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University of Minnesota


Study discovers molecular properties of lung surfactants that could lead to better treatments for respiratory illnesses

A team of University of Minnesota researchers has discovered the molecular properties of lung surfactants, which could lead to improved treatments for respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and COVID-19. The study found that synthetic lung coatings can help premature infants and adults with respiratory problems breathe easier.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

University of Minnesota study details how some fish cope with parasites, with implications for human health

Researchers found that the ability to detect a parasite and launch an immune response quickly is key to resisting parasites, with implications for understanding human conditions with scar tissue. The study's findings could lead to new treatments and faster recovery times for humans with diseases like cystic fibrosis and liver fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEvolution Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Copycat red nectar shows promise as a natural colorant and is gecko-approved

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified a natural colorant derived from plant nectar, which has been shown to attract pollinators. The discovery, known as nesocodin, has significant implications for the food and textile industries, where synthetic colorants are currently relied upon.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

You can help scientists study the Sun

The Solar Jet Hunter project, led by researchers at the University of Minnesota and supported by NASA, allows volunteers to identify solar jets in images captured over 11 years. By annotating images, citizen scientists contribute to a database that helps narrow down data on the Sun for further review.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2021

Exploding and weeping ceramics provide path to new shape-shifting material

Scientists have created a reversible shape memory ceramic material by combining different phases, overcoming the brittleness of traditional ceramics. This breakthrough has potential applications in high-temperature or corrosive environments, enabling new ferroelectric ceramics that can generate electricity from small temperature differ...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Maternal emergencies without a safety net

The MOMENTUM Study reveals high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in East Africa, particularly on Mfangano Island. The study highlights the need for streamlined hand-off systems, community-based care coordinators, and policy-level interventions to address recurrent health worker strikes and facility closures.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalGlobal Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2021

Spotify is powerful. Is it biased?

Researchers found that independent-label music and female artists benefit from appearances on Spotify's curated ranked list, which promotes underdog artists. However, the study's findings only apply to New Music Friday playlists and do not address broader industry challenges.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Organization·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 5, 2021

University of Minnesota develops new tool to help farmers make crop input decisions

The University of Minnesota has developed a new tool to help farmers make informed crop input decisions, balancing economic and environmental costs. The tool uses machine-learning-based metamodels to predict nitrogen reduction scenarios and identify hotspots for mitigation, while also considering regenerative practices like cover cropp...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 15, 2021

Study: Racial/ethnic and language inequities in ways patients obtain COVID-19 testing

A recent study from the University of Minnesota and Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute reveals racial and ethnic inequities in COVID-19 testing access. The study found that patients from different socio-demographic groups were more likely to seek care through outpatient or emergency department services, highlighting structural barr...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2021

Animal production responsible for vast majority of air quality-related health impacts from U.S. food

A new study estimates that US food production is responsible for 16,000 annual deaths due to poor air quality, primarily from animal production. Improving animal and crop management practices, as well as eating more plant-rich diets, can substantially reduce mortality from food-related air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021

Research brief: Improving drug efficacy against prostate cancer and related bone growths

Researchers developed a system to deliver nucleotide-based drugs more effectively into primary tumor tissue and bone metastases, improving their clinical efficacy. The study found that iRGD-liposomes significantly enhanced the ability of antisense oligonucleotides to inhibit prostate cancer growth and prolong tumor suppression.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 20, 2021

Research brief: Reflecting sunlight could cool the Earth's ecosystem

A team of researchers explored the effect of solar radiation modification technologies on ecology, focusing on a specific strategy called stratospheric aerosol intervention (SAI) that creates a sulfate aerosol cloud in the stratosphere to reduce incoming sunlight and radiation. The study highlights the complexity of cascading relations...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2021