Researchers investigate how consumers incorporate dollar stores into their household food purchases and explore health concerns surrounding the proliferation of dollar stores. The study aims to develop educational resources and tools to help consumers stretch their food budget and maintain a nutritious diet utilizing dollar stores.
A team of researchers, including URI's Patricia Cioe, published recommendations encouraging healthcare providers to discuss nicotine e-cigarettes as a potential option for adults who smoke. The authors emphasize patient-centered discussions and suggest that completely stopping combustible cigarette smoking remains the best way to reduc...
University of Rhode Island researcher William Van Nostrand will study cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) using a $1.5 million grant, aiming to elucidate disease mechanisms and identify early-stage biomarkers for this prevalent disease in the elderly population and Alzheimer's patients.
The symposium brings together leading researchers, clinicians, and industry innovators to explore groundbreaking advances at the intersection of engineering, neuroscience, healthcare, and rehabilitation. Key findings will highlight emerging opportunities in neurotechnology and healthcare innovation.
Emilio Pedroza Lopez, a URI master's student, has received the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship to examine how social dynamics influence movement and survival in degus. His research aims to understand why animals choose to live together, exploring factors such as group size, sex composition, and behavioral traits.
Villouta's research aims to characterize root exudates and understand their role in plant stress and productivity in hydroponic systems. He will explore how temperature variations affect spinach growth in hydroponic environments, with the goal of improving crop viability and informing best practices for other temperature-sensitive crops.
A University of Rhode Island team used Homeland Security exercises to evaluate their storm decision support tool, CHAMP, for improving response to major coastal storms. The exercise simulated the impact of Hurricane Henri on Rhode Island and found that tools like CHAMP can geolocate vulnerabilities and simulate weather hazards.
Soil microbes thrive under winter snowpacks, releasing nutrients critical for plant growth. New research reveals distinct groups orchestrate seasonal nitrogen cycling, transforming organic compounds into forms plants can use.
Governance arrangements in small-scale fisheries have been shown to impact sustainability. Research led by Mateja Nenadović found that each governance model, whether cooperative or patron-based, is better suited to specific environmental conditions. These findings provide initial building blocks for a theory of governance fit, essentia...
Researchers uncover the role of opsin genes in driving coral speciation through habitat-specific adaptation to light cues. The study proposes a new hypothesis on the origin of species in corals, shedding light on the mechanisms behind reproductive isolation and biodiversity.
The 2025 Global Rights Project report highlights troubling trends in worldwide inhumane treatment, with state-committed atrocities reaching an all-time high in 2022. The US is at high risk for mass atrocities due to its history of human rights violations and lack of commitment to international norms.
A University of Rhode Island professor studied natural selection in Anolis lizards impacted by hurricanes, finding longer limbs and larger toepads increase survival rates. This study confirms hurricanes as a source of episodic natural selection with lasting evolutionary effects.
Researchers observed a female Antarctic leopard seal exhibiting postmortem attentive behavior, or PAB, where she cared for her deceased pup for over 20 days. This unique phenomenon is rare in marine mammals and sheds light on the complex behaviors of these apex predators.
A novel study aims to uncover the connections between Fanconi Anemia and nervous system development, as well as nervous system decline. Researchers use C. elegans worms with FA gene mutations to track neural cell damage and behavior changes.
The URI team developed a cost-effective, easy-to-use tabletop device to generate pressure waves mimicking blasts that cause neurodegeneration. The device helps researchers study the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including TBI-related neurodegenerative disease.
A team of researchers, including URI climate scientist Ambarish Karmalkar, used interactive modeling to predict the impact of Antarctic ice sheet meltwater discharge on climate and sea levels. Their findings show that while cold Antarctic meltwater will slow human-induced warming, it also causes uneven sea level rise and significant cl...
A study by University of Rhode Island Professor Jaime Ross found that microplastic exposure can lead to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's-like conditions in mice carrying genetic risk factors. The research exposed mice to microplastics, resulting in sex-dependent changes in behavior similar to those seen in human Alzheimer's patients.
A recent study on Block Island's bird populations found that 18 species have stabilized or recovered since the 1970s and 1980s. Despite a decline in overall North American bird numbers, these findings suggest environmental conditions are adequately supporting smaller current populations.
Researchers have identified a strong link between preterm birth and increased risks of chronic health issues later in life, including high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety. The study's findings highlight the importance of including birth history in adult medical records to optimize health outcomes.
A recent study led by Kelton McMahon at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography found that coral reef food webs are more fragmented and specialized than thought. The researchers used a novel technique called compound-specific stable isotope analysis to trace energy flows through the ecosystem, revealing distinc...
A new metaphor, inspired by the mangrove plant, offers a more resilient and diverse approach to sustainable food systems. The model depicts food systems as interconnected root systems that nourish outcomes such as nutrition, health, and well-being.
A new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) imaged a previously unexplored portion of the seafloor in ultra-deep waters near the Mariana Trench. The OECI partnered with Orpheus Ocean and federal agencies to advance understanding of critical minerals.
The University of Rhode Island will host the international XV Progress in Motor Control Conference from June 30 to July 2, featuring over 30 invited speakers from around the world. The conference will focus on theoretical advances in motor control, motor learning and neural plasticity, motor disorders and rehabilitation.
Researchers found that less than half of estimates for species studied agreed with diel classifications, and 74% switched phenotypes. The study's results will help conservation initiatives better conserve species by understanding when they are active.
Researchers have discovered two classes of enzymes that produce cellulose microfibrils in plants, contradicting the long-held assumption. CSLD proteins have been making fibers for 500 million years, with implications for textiles and renewable energy.
