Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Michigan


Birds do it. Bugs do it. But why don't we?

Research by University of Michigan biologist Jianzhi Zhang found that humans lost pheromone signals after a gene duplication event around 23 million years ago. This duplication allowed for the development of color vision, making pheromones unnecessary as a channel for sexual signaling.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2003

Paper discusses circuitry for quantum computing

The paper proposes an experimentally realizable circuit and an efficient scheme to implement scalable quantum computing. Researchers aim to overcome two major stumbling blocks: preparing, manipulating, and measuring fragile quantum states and controlling connectivity between many qubits.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 23, 2002

Climate and cholera: An increasingly important link

A new study reveals that climate change has strengthened the connection between El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and cholera cycles, leading to increased disease outbreaks in warmer years. The researchers found that ENSO events trigger cholera increases after warm events and decreases after cold events.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2002

A look at development, rural trends, birds

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that low-density exurban development increased by 2000 to occupy nearly 10 times the area of urbanized land, while agricultural land use decreased in some areas. Special planning can help minimize environmental impact through designs that deliver public benefits like clean water and nativ...

Rock-eating fungi helps trees

Researchers discovered that some trees use fungi to obtain calcium from an intermediate pool of apatite, previously unknown as a plant-available source. This finding has implications for forest management and understanding the effects of acid rain on forests.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2002

Quantum computing with individual atoms

The University of Michigan researchers have successfully cooled a single atom to near absolute zero using laser cooling, a crucial step toward scaling up trapped atom computers. The proposal outlines a 'quantum charge-coupled device' architecture that could be used for large-scale quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2002

Lakeshore development affects birds

A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that lakeshore housing development affects breeding bird communities in ways that conventional methods may miss. The study suggests that property owners can take steps to lessen the effects, such as keeping lawns small and encouraging native vegetation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJun 11, 2002

Waiting to have a baby

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that women who reproduce later in life have a lower chance of having their descendants survive and thrive. In contrast, women who start families earlier tend to have more lineage success. The researchers used statistical models to analyze the impact of education, i...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateMay 9, 2002

Preventive medicine residency

The University of Michigan's new two-year Preventive Medicine Residency aims to address a critical shortage of medical epidemiologists. Residents will gain expertise in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and immunization plans, with initial participants already securing jobs in the field.

Earth's warming trend is truly global

A team of researchers has found that the continents have warmed significantly over the past half-century, similar to the warming of the oceans, atmosphere, and ice. The study used temperature readings from six continents to reconstruct a temperature history for the Earth's surface over the past 500 years.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 11, 2002

Genomics and public health

The University of Michigan has launched a new Center for Genomics and Public Health, which aims to narrow the gap between genomics and public health practice. The center will examine population-based data to describe genes associated with cardiovascular disease and understand their interaction with other risk factors.

Brains rush to judgment: U-M study

A University of Michigan study found that brains detect wins and losses within a third of a second, triggering subsequent decision-making. The research suggests that losses loom larger than gains in the brain's neural activity, influencing future choices.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2002

Weird wave behavior near earth's core

Researchers used experiments and mathematical modeling to understand seismic wave behavior in the lower mantle, finding that mineral grain alignment causes unusual wave behavior. The study provides a window into Earth's inner workings and is an important step toward integrating seismology and geodynamics in the lower mantle.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2002

Attitude about exercise

A University of Michigan study found that adolescent girls who feel confident about their physical abilities enjoy exercise more than those who doubt their skills. The research, led by Nola Pender, suggests that girls' perceptions and responses to exercise are linked to their confidence levels, with more confident girls reporting less ...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNursing Research·DateMar 15, 2002

Gene duplication adapts to changing environment

A new study from the University of Michigan reveals how a duplicated gene in leaf-eating monkeys has evolved to improve digestion efficiency. The researchers found that the duplicated gene allows the monkeys to better cope with an acidic environment, suggesting a key adaptation to their unusual diet.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 3, 2002

Validity of JCAHO hospital accreditation

A new study by University of Michigan researchers finds that JCAHO hospital accreditation does not correlate with patient outcomes, highlighting the need to review the current system for ensuring quality in US hospitals. The study also suggests that the JCAHO system prioritizes structural measures over newer performance metrics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalQuality Management in Health Care·DateJan 14, 2002

Tissue engineering could become new coronary bypass

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new tissue engineering method that uses a polymer to encourage the formation of healthy blood vessels in living rats. The approach, which combines VEGF and PDGF growth factors, shows promise for treating coronary artery disease and speeding up wound healing.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 14, 2001

Weight mobility

A University of Michigan study tracked weight changes among over 10,000 adults for 13 years, finding that about 51% of men and 55% of women remained in the same weight category. The study also revealed a significant 'yo-yo diet effect,' with nearly one-fifth of children aged 2-12 being overweight or at risk.

Safety net health provider

A two-year study is examining how safety net organizations in Michigan adapt to the current environment, focusing on survival strategies and policies. Researchers aim to understand what works and doesn't work, as well as provide recommendations to improve healthcare services for vulnerable populations.

Costs of caring for elders with dementia

A University of Michigan study found that older Americans with dementia receive substantially more informal help than those with normal cognitive function. The analysis estimated the additional time and associated costs of providing informal care to be $18 billion annually.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 1, 2001

Early iron deficiency

Researchers are using innovative noninvasive techniques to study the developing central nervous system in early iron deficiency, which affects brain development and behavior. The study aims to understand the ties between the brain and behavior, with potential implications for creating more effective interventions.

Opitcal coherent and ultrafast science

The National Science Foundation has established FOCUS, a Physics Frontier Center at the University of Michigan, to advance coherent control in quantum, ultrafast, and high-field physics. The center will focus on three major research components: High Field Control, Ultrafast Control, and Quantum Control.