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University of Notre Dame


Feeling stressed by your job? Don’t blame your employer, study shows

A recent study by University of Notre Dame researcher Timothy Judge found that genes play a significant role in job stress and health problems. He studied nearly 600 twins and discovered that shared genes were about four times more important than shared environments in shaping personality, stress, and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateSep 14, 2012

Confusion can be beneficial for learning: Study

A new study by Sidney D'Mello and Art Graesser found that strategically inducing confusion in learning sessions on difficult conceptual topics can lead to better retention and application of knowledge. Subjects who were confused scored higher on a difficult post-test and could identify flaws in new case studies.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalLearning & Memory·DateJun 20, 2012

New study examines relationship between social status and wound healing in wild baboons

A new study by University of Notre Dame biologist Beth Archie and colleagues reveals that high-ranking male baboons have better wound healing rates. The researchers found that factors associated with high rank, such as chronic stress and age, suppress immune function in low-ranking males, making them more susceptible to illness.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

New Notre Dame study examines density stratification on microorganisms in aquatic ecosystems

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have found that density stratification has a significant impact on small organisms in aquatic ecosystems. Organisms near pycnoclines experience reduced risk of predation, affording a competitive advantage, which can lead to an accumulation of particles and alter environmental processes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2012

Go-getters fall short in health, mortality new study shows

A new study by Timothy Judge reveals that ambitious people, who typically attend the best colleges and universities, have prestigious careers, and earn high salaries, do not necessarily lead happier or healthier lives. The research tracks 717 high-ability individuals over seven decades and finds a slightly negative impact on longevity.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMar 5, 2012

New computers respond to students' emotions, boredom

The new technology, AutoTutor and Affective AutoTutor, can gauge students' emotional states and adjust strategies to help them overcome frustration and boredom. Tested on over 1,000 students, the system produces significant learning gains, outperforming even expert human tutors.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateMar 2, 2012

Hybrid silkworms spin stronger spider silk

Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have successfully engineered silkworms to produce fibers with the strength and elasticity of spider silk. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new materials for sutures, wound dressings, artificial limbs, and other textiles. The researchers used a transgenic engineering approach ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2012

Notre Dame researchers demonstrate antibiotic sensing event central to MRSA antibiotic resistance

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified a critical mechanism in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics. The 'lysine N-decarboxylation switch' process, facilitated by protein BlaR1, enables MRSA to conserve resources until it detects an antibiotic threat.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 15, 2011