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University of Oregon


Wildfires can turn harmless minerals in soils into contaminants

Researchers found that wildfires can convert chromium 3, a benign form in rocks and soil, into the carcinogenic chromium 6. Soils from summits contained high levels of chromium 6 when burned at temperatures above 750 F, which could taint groundwater for up to 2.5 years. The study highlights the need for better understanding of fire's i...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 11, 2025

Two-drug combination shows promise in helping heal chronic wounds

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a new treatment approach using a two-drug combination that is 10,000 times more effective than single-drug antibiotics in killing bacterial cells in lab tests. This promising method could help shorten treatment time and reduce toxicity in patients with chronic wound infections.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2025

Mass timber could elevate hospital construction

Research on mass timber found that exposed wood can resist bacterial abundance and inhibit the spread of pathogens, making it a promising material for healthcare facilities. The study's results also suggest that wood can emit compounds called terpenes, which have antimicrobial properties.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalFrontiers in Microbiomes·DateJul 7, 2025

UO researcher develops new tool that could aid drug development

A University of Oregon graduate student has developed a new mathematical equation that significantly improves the accuracy of simplified computer models used to study large molecules. This breakthrough could aid in understanding diseases linked to errors in DNA replication, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 9, 2025

Fungi dwelling on human skin may provide new antibiotics

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a molecule produced by yeast living on human skin that shows potent antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. The fungus, Malassezia sympodialis, transforms host lipids into antibacterial hydroxy fatty acids that can kill the bacteria in as little as 15 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 28, 2025

New research shows that propaganda is on the rise in China

Researchers at the University of Oregon discovered that propaganda campaigns are increasingly used to control and constrain information in China, including natural disaster and public health reporting. On average, at least one front-page article in party newspapers is planted by the state, growing fourfold over a decade.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2025

Earth scientists describe a new kind of volcanic eruption

Researchers describe a new type of volcanic eruption mechanism at Kīlauea volcano, where explosive eruptions are driven by sudden pressure increases and collapse-induced stomp-rocket effect. This discovery provides new insights into the dynamics of past volcanic eruptions and allows for better forecasts and warnings for future eruptions.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 27, 2024

University of Oregon researchers uncover how jelly sea creatures might shape modern robotics

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that salps, gelatinous marine animals, use coordinated jet propulsion to swim through the ocean in giant corkscrew shapes. This unusual locomotion could inspire new designs for efficient underwater vehicles and may even enable silent and less turbulent navigation.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2024

Even worms get the munchies

A study by University of Oregon researchers found that worms become even more attracted to high-quality food when exposed to anandamide, a molecule in marijuana. This phenomenon is similar to human 'hedonic feeding' behavior, where people crave certain foods after consuming cannabis.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 20, 2023