A new mixed-methods study found that pregnant and postpartum people who died by suicide were more likely to experience intimate partner problems, depression, substance abuse, and health problems. The study highlights the need for policies and practices targeting these factors to reduce perinatal suicide risk.
Researchers found that people in lower-income neighborhoods and without local food stores eat more snacks and sweets. Despite this, a surprising finding is that people living in USDA-defined food deserts ate the same amount of snacks and sweets as those who did not live in these areas.
Researchers at the University of Michigan explored teledriving as a bridge to autonomous taxis, finding that it can reduce wait times, improve safety, and increase driver utilization. Teledriving allows drivers to connect with available vehicles remotely, reducing idle time and improving service quality.
Researchers developed a novel computational statistics method, IRIS, to analyze complex tissue data, providing more detailed information on disease pathology and tumor organization. The study leverages single-cell RNA sequencing data to distinguish various regions with unprecedented accuracy and computational speed.
A recent study analyzing 300,000 X posts found that 48 US states have a more positive than negative tone towards nuclear energy, with a national average at 54% positive. Concerns about waste, cost, and safety dominate negative sentiment, while technology themes fuel positive sentiments highlighting innovations and job creation.
A University of Michigan study found that switching to electric heat pumps would increase annual utility bills by an average of $1,100 for Southeast Michigan households. Weatherization upgrades could offset the increase, but retrofits are expensive and infeasible for low-income households, potentially creating an energy poverty trap.
Researchers have developed a new material that can twist light at extremely high temperatures, opening up possibilities for advanced optical devices. This breakthrough could enable better aircraft flight performance and create multifunctional devices for various industries.
A new University of Michigan study concludes that nearly half of the food produced globally each year goes to waste. Implementing fully refrigerated food supply chains worldwide could eliminate 620 million metric tons of global food loss and reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 41%.
Researchers investigated the reproductive cycle of Michigan's threatened freshwater mussels, finding that pregnant females use mantle lures to attract fish and infect them with larvae. The study identified two distinct lure morphs in one mussel species, which elicit different responses from potential host fish.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new thermophotovoltaic cell that can recover significantly more energy from heat batteries, increasing efficiency to 44%. The device uses air bridges to trap photons with the right energies, allowing for the recycling of useless photons and improving overall performance.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a way to manipulate active fluids by controlling their topological defects using tweezers-like technology. This allows for the systematic control of individual components within the fluid, opening up new possibilities for controlling and manipulating complex systems.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a new type of memristor that can mimic the timekeeping mechanism found in biological neural networks. This breakthrough could lead to significant energy savings for AI chips, potentially reducing energy consumption by a factor of 90 compared to current graphical processing units.
A University of Michigan study shows that as people struggle to distinguish fact from fiction in the US, they are more likely to avoid news and step out of conversations about politics. The researchers found that strong Democrats rely on nonpartisan news media when feeling misinformed, while Republicans use less news media overall.
A University of Michigan study analyzing 98 million traffic stops found that innocent Black drivers were searched about 3.4 to 4.5 percent of the time, while innocent white drivers were searched about 1.9 to 2.7 percent of the time.
Four University of Michigan projects aim to improve the monitoring of nuclear reactors during operation, explore advanced reactor designs, develop ethical siting guidelines for nuclear facilities, and upgrade a facility for studying radiation damage. These initiatives may lead to safer and more efficient nuclear energy production.
A University of Michigan scientist proposes that chemists and pharmacists be key players in species conservation efforts to combat mass extinction. Modern bioscience has achieved breakthroughs in treating human disease, which can also be applied in the wild to save endangered species.
A University of Michigan study found that women caregivers are 60% more likely to engage in caregiving travel on typical weekdays, leading to increased stress and decreased happiness compared to men. The researchers recommend improvements to public transportation planning to reduce this disparity and promote a more equitable society.
A global science team has built a groundbreaking tree of life for flowering plants by analyzing 1.8 billion letters of genetic code from over 9,500 species. The study sheds new light on the evolutionary history of flowering plants and their ecological dominance on Earth.
University of Michigan researchers have developed a new chemical tool to better understand how chemicals like dopamine interact with neurons. The tool achieves high spatial resolution across the whole brain, enabling the detection of specific cells that respond to neuromodulators.
A University of Michigan study finds that combining automation and electrification of trucking reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Electrifying routes under 300 miles reduces damages by 13%, while electrifying urban segments on longer routes reduces damages by 35% annually.
A new study led by the University of Michigan predicts that climate change will increase the financial benefits of residential rooftop solar panels in the US, with households potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually. The study found that increased cooling demand due to warmer temperatures and rising air conditioning needs will d...
A University of Michigan study found that childhood traumatic experiences can 'get under the skin' and affect skeletal muscle mitochondria, leading to poorer ATP production and increased risk of aging-related outcomes. The research used muscle tissue samples from participants aged 70+, revealing a link between adverse childhood events ...
As Gen X individuals aged, their attitudes toward evolution solidified, with education and civic scientific literacy strong predictors of increased acceptance. Fundamentalist religious beliefs were associated with rejection of evolution.
Researchers at the University of Michigan and Samsung's Advanced Materials Lab have developed a new approach to making chemically complex materials that can improve battery performance. The method uses unconventional ingredients to reduce impurities in the final material, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective production.
Researchers have identified specific domains within worm proteins that protect chromosome ends, similar to humans but with distinct mechanisms. This discovery provides insight into the universal problem of telomere protection and may aid in understanding human biology.
