A new study shows that a small implantable device can attract and capture malignant cells in breast cancer patients, potentially giving doctors earlier warnings of relapse. The device exploits the natural attraction of cancer cells to specific areas of the body, slowing down their spread to other organs.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed solar cells that can track the sun using a kirigami-inspired design. The array of small solar cells tilts within a larger panel, keeping their surfaces more perpendicular to the sun's rays and raising the effective area soaking up sunlight.
College students' daily marijuana use has increased to 5.9% in 2014, the highest rate since 1980, with use on 20 or more occasions in the prior 30 days reported by one in every 17 students. This increase parallels an uptick in high school seniors' marijuana use.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that a yeast vacuole plays a vital role in initiating the cell-division cycle. The study's findings suggest a 'checkpoint mechanism' that prevents cell-cycle progression if essential organelles aren't present, which could lead to new insights into cancer treatment.
Researchers at University of Michigan examined two mindsets: fit theory and develop theory. They found that both are equally effective in achieving vocational well-being, with differing motivations. People with the fit theory prioritize initial enjoyment, while those with the develop theory focus on cultivating passion over time.
Significant improvements were made in National School Lunch Program nutrition for middle and high school students after the US Department of Agriculture updated its nutrition standards in 2012-13. At least 80% of secondary students attended schools that offered nonfat milk and fruits and vegetables daily by 2013.
A University of Michigan study found that teens using marijuana for medical reasons are 10 times more likely to say they're addicted than those who use it illegally. The study highlights the need for improved medical marijuana policies to address teen addiction.
University of Michigan researchers created a computer model that predicts the flow of liquid medication in human lungs, providing new insight into treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. The model suggests using a less concentrated version of the medication and optimizing its delivery based on individual patient characteristics.
Researchers predict a severe harmful algal bloom in western Lake Erie, with expected severity index of 8.7, posing risks to swimmers, boaters, and drinking water supply. The bloom will develop from west to east and peak in September, with local weather conditions influencing its impact.
Scientists at University of Michigan and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center discovered microscopic nanotubes facilitating cell-to-cell communication in stem cells. The findings suggest that these structures may play a crucial role in retaining stem cell identities during division.
A new University of Michigan study suggests that napping may be an effective strategy to counteract impulsive behavior and boost tolerance for frustration. The study found that taking a nap increased participants' ability to persevere through difficult tasks.
A months-long literature search uncovered evidence that a microscopic aquatic parasite, Blastulidium paedophthorum, is a widespread and virulent multi-host parasite in southeastern Michigan lakes. The research found that the parasite significantly impacts host fecundity without reducing Daphnia lifespan.
A new study by University of Michigan graduate research fellow Micaela Martinez-Bakker reveals that silent transmission of poliovirus could continue for more than three years with no reported cases. To ensure eradication, aggressive surveillance programs and vaccination campaigns must continue in endemic countries.
The Gulf of Mexico is forecasted to have a large 'dead zone' this year due to nutrient-rich runoff from farming states, with the predicted size ranging from 4,344 to 5,985 sq mi. The region's oxygen levels are expected to drop significantly, affecting commercial and sports fisheries.
Researchers found that lower oxygen levels led to increased precipitation and warmer temperatures due to the resulting drop in atmospheric density. The study's findings suggest that changes in oxygen concentrations may help explain features of past climates not accounted for by variations in carbon dioxide levels.
A study by University of Michigan researcher Monica Dus found a hormone that triggers digestive response to real sugar but not artificial sweeteners in fruit flies, suggesting humans may have similar mechanism. This discovery helps explain why diet foods fail to satiate hunger and lead to weight gain.
A recent study by the University of Michigan found that African-American women are equally likely to experience infertility as their white counterparts, yet they often cope with it alone due to social stigma. The study reveals that these women face discrimination in medical settings and feel a negative impact on their self-esteem.
A University of Michigan study found that poor families struggle to stay afloat with bills and debt, leading to 'consumption smoothing' where they acquire more debt. Higher wages and robust safety nets are needed to help families recover.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified the genetic blueprint of a bacteria that produces ET-743, a compound extracted from a marine invertebrate. This discovery expands understanding of the microbe and could lead to lab-grown production of the cancer-fighting drug.
Researchers found that FDA-approved cancer drugs nilotinib or bafetinib can prevent overgrowth of neuron endings associated with Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome. The study used fruit fly models, showing the drugs did not harm healthy brain development.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new material that stays liquid at temperatures below its expected freezing point but crystallizes upon writing or rubbing. This unique property makes it highly sensitive to pressure and could lead to breakthroughs in biosensors, optical memory, and electronic devices.
Researchers found that climate-driven erosion influences the age and abundance of exposed copper porphyry deposits globally. The study used data on the age and number of exposed deposits to compare with climate patterns, revealing a strong connection between erosion rates and deposit distribution.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that L-arginine can break down dental plaque, a biofilm that contributes to cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This naturally occurring amino acid may provide an alternative to current antimicrobial treatments, which can affect taste and stain teeth.
A new study from the University of Michigan and Texas A¼M reveals that pollen can break down into tiny particles that act as cloud condensation nuclei, forming clouds. This discovery has significant implications for climate science and public health.
