Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a new hormone called NRG4 that serves as a messenger from fat cells to the liver, regulating sugar conversion into fat. Mice with elevated NRG4 levels were protected from metabolic disorders, suggesting its potential as a treatment for obesity and related diseases.
University of Michigan researchers demonstrate how chains of self-assembling particles can form and extend when exposed to an alternating electric field. This innovation could enable electronics that rewire on demand and pave the way for development of tiny, mobile robots with potential applications in medicine and manufacturing.
A University of Michigan study found that patients cared for by nurses with bachelor of science degrees had better care, fewer readmissions and shorter stays. The research estimated that these improvements could save around $5.6 million annually.
The University of Michigan student researchers compiled a comprehensive citywide greenhouse gas inventory for Detroit, highlighting key emission sources and areas for improvement. The report shows that energy use in buildings accounts for nearly two-thirds of the city's emissions, with exhaust from cars contributing to about 30%.
A new University of Michigan study finds that children born to mothers with higher education levels tend to excel academically in reading and math. The research suggests that the educational attainment of adolescent mothers has a lasting impact on their children's academic achievement, particularly if birth occurs later in life.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that a single neuron in C. elegans can regulate both speed and direction of movement, routing information through multiple downstream neural circuits. This fundamental biological mechanism has implications for understanding human brain function.
Researchers will collect location-specific information from tens of thousands of individuals with autism and their families nationwide to investigate potential environmental influences. The study aims to link self-reported data to relevant social and environmental stressors using geospatial technology.
A University of Michigan molecular biologist re-examines data from a controversial study claiming that complete food genes can pass into human blood. The researcher found evidence of contamination in laboratory samples, suggesting that DNA from food and skin microorganisms are present in the same sample tubes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created rounded crystals with no facets, resembling starfish shells. These nanolobes have potential applications in guiding light for LEDs and solar cells, as well as repelling water and dirt.
A new study found that older adults who feel comfortable with the aging process are more proactive in seeking preventive health care services. These individuals were more likely to undergo regular health screenings, such as cholesterol tests and mammograms, compared to those who were less satisfied with aging.
A new study led by University of Michigan researchers finds that microcystin-producing cyanobacteria in Lake Erie are becoming more sensitive to phosphorus, suggesting current reduction targets may not be enough to curb blooms. The team also suggests invasive quagga and zebra mussels may be driving the trend.
A new study by the University of Michigan and NASA reveals that the Four Corners region in the US Southwest has the largest methane signal seen from space, with over half a teragram emitted annually. The research uses satellite data to identify the source of the emissions, which are likely caused by infrastructure and coalbed methane.
A gene mutation that causes a rare premature aging disease could lead to the development of drugs that block rapid cell division in cancer. Researchers discovered a protein mutation that inhibits telomerase, allowing for the potential treatment of cancer and bone marrow failure.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new approach to discovering potential cancer treatments, replicating the native environment of cancer cells. They identified an antibody, 4C3, that stops breast cancer tumor growth in animal models and are investigating its potential as a treatment for human patients.
Researchers will sequence the genomes of 10,000 people with European, Hispanic, and African-American ancestry to better understand two mental health disorders. The goal is to identify genetic targets for drug development and improve disease prediction.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have extended the lifetime of blue organic light emitting diodes by a factor of 10, improving OLED efficiencies for smartphones and large-screen TVs. The new design spreads out light-producing energy to prevent damaging synergy, resulting in a tenfold increase in lifetime.
A study of chimpanzee aggression over five decades found that killings are not a result of human activities, but rather an adaptive tactic to eliminate rivals. The research provides strong support for the view that killing is an evolved behavior, increasing access to resources and improving survival rates.
Researchers discovered that mice missing TRPML1 calcium channel developed similar muscle defects as those present in muscular dystrophy patients. Increasing the activity of this channel improved muscle membrane repair and restored function. The goal is to develop a drug that can activate TRPML1 for potential treatment in humans.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of older adults (18 million) struggle with daily activities, with 20% requiring assistance. The majority receive help from informal caregivers, but unmet needs persist, particularly among those with few economic resources.
Researchers found that adopting the USDA's 'Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010' would lead to a 12% increase in diet-related greenhouse gas emissions due to increased consumption of dairy products and seafood. In contrast, reducing daily caloric intake while shifting to a healthier diet would result in only a 1% decrease in emissions.
Scientists found that sunlight, not bacteria, dominates the production of carbon dioxide in Arctic inland waters. Photochemical processing accounts for up to 95% of carbon conversion.
The U-Michigan Water Center is joining the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to oversee research at a nationwide network of 28 coastal reserves. The program aims to improve stewardship of economically significant estuaries facing water-quality degradation, habitat loss, and climate change.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that social and demographic factors, such as college graduates and diverse populations, contribute to the growth of gourmet food trucks. The study also reveals that cities with more craft breweries and farmer's markets tend to have more food trucks.
Research at the University of Michigan found that lead exposure in mouse mothers is associated with increased weight and obesity in male offspring, as well as impaired insulin response. The study suggests that toxicant exposures during pregnancy can contribute to the obesity epidemic.
A University of Michigan study reveals that over half of US hospitals missed the electronic health record deadline, potentially leading to significant financial penalties. The study found that rural and small hospitals are lagging behind in adopting digital medical records.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technology that uses nanpillars to hide images on labels, revealing them with a breath. This could help prevent counterfeit drugs from reaching consumers and is made possible through a cost-effective manufacturing process.
