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University of Missouri-Columbia


Painting a clearer picture of COVID-19

A team of researchers at MU, including an 8th grader and an undergraduate student, identified 3 specific mutations in the COVID-19 virus that may be contributing to its high infectivity in the US. The findings suggest a clearer picture of co-evolving mutations inside the virus.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology·DateSep 28, 2020

Fostering 'political' attitude adjustments

Researchers at the University of Missouri developed a narrative writing exercise to encourage people to reduce political polarization. The study found that this exercise can foster different perspectives and create a sense of common identity, reducing angst toward those with opposing views.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·DateSep 22, 2020

Making sense of diabetes

Research suggests that witnessing a relative or neighbor manage diabetes can influence an individual's approach to self-management. Healthcare providers must consider patients' life circumstances, including financial resources, to optimize care. Asks healthcare providers to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to better under...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateSep 21, 2020

Vertebral body tethering shows clinical success as treatment for scoliosis

A retrospective study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a promising alternative to posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for treating scoliosis in pediatric patients with growth remaining. VBT yields a high success rate, preserving mobility and correcting curves in 74% of patients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 27, 2020

Study identifies optimal timing for phone calls after skin surgery

A new study found that follow-up calls made the evening after Mohs micrographic surgery best identified patients with active pain. However, no single group was able to identify bleeding complications or highest pain levels. The study suggests that standard phone calls may not strongly contribute to overall patient satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateAug 18, 2020

MU School of Nursing programs help nursing homes respond to COVID-19

The MU Sinclair School of Nursing is providing assistance to over 500 Missouri nursing homes, distributing personal protective equipment (PPE) and offering recommendations for infection control practices. This helps nursing home residents stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on isolating sick patients and supporting staff.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Care Quality·DateJul 27, 2020

MU advances chemotherapy-free treatment for cancer in animals and humans

Researchers at MU successfully treated bone cancer in dogs with a vaccine that stimulates the immune system against abnormal proteins specific to the patient's tumor. The treatment outperformed chemotherapy, resulting in over 400 days of cancer survival for dogs compared to about 270 days for those receiving traditional chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateJul 17, 2020

The new tattoo: Drawing electronics on skin

Researchers at University of Missouri discovered that pencils can conduct energy when drawing on paper, allowing for the creation of bioelectronic devices. The devices can be used for personal health monitoring, education, and remote research, offering a low-cost and simple alternative to existing commercial devices.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

A new view of microscopic interactions

Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

Boys' poor reading skills might help explain higher education gender gap

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that boys' poor reading skills in adolescence, combined with social attitudes about women attending college, can explain why fewer men than women enroll in higher education. The research analyzed data from over 400,000 boys and girls across 18 countries.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Uncovering Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that menopause can reduce cognitive function and potentially play a role in Alzheimer's development in women. Animal studies using surgically induced menopause in rats showed poor memory and learning, indicating a decline in cognitive function.

MU Health Care neurologist publishes guidance related to COVID-19 and stroke care

A University of Missouri Health Care neurologist has published new recommendations for evaluating and treating stroke patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. The guidelines take into account increased clotting in COVID-19 patients, which raises their risk for stroke, and suggest modifications to manage these patients.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Stroke·DateMay 14, 2020

Reducing problem behaviors for children with autism

A University of Missouri researcher has created a new approach to reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. The flexible intervention technique emphasizes momentary check-ins, allowing parents and caregivers more flexibility to implement the strategy. This can help minimize self-inflicted harm and social sti...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Developmental Disorders Reports·DateMar 4, 2020

Wearable AC

Researchers create breathable and waterproof device using passive cooling to deliver personal air conditioning, with potential applications in healthcare and sustainable fashion. The wearable AC can cool the human body by up to 11 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Adulthood with autism

A recent study by MU researcher Nancy Cheak-Zamora found that many young adults with autism struggle to achieve independence due to a disconnect between caregiver support and individual efforts. The research recommends shifting the perception towards strengths and skill sets, providing opportunities for mastery of tasks like cooking an...

Telehealth increases primary care physicians' accurate diagnosis of skin conditions

A recent study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that a telehealth program increased primary care physicians' accurate diagnosis of skin conditions by nearly 84% for adult cases and 72% for pediatric cases. The program provided expert recommendations through videoconferencing sessions with dermatologists, redu...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare·DateDec 12, 2019