The American Association for the Advancement of Science has selected five University of Tennessee faculty members for their distinguished contributions to science. The new fellows were recognized for their outstanding achievements in fields such as archaeology, biochemistry, and materials science.
A UT professor and her team will investigate the long-term consequences of the oil spill on coastal ecosystems in the Gulf. Their research aims to understand how oil impacts marsh erosion and microbial cycling, guiding cleanup efforts.
A University of Tennessee study reveals little evidence of conservation organizations adapting to economic changes, limiting their effectiveness. The research analyzed tax filings and interviews with nonprofit leaders, finding inconsistent strategies across the sector.
A University of Tennessee, Knoxville study reveals that saving endemic species is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity. Endemic species have evolved unique traits to survive in harsh environments, which can impact neighboring species.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee discovered that certain species of cichlid fish exhibit playful behavior, such as attacking a thermometer. This finding suggests that play is not unique to humans and may be an essential part of animal biology.
A team led by Jill Mikucki finds microbial ecosystems in Subglacial Lake Whillans, supporting a diverse ecosystem that functions in the dark at subzero temperatures. The discovery has implications for life in extreme environments on Earth and in the solar system.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee discovered that near-Earth asteroid 1950 DA is held together by van der Waals forces, which defy traditional assumptions about asteroid composition. This finding has implications for defending against massive asteroid impacts and may inform strategies for space exploration.
The University of Tennessee Professor Barry Bruce has received funding to harness the power of photosynthesis for cheap and efficient energy. The new photobioreactors will increase algae yields 50-fold, allowing for scalable testing and characterization.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have made significant progress in engineering enzymes that can break down nerve agents, potentially creating a prophylactic drug. The study uses neutron scattering and computational sciences to improve the efficiency of these bioscavengers, which could lead to safer use of chemical weapons.
Bob Hatcher, a renowned geoscientist at the University of Tennessee, has been awarded the Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal. The honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field, including his research on continental crust evolution and community outreach efforts.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville is leading a national research effort focused on developing new lightweight materials for fuel-efficient cars and aircraft. The initiative aims to improve vehicle performance, safety, and energy efficiency by reducing material weight while maintaining strength.
Researchers found that volatile market conditions and technological substitutes like Bt cotton significantly impacted the value of bat pest control services, resulting in a 79% drop. The study's findings fuel a discussion on whether conserving biodiversity is economically worthwhile.
Researchers are analyzing sediment cores and archaeological sites to understand past water level changes in the Everglades. The study aims to predict future environmental changes and mitigate their effects on people, plants, and cultural resources.
Studies conducted by University of Tennessee researchers found a strong link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse in intimate partner relationships. In contrast, marijuana use was not associated with an increased risk of violence. The findings suggest that domestic violence prevent...
A University of Tennessee professor has received a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop an improved condom design that enhances pleasure while preventing disease and unplanned pregnancies. The new condom incorporates superelastomers, allowing for thinner, more comfortable designs.
Jack Dongarra, a distinguished professor at the University of Tennessee, is being honored for his work on mathematical software standards and their impact on high-performance computing. He will receive the ACM-IEEE Computer Society Ken Kennedy Award for his influential contributions to performance measurement and parallel programming.
A University of Tennessee professor is leading a research project to study lucinid clams, which play a crucial role in detoxifying coastal environments. The study aims to uncover the genetic, taxonomic, and functional diversity of modern lucid chemosymbioses and their responses to environmental changes.
A University of Tennessee professor helped discover that a near-Earth object is actually a comet, not an asteroid. The body, 3552 Don Quixote, contains water ice and has a coma and tail, suggesting it may be the source of Earth's water.
A University of Tennessee professor and student have developed a quick and easy-to-use sensor that can detect trace amounts of biodiesel contamination in diesel. The sensor uses a dye that changes color when biodiesel is present, allowing for rapid detection at concentrations as low as 0.5 parts per million.
The University of Tennessee is working with local community partners to improve disaster preparedness and community wellness in Clay County, Kentucky. The project aims to address health and disaster readiness needs through a comprehensive assessment and implementation of solutions.
A University of Tennessee study challenges the mere exposure effect by exposing students to repeatedly viewed 'bad' and 'good' artworks. The researchers found that repeated exposure did not increase liking for the poorly regarded pieces, while appreciation for the well-regarded works remained steady.
The study found that shortening yellow duration and increasing speed limits increase the chance of drivers running a red light, while shortening cycle lengths do not impact safety. The researchers suggest a combination of strategies could produce adequate revenue without causing traffic delays or congestion.
Professor Harry 'Hap' McSween, a leading expert on Mars composition and meteorites, will receive the Whipple Award for his pioneering studies of Martian geology. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the field of planetary science.
The study aims to determine end-of-life needs and available services for HIV/AIDS patients in Appalachian regions. The researchers will examine factors such as poverty, lack of health services, and stigma, and develop targeted interventions to address discrepancies.
A recent study from the University of Tennessee found that triclocarban in antibacterial soaps may reduce the survival rates of baby rats. Prolonged exposure to the compound during pregnancy and nursing has been linked to early development issues.
