress and slows down aging.
A large-scale national study found that early use of stimulant medications for ADHD does not increase the risk of substance abuse in later adolescence, while short-term use during middle or high school may lead to higher risks. The research highlights the importance of monitoring teens who start using these medications later in life.
A University of Michigan-led study analyzing Google Trends data found a significant reduction in chickenpox searches following vaccination implementation in countries like Germany. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of immunization in reducing seasonal outbreaks and offers a novel way to track global childhood disease burdens.
A University of Michigan study found little mother-child dialogue among preschoolers using media, such as TV and video games. Children with highly educated mothers who discuss media had more interaction.
Researchers have developed a software called ForcePhone that allows smartphones to detect force or pressure on their screens or bodies, enabling users to command devices with gestures. The technology uses the phone's microphone and speaker to translate vibrations into commands, offering a natural interface beyond basic touch interfaces.
Researchers have discovered stone tools and faunal remains at the Page-Ladson site in Florida that date back around 14,550 years, challenging the long-held timeline for human settlement in the region. The findings provide strong evidence that humans and megafauna coexisted for at least 2,000 years.
A University of Michigan study found that women prefer smaller competition sizes, which may contribute to pay gaps and the underrepresentation of women in certain fields. Women feel more comfortable in smaller groups, where communal behaviors are more normative.
A survey of 1,163 people found that phone use varies depending on activity and who is at the table. Adults generally think it's more acceptable to use a phone than children, but perceived appropriateness declines with age.
A study of worldwide sleep patterns combines math modeling, mobile apps and big data to parse the roles society and biology each play in setting sleep schedules. Cultural pressures can override natural circadian rhythms, with effects showing up most markedly at bedtime.
A University of Michigan robot, MARLO, can now walk down steep slopes and uneven ground using a novel feedback control algorithm. The algorithm's potential benefits extend to powered prosthetic legs and other two-legged robots.
The new technique could lead to more precise dosing of drugs in intensive care units, where up to two-thirds of patients experience serious kidney injury. By simulating the flow of medication through human kidneys, researchers can test medications and determine safe doses more accurately.
A study of 44 US climate-adaptation plans found that local communities apply diverse strategies to combat climate change, but often fail to prioritize goals or provide implementation details. The plans also lack clarity on metrics for measuring progress and addressing uncertainty related to climate-change impacts.
Researchers found the Bakken Formation in North Dakota and Montana emits roughly 2% of global ethane, equivalent to 250,000 tons per year. This single region's emissions are 10-100 times larger than reported inventories and impact air quality across North America.
A team of researchers has created the first comprehensive in vivo fitness landscape of a gene, which provides a way to visualize and predict evolution. The findings show that about 1 percent of point mutations are beneficial to an organism, while 42 percent are harmful, and two harmful mutations interacting can lead to more harm.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing a new strategy to combat cancer metastasis by targeting an enzyme called P-Rex1. Tumor cells produce high levels of P-Rex1, allowing them to spread and become mobile.
A value-based insurance plan in Connecticut boosted employee use of targeted preventive services by 13.5 percentage points and reduced emergency room visits, leading to potential cost savings over time.
A University of Michigan study found that personality traits, such as being introverted or extroverted, affect how people interpret language in emails. Introverts are more likely to judge others harshly for grammatical errors, while extroverts tend to be more lenient.
A new University of Michigan-led study concludes that meeting the goal of reducing levels of algae-promoting phosphorus in Lake Erie by 40 percent will require widespread use of strong fertilizer-management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and targeted conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that older women have lost their advantage in living active lives, with a four-year decrease in active life expectancy at age 65 compared to men. Despite longer lives, women can now expect only two-and-a-half years free from disability after age 85.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that Lake Huron's Chinook salmon fishery is unlikely to recover due to a severe food shortage caused by the collapse of the alewife population. The study suggests that restoration of native fish species and adaptation to this new situation are crucial for the ecosystem's recovery.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a durable, inexpensive ice-repellent coating that can be applied to various surfaces, including airplanes, power lines, car windshinds, and freezers. The coating works by exploiting interfacial cavitation, a phenomenon where rubbery surfaces break free from solid ones with minimal force.
Researchers found that lead exposure during gestation and lactation altered the gut microbiota of adult mice, leading to increased body weight. The study suggests a potential link between early life lead exposure and obesity in adulthood.