The University of Michigan is developing a wearable vapor sensor that can detect airborne chemicals for continuous disease monitoring. The device has the potential to track conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, and lung disease.
University of Michigan researchers identified a protein called TRIP13 that enables cancer cells to repair themselves and survive despite chemotherapy. The team found an existing chemical compound that can block this process, potentially increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatment and improving patient survival rates.
An international research team has shown that the soft X-ray glow blanketing the sky originates from both inside and outside the solar system. The bulk of the radiation comes from a local hot bubble of gas in our galactic neighborhood, while the solar wind contributes up to 40 percent.
Biophysics researchers at the University of Michigan have identified specific molecular vibrations that help enable charge separation in photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight into chemical energy. The findings could lead to more efficient solar cells and energy storage systems.
A new University of Michigan study simulates the effects of an oil pipeline break in the Straits of Mackinac, finding that oil would quickly contaminate shorelines in both lakes Michigan and Huron. The straits' powerful currents and frequent reversals make it a highly vulnerable location for an oil spill.
Economists at the University of Michigan have developed a new data infrastructure that uses aggregated and de-identified data from a mobile payments app to measure consumers' spending and income on a daily basis. The research finds that spending jumps on the day payments arrive and remains high for several subsequent days, reflecting c...
Researchers found that Martian salts can melt ice they touch, forming liquid water within minutes. The discovery suggests small amounts of liquid water could exist across large swaths of Mars' surface, potentially supporting microbial life.
Two new fish-spawning reefs will be built in the St. Clair River to boost native species such as lake sturgeon, walleye, and lake whitefish. The $3.5 million project aims to restore habitat by providing river-bottom rock structures suitable for spawning.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that metal particles in memristors can migrate and form bridges between electrodes, allowing for more efficient chip design and potential advancements in memristor technology. The findings, published in Nature Communications, have broad implications for the semiconductor industry.
Understanding the structure and movement within molecular factories in microorganisms enables researchers to design and engineer systems for producing novel drugs. The discovery provides a blueprint for redesigning microbial assembly lines, holding promise for developing new medicines.
A University of Michigan study found that occasional mowing creates conditions for ragweed to thrive, while leaving vacant lots unmowed reduces hay fever triggers. The researchers recommend regular or no mowing to reduce ragweed pollen exposure.
Researchers found that despite similarities in body forms, look-alike snakes from the two continents differ dramatically in diet. Australian elapid snakes specialize in lizards and other snakes as prey, while their North American counterparts focus on invertebrates such as insects and spiders.
University of Michigan researchers have developed a polariton laser that can emit coherent light, works at room temperature, and requires significantly less power. The device is the most real-world ready of its kind and has potential applications in medical devices, treatments, and more.
Researchers found that if all eye doctors prescribed the less expensive bevacizumab instead of ranibizumab for treating common eye diseases, Medicare could save $18 billion over a decade. This would also result in patients saving $4.6 billion in co-pays and the private healthcare system saving an additional $29 billion.
A new study by Yu Xie reveals growing inequalities in scientific research, with rewards and recognition disproportionately benefiting the wealthy and well-connected. The findings highlight the need to address these disparities to ensure fair access to resources and opportunities for talented scientists of all backgrounds.
A group of over 100 biologists argue that collecting plant and animal specimens is essential for scientific research and conservation. They claim that alternative methods such as photography and DNA analysis cannot reliably identify or describe species. The authors emphasize the importance of preserved specimens in understanding evolut...
The Detroit Lions' new model of corporate social responsibility emphasizes deeper relationships with a small core group of community nonprofits and organizations. The team's giving strategy focuses on two areas of greatest need in Detroit: health and wellness and community development.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a device that converts terahertz light into sound, enabling efficient detection and imaging in fields like airport security, medical imaging, and astronomy. The system is compact, sensitive, and works at room temperature.
A study analyzing US presidential State of the Union addresses from 1790 to 2012 reveals a significant increase in egotism over the past century. Characteristics related to self-interest have consistently risen since the early 20th century, peaking after economic booms and declining during times of economic crisis.
The University of Michigan has launched a new online repository of fossils, featuring high-definition 3-D models of prehistoric creatures. The digital showcase allows users to manipulate and examine the fossils in detail, providing a valuable resource for researchers and sparking interest in young scientists.
A recent study analyzed 20 years of data on 2,717 marriages and found that when the wife becomes seriously ill, the risk of divorce rises. Women are more likely to be widowed and get divorced when they become ill, possibly due to caregiving responsibilities and limited marriage market options for divorced men.
Researchers found viruses force bacteria to burn sulfur reserves, releasing energy for viral replication. The study reveals a new microbial interaction in deep-sea environments, hinting that viruses act as agents of evolution in chemosynthetic systems.
A 9,000-year-old caribou hunting drive lane has been found beneath Lake Huron, revealing distinct seasonal approaches used by Late Paleoindian/Early Archaic caribou hunters. The complex structure, known as Drop 45 Drive Lane, features stone lanes and blinds that suggest a larger cooperating group of individuals was involved in the hunt.
A 32-year study in Finnish Lapland found that 90% of moth species are stable or increasing, despite rising temperatures and precipitation. However, warmer temperatures reduced population growth rates, suggesting unknown ecological forces may be masking the negative effects of climate change.