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University of Michigan


Friends with cognitive benefits

A University of Michigan study found that brief episodes of cooperative social contact enhance executive function, a key component of mental activity. Engaging in conversations with a friendly tone results in improved performance on common cognitive tasks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 27, 2010

Complexity not so costly after all, analysis shows

A new analysis by Jianzhi Zhang and coworkers reveals flaws in models predicting the cost of complexity and finds that moderate complexity best enables organisms to adapt. The study challenged assumptions underlying traditional mathematical models, suggesting that a moderate amount of complexity is beneficial for adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2010

Homework wars: How can parents improve the odds of winning?

According to a study at the University of Michigan, children who see homework as an investment rather than a chore are more likely to spend time on it. The researchers found that students who expected to have a job dependent on their education were more likely to invest time in homework and had better grades over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 19, 2010

Pilot safety protocol could help dentists reduce errors

A pilot-dentist duo proposes adapting airline crew resource management principles to dental offices, aiming to reduce human errors and improve patient safety. By implementing standardized safety procedures and empowering team members with CRM checklists, dentists can significantly reduce complications and deaths in surgical settings.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateAug 2, 2010

Shade-coffee farms support native bees that maintain genetic diversity in tropical forests

A University of Michigan biologist and a colleague at the University of California, Berkeley, found that shade-grown coffee farms support native bees that pollinate native trees and enhance genetic diversity. The study suggests that these bees play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in tropical regions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2010

Fossil find puts a face on early primates

A recent discovery of a 29-million-year-old fossil catarrhine provides new insights into the facial anatomy of the ancestral stock of apes and Old World monkeys. The Saadanius skull supports the hypothesis that the last common ancestor had a baboon-like, long snout, similar to that of modern true apes and monkeys.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2010

Tiny clays curb big earthquakes

Researchers have discovered that tiny smectitic clay coatings on the rock surfaces of the San Andreas fault reduce friction and facilitate creeping motion. This coating, less than 100 nanometers thick, acts as a lubricant, allowing the fault to move slowly and steadily over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeology·DateJun 24, 2010

Flu doesn't die out, it hides out

A genetic analysis reveals that flu strains in the US don't disappear at the end of winter, but instead migrate to South America and other parts of the world. This knowledge has implications for public health efforts, including antiviral use and vaccination programs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 27, 2010

New nanoscale electrical phenomenon discovered

Researchers have discovered a new nanoscale electrical phenomenon that allows for nondestructive transmission of electricity through glass, enabling the development of faster and less expensive portable diagnostic devices. This breakthrough could also enable significant advancements in building micro-mechanical and lab-on-a-chip devices.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 18, 2010

Good results of bad habits? U-M research explains paradox

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that African Americans' poorer physical health is linked to their effective coping strategies for depression, which also lead to higher rates of obesity and mortality. Researchers suggest improving living conditions and job opportunities as a key solution.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 18, 2010