Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a molecular image of a system that moves electrons between proteins in cells, offering insights into minimizing energy loss. This breakthrough has implications for improving energy efficiency in nanoscale devices and grid systems.
A University of Minnesota study found that students' perceptions of the Earth's age significantly impact their acceptance of human evolution. The research suggests that educators can use this knowledge to improve education about evolution by targeting the concept of deep time.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to study the spread and diet of insect pests in Papua New Guinea. The study found that migratory patterns and caterpillar diets are very dynamic, with species showing surprising adaptability across vast distances.
A new theory explains why some plants produce large seeds, while others produce small seeds in abundance. Helene Muller-Landau's tolerance-fecundity model reveals that plant species can coexist under different environmental stresses.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota have found that fish bodies and swimming styles evolve to optimize efficiency in their respective aquatic environments. Computational simulations revealed that fish adapt their forms and techniques to match their speeds, demonstrating the influence of water movements on fish evolution.
Researchers have identified a biological marker in the brains of those exhibiting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using magnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive measurement of magnetic fields in the brain. With over 90% accuracy, they were able to differentiate PTSD patients from healthy control subjects.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a molecular security system in human cells that deactivates and degrades foreign DNA. This discovery could lead to major improvements in genetic engineering and gene therapy technologies.
Researchers found that young adults in casual relationships do not experience higher levels of emotional distress compared to those in committed relationships. The study surveyed over 1,300 young adults and found a lower percentage of males reporting casual sexual encounters.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered how a brain hormone controls insect metamorphosis, allowing scientists to develop new and more environmentally safe ways to control agricultural pests. The study sheds light on human development as well, as both puberty and metamorphosis involve similar biological processes.
A University of Minnesota study found that elevated CO2 levels can reduce species richness by 16 percent under ambient conditions, but this effect is halved when more CO2 is added. The interaction between CO2 and nitrogen enrichment ameliorates biodiversity loss, offering relief in the fight against environmental degradation
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that personality characteristics play a significant role in determining who succeeds in medical school. Conscientious individuals tend to excel in early years, while extraverted students perform better in later years as interpersonal skills become more important.
The Khat Research Program will investigate the biobehavioral consequences of long-term khat and tobacco use, with a focus on concurrent nicotine and khat use. The program aims to develop collaborative research relationships and provide capacity-building resources for researchers in Africa, Europe, and North America.
The University of Minnesota team developed the Virtual StreamLab, a highly accurate computer model that simulates natural water flows with unprecedented detail and realism. The model has been used to study the Outdoor StreamLab, a scaled natural stream along the Mississippi River, resulting in over 90 million data points.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences from two inbred corn strains and discovered significant differences, including the presence of unique stretches of genetic material. This diversity is believed to be behind hybrid vigor, which can improve crop traits such as protein content or biomass production.
A new study from the University of Minnesota shows that patients with acute leukemia who receive two units of umbilical cord blood have a significantly lower likelihood of leukemia recurrence compared to those receiving one unit. The finding has the potential to change current medical practice and give hope to more leukemia patients.
A new study reveals that some neighborhoods with high levels of walkability also have low levels of air pollution, while others prioritize one over the other. Neighborhoods designed for walkability often encourage higher daily activity levels, which can mitigate health issues linked to air pollution and physical inactivity.
The University of Minnesota is part of a multidisciplinary team working to pre-empt or combat emerging zoonotic pandemics. The project, RESPOND, aims to improve the ability of countries to recognize and respond to new epidemics in areas with unstable ecological relationships.
A new study led by Dan MacNulty found that wolves' predatory ability peaks when they are two to three years old, not throughout their entire adult lives. The study suggests that physiology limits predation and that older wolves rely on athletic ability, which diminishes with age.
University of Minnesota researchers identified genes producing THC, a psychoactive substance in marijuana, to create a drug-free Cannabis plant for hemp fiber and oil. The study also aims to develop new pain and nausea treatments.
A study of 559 healthy women found a link between hopelessness and increased thickness of neck arteries, which can be a precursor to stroke. The researchers discovered that hopelessness was independently associated with cardiovascular disease risk in women without clinical symptoms of heart disease.
A recent study by University of Minnesota researchers reveals that component branding is becoming increasingly important in industries such as transportation. The shift towards visibly branded components gives component makers more power to develop products and influences consumer behavior.
Researchers found high concentrations of phytoestrogens, hormone-mimicking compounds, in the wastewater discharged from eight industrial sites. Phytoestrogens can be removed through standard treatment, but levels may still harm fish at certain thresholds.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients lack the protein dystrophin, which protects muscle cells by connecting to filament types. The new study reveals microtubules become disorganized when dystrophin is missing, contributing to devastating symptoms.
A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has developed a new, energy-efficient method for chemical separations using zeolite membranes. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the energy used in producing biofuels, such as ethanol and butanol, and enable higher production rates.
Researchers found specific tendencies and behaviors linked to disordered eating habits among overweight adolescents, including socio-environmental and psychological factors. Strong family relationships are also crucial in preventing disordered eating behaviors, particularly the lack of family connectedness.
A new study reveals that chimpanzees infected with SIV, the precursor to HIV-1, contract and die from AIDS. Infected females were less likely to give birth, and infants born to infected mothers were unlikely to survive. The virus was transmitted sexually and through mother's milk.
