Researchers found that urine mercury concentrations may overestimate exposure to dental amalgam fillings, especially in populations with low occupational exposure. The study used mercury isotopes to accurately assess human exposure and provides a novel method for determining health risks.
Researchers discovered three new, previously unknown clam species that diverged from a common ancestor over 10 million years ago. A climate-cooling event may have played a role in their evolution, leading to the creation of distinct biogeographic provinces along Australia's coastline.
A study by University of Michigan researchers found that strictly protected areas and indigenous lands successfully limit deforestation in the Amazon. The research used remote-sensing data from 292 protected areas and found that these types of protection are more effective than sustainable-use areas.
A recent genetic study of house dust mites demonstrates reversible evolution, contradicting Dollo's law. The research found that these tiny creatures evolved from parasites, but then returned to a free-living lifestyle, speciating in various habitats, including human habitations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that green tea extract can prevent the misfolding of specific proteins in the brain, which is associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study found that a molecule in green tea, EGCG, prevented aggregate formation and broke down existing structures in proteins containing metals.
Researchers found that prolonged exposure to the stress hormone corticosterone enabled tadpoles to increase the size of their tails, improving their ability to avoid lethal predator attacks. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity and its role in animal survival.
A University of Michigan researcher has developed a new early warning system that can predict malaria epidemics in northwest India up to four months in advance using sea surface temperature forecasts. The system improves public health by increasing lead time for disease prevention strategies.
Researchers have discovered a new method to prevent graft-versus-host disease, a severe complication of bone marrow transplants. By inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway, they were able to block the disease without compromising the anti-cancer effects of transplantation.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are studying how exercise affects lean and obese rats to better understand insulin resistance and muscle glucose uptake. By comparing responses in both groups, they aim to develop more effective treatments for improving health across different populations.
Researchers studied cockroaches' gait patterns using kinematic phase analysis, revealing a substantial delay in the nervous system's response time. This finding suggests that periodic feedback systems might lead to more stable walking robots.
Researchers detected water in lunar anorthosites, contradicting the popular moon-formation model that suggests the moon was formed from debris generated by a giant impact. The discovery indicates that the early moon was wet and that water may have played a key role in its development.
Researchers discovered a genetic program that promotes longevity in roundworms at cold temperatures and found it exists in humans. The study links calcium signaling to aging for the first time, suggesting exposure to cold air or stimulation of this genetic program may promote mammalian longevity.
A recent study found that Arctic permafrost's ancient carbon is released into the atmosphere at a rate 40% faster than previously thought when exposed to sunlight. Sunlight increases bacterial conversion of carbon into carbon dioxide, which accelerates climate warming.
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan's Life Sciences Institute has found that amlexanox, an off-patent drug, can reverse obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver in mice. The study suggests that the drug works by inhibiting two genes involved in metabolic balance, leading to increased metabolism and weight loss.
Researchers found that cues for rewards can instantly transform motivation, with even unpleasant events becoming desired. The study used salt appetite to demonstrate how powerful neural mechanisms can turn a repulsive cue into an attractive one.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a new reflective color display technology that can lock in color and reduce power consumption. The technology uses nanoscale metallic grooves to funnel light into specific wavelengths, resulting in vibrant colors that remain true regardless of viewing angle.
Researchers at University of Michigan discover that nanoparticles have an Achilles heel - they can't escape the bloodstream to reach diseased tissue. However, larger microspheres can be used as drug carriers, ferrying nanospheres to vessel walls or using different shapes to evade red blood cells.
A recent University of Michigan study found that young adults in Generation X maintain a healthy balance between personal and electronic social networking. The study, which included responses from 3,027 Gen Xers, also revealed that individuals with higher levels of education tend to have larger social networks.
Researchers found that the amino acid composition of red oak and sugar maple leaves is strikingly similar, contradicting conventional wisdom. Protein quality in oak leaves was higher than in maple leaves, partly explaining why maple trees are less nutritious.
A study of over 75,000 adults found that late middle-aged adults, particularly women, report higher levels of emotional reactivity and perspective-taking. This inverted U-shaped pattern suggests a potential link between age-related cognitive changes and empathy.
Scientists have created a way to produce crystalline silicon directly at just 180 F by using liquid metal, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly process. The new method has the potential to significantly reduce production costs and make alternative semiconductors more viable for solar energy applications.
Researchers found that female mice exposed to BPA through their mother's diet had increased activity and leaner body mass than those not exposed. The study contradicts previous findings on BPA's role in obesity, highlighting the importance of exposure timing and duration.
Researchers at University of Michigan developed a nanoscale coating that repels over 95% of liquids, including oils, alcohols, and toxic acids. The coating uses air pockets to reduce intermolecular forces, causing liquids to bounce off the surface.
Researchers have identified a specific section of chromosome 2 that regulates von Willebrand factor levels, a key substance in blood clotting. The findings may lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for bleeding disorders.
Researchers used electric stimulation to release an opiate-like substance that reduces pain in the brain. The study found a significant improvement in patients' threshold for cold pain, but not their clinical pain levels. Repeated sessions are required for lasting effects.
