Cassini mission data reveals the formation of molecular oxygen atmospheres in Saturn's rings without life present. This finding suggests that oxygen can be produced through non-biological means, complicating the search for life beyond Earth.
The panel discussion highlights concerns over funding cuts for environmental research programs, including NASA's Earth Science program and the Climate Change Science Program. The scientists warn that these cuts will have a significant impact on graduate student training and the nation's economic competitiveness.
Tissue engineering aims to regenerate human tissue through artificial means, mimicking the body's natural processes. Researchers at U-M School of Dentistry are working on combining therapies to improve tissue engineering outcomes, such as using parathyroid hormone and bone morphogenetic proteins.
Researchers found that positive emotions, such as joy and happiness, enhance recognition of members from other races, reducing bias. This 'broadening effect' helps individuals see a bigger picture, promoting inclusivity and noticing more details.
A study led by William Giannobile at the University of Michigan showed that gene therapy involving BMP-7 can produce nearly 50% more supporting bone around dental implants. This breakthrough has potential to reduce the need for bone grafts in reconstructive surgery.
The study reveals that neighborhood environment, parents' marital status, and immigrant status are key factors contributing to the racial gap in violence. Family poverty does not account for the disparity, with youth from married families being less likely to commit violent acts.
Researchers have developed a method to assemble nanoparticles using DNA molecules, enabling targeted delivery of drugs and contrast agents to cancer cells. The approach uses dendrimers, star-like synthetic polymers that can carry multiple molecules, and allows for rapid synthesis and self-assembly of nanoparticle complexes.
A new assessment tool provides comprehensive data on home care quality, identifying areas for improvement. The 22 measures cover processes and outcomes, revealing that no single provider excels in all aspects.
Researchers found that males are more attracted to subordinate partners for high-investment activities like marriage and dating. The study suggests an evolutionary advantage for males who prefer less accomplished partners.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a compound that suppresses cell growth in psoriasis models, offering new hope for treating this life-long genetic condition. The compound, benzodiazepine-423, is selectively applied topically and shows great potential for controlling disease progression.
A new method reconstructs people's previous day experiences to capture their emotions, revealing intimate relations as most enjoyable activities. The study found taking care of children was less enjoyable than expected, while general life circumstances had a limited impact on daily feelings.
Researchers uncover the complexities of autophagy, a process that can promote or prevent cancer, depending on its timing. Autophagy also plays a crucial role in fighting infection and may hold clues to the mythical fountain of youth.
Researchers found that human activities, mainly agriculture and construction, cause more soil erosion than all natural processes combined. This situation is particularly critical due to the rapid growth of the Earth's population and widespread land use.
A team of scientists has created an artificial immune system that can mimic the human immune response, allowing for faster and easier production of flu vaccines. The technology uses inverted colloidal crystals as three-dimensional cell scaffolds, enabling researchers to study the artificial immune system's reactions to biological hazards.
Researchers are testing the effectiveness of both flu shots and nasal sprays to determine which one provides better protection against influenza. The study aims to gather valuable information for influenza pandemic planning and control annual outbreaks.
A U-M team, led by Dr. Stephen Feinberg, is engineering tissue grafts to treat mouth wounds in patients with diabetes or undergoing chemotherapy. The grafts, made from a combination of mucosal cells and AlloDerm, show promise for smaller donor sites and faster healing times.
A researcher is creating a new health program that takes into account an individual's ethnic identity to improve health outcomes for African Americans. The program, which will involve 1,000 participants categorized into five ethnic identity groups, aims to match educational materials to each person's cultural beliefs.
A U-M study found that remarriages with similar marital histories can be detrimental to the new relationship, draining emotional and financial resources. This phenomenon, known as
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Education found that nearly half of patients with high blood pressure at a dental clinic had never been diagnosed. The researchers advocate for regular blood pressure screening in dental offices, which could help identify hypertension early and prevent related health issues.
Researchers discovered a significant increase in arm regeneration frequency among fossil crinoids during the Middle Paleozoic Marine Revolution, coinciding with the diversification of predators and prey adaptations. The findings suggest that broken arms may be collateral damage, rather than direct targets of predation.
Researchers discovered that Streptococcal bacteria use an enzyme called streptokinase to block the human blood clotting response and spread within the body. The study found that subtle variations in plasminogen genes may explain why some people are more susceptible to strep infections.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are creating a larger, multidisciplinary community in their chemistry department by organizing conferences, research rotations, and regular social events. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills among students.
Researchers create synthetic transcription factors, mimicking natural regulators to probe gene regulation and explore new treatment approaches. The artificial activation domains developed in Mapp's lab were as effective as a natural activation domain at turning on genes.
Research from the University of Michigan suggests that the current federal plan may not be enough to protect the Gulf of Mexico's half billion dollar a year shrimp industry. The proposed goal of 30 percent nitrogen load reduction is insufficient, and a reduction of 40-45 percent is needed to achieve desired results.
Researchers analyzed over 750 fossils to discover that modern humans experienced a quadrupling of survival rates among older adults. This trend is believed to have contributed to population expansions and cultural innovations, as well as strengthened social relationships and kinship bonds.
