The combined herbaria will create an unmatched archive for studying plant diversity in the southeastern US, with over 1.7 million specimens. The consolidation will preserve a scientific legacy and advance understanding of plant life, supporting human well-being for generations to come.
A new statewide study found nearly 1 in 5 beginning teachers previously worked as teaching assistants, performing equally well and being more likely to remain in the profession. Former TAs are more likely to be teachers of color and hold special education licenses, addressing persistent shortages.
The UNC School of Social Work will expand access to suicide prevention training to colleges and universities across North Carolina with a $464,290 NC state contract. The project aims to deliver Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings to over 15 institutions and reach at least 20 new MHFA instructors.
Astronomers at UNC-Chapel Hill have observed an extremely rare 'wandering' black hole located tens of thousands of light-years from the center of its galaxy. This discovery could reshape our understanding of how massive black holes move through the universe after galaxies collide.
Researchers analyzed eight aspects of character portrayal in AI-generated stories, finding that AI models tend to 'play it safe' with their characters, leaving them mysterious or fully understood by the end. Human writers, on the other hand, are more willing to leave questions unanswered and let characters remain open to interpretation.
A recent study from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that large language models mimic social behaviors humans display when navigating differences in status and authority. The findings suggest that AI systems can become more accommodating and even comply with unsafe instructions when positioned as subordinates.
A new UNC study explores how social media can address youth loneliness. Peer-driven social media content, featuring relatable individuals, was found to be more effective at encouraging participants to seek in-person social interaction than control content.
A new study introduces a comprehensive national measure to assess community readiness for digital health services. The Digital Health Index (DHI) combines socioeconomic conditions, healthcare access, and digital connectivity to identify digitally vulnerable communities.
Astronomers at UNC-Chapel Hill played a key role in identifying the source of mysterious long-period radio transients. The discovery of ASKAP J1745–5051, a binary star system containing a white dwarf and red dwarf companion, provides strong evidence for the origin of these unusual bursts of radio waves.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been ranked 18th among US universities in the inaugural Cure Innovation Index. The Index evaluates institutions nationwide based on research output, entrepreneurial readiness, and market translation.
A new study found that middle and high school students spend nearly one-third of the school day on their smartphones, with frequent checking linked to weaker attention and impulse control. The study also found that students who checked their phones more frequently showed poorer cognitive control, a key skill for learning and academic s...
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill discovered that chronic inflammation fundamentally alters macrophages, immune cells that drive both inflammation and tissue repair. Chronic inflammation triggers a breakdown in the ability of macrophages to adapt, trapping them in dysfunctional hybrid states.
Astronomers have observed a record-breaking gamma-ray burst that lasted nearly seven hours, challenging existing models for these events. The burst's unusual duration and properties suggest multiple possible causes, including the collapse of a massive star or the collision of exotic stellar remnants.
A new UNC-Chapel Hill study uses large language models to accelerate georeferencing in plant specimen collections, unlocking millions of records for global ecological research. The breakthrough technology improves upon traditional methods with near-human accuracy and efficiency.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study of over 1,500 former NFL players found that years played and playing position are not linked to poorer long-term physical or mental health. Instead, concussion history is a more accurate predictor of long-term health challenges.
A new study by UNC Adams School of Dentistry researchers reveals the inflammasome's crucial role in male-biased periodontitis, a common and debilitating gum disease. The study found that blocking this system prevents bone resorption only in males, with potential benefits for developing sex-stratified therapeutics.
The discovery reveals that the Pleiades is part of a sprawling stellar family, known as the Greater Pleiades Complex, with thousands of hidden siblings across the sky. By combining data from NASA's TESS and ESA's Gaia space telescope, researchers identified young stars spinning quickly, tracing the origins of the Pleiades.
Researchers found that small mountain ponds in the Andes can release large amounts of greenhouse gases, contradicting past assumptions. The study's findings highlight the importance of studying small aquatic systems and their impact on global carbon balance.
Researchers created microscopic DNA 'flowers' that can change shape and behavior in response to their surroundings. These tiny robots, made from special crystals formed by combining DNA and inorganic materials, can perform tasks on their own, from delivering medicine to cleaning up pollution.
A new study reveals that 93% of shark meat products in the US are ambiguously labeled and may contain meat from critically endangered species. The findings highlight a need for stronger regulations and oversight of seafood labeling practices to protect consumers and conserve shark populations.
A new study reveals that insect abundance is declining by an average annual rate of 6.6% in relatively undisturbed landscapes, leading to significant losses even in pristine areas. Climate change is identified as a key driver of these declines, highlighting the urgent need for biodiversity conservation.
A study at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill found that brain immune cells, called microglia, drive drug craving by stripping away support structures in astrocytes. Blocking this process reduces relapse behaviors and may help reduce risk of relapse in people recovering from addiction.
A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill has revealed a dual control system explaining why treelines form where they do and which tree species dominate them. Cold temperatures limit tree survival beyond a certain threshold, while water availability determines which species can thrive at high elevations.