A new study reveals insights into the human ovary's factors that enable follicles to mature, enabling potential treatments for ovarian hormone production restoration and fertility. The atlas may lead to the creation of artificial ovaries in labs using stored tissue, providing a longer fertility window for patients.
Astronomers conducted the first search for forming planets using the James Webb Space Telescope, combining it with prior observations. The team found a potential planet candidate, but its existence is uncertain due to unknown factors.
A University of Michigan researcher found that couples who drink together tend to live longer and have better marital outcomes. The study, published in The Gerontologist, examined drinking patterns in couples and found that those with concordant drinking behavior lived longer than those with discordant patterns.
A new chemical reactor designed by University of Michigan engineers can produce propylene from natural gas, a workhorse chemical used for plastics, adhesives, and household cleaners. The technology could save plants up to $23.5 million annually and reduce operational costs by burning hydrogen produced in reaction.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can inactivate multiple strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by targeting its twist in the spike protein. These particles show promise as a complementary treatment for COVID-19 when vaccines and other treatments are ineffective, particularly against vulnerable populations.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an origami system that can create load-bearing structures like bridges and shelters. The system uses a uniform thickness approach to bolster weight-bearing capacity. With this breakthrough, communities can quickly rebuild facilities damaged by natural disasters or construct in ch...
Researchers analyzed coral core samples from northeastern Queensland, Australia, to reconstruct past rainfall patterns. The study found a significant correlation between increased rainfall and geochemical signals in the corals, indicating a 10% increase in wet-season rainfall and more than doubled extreme rain events since 1750.
Researchers found that the Crow instability predicts the number and distribution of hydrogen gas clumps around supernovas, including SN1987A. The study suggests that the same mechanism responsible for breaking up airplane contrails may be at play, creating the 'string of pearls' effect.
A simple and robust experimental process for protein engineering uses machine learning models to predict effective proteins for various applications. The method involves binary sorting of cells based on desired traits and sequencing data analysis to identify the best possible protein.
Despite Trump's attacks on scientific experts, Americans' basic confidence in science and scientific expertise remained unshaken. The proportion of adults with a low level of trust in scientific expertise increased from 3% to 13%, while the proportion with a high level of trust rose from 23% to 58%.
A team of researchers from the University of Michigan has identified the GluK2 protein as a key player in cold sensing, which could help unravel why some patients experience painful reactions to cold. The discovery may also offer new paths to treating pain in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed advanced lead compounds with anti-HIV activity, overcoming challenges such as supply and off-target effects. The compounds were created by modifying concanamycin A, a natural compound that can inhibit HIV's ability to hide from the immune system.
A change in circulating influenza viruses is driving the US to move away from quadrivalent to trivalent flu vaccines. Researchers suggest removing B/Yamagata virus from vaccine formulations to avoid protecting against non-circulating strains.
Researchers uncover the role of tiny enzyme DGK5 in triggering a burst of PA, which regulates plant immune response and reactive oxygen species production. This discovery sheds light on plant immunity mechanisms and opens up future research into lipids involved in immune signaling.
Researchers have developed a stem cell culture model that resembles all three sections of the embryonic brain and spinal cord. The model sheds light on developmental brain diseases and offers possibilities for studying human brain development and disease.
A new study suggests that speed is the key to snake evolution, with over 4,000 species emerging through rapid changes in feeding, locomotion, and sensory processing. Snakes' adaptability allowed them to exploit new opportunities after an asteroid impact, leading to their diversity.
A University of Michigan team recalibrated traffic signals using GPS data from connected vehicles, resulting in a 20-30% decrease in stops at intersections. The system reduces costs and cuts vehicle emissions by optimizing signal patterns for changing traffic flows.
A new University of Michigan study reveals that nearly 15% of Americans deny climate change's reality, with a strong correlation between Republican voters and climate change deniers. The study found that belief in climate change varies substantially within states, with some areas having higher denial rates than others.
Researchers developed a new chip that can detect cancer cells in blood samples, enabling clinicians to adapt treatments and improve outcomes for patients with lung cancer. The device traps and concentrates tiny numbers of cancer cells, allowing for regular monitoring of treatment effectiveness.
A new University of Michigan-led international study finds that urban agriculture produces food with a carbon footprint six times larger than conventionally grown produce. However, certain city-grown crops, such as tomatoes and air-freighted crops like asparagus, showed comparable or even lower carbon intensity under specific conditions.
Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a metal-free magnetic gel that can power soft robots and guide medical capsules. The gel's strong, non-toxic magnetism enables flexible robotics applications, while its biodegradable properties make it suitable for medical operations.
Engineers have discovered a method to increase the stability of perovskite solar cells using bulky additives, which could enable the production of cheaper solar panels. The study suggests that larger molecules with specific configurations are most effective at preventing defects in the cells.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that genetic variants underlying male bisexual behavior are reproductively advantageous, leading to more children and increased risk-taking. The analysis of over 450,000 participants revealed a correlation between these alleles and higher fertility rates in heterosexual men.
A University of Michigan project aims to create a smoother experience for robotic prosthetic leg users, with renewed support from the National Institutes of Health. The team has developed a continuous modeling framework that mimics biomechanical impedance, enabling the leg to move seamlessly between different activities.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed blue phosphorescent OLEDs (PHOLEDs) that can maintain 90% of their blue light intensity for 10-14 times longer than other designs, making them potentially commercially viable. This breakthrough could enable the widespread use of blue PHOLEDs in OLED displays and lighting.