A new therapeutic ultrasound approach converts light to sound, focusing high-pressure waves to finer points than ever before. The device can blast and cut with pressure, rather than heat, potentially operating painlessly.
A comprehensive environmental threat map reveals high stress levels in some areas of the Great Lakes, with cumulative effects of multiple stressors impacting ecosystem health. The map provides a scientific foundation for sustainable management of the lakes, highlighting areas where human benefits and stress intersect.
A new study reveals that many Amazon tree species are likely to survive human-caused climate warming in the coming century. However, researchers warn of the impact of extreme drought and forest fires as temperatures rise. Conservation efforts should focus on reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and preventing deforestation.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that Vega, a star used as a reference point for measuring other stars' brightness, is approximately 200 million years older than previously estimated. The star's rotation rate and mass were also precisely measured using the Michigan Infrared Combiner tool.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a system to capture and study circulating tumor cells, which carry cancer around the body. The device uses nanoscale roughness to trap cancer cells regardless of their surface proteins or physical sizes.
A University of Michigan-led study found that individuals of mixed ancestry among hybrid howler monkeys are physically indistinguishable from pure individuals of each species. The findings suggest that the role of interbreeding in human evolution may have been underestimated due to limitations in the fossil record.
Scientists have found elusive Dirac electrons in a unique material, paving the way for faster and more secure quantum computing. The discovery uses superconducting properties to create a new kind of qubit, potentially overcoming local noise problems in quantum computers.
Researchers at U-M found BPA in fetal liver tissue, with varying levels of exposure detected. The study suggests that fetuses may not be able to metabolize BPA as effectively as adults, highlighting the importance of understanding internal doses for health effects.
Despite the devastating effects of smoking on cancer treatment and survival, many cancer patients struggle to quit due to various obstacles. Nicotine addiction, limited access to support programs, and socioeconomic status are just a few of the hurdles that hinder smoking cessation.
The University of Michigan will establish M-STEM Academies with a five-year grant to attract diverse group of science, math and engineering students. The program aims to provide support system for high-ability students, increasing the number of STEM graduates with high GPAs.
The University of Michigan and Michigan State University have awarded six grants to organizations across the region for projects that will help decision-makers adapt to climate change and variability in the Great Lakes basin. The grants aim to identify vulnerabilities, strengths, and knowledge related to climate change, and provide rel...
A study led by the University of Michigan found that doctors tend to spend excessive time on early cases and rush at the end of the list, leading to miscommunication and preventable medical errors. Researchers suggest prioritizing handoff conversations for the sickest patients first to improve patient care and reduce errors.
A University of Michigan study found that 115,000 women lose their private health insurance every year after divorce, leading to depression for more than two years. Women in moderate-income families face the greatest loss of insurance coverage, while full-time work and education can serve as buffers against losing health insurance.
The new electrode is 10 times smaller than its competitors, with a conductive gel pad that cozies up to soft cell membranes, reducing inflammation and improving signal clarity. Long-term testing showed promise in stabilizing immune responses, paving the way for future brain-machine interfaces.
Michigan Engineering researchers have made a breakthrough in biofuel production by developing a quick cook method that turns algae into biocrude. The new method achieves an unprecedented 65 percent conversion rate, outperforming previous results after just one minute of heating.
Researchers found that nisin slows or stops tumor growth by interrupting the cell cycle in cancer cells but not healthy ones. The study's findings suggest that nisin triggers cell death through the activation of protein CHAC1, which is a new role for this protein.
Research reveals antagonistic pleiotropy is very common in yeast, where genes can harm or benefit depending on environment. The study's findings have broad implications for human genetics and disease treatment.
A University of Michigan report found that less than half of Generation X adults can identify the Milky Way galaxy. The study also discovered a link between knowledge about the universe and personal attitudes.
The University of Michigan and 20 other U.S. and Canadian universities are launching the Great Lakes Futures Project to protect and restore the Great Lakes through science-based scenario analysis. The project aims to develop white papers outlining critical drivers of change in the basin over the past 50 years and the next 50 years.
Researchers find hydroxyl compounds in lunar regolith created by solar wind implantation, leading to widespread water presence in lunar materials. The discovery suggests ice in permanently shadowed polar craters could contain hydrogen atoms from solar wind.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding how the hormone leptin regulates metabolism and body weight. By visualizing the interaction between leptin and its receptor, researchers may develop new drugs to overcome leptin resistance, a key factor in obesity.
Researchers have discovered smallest and fastest-known RNA switches, which could provide new targets for drug development. The newly found excited states of RNA molecules offer potential for disrupting HIV replication and interfering with protein assembly in bacterial ribosomes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that paroxetine inhibits GRK2, a protein kinase involved in heart failure, improving myocardial contractility without affecting heart rate. The team hopes to optimize and develop these compounds into therapeutic leads for heart failure treatment.
Researchers developed a method to measure mercury and other toxic metals in fluids using nano-velcro, which can detect methyl mercury at record-breaking accuracy. The device is cheap, easy to use and may lead to safer foods on the dinner table.
A steady job is associated with improved medication adherence and reduced risk of non-adherence among working-age diabetics. Lack of employment increases stress, financial strain, and access barriers, leading to lower adherence rates.