Researchers studied the 'living fossil' tree species Symphonia globulifera, which contains genetic imprints of rain forests under climate change. The study reveals patterns in genetic diversity that suggest tropical forests responded differently to past climate conditions, with some populations persisting despite forest changes.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that declines in anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B concentrations predict the time to menopause, while changes in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stages identify different reproductive periods. This information can help women understand their biological clock and fertility.
A landmark study found that wearing masks and using hand sanitizers may reduce the spread of flu-like symptoms by as much as 50 percent. The study involved over 1,000 students from seven U-M residence halls and showed significant reductions in influenza-like illness symptoms after implementing mask use and hand sanitizer protocols.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified a molecular checkpoint system in adult stem cells that prevents abnormal cell division, which can lead to cancer. The system detects misaligned centrosomes and stops cell division, preventing over-proliferation and tumor formation.
The University of Michigan is developing the Community Structure-Activity Resource (CSAR) database, a centralized repository of experimental data on drug-making compounds. This resource will improve computer programs that predict drug effectiveness and significantly impact the drug development process.
Researchers developed a method to track mercury emissions from coal by analyzing natural isotopic fingerprints, which can differentiate between human-made and natural sources. This technique has the potential to identify specific regions contributing to global mercury pollution.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are developing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that can return excess energy to the grid, improving sustainability and resilience. This project aims to create a new technology coupling transportation and power grid infrastructures.
Undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Michigan will design and build a small CubeSat satellite, called Radio Aurora Explorer (RAX), to measure ionosphere energy flow. The mission aims to understand space weather processes, which can affect GPS signals and other space communication systems.
Researchers say shade-grown Latin American coffee farms can shield against climate change's ravages due to their biodiversity-boosting effects and ability to maintain a cool microclimate. This approach reduces peak temperatures and conserves water resources.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a system that allows computer chips to work around all functional bugs, even those not yet detected. The 'semantic guardian' prevents a chip from operating in untested configurations, eliminating the risk of buggy hardware failure and protecting against potential security threats.
The discovery of Aerosteon riocoloradensis reveals a unique bird-like respiratory system with air sacs. This finding supports the theory that birds evolved from dinosaurs and provides insights into their adaptation for flight.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that metal alloys can degrade due to diffusion, a process where atoms hop through the material, changing its structure. This finding has significant implications for the development of longer-lasting alloys, particularly in electronic materials like solder.
A study by University of Michigan psychologist Ethan Kross found that processing emotions from a distanced perspective can facilitate coping and reduce negative moods. By taking a step back and reviewing the situation from afar, individuals can rationalize their feelings and work through negative experiences over time.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that mild infections play a key role in understanding and controlling cholera outbreaks. The study suggests that individuals with mild infections lose their immunity quickly, leading to a cyclical pattern of illness and recovery.
A glitch in iron transport may underlie Type IV mucolipidosis (ML4) and related symptoms like mental retardation and diminished motor abilities. The same deficit is also implicated in aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, leading to potential new avenues for treatment.
Researchers found that paper wasps remember individuals for at least a week, even after meeting multiple other wasps. This ability is based on memories of past social interactions rather than simple rules, suggesting that these insects have a strong, long-term memory and bases its behavior on what it remembers.
A long-term study of mammal fossils in northern Pakistan reveals a significant decline in diversity after climate change precipitated a shift in vegetation. The research, spanning 5 million years, shows that mammals that relied on fruit and browse disappeared early, while those that ate grass adapted or went extinct.
The Talking Points system uses Bluetooth signals to provide pedestrians with information about points of interest along their path, enhancing navigation for both blind and sighted individuals. The system also incorporates community-generated content through a website, allowing users to access reviews, specials, and sales.
University of Michigan physicists played a key role in detecting the Omega b baryon, an exotic relative of the proton. This discovery provides insight into the strong force and matter's formation in the universe.
A study at the University of Michigan found that high-dose calcium supplements can significantly lower lead levels in pregnant women. The researchers analyzed data from 557 women and discovered that those taking calcium supplements had an average reduction of 11% in blood lead levels, with some groups experiencing even greater reductions.
A University of Michigan analysis shows that captive breeding colonies are too small to protect the critically endangered Asian vulture from extinction. Adding wild birds to the captive colonies is crucial but hampered by political and logistical barriers.
Research suggests that college freshmen can make their roommate relationships better by adopting an 'eco-system' approach, focusing on genuine caring and compassion. By doing so, they can reduce loneliness and build close relationships with their roommates.
Scientists at University of Michigan and U.S. Naval Research Laboratory demonstrate a solid-state qubit that can be both 0 and 1 at the same time, enabling faster quantum computing and improved computer security. The breakthrough enables the creation of a code that would be impossible to crack with conventional computers.
A University of Michigan study found that cadmium exposure is a critical ingredient in smoking-related emphysema, increasing the risk by up to double. Even low-level exposure through second-hand smoke or other means can also increase lung disease risk.
A University of Michigan study found that over 80% of Air Force women deployed in Iraq experienced physical health problems, including fatigue, fever, and hair loss. The study suggests that deployment-related stressors may play a critical role in developing these symptoms.
A new study led by the University of Michigan found that people at high risk for dementia who took cholesterol-lowering statins were half as likely to develop dementia. The five-year study involved older Mexican-Americans with metabolic conditions and showed a significant reduction in dementia risk.