A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill reveals repetitive flooding in North Carolina is far more common and widespread than previously recognized. Over 90,000 buildings flooded in at least one event, with 43% located outside of FEMA's designated high-risk areas.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing medical needle procedures by providing unprecedented levels of accuracy and precision. AI-powered robots can assist physicians in complex tasks, enabling safer and more effective procedures. The four components of AI guidance are formalized, categorizing current systems into Eyes-on/Hands...
Researchers discovered dynamic cells coordinate movements to sculpt living tissue in developing fruit flies, highlighting a powerful role of migrating cells in organ formation. This finding suggests similar systems may shape different organs, including the brain and testis.
Government agencies use automated tools to provide guidance on the law, offering administrative benefits but potentially misleading the public. The study recommends policymakers adopt detailed policy recommendations to mitigate these risks.
A novel chemical method breaks down rubber waste into valuable precursors for epoxy resins, reducing molecular weight and producing functional materials with strength similar to commercial resins. The process is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and more efficient than traditional recycling techniques.
Researchers found that aged biomass smoke is more toxic and can have serious health consequences, including respiratory diseases. Using HEPA air purifiers, sealing homes, and avoiding indoor pollution sources can help minimize exposure.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill discovered that shaking bubbles creates a counterintuitive 'galloping' motion, allowing for controlled movement in unexpected ways. This breakthrough has significant implications for industries like cooling systems, surface cleaning, and biomedical applications.
A new study reveals that loggerhead sea turtles can learn and remember the unique magnetic signatures of different geographic regions, suggesting two distinct magnetic senses. This discovery offers insights into how turtles navigate vast distances to reach specific foraging and breeding grounds.
32 UNC-Chapel Hill faculty recognized for broad influence in their fields, with multiple top-1% cited papers over the past decade. Researchers from 59 countries earn distinction, including those who moved to different institutions.
A new study proposes a solution to water scarcity during droughts by coordinating agricultural-to-urban leasing during dry periods and urban-to-agricultural leasing during wet periods. This arrangement benefits both urban and agricultural water users, reducing financial impacts.
The discovery of planet IRAS 04125+2902 b challenges current understanding of planet formation, with a 3-million-year-old age that's roughly equivalent to a two-week-old baby. The research provides new insights into early planetary system formation and sets a new benchmark for young planets.
A new study by Richard S. Saver found that medical boards rarely take disciplinary action against physicians for spreading misinformation, accounting for just 0.1% of all disciplinary offenses.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have developed an innovative computer model of blood flow in the human heart that captures normal heart function and predicts responses to different levels of blood flow. The model has potential applications in medical device design, personalized therapy, and cardiac digital twins.
Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill propose that robotic automation and AI can transform science labs, speeding up experiments and unlocking breakthroughs in health, energy and electronics. Automation reduces human fatigue, increases precision and improves safety, enabling scientists to focus on higher-level research questions.
A new study reveals that British adults in their 30s and 40s tend to have better cardiovascular health than American counterparts in midlife, despite higher rates of smoking. However, significant socioeconomic inequalities in health persist in both countries, with the US exhibiting wider disparities for diabetes and smoking.
A global therapeutics development coalition is proposed to invigorate the pipeline and drive advocacy for increased investment. The coalition aims to develop two Phase-2 ready therapeutics for virus families of pandemic potential, with a focus on equitable access.
Researchers investigate chemical modifications to genetic regulation mechanisms, finding that Set8 controls gene activity through a mechanism other than histone modification. This study refines our understanding of genetic regulation relevant to human diseases like cancer.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that increased social media usage 18 months into the pandemic had a negative effect on college students' mental health. Students who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience depression and anxiety.
A national study analyzed university policies and resources to identify the most supportive institutions for academic couples. The research found that public universities were more likely to create faculty positions for partners than private universities.
The researchers created soft robots equipped with electronic skins and artificial muscles to sense their surroundings and adapt in real-time. These robots can perform various tasks, such as monitoring internal conditions, providing treatments, and delivering drugs over an extended period.
A computer model simulates dynamics of barrier island systems over two centuries, showing how human efforts to protect communities affect natural processes. The study finds that successful storm prevention strategies lead to less resilient barriers in the long term.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health have developed a new oral antiviral drug, obeldesivir (GS-5245), which has shown efficacy in treating COVID-19 in mice. The study suggests that obeldesivir could be a promising tool in future pandemic preparedness.
Researchers successfully created synthetic cells that mimic living cells, paving the way for regenerative medicine and drug delivery innovations. The innovative approach uses programmed DNA sequences to form a cytoskeleton, enabling cells to respond dynamically to environmental changes.
A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill researcher Jennifer E. Arnold examines how people use 'they/them' pronouns in a spoken storytelling context. The findings show that college-aged speakers are able to adopt and use nonbinary 'they' with ease, suggesting a natural process of language change.
Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill have found that tardigrades can increase DNA repair genes' production in response to radiation, making them more resilient to damage. This discovery could lead to new ideas on protecting other animals and microorganisms from damaging radiation.
Researchers found that combined policies would likely increase fruits, vegetables, and healthier drink purchases among low-income consumers. Targeted taxes on sugary drinks could save millions of years of life globally.
Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill develop a process using semiconductors and organic compounds to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, producing a less harmful greenhouse gas. The method uses artificial photosynthesis and achieves 87% efficiency in converting CO2 into carbon monoxide.