Researchers observe complex biochemical interactions between nerves and cancer cells, challenging conventional wisdom on perineural invasion. This dance-like movement allows cancer cells to invade nerves, leading to poor patient survival and severe complications.
A study by the University of Michigan found that cleaner school bus fuels can improve children's health, particularly those with asthma, by reducing inflammation and airborne particles. The research suggests a potential 14 million fewer absences from school annually if all vehicles were altered to reduce emissions.
A new gene involved in blood-forming stem cells has been discovered by U-M researchers, providing insights into the body's ability to create and maintain a healthy blood supply. The Ash1l gene plays a critical role in regulating hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and self-renewal potential.
Researchers have discovered a protein biomarker that may indicate the presence of more aggressive prostate cancer. The biomarker, Runx2 phosphorylation, is closely associated with aggressive disease and has the potential to be a new drug target.
Researchers study the Great Lakes to determine what controls the toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms, which can be deadly to humans. They found high levels of hydrogen peroxide in Lake Erie's surface waters, which may contribute to bloom toxicity.
A newly developed drug may also be effective in treating brittle bone disease, a rare genetic disorder that affects bone formation. The therapy has shown promising results in young mice with the condition, with no reduction in midshaft bone strength after treatment stopped.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that genetic mutations affecting yeast gene expression can impact evolutionary fitness. The study revealed that natural selection favors consistent gene expression, suggesting a link between gene variability and evolutionary outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an open-source digital assistant called Sirius, which uses advanced algorithms to interpret voice commands and answer questions in spoken words. The system has the potential to revolutionize the development of wearable devices and datacenter infrastructure.
A study by Dae Hee Kwak found that flipping a coin yields better results than carefully selecting March Madness brackets. The researcher's informal bracket alongside his study showed average scores better than the average of study participants.
The study provides high-resolution pictures of two closely related enzymes, lysosomal phospholipase A2 (LPLA2) and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), which play crucial roles in metabolizing cholesterol and other lipids. The findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying these disorders and suggest potential thera...
Physicists use high-resolution spectroscopy to study and control matter, enabling precise control over atomic transitions and revealing hidden information about atom structure. The technique has applications in quantum computing, where it could offer significant boosts in computing power and improve computer security.
The draft U-M report examines seven chapters of policy options for hydraulic fracturing in Michigan, including public participation, water resources, and chemical use. The report presents information on likely strengths and outcomes to support informed decision-making.
A new semiconductor compound is bringing fresh momentum to the field of spintronics, an emerging breed of computing device that may lead to smaller, faster, less power-hungry electronics. The compound's unique low-symmetry crystal structure offers much greater flexibility, enabling precise control over conductivity and magnetism.
A University of Michigan-led study has found that penguins have lost the genes for the umami and bitter tastes, as well as a sweeter taste, which is puzzling given their diet of fish. The loss of these tastes likely occurred due to ancient climate-cooling events in Antarctica.
A National Research Council committee recommends exploring CO2 removal strategies, while cautioning against sunlight-reflecting tactics due to environmental and health risks. The committee calls for increased research into all climate intervention possibilities to address the urgent need to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that parents with traditional beliefs about masculinity and femininity are more likely to view pay-to-play sports fees as too high for their daughters. However, other studies have shown that parental support is influenced by a child's interest in an activity, not gender.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that mercury concentrations in Hawaiian yellowfin tuna increased at a rate of 3.8% per year from 1998 to 2008, likely due to rising atmospheric mercury levels. This increase is consistent with global trends and highlights the need for stricter policies to reduce mercury emissions.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Tamiflu significantly shortens the duration of flu symptoms by about one day and reduces respiratory infections by 44%., Researchers analyzed data from over 4,300 patients and found the drug also decreased hospital admissions by 63%.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new process to create "hedgehog particles" that can easily disperse in water and dissolve in oil. This innovation has the potential to reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from paints and coatings, resulting in fewer respiratory and climate change issues.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new battery technology using a Kevlar membrane to prevent lithium-ion fires and enhance safety. The membrane, made with nanofibers extracted from Kevlar, stifles the growth of metal tendrils that can become unwanted pathways for electrical current.
A University of Michigan study found that fans and consumers separate an athlete's immoral behavior from their athletic performance more easily. This led to a less severe backlash for Tiger Woods' extramarital affairs compared to Lance Armstrong's doping scandal.
Researchers discovered a protein in E. coli that inhibits the accumulation of toxic amyloids, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The finding could lead to a new therapeutic approach for treating Parkinson's.
A new study from University of Michigan researchers reveals that competition between predators and parasites can strengthen biological control systems, rather than weaken them. This counterintuitive finding has potential applications for organic farming and pest control, where synthetic pesticides are not allowed.
A mathematical model identified booster schedules that result in the greatest reduction in whooping cough disease with the lowest economic cost. The most effective strategies varied depending on the underlying causes of the resurgence, including insufficient vaccine coverage, low vaccine efficacy, waning immunity, and leaky vaccines.
A University of Michigan-led research team found that combining bed nets and certain malaria vaccines can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in older age classes. The study suggests that the joint use of bed nets and some malaria vaccines may make the problem worse, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified how a promising drug, amlexanox, improves sugar metabolism by generating a new signal between fat cells and the liver. The findings suggest a new pathway for future treatments for obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.