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.
A University of Michigan study found a 92% increase in children seeking medical assistance for concussions in states with concussion laws. The legislation, combined with heightened public awareness, has led to significant increases in concussion treatment rates among school-age athletes.
A new University of Michigan study found that expectant fathers experience significant hormonal changes, including declines in testosterone and estradiol, even before their babies are born. These changes may be linked to psychological and physical transformations as men prepare to become fathers.
University of Michigan researchers devise a reliable way to grow cancer cells from patients outside the body for study, increasing success rate to over 73% and opening doors to tailored therapies. The new technique could enable doctors to track cancer progression in real-time, making treatment decisions more informed.
Researchers at the University of Michigan's CYGNSS satellite system will offer improved wind speed and storm intensity forecasts. The system could reduce forecast errors by 9 knots or about 10 mph, which is a significant improvement considering hurricane strength categories increase every 20 mph.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers suggests that using war metaphors to describe cancer can have a negative impact on prevention behaviors. Participants who were exposed to such language were less likely to consider limiting unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
A genetic study found shared mutations between house dust mite populations in the US and South Asia, indicating migration across continents. The discovery highlights the potential for these tiny creatures to travel long distances and establish new populations.
Physicists at the University of Michigan have discovered samarium hexaboride, a topological insulator that could enable quantum computers and other next-generation electronics. The material's properties include rare Dirac electrons with potential applications in qubit development.
A new online tool, Cities Impact Assessment Tool (CIAT), helps cities in the Great Lakes region anticipate and prepare for climate-related challenges. The tool provides climate histories, projections, and adaptation strategies to support informed policy and infrastructure decisions.
A new model proposes that iron carbide could explain the anomalously slow S waves, thus eliminating the need to invoke partial melting. This would imply that as much as two-thirds of the planet's carbon is hidden in its center sphere.
A study of Aegean wall lizard populations on Greek islands reveals that island tameness is driven by both predator diversity and island isolation. Lizards on small, long-isolated islands are most susceptible to introduced predators, highlighting the need for conservation efforts prioritizing these populations.
A team of University of Michigan researchers has created a novel plastic blend that conducts heat exceptionally well, up to 10 times better than traditional plastics. This breakthrough could lead to the development of light, versatile materials for electronics and vehicles.
Researchers discovered a subset of cartilage-making cells that replicate themselves and drive bone growth, offering new hope for children with facial deformities. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments for corrective facial surgery in children.
Researchers found that teens prescribed anxiety or sleep medications during their lifetime were 12 times more likely to misuse those drugs than those who had never been prescribed. The study also highlighted the risk of overdose when these medications are mixed with narcotics or alcohol.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that circularly polarized light can influence the self-assembly of nanoparticles into chirally specific structures. This phenomenon has implications for understanding homochirality and potentially developing new methods for inducing chirality in molecules.
Scientists found that agricultural crops play a significant role in seasonal fluctuations of carbon dioxide, which could help understand and predict how Earth's vegetation reacts to global warming. The study reveals a nuance in the carbon cycle, explaining about 25% of the increase in seasonal swings with croplands.
As energy becomes scarce, daily life in Western industrial nations will downshift into simpler forms due to reduced consumption. Behavioral scientists aim to help people cope with the transition by pre-familiarizing them with the changes and encouraging small, voluntary social experiments.
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health found an association between phthalate exposure and increased levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress in pregnant women. Oxidative stress may be related to preterm birth, adverse fetal development, and maternal health complications.