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University of Michigan


Seeing a black hole's jet in a new light

A team of researchers has discovered a new pattern in the high-energy jet of particles blasted by the supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy Centaurus A. The study found that the speed of one knot in the X-ray jet was at least 94% the speed of light, significantly faster than previously measured speeds using radio observations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 28, 2024

Climate, dead zones and fish: Solving a 'wicked problem' in Lake Erie and beyond

A new study suggests that regulations designed to protect Lake Erie's water quality may be too restrictive for some species of fish, but still beneficial until the middle of this century. Researchers recommend a systems-level approach to managing ecosystems, considering tradeoffs between fisheries and water quality objectives.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2024

Evidence mounts for dark energy from black holes

Researchers found evidence that black holes contain dark energy, which could explain its mysterious nature. The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument provided data showing a correlation between the growth of black holes and the increase in dark energy density over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateOct 28, 2024

Grasslands live in the climate change fast lane

New research reveals that grasslands are responding to climate change almost in real time, with shifts driven by temperature and precipitation changes. The study found that as the climate became hotter and drier, dominant species adapted to those conditions, leading to potential loss of biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 16, 2024

Building better bone grafts

A team from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry has patented a new regenerative bone graft material that can regenerate about eight times more bone than existing scaffolds. The breakthrough could transform bone grafts for millions of people who require them, reducing costs and complications associated with traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalBioactive Materials·DateSep 26, 2024

Versatile knee exo for safer lifting

A new knee exoskeleton has been developed to support the quadriceps muscles during lifting tasks, helping workers maintain better posture even when fatigued. The device, which uses a complex algorithm to predict assistance needs, enabled participants to lift faster and with improved posture.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 18, 2024

Auto plants grew their workforces after transitioning to electric vehicle production

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that US auto plants producing battery electric vehicles have required a larger workforce than traditional internal combustion engine plants. The study revealed that assembly jobs increased by up to 10 times during the ramp-up stages of transitioning to full-scale EV production, with one p...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2024

Iron was life's 'primeval' metal

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Caltech argues that iron was life's primeval metal. They found that early oceans were rich in iron, which is essential for biomolecules to bind to metals. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the importance of other transition metals like zinc.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024

You're just a stick figure to this camera

A new camera system called PrivacyLens can replace people in images with generic stick figures, protecting their identities and reducing unnecessary surveillance. This technology could prevent embarrassing photos from being shared online and make patients more comfortable using cameras for chronic health monitoring.

The origins of dark comets

A University of Michigan study suggests that up to 60% of near-Earth objects could be dark comets containing ice. Dark comets are a mysterious mix of asteroid and comet characteristics and may have delivered water to Earth through their sublimating ice, creating nongravitational accelerations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalIcarus·DateJul 10, 2024

Pinpointing coal plants to convert to nuclear energy, considering both practicality and community support

A comprehensive analysis of US coal power plants reveals feasibility for conversion to advanced nuclear reactors, providing valuable insights for policymakers and utilities. The study uses a GIS-based tool to evaluate socio-technical and economic factors, suggesting a broad spectrum of suitability levels across different locations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnergy Reports·DateJul 9, 2024