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University of Rochester


Bats offer clues to treating COVID-19

Researchers found that bats' ability to control inflammation may hold clues to developing new treatments for diseases in humans. By understanding the mechanisms underlying bats' unique abilities, scientists may be able to develop therapies to fight diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 9, 2020

'Playing hard to get' really works; here's why

Researchers found that making the chase harder increased a potential mate's desirability, as those who are selective in their partner choices are perceived as more valued. Participants who exerted efforts to see a potential partner were also rated as more sexually desirable than those with little effort.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 8, 2020

'Time is vision' after a stroke

Stroke survivors who receive early visual training can recover more of their lost vision than those trained later. Researchers discovered that the brain's visual structures degenerate over time after an occipital stroke, but early intervention can halt this loss.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalBrain·DateMay 22, 2020

Women quotas in politics have unintended consequences

A study by University of Rochester researchers found that women quotas in India's local government elections led to a reduction in the representation of lower caste groups, while increasing the representation of Hindu upper castes. The quota policy aimed to increase female representation but ultimately had unintended consequences.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateMay 21, 2020

Just read my face, baby

A new study by the University of Rochester and University of Toronto found that couples who accurately perceive appeasement emotions, such as embarrassment, have better relationships. In contrast, couples where either partner feels negative emotions, regardless of whether those emotions are accurately perceived, have poorer relationships.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 20, 2020

Rating pain: Not just a numbers game

A new study found that almost 4 out of 5 patients with moderate pain intensity considered it tolerable, and 30-40% of those with severe pain also described it as tolerable. This suggests an alternative to traditional 0-10 rating scales could help doctors better understand patient needs.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 20, 2020

First mobile app for caregivers of children with FASD reaches trial stage

A new mobile app, FMF Connect, has been designed to support caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The app provides easily accessible information and connects users with others who understand their experiences. Researchers conducted focus groups and beta tests to refine the app's components, including a Fa...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateApr 8, 2020

New research provides evidence of strong early magnetic field around Earth

Scientists have discovered evidence that the magnetic field forming around Earth was even stronger 4 billion years ago, generating a protective shield from harmful solar wind and cosmic rays. This finding has implications for understanding the future sustainability of Earth's magnetic shield and its potential for supporting life.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

When do alcohol-dependent mothers parent harshly?

Research reveals alcohol-dependent mothers exhibit harsher parenting when children express intense negative emotions or frustration. Harsh parenting decreases among non-alcohol dependent mothers over time, while increasing among those with greater psychological-behavioral difficulties stemming from alcohol impairment.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateNov 19, 2019

How much do we lie when we have sex on the brain?

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people are more likely to change their attitudes and engage in deceptive self-presentation when they are sexually primed. Participants who were exposed to sexual stimuli were more likely to express agreement with a contrary opinion and conform to a stranger's...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 4, 2019

Do open relationships really work?

A team from the University of Rochester found that non-monogamous relationships succeed when all parties are comfortable with each other. Monogamous and consensual non-monogamous groups reported high levels of functioning in their relationships, while partially open and one-sided non-monogamous groups showed lower levels of functioning.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateOct 29, 2019

Using machine learning to understand climate change

Researchers have developed a machine learning model to predict global ocean methane emissions, providing a more accurate understanding of the atmosphere's methane cycle. The study reveals that very shallow coastal waters contribute around 50% of total ocean methane emissions, despite making up only 5% of the ocean area.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 8, 2019

Will your future computer be made using bacteria?

Scientists have developed a method to produce graphene materials using bacteria, overcoming a major hurdle in adopting this revolutionary nanomaterial. The bacterially-produced graphene material retains its amazing properties, making it suitable for innovative technologies such as field-effect transistor biosensors and conductive inks.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalChemistryOpen·DateJul 10, 2019

Researchers develop superconducting quantum refrigerator

The superconducting quantum refrigerator utilizes the principles of superconductivity to create an environment conducive to generating unique properties that defy classical physics. Researchers successfully demonstrate a practical way to use the device, paving the way for advancements in quantum technologies and ultrafast computing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 4, 2019

Would you eat genetically modified food if you understood the science behind it?

A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people's existing knowledge about genetically modified food is a significant determining factor of their attitudes towards it. Learning the underlying science leads to more positive attitudes, a greater willingness to eat them, and a lowered perception of GM...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJun 4, 2019

New to college? Spend some time alone

A new study finds that first-year students who value and enjoy their alone time tend to display greater psychological health. The researchers argue that a healthy motivation for solitude is essential, particularly for those who don't feel they belong in college.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateApr 9, 2019