A University of Tennessee professor found that celebrities' political activity can make a party more or less likable, depending on voter perceptions. Research suggests celebrity endorsements affect public opinion by influencing people's views of the parties as 'brands'.
A University of Tennessee professor proposes a game-changing hypothesis that some species evolve by discarding genes rather than adding them. This idea counters the popular assumption that evolution increases complexity and highlights the importance of biological diversity in microorganisms.
A University of Tennessee research finds that designing subsidy programs promising environmental benefits is challenging, with most schemes over-compensating farmers and failing to meet promised bird species increases. Allowing payment rates to vary depending on farm location can greatly improve conservation prospects.
Electric cars in China cause much more overall harmful particulate matter pollution than gasoline cars due to power plant emissions; however, their impact on public health is lower due to distance from population centers. E-bikes yield the lowest environmental health impacts per passenger.
Researchers at UT-ORNL discovered that aquatic bacteria made the transition to land approximately 400 million years ago, rather than 2 billion years earlier. This finding has significant implications for bioenergy research, particularly in the development of cellulolytic enzymes for efficient plant growth and bioethanol production.
A University of Tennessee microbiologist is working on a biofilter to remove harmful algal toxins from water. The project aims to reduce the risk of toxins passing into water distribution systems and restore safe water resources.
A UT study reveals climate change affects ants' ability to disperse seeds and perform vital ecosystem functions, potentially jeopardizing plant biodiversity. Researchers observed dramatic changes in ant behavior in response to temperature increases.
A University of Tennessee researcher has discovered that the fungus Geomyces destructans is the causal agent of White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease decimating North America's bat population. The study found that exposure to G. destructans causes WNS in healthy bats and can be transmitted through direct contact.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have calculated calorie costs of various physical activities performed by manual wheelchair users. The study found that individuals with disabilities can expend significant energy while engaging in household chores and sports like fencing.
Researchers found two moons orbiting the triple asteroid Minerva, offering insights into its formation and structure. The discovery sheds light on how large asteroids in the main-belt form, suggesting they are composed of rubble held together by gravity.
The University of Tennessee is part of a nationwide effort to study the effects of global change on climate, invasive species, and biodiversity. The project, NEON, aims to detect and forecast ecological changes across the continent using cutting-edge technology.
A new study by University of Tennessee, Knoxville engineers finds that the solar industry can release up to 2.4 million tons of lead pollution in China and India due to reliance on lead batteries. The researchers recommend investments in environmental controls and battery take-back policies to mitigate this impact.
Researchers at UT Knoxville have developed an algorithm that improves the accuracy of electrocardiograms (ECGs) using smartphone technology. The algorithm can detect electrode misplacement and electromagnetic noise, providing more accurate A-F letter grades for ECGs and recommendations for optimal electrode placement.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been awarded a five-year, $18 million grant to lead the development of ultra-wide-area resilient electric energy transmission networks. The center aims to create a smart grid system that operates efficiently and reliably over long distances.
A UT professor's research on a pathogen that attacks the small intestines of humans and animals has inspired the development of robots that can fight disease and aid in military operations. The microorganism Giardia has been found to have unique properties, such as efficient swimming and attachment mechanisms.
The University of Tennessee is part of a $800 million NASA mission to collect samples from asteroid 1999 RQ36, which may hold clues to the origin of life. The mission aims to investigate organic molecules and water on the asteroid, potentially hazardous to Earth.
Researchers have identified a key trigger for Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker (GSS) syndrome, a rare but deadly neurodegenerative disease. The finding has significant implications for the treatment of other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer
Researchers have discovered an evolutionary change 65 million years ago that may have set the pace for present-day flowering plants' rapid growth rate. The team measured vein densities in ancient leaves to determine when modern vegetation first appeared.
Bats play a crucial role in reducing pesticide use and crop damage, with estimates suggesting their value to agriculture is roughly $22.9 billion annually. However, widespread bat population declines due to diseases like White-Nose Syndrome and wind turbine collisions threaten this ecological balance.
Researchers cracked the genetic code of a harmful algal bloom species, shedding light on their ability to thrive in polluted ecosystems. The study reveals that HABs have unique genetic functions allowing them to survive in no light and metabolize toxic metals.
Researchers found that blue-green algae may produce an estrogen-like compound, disrupting reproductive hormones and affecting fish, plants, and human health. Exposure to the algal cells induced a response consistent with estrogen exposure in larval fish.
Researchers measured charisma using empathy, good listening skills, eye contact, enthusiasm, and self-confidence. The study found that these attributes can be acquired rather than innate, suggesting that charisma can be learned.
A UT Knoxville historian is using a $50,000 NEH grant to study small village settlements in ancient Israel, which he believes were just as vibrant and dynamic as city-states.
Researchers at Florida State University and the University of Tennessee found that viewers are more tolerant of swearing on premium channels and cable than on broadcast channels. The study also discovered that sexually suggestive words are the most offensive, while mild language is less so.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, have discovered that water on the moon may have originated from comets smashing into the moon soon after its formation. This finding suggests that the moon can act as a stepping stone for further space exploration, enabling missions to fuel up with liquid hydrogen and oxygen.
Researchers Francisco Úbeda and Edgar Duéñez found that moral corruption and power asymmetries are necessary for overall societal cooperation. Without law enforcers, individuals have less incentive to cooperate, while without power and corruption, law enforcers lose their motivation to do their job.
A study by UT professors found that firms engaging in corporate political activities enjoy a 20% higher performance. However, the researchers express concern that this increased activity constrains natural market forces and is undesirable.
A UT professor's study found that economic inequality increases both the rich and poor becoming more conservative, reducing support for government programs. The study analyzed hundreds of thousands of survey responses from 1952 to 2006, revealing a self-perpetