Researchers found that climate change could disrupt the interactions between ruddy turnstone shorebirds and horseshoe crabs at Delaware Bay, leading to increased avian influenza infection rates. This could drive up the infection rate in resident ducks, potentially spreading novel subtypes among North American wild bird populations.
A University of Michigan study proposes eliminating social security payroll taxes starting at age 55 to encourage workers to stay on the job. This would result in a 10.6% increase in take-home pay and a 1.5-year extension of working life.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that children exposed to ethnic and political violence in the Middle East exhibit increased aggression, with younger children most affected. Exposure to conflict and violence is linked to aggressive behavior among children, particularly in families, schools, and neighborhoods.
A University of Michigan study found that tiny, freeloading clams form strong commensal relationships with larger hosts in soft-bottom habitats, allowing them to access previously unavailable habitats and thrive. This adaptation is associated with the evolution of megadiverse marine biodiversity.
Researchers discovered that lady beetles intercept and utilize Azteca instabilis ants' alarm pheromones to locate safe egg-laying sites. This finding reveals a complex interaction between insects, with potential implications for pest management on coffee plantations.
Researchers found that concussions and even lesser head impacts can speed up the brain's natural aging process, causing changes in gait, balance, attention, and impulse control. The study suggests a cumulative effect of repeated head impacts on the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a new stem cell therapy that uses patient's own cells to regenerate craniofacial tissues, resulting in greater bone density and quicker bone repair. The treatment is best suited for large defects such as those resulting from trauma, diseases or birth defects.
Computer simulations show that entropy can nudge particles into forming organized structures, with nearly 70% of tested shapes producing crystal-like structures. The researchers used 145 different shapes and analyzed how each behaved under different levels of crowding to predict which types of crystals would form.
A University of Michigan report found that Generation X is lukewarm about climate change, with a small but statistically significant decline in concern between 2009 and 2011. Only 5% of surveyed Gen Xers were alarmed, while 18% were concerned, with education and scientific knowledge being key factors in explaining levels of concern.
Scientists measured reactive oxygen species in worms and found high levels during early development, which may determine lifespan. Mutant worm variants lived longer due to better oxidative stress coping mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Michigan successfully tested a lab-on-a-chip technology to detect low levels of trichloroethylene in homes near Hill Air Force Base. The device, tailored to detect any contaminants, has potential applications for industrial chemicals, cancer biomarkers, and explosives detection.
Research indicates that older adults ages 65-92 struggle with 'tip-of-the-tongue' errors and other memory mishaps. In a study of 105 healthy, highly-educated participants, 61 percent reported these memory failures.
The new book concludes that American science is in good health, with traditional values helping the nation maintain its strength. While there are areas of concern, such as declining scientists' earnings and a decline in academic positions, the authors argue that globalization promotes efficiency through knowledge sharing.
Roughly 28% of low-income HIV-positive pregnant women reported depression, with African-American women facing barriers to care due to mistrust and unequal quality of care. Untreated depression poses significant risks to both mothers and fetuses, highlighting the need for targeted screening and treatment strategies.
Ecologists call for urgent action to preserve planet's remaining biodiversity, essential for natural ecosystem services like food and wood production. The 17 prominent ecologists' consensus statement highlights the critical role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem functions and human health.
A study analyzing genetic data from 1,706 father-son pairs found that indigenous religions allow for lower cuckoldry rates, with 1.3% vs 2.9%. This is attributed to menstrual taboos and pollution ideology promoting female honesty about fertility.
Scientists have developed a synthetic surface that allows adult-derived stem cells to thrive and transform into multiple cell types, including bone cells. Transplanting these bone cells into mice resulted in four times more new bone growth compared to without the extra bone cells.
A new study by the University of Michigan School of Public Health reveals that married men who discuss and negotiate healthy food changes with their partners are more likely to adopt a healthier diet. Without communication, good intentions often backfire, leading to compensatory unhealthy choices.
A team of scientists, including U-M's Stephen Smith, will attempt to complete the first rough draft of the entire tree of life in a three-year project. The Open Tree of Life project aims to enable scientists to interpret evolution patterns and predict responses to environmental change.
A study by University of Michigan anthropologists finds that religious rituals can foster cooperation among group members, while sacred values can sustain intractable conflicts. However, participation in collective religious ritual can also increase parochial altruism and opposition to compromise.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that people are more likely to disclose sensitive information via text messages than in voice interviews. Texting also led to more precise answers, as respondents had less time pressure in an asynchronous mode.
A University of Michigan study found that discarding unused medications in trash is a more environmentally friendly option than taking back programs. The researchers compared emissions from three disposal methods and concluded that landfilling was the best option due to its lower environmental impact.
Researchers found that administering cyclophosphamide before bone tumors took root fertilized the bone marrow, enabling cancer cells to seed and grow. The study reversed this effect by inhibiting CCL2, suggesting a potential approach for preventing metastasis in certain cancers.
Nanotechnology researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Connecticut have found a solution to the 'filling problem,' which can optimize cancer treatment, wireless network design and microchip manufacturing. The new approach uses a shape's skeleton to fill objects with discs of varying sizes.
A University of Michigan study finds that over 60% of young adults between 19-22 received financial assistance from their parents. The average amount was around $7,500 per year, with significant variations by family and individual characteristics.
A U-Mich study tracks changes in retirement plans after the Great Recession, finding that people who postponed retirement also expected to leave less for their heirs. Most respondents planned to work an additional 1-3 years due to financial losses, but few aimed to recoup their entire economic loss
A new study finds that biodiversity loss can reduce plant growth by 5-10% in ecosystems, comparable to climate warming and pollution effects. Stronger efforts are needed to protect biodiversity and its benefits.
A University of Michigan study found African-Americans with HIV have lower adherence rates to antiretroviral therapy compared to other patients. Untreated depression also hinders adherence in low-income HIV-infected patients regardless of race, but antidepressant treatment nearly doubles optimal ART adherence.
A University of Michigan study finds a significant correlation between world GDP and CO2 concentrations, highlighting the need for drastic changes in economic habits to combat global warming. The research suggests that carbon taxes could be an effective solution to reduce emissions and stabilize the climate.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new smart gas sensor that can detect airborne chemicals with higher sensitivity and consume less power. The sensor uses a novel approach to separate chemicals in the gas mixture, allowing for more accurate identification and analysis.
A new report from the University of Michigan reveals that GenX adults prepare an average of 10 meals a week and eat out or buy fast food three times a week. Men are surprisingly involved in cooking and grocery shopping, with men cooking an average of 8 meals per week. The study also highlights the importance of families gathering toget...
A new study suggests that implementing the World Health Organization's smoking reduction policy worldwide could prevent millions of smoking-related deaths by 2030. The policy, known as MPOWER, aims to reduce tobacco use through measures such as price increases and public awareness campaigns.
A study by researchers from the University of Michigan and others found that brain scans of a small group of people can predict the actions of entire populations. The neural reactions of a few individuals can forecast the responses of many other people to ad campaigns promoting specific behaviors.
A new project led by University of Michigan math professor Daniel Forger aims to understand how the brain's daily clock controls mood in humans and animals. The study uses mathematical modeling and experiments involving mice to examine the relationship between abnormal circadian rhythms and bipolar disorder.
A US study has found that physicians are less likely to prescribe antidepressants to African-American and Hispanic patients with major depressive disorder. The study also reveals significant variations in prescription patterns based on patient age, payment source, and physician ownership status.
The study's addition of genetic data provides a major new dimension for research, combining genetic background with data on older people's lives. Researchers will be able to describe behavioral and environmental risk factors for disease and disability.
A recent study found that teachers and parents significantly influence adolescent engagement in school, contrary to the widely-held belief that peers do. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,500 teens and found that social support from adults can counteract the negative effects of peers.
A University of Michigan team has identified a synthetic small molecule that can activate lysosome calcium channels, potentially treating rare inherited metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery could also provide insights into the aging process.
A year after the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, scientists are lacking fundamental knowledge about how nuclear fuels behave under extreme conditions. A review article calls for a long-term national research program to study this topic.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have designed a device that converts heartbeat vibrations into electricity to power pacemakers and defibrillators. The new energy harvester could save patients from repeated surgeries by reducing or eliminating the need for battery replacements.
Marin Clark's study challenges the long-held theory of plate tectonics by suggesting that mantle strength, not mountain height, is the key factor controlling convergence. The Indian sub-continent will halt its collision with Eurasia in about 20 million years due to the strong uppermost mantle beneath Tibet and the Himalayas.
A University of Michigan study found that pairing masks and hand washing can reduce flu-like symptoms by up to 75 percent. The research suggests that these measures should be used together for maximum effectiveness in preventing the spread of illness.
University of Michigan researchers use a liquid laser to detect genetic mutations that might predispose someone to a particular type of cancer. This new technique amplifies the difference in signals, making it hundreds of times brighter than current methods.
A University of Michigan report found that young adults in Generation X were moderately concerned about the flu and followed the issue closely. Despite a low vaccination rate, they responded accordingly by being well-informed and taking actions to protect themselves and their families.
Researchers found that unhealthy narcissism is more than twice as large a predictor of cortisol in males as in females, indicating chronic HPA axis activation. The study suggests that societal definitions of masculinity may contribute to the physiological effects of narcissism on men.
A study of 26 wealthy nations found that countries with a higher density of fast food restaurants per capita had much higher obesity rates compared to those with lower densities. Obesity rates in the US and Canada were significantly higher than in Japan and Norway, suggesting free market policies may have unintended side effects.
A new study reveals that acid rain's impact on Great Lakes sugar maples goes beyond soil acidification. Excess nitrogen from acid rain slows microbial decay of dead leaves, creating a physical barrier for seedlings. This mechanism is expected to worsen as nitrogen deposition increases by the end of the century.
A new study by the University of Michigan finds that CAFE standards can create a financial incentive for automakers to produce larger vehicles, leading to increased carbon emissions. The study suggests that the policy can be adjusted to reduce these unintended incentives.
Researchers found that paper wasps can differentiate between unaltered faces faster and more accurately than geometric patterns or altered facial images. The ability to recognize individuals is crucial for colony stability in species like P. fuscatus.
Researchers have optimized a type of optical resonator to boost infrared signals to higher-energy ultraviolet beams using low-power nonlinear processes. This enables the creation of low-cost, wavelength-tunable ultraviolet sources with applications in chemical detection, medical imaging and fine lithography.