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University of Missouri-Columbia


Telehealth program created to improve access to specialty care found to reduce reliance on opioids in pain management

A telehealth program created by Project ECHO has been found to reduce reliance on opioids in pain management. The program connects primary care providers with experts via videoconferencing, leading to lower rates of opioid prescribing and greater adherence to evidence-based recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Opioid Management·DateMay 7, 2024

Rehabilitative reform

University of Missouri researcher Kelli Canada is using a $2.8 million grant to transform prison conditions in four Missouri prisons. Her multi-pronged mission includes staff training, physical space changes, skill building for residents, and community connections.

Students are missing more school, and school nurses may be well-positioned to help

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Knoo Lee found that school nurses are well-positioned to identify students at-risk for chronic school absenteeism. Students who have many partial-day absences often proactively seek out school nurses as a source of comfort and support, presenting an opportunity for intervention before...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of School Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJan 29, 2024

The more the merrier: Research shows online interventions with social support help middle-aged adults with obesity lose weight

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Fitness with no age limit

The MU Extension program has proven results, showing improvements in physical energy, self-confidence, and muscle strength among participants. The program also reduces the risk of falling and provides social enjoyment for participants, who often form close relationships with instructors and each other.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2024

Small but mighty: Microparticles from the placenta may offer major clues on the in utero development of neurobehavioral disorders

Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 2023

STEM Career Days boost high school students’ career aspirations in STEM fields, MU study finds

A new MU study shows that high school students who attended college-run STEM Career Days were far more likely to have STEM-related career aspirations than those who did not attend. The study highlights the benefits of introducing high school students to STEM opportunities and can help increase diversity in the STEM workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2023

Formalized education on breast cancer survivorship can help nurses provide more streamlined care, MU study finds

A new MU study found that APRNs recognize the importance of breast cancer survivorship care and can benefit from standardized education. The findings suggest that formalizing education on breast cancer survivorship could lead to improved healthcare for patients, including symptom management, monitoring, and follow-up appointments.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners·TypeSurvey·DateSep 25, 2023

Scaling up the power of nanotechnology

The team created a proof-of-concept nanocapsule capable of delivering specific payloads to targeted locations, with potential applications in drug delivery, nutrient transport, and other fields. By using calcium metal ions as building blocks, they can generate identical reservoirs for different substances.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 21, 2023

MU researcher combats bullying of students with disabilities

A University of Missouri researcher created an evidence-based, online professional development curriculum to help teachers recognize, respond to, and prevent bullying towards students with disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes building rapport, social skills, and communication skills to improve classroom climates and reduce bullying.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducation and Urban Society·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2023

Researchers find male and female immune systems get trained differently in response to infections

Researchers discovered that female mice were more susceptible to opportunistic infections when progesterone levels were high, but this vulnerability was reversed by progesterone blockers. This study's findings suggest a sex-based difference in immune training and may have implications for human immune function.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

MU researchers study barriers and facilitators to accessing health care in rural Missouri

A recent MU study found that health and healthcare organizations are increasingly offering basic social services, such as transportation, housing, food, and mental health support, to address disparities in health outcomes. The research team explored innovative solutions implemented by care coordinators and social services to help overc...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProfessional Case Management·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2023

‘You just emotionally break’: understanding COVID-19 narratives through public health humanities

A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Humanities·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 25, 2023

Researchers discover contrast dye shortage affected assessment of stroke patients

A study led by University of Missouri neurologist Adnan Qureshi discovered that last year's iodinated media contrast dye shortage impacted the assessment of stroke patients in the US. The shortage resulted in a significant decrease in CT angiograph and CT perfusion scans, affecting blood flow and brain tissue identification.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·TypeCase study·DateAug 16, 2023

Immigrant nurses in long-term care facilities often have more “human capital” compared to American-born nurses, MU researcher finds

A new study by MU researcher Roy Thompson found that immigrant nurses in long-term care facilities often have more 'human capital' than their American-born counterparts, including language skills and additional certifications. This diversity can improve patient health outcomes and create a more equitable workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Regulation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Study examines struggles of Haitian migrants self-managing diabetes on Dominican Republic sugar cane fields

A new study from the University of Missouri found that poverty, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, lack of infrastructure, and political issues hinder diabetes self-management for Haitian migrants. The researchers suggest targeted interventions, such as community gardens and healthcare education through local priests.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2023

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia reduces alcohol-related harm among veterans in treatment

A study by Dr. Mary Beth Miller found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia effectively reduced negative outcomes associated with excessive drinking among veterans. CBT improved insomnia symptoms, which in turn decreased cravings and negative behaviors related to alcohol consumption.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2023

Supportive communities can help increase breastfeeding rates for moms, MU study finds

A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that supportive communities and education about breastfeeding health benefits can boost breastfeeding rates, particularly in rural areas where it is less common. The study also showed that reduced stigma surrounding breastfeeding occurred with increased community exposure.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Health Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2023

Researchers identify needs of rural-based physicians to optimize cancer survivorship care

Cancer survivors rely on primary care clinicians for follow-up treatments, especially in rural areas. Researchers found that clinicians lack access to information and online trainings, making treatment and outreach more difficult. The study suggests equipping primary care physicians with tools and using technology to expand reach.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·TypeSurvey·DateJun 28, 2023

New MU study examines variability of water, carbon in Missouri agriculture ecosystems and future impact on crops

A new University of Missouri study examines the impact of farming practices on crop resilience to climate change, focusing on water and carbon fluxes in three contrasting ecosystems. The research found that native prairie ecosystems are most resilient to extreme weather, while tilled cropping systems are more sensitive.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Education on under-prescribed drug helps reduce cravings for those with alcohol use disorder, MU study finds

A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023