Research by Jan Simek and team finds strategic placement of rock art to reveal a cosmological puzzle mapping the prehistoric people's universe. The 'upper world' features celestial bodies, while 'middle world' represents nature, and 'lower world' is associated with darkness and death.
The Mars Curiosity Rover has discovered strong evidence of flowing water on Mars, with rocks showing characteristics similar to those formed by rivers and streams. The findings suggest a warmer and wetter past environment on the planet, which may have supported life.
The study suggests that oil-eating bacteria in the Gulf are more resilient and abundant than previously thought, enabling natural clean-up. The discovery provides new insights into the Gulf's ability to recover from oil spills, potentially reducing the need for heroic measures.
Research by Alison Boyer found that nearly 983 land bird species became extinct between the first human arrival and European colonization due to overhunting, forest clearance, and introduced species. The study also reveals that flightless species were more likely to go extinct than those with flying abilities.
A study by Karen Lloyd reveals that archaea slowly eat tiny bits of protein, implications for understanding bare minimum conditions to support life. The finding provides clues about the absolute minimum conditions required to sustain life and the global carbon cycle.
A new study by UT researchers identified specific ways to increase physical activity in children, such as mandatory PE and playground design changes. The study found that these approaches can help kids achieve the recommended daily activity goal of 60 minutes.
A study published in Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy reveals that positive first-time experiences are predictive of physical and emotional satisfaction. Those who felt loved and respected by their partner found later encounters more emotionally satisfying.
A University of Tennessee study predicts extreme climate changes in the Eastern US, with heat waves becoming more severe in most regions. The Northeast and Southeast will experience significant increases in precipitation, leading to a greater risk of flooding.
A recent UT study examined how academic achievement relates to physical fitness in middle school students. The study found that students with the highest fitness levels performed better on standardized exams and earned higher grades. By being active, kids may be able to raise their grades without sacrificing academic instruction.
Researchers have found that nanoparticles produced by fungus A. oligospora stimulate the immune system and kill tumors, offering a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The discovery could lead to the development of novel materials for therapeutic applications.
A team of researchers led by Professor Mingjun Zhang discovered the secret behind the whirligig beetle's high propulsive efficiency, which inspired the development of energy-efficient propulsion mechanisms for swimming vehicles and robots. The key to the beetle's efficiency lies in its unique leg functions, alternative patterns of leg ...
Seven University of Tennessee professors have been named AAAS fellows, recognized for their contributions to discovery and education. The new fellows include experts in physics, nuclear security, polymer chemistry, microbiology, anthropology, and information sciences.
A new study reveals that microbes beyond denitrifiers contribute to consuming nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than CO2. This discovery reconciles inconsistencies in nitrous oxide emission predictions and advances understanding of ecological controls on global emissions.
A new study from the University of Tennessee confirms that solar wind is a source for water embedded in the lunar surface. The researchers found that most of the water in agglutinates comes from solar wind, making it a valuable resource with potential use as rocket fuel.
A University of Tennessee study suggests recent droughts may be the new normal, posing significant threats to the nation's forests. The researchers found that the US has experienced several mega-droughts in the last 1,000 years, and projections indicate worsening drought and increased tree mortality by 2050.
The University of Tennessee will participate in two Department of Energy projects worth over $9 million to enhance nuclear energy safety and efficiency. Researchers aim to develop new materials and designs that can prevent accidents, such as those seen at Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant in 2011.
A recent University of Tennessee study found that women who read food labels weigh nearly 9 pounds less than those who don't. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey and discovered a significant correlation between label use and lower obesity rates, particularly among women.
Researchers aim to develop models that predict material response over years and decades for plasma reactor operation. The team will examine how surfaces respond to energetic neutrons and ions, tackling a critical aspect of achieving fusion energy.
The University of Tennessee team will combine molecular biology, ecological analysis and environmental remediation to create mathematical models of ecosystem function and provide a strategy for Chinese government officials to balance Lake Taihu's ecosystem. They will examine all contributing organisms to toxic algal blooms and develop ...
Professor Michael Zemel's NuShape supplement increases fat oxidation by up to 300 calories a day, with participants maintaining 60-70% of initial weight loss over six months. NuControl promotes healthy blood sugar levels by converging on the same metabolic pathway as resveratrol.
Jon Camden, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, has received a $600,000 CAREER grant to support his research in surface nonlinear spectroscopy. The project aims to develop new analytical methods for detecting molecules on nanoparticles.
A University of Tennessee professor has received $300,000 in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop High-Entropy Alloys for improved structural materials. The goal is to enhance efficiency in coal-fired power plants, reducing carbon footprint and lowering fuel costs.
UT researchers successfully test technology to insulate and stabilize central solenoid, a critical component in experimental fusion reactor. The technology uses a glass fiber and epoxy mixture to provide electrical insulation and strength.
A University of Tennessee professor has helped reveal a rare orbital shift and the density of an asteroid that will pass close to Earth. The asteroid, 1999 RQ36, has a low density and its orbit has drifted roughly 100 miles in the last 12 years due to the Yarkovsky effect.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee found that US skulls have increased in size by 200 cubic centimeters since the mid-1800s, with average height from base to top increasing by eight millimeters