Scientists at the University of Michigan and Princeton University have discovered a way to enhance light output in organic light-emitting devices, emitting approximately 70 lumens from a single watt of power. This innovation pushes more appealing white light, reducing energy consumption and reliance on coal-generated electricity.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that bluffing can be a profitable strategy in prediction markets, which can cloud their accuracy. To combat this, the researchers propose penalizing later trades by charging participants to make them.
A University of Michigan instrument on the MESSENGER spacecraft has detected silicon, sodium, sulfur, and water ions around Mercury, suggesting that they were blasted from the surface or exosphere by solar wind. The findings provide a new understanding of Mercury's composition and its interaction with the sun's magnetic field.
A University of Michigan study finds that global happiness has risen substantially over the past 25 years, particularly in low-income countries experiencing economic growth and democratization. Economic factors have a smaller impact on happiness than previously thought, with social tolerance and freedom being key drivers.
The Phoenix Processor achieves a groundbreaking low-power design by focusing on its extreme sleep mode, which consumes just 30 picowatts. This innovation enables smaller battery sizes and overall system reductions, opening up new sensor applications.
Researchers developed an algorithm that finds symmetries in equations, speeding up solutions to fundamental computer science problems. The new method can capture millions of symmetries in under a half-second, whereas previous methods took days or minutes.
Scientists gather to present research on using mechanics to study and explain biology, highlighting the role of faint pushes and pulls in cellular signaling. The symposium aims to develop fundamental math and mechanics to understand biological processes like embryo development and growth.
University of Michigan researchers are accelerating the natural process of succession by removing mature aspen and birch trees to measure future carbon uptake in a large-scale experiment. This will help determine how much heat-trapping carbon dioxide forests of the Upper Midwest can remove from the air in coming decades.
A new study by the University of Michigan found no evidence of racial bias in the firing of NBA coaches. The research showed that African-American coaches were fired at the same rate as their white counterparts, and that technical efficiency had no difference between the two groups.
Researchers found that 22% of essential human genes are nonessential in mice, and this discrepancy affects waste management. The study's results suggest that efficient waste management became increasingly important as life span increased in humans, making certain genes more essential.
A new compound has been developed that targets the flap recognition pocket of the HIV-1 protease, inhibiting its activity. This mechanism is distinct from current protease inhibitors and holds promise for a new class of AIDS drugs with better drug-like properties.
A new study by the University of Michigan suggests that extra iron for infants who don't need it may delay their cognitive and visual-motor development. The study found that 5% of Chilean infants with high hemoglobin levels at 6 months showed poorer outcomes in IQ, visual-motor integration, and other measures.
A team led by Kevin Pipe will use ultrafast lasers and nanotechnology to regulate the flow of heat between materials, benefiting applications such as high-power electronics and thermoelectric energy conversion. The research aims to improve efficiency and reliability in devices.
Research found that users on Yahoo Answers use the platform to exchange advice and opinions, as well as technical expertise. The study analyzed one month of activity on the site, finding that questions seeking factual answers received fewer replies, while those requesting common-sense advice and opinion garnered longer answer threads.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered a link between specific antibodies and oral health, finding that healthy individuals have higher antibody levels to a key protein in periodontal disease. This discovery could lead to improved treatment responses and prevention strategies.
A study found that severe housing damage is a key factor behind socioeconomic disparities in psychological distress after Hurricane Katrina. The research also revealed that blacks were substantially more likely to experience serious psychological distress, with almost one-third reporting high levels of distress.
A University of Michigan study finds that work hassles, such as psychological strain and conflicts with coworkers, are more likely to interfere with sleep than long hours or job insecurity. Respondents who experienced these stressors were more than 1.7 times as likely to develop sleep problems.
Researchers found that affluent college students attempt to trade sexual currency for provisions, such as tickets or study assistance. The study suggests that these behaviors are hard-wired and persist regardless of wealth or security.
New study finds blood-forming stem cells can survive without Notch signals, allaying fears of damage during chemotherapy. The findings have implications for a high-profile breast-cancer drug trial combining chemotherapy with a Notch inhibitor.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created materials that can detect TNT and alert to its presence remotely, reducing danger for military personnel. The system uses low-cost, battery-free sensors that emit light when excited by infrared light, which is then detected by a specially-designed light-collection system.
A recent University of Michigan study reveals that Mexican organic coffee bat populations are crucial in controlling insects that damage coffee crops. Using a new 'perch and wait' hunting technique, bats outperform birds by 84% in reducing insect density during the summer wet season.
Scientists at the University of Michigan have identified six new genes that play a role in type 2 diabetes, including one also linked to prostate cancer. The study provides insights into the mechanisms controlling glucose levels in the blood, offering potential new methods for preventing or treating the disease.
Researchers at U-M have developed a ballast-free ship concept that can block non-native aquatic species from entering the Great Lakes while eliminating costly sterilization equipment. The design reduces power consumption by up to 7.3% and would save shipping companies millions of dollars.
A University of Michigan researcher found that concerns about safety are the main reason fewer than 13% of US children walk or bike to school. A greener environment with wide sidewalks and trees can increase parental willingness to allow kids to walk to school.