The University of Rhode Island-based report card gives failing grades to over half the world's countries, with a median score of 52. Democratic countries tend to have better human rights records, but exceptions exist. The US scored a 62.5, ranking 66th, despite being a wealthy democratic country.
Researchers develop a modular approach to scaling quantum processors using semiconductor technology and long-distance entangling links. This enables the creation of small arrays of qubits that can be connected to form larger systems, overcoming challenges in controlling individual qubits and maintaining coherence.
Researchers have found that phytoplankton biomass in Narragansett Bay declined by 49% from 1968 to 2019, with the winter-spring bloom occurring earlier each year. The decrease in phytoplankton levels may indicate resilience in the face of climate change.
A University of Rhode Island oceanographer's research cruise discovered a blanket of ash covering the seafloor around deep-sea hot springs in Tonga. The eruption from the Hunga volcano decimated animal populations living there, with some species like crabs and shrimp surviving while others like mussels and snails were extinguished.
A study led by the University of Rhode Island found that the American woodcock, a migratory shorebird, overlaps its migration and reproductive periods. The bird was found to nest multiple times during migration, with some females nesting up to six times, allowing them to reduce energy costs.
Researchers found a symbiotic relationship between cyanobacteria UCYN-A and marine algae, B. bigelowii, where UCYN-A fix nitrogen gas into ammonium without regulating dinitrogen use. This suggests they may be on the path to becoming organelle-like structures.
A team of researchers led by URI Professor Brennan Phillips successfully demonstrated new technologies for capturing preserved tissue and high-resolution images of deep-sea animals in minutes, preserving them for advanced genomic study. This breakthrough enables faster species discovery and can inform extinction prevention efforts.
A new URI lab is developing an adaptive robotic platform to help post-stroke patients regain motor skills and perform daily tasks. The device incorporates user feedback and monitoring of muscle and brain activity to tailor its approach.
A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology – Series B found that having more children can produce economic, social, emotional, and biological burdens that impact health, especially chronic conditions and depression. In contrast, adults with fewer children were more likely to report poor self-rated health in certain countries.
A new study published by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography reveals extensive microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, with an estimated 1,000 tons stored in the top 5 cm of its floor. The buildup has occurred over the last 10-20 years, primarily due to littering and runoff of single-use plastic items.
A new study by University of Rhode Island Professor Jaime Ross found microplastics infiltrate all systems of the body, causing behavioral changes and potentially leading to serious health consequences, including Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered microplastics accumulate in every organ, including the brain, and alter immun...
Researchers found that shorter-legged lizards on tiny Bahamian islands reduced web spider populations by 41% and promoted plant growth, while longer-legged lizards had the opposite effect. This study demonstrates a two-way street in which evolutionary changes shape ecological interactions.
A new URI study reveals that the association between life expectancy and income inequality is not as clear-cut as previously thought. In high-income areas, life expectancy was higher in regions with higher income inequality, suggesting that income inequality may not be a reliable predictor of population health outcomes.
A recent study found that homes near electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) in California see a significant increase in value, with those within 0.4-0.5 km of EVCSs valued up to 5.8% higher. The study also showed reduced air pollution and increased traffic, but no effect on property values within closer proximity.
A University of Rhode Island professor's study has developed a macromolecular model of phytoplankton, which could have significant implications for climate research. The model predicts the variation in C:N:P ratios throughout the ocean, providing new insights into how phytoplankton respond to changing environmental conditions.
A new paper in Nature Reviews Disease Primers provides a global overview of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders, highlighting current approaches to diagnosis, screening, prevention, management, and treatment. The study emphasizes the need for further research, particularly on adolescents and effective behavioral interventions.
A team of researchers from the University of Rhode Island has discovered new details about the chemical reaction that occurs when ferrate is exposed to visible and ultraviolet light. The findings could help optimize the use of ferrate in water treatment applications, making it a promising option for smaller systems.
A new Lancet Viewpoint provides recommendations for providers and parents to detect and intervene in adolescent substance use. The study highlights the challenges of detecting substances with 'invisible symptoms' and emphasizes the importance of open communication and well-validated screening tools.
A new approach combines an immunotherapy agent with a molecular delivery system that targets tumor acidity, successfully eradicating colorectal tumors in mice. The researchers believe this method may increase the effectiveness of STING agonist therapy for cancer patients.
A new study published in the European Journal of Ageing found that having a partner had a greater impact on reducing loneliness among older adults during the pandemic's first wave. Not having a partner was the most significant factor, with those without a partner experiencing a higher risk of moving into loneliness.
The SciComm Identities Project is a five-year initiative creating fellowships for tenure-track faculty members from diverse backgrounds, focusing on climate change issues like energy, water, and agriculture. The program aims to train science communicators from marginalized communities in environmental science.
A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island found that different types of phytoplankton respond differently to warming ocean temperatures. The study suggests that their growth rates and distribution patterns will be dissimilar, resulting in significant implications for future marine communities.
A URI researcher has published a series of articles in the journal Biological Invasions to address concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion. The study found that the editorial board was overwhelmingly American and white, with most papers published by Americans and Europeans.
Zooplankton swim up and down in response to shifts in light due to cloud cover, with mini-migrations adding up to 30% of the average nightly migration distance. This behavior has implications for metabolic requirements and carbon transfer in the ocean.
A University of Rhode Island researcher analyzed data and proposed solutions to improve passenger safety in future pandemics. She suggests clarifying international maritime laws and customs to ensure flag states have a larger role in responding to disease outbreaks.