Leading national experts have reached a consensus on beneficial biofuels produced from low-life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and minimal competition with food production. The global biofuels industry must focus on five major sources of renewable biomass to balance biofuel production, food security, and emissions reduction.
Research from the University of Minnesota indicates that a baby born to an older mother may have a slightly increased risk for many childhood cancers. The study found that advancing maternal age may be a factor in why some children develop cancer, with risks increasing by 7-10 percent for every five-year increase in maternal age.
Researchers found that patients with trichotillomania reported significantly reduced hair-pulling after taking the supplement for 12 weeks. Fifty people participated in a double-blind study, with 56% reporting improved symptoms.
A treatment that significantly slows the progression of eye injury in people with type 1 diabetes has been found. The treatment uses an antihypertensive medication commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, and was shown to slow diabetic eye damage in over 65% of participants.
A study by University of Minnesota researcher Iris Borowsky found that one in seven adolescents believe they will die before age 35, predicting increased risk-taking behaviors. Those who believed they'd die young were more likely to engage in risky behaviors and have poor health outcomes.
A University of Minnesota study found that environmental cues trigger delayed reproduction to prolong lifespan and increase genetic impact. This discovery has significant implications for understanding human aging and developing strategies to improve health.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a breakthrough in understanding how the commonly prescribed drug praziquantel works to treat Schistosomiasis. Praziquantel causes two-headed organisms by subverting normal regeneration, leading to the identification of key molecules that control its effects.
A University of Minnesota-led study finds that sport hunting is depleting lion and cougar populations, with management agencies often prioritizing human safety over conservation. The study suggests that new approaches are needed to protect humans and livestock while managing sport hunting.
A new study published in Journal of Neurosurgery found that minimally invasive coil treatments for brain aneurysms are more effective and tolerate better critically ill patients. However, the procedure is currently limited by its high cost due to additional follow-up procedures.
Researchers have discovered a new therapy that substitutes the missing protein dystrophin to repair weakened muscle tissue in mouse models with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The TAT-utrophin-based protein approach addresses the cause of the disease without gene replacement or stem cell issues, offering a potential treatment option.
A team of researchers from the University of Minnesota synthesized emerging work on phylogenetics to understand species interactions and biodiversity. The study provides a comprehensive overview of forces driving community organization and the role evolution plays in assembly of these communities.
A new brain-scanning process developed by University of Minnesota researcher Bin He holds promise for epilepsy treatment advancements. The technique uses functional neuroimaging to identify seizure foci and aid surgeons in pinpointing the brain network affected by seizures.
Researcher Joseph Redden's study found that recalling past variety can accelerate recovery from satiation, a problem affecting retailers and consumers. Participants who recalled music categories showed significant improvement in enjoying their favorite song after experiencing satiation.
A team of University of Minnesota students, ReachOut Water Solutions, has won the Acara Challenge to provide clean water to thousands of residents in Mumbai's slums. Their plan combines source water storage, ultraviolet treatment, and a novel distribution system to supply 50 liters of clean water per day.
The University of Minnesota Institute for Mathematics and its Applications has received funding for five new math postdoctoral fellows as part of a National Science Foundation initiative. This program creates jobs for talented young mathematicians, addressing the shortage of trained scientists and promoting scientific training in the US.
A University of Minnesota study found that high school biology teachers significantly impact college students' acceptance of evolution and questioning of creationism. About two-thirds of students reported their high school classes included evolution, while one-third did not cover either evolution or creationism.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new genome engineering tool to make model crop plants herbicide-resistant without significant DNA changes. This approach has the potential to provide sustainable solutions for producing food, fuel and fiber while minimizing concerns about genetically modified organisms.
A new study by researchers from the University of Minnesota found that individuals with higher cognitive ability are more likely to make good economic decisions, including taking calculated risks and being cooperative. The study also found a positive correlation between cognitive skill and perseverance in job retention.
A new University of Minnesota study reveals that ethanol production in the Midwest uses far less water than similar processes in drier states like California and South Dakota. Iowa's 6 gallons of water per gallon of ethanol is significantly lower than California's 2,100 gallons.
A recent study found a 188% increase in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) undergoing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) between 1998 and 2005. The surgery is typically recommended for women with invasive breast cancer, but not for those with DCIS, which has a 98-99% 10-year survival rate.
The project aims to create a Medicago HapMap, mapping the genetic variations in the legume to reveal which genome regions control symbiosis and other legume-specific traits. Legumes are a crucial source of dietary protein and environmentally-friendly fertilizer, providing millions of tons of nitrogen to plants.
A new study found that Naltrexone significantly reduced stealing behavior in individuals with kleptomania. The research suggests the drug may offer hope for those struggling with the condition, particularly when used in combination with individual therapy.
The University of Minnesota's Daily newspaper has launched a Facebook application that tests new strategies to engage young people in current events and build community. The app aims to provide a future business model for media organizations and generate real-world impact through online social network sites like Facebook.
A U of Minnesota study finds that fear and romantic desire can dramatically change how people make decisions, with fear leading to conformity and romance motivating uniqueness. This discovery has implications for marketing and advertising strategies.