Researchers have developed a way to study single molecules of RNA enzymes, also known as ribozymes. They found that modifications anywhere on the molecule affect catalysis rates, even far from the active site. This discovery may lead to practical applications in designing biological sensors for various purposes.
The Sakai Project has released its open source collaboration and learning environment software for review and testing. The software aims to improve teaching and learning for thousands of students through rapid deployment of technology.
Researchers found that larger islands with more native parasites have weaker bird immune responses, making them ill-prepared for invasive infections. This study sheds light on how island populations respond to exotic disease introduction through human activities.
Flameout in nonprofit sectors can occur when personal control structures fail to work well, leading to destructive behavior such as embezzlement or sexual misconduct. Self-regulation and board action are crucial to prevent such destruction and maintain trust in the sector.
A University of Michigan researcher suggests that obesity in developing nations is a result of the body's attempts to cope with childhood malnourishment. The phenomenon is similar to yo-yo dieting, where dieters who have deprived themselves gain weight at faster rates than non-dieters when they begin eating normally again.
Children with iron deficiency in infancy show persistent delays in both motor skills and cognitive abilities, even after treatment. These effects are most pronounced in children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, suggesting that addressing iron deficiency is crucial to mitigating long-term impacts on brain development.
Researchers have found that dental pulp cells can provide support and survival for nerve cells affected in Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to a new cell-based therapy. The study suggests that these cells produce beneficial 'neurotrophic' factors, promoting nerve cell survival.
Researchers at U-M and Amherst College used chemical signatures of water to identify areas with microbial gas deposits, a relatively inexpensive analytical tool compared to other methods. This method has potential not just in Michigan but also globally for finding natural gas resources.
University of Michigan researchers have developed an ultra-fast laser technique that enables precise nanoscale machining. The method uses femtosecond pulses to selectively ablate features as small as 20 nanometers, making it possible to machine a wide variety of materials on the nanometer scale.
University of Michigan's approach to teaching ethics in chemistry research involves providing students with critical thinking skills to handle sticky situations. By focusing on analyzing options and principles, students become more conscious of their actions and are better equipped to make informed decisions.
The U-M group uses lab-made dendrimers as the backbone of their delivery system, which can attach targeting agents to recognize cancer cells and deliver lethal doses while leaving normal cells unharmed. Early results show that nanoparticle drugs effectively treat cancer with fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.
A research team at the University of Michigan and the University of Texas describes how a resourceful bacterium developed an entirely new way to make disulfide bonds. This breakthrough could have significant implications for disease states like Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis, as well as biotech applications.
Researchers have developed a new method to find communities in large, complex networks, revealing structure and commonalities among members. The technique was tested on college football conferences with over 90% accuracy, showing promise for understanding systems like food webs and social networks.
A study in Egypt found cultural differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims on IVF, with strict rules on third-party donation. Middle Eastern societies prioritize biological children due to prohibition of adoption and gamete donation.
Researchers have found that patients with spinal cord injuries can generate muscle activity independent of brain signals when one leg is moved during therapy. This discovery has significant implications for developing rehabilitation strategies and improving walking abilities in spinal cord injury patients.
The study found significant disparities in experiences of racism, discrimination, and everyday stress among African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and non-Hispanic whites. The researchers also discovered that African Americans are less likely to believe that white people want to see them get a better break in life.
The U-M study found lower rates of major depression, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder among African Americans, especially men. Afro-Caribbean women had higher rates of mental disorders compared to their counterparts, likely due to structural inequalities in economic and social resources.
Teen ecstasy use declined for the second consecutive year due to increased perception of its risks, according to a University of Michigan study. Marijuana use also decreased in upper grades, with perceived risk increasing and overall use falling.
The 12th-grade students showed a statistically significant decline in current smoking rates, but the overall trend suggests that teen smoking progress may be nearing its end. The decline in teen smoking since 1997 has been substantial, but researchers warn that anti-smoking efforts must continue.
A University of Michigan professor is developing new computer animations to help students better understand the Earth's structure and internal processes. His approach complements existing techniques, allowing students to progress from simpler models to more complex representations.
A biochemical chain of events governs cell size in multiple diseases. Researchers discovered that AMPK regulates TSC2 activity, which limits mTOR activity, thereby controlling cell growth. This chain of events may be targeted by the drug Rapamycin to treat genetic syndromes.
The University of Michigan and Columbia University are developing a searchable child care research archive with a $7.5 million grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services. The online resource will provide valuable information for policy makers, parents, and researchers to inform decision making about child care.
A University of Michigan study found that women prefer men who are dominant and promiscuous (cads) for short-term relationships, but kind and monogamous (dads) for long-term ones. The 'sexy son hypothesis' suggests that this preference may be evolutionary in nature.
Research reveals that human activity has reduced natural habitats, making it difficult for species to adapt to climate change. Mobile species like birds and butterflies are more likely to survive, while sessile species like reptiles and amphibians are at high risk of extinction.
A University of Michigan study reveals that working overtime is driven by a desire to improve social status and cultivate a sense of belonging, rather than just financial gain. The research found that blue-collar workers who work overtime are motivated by the desire to consume luxury items and keep up with their white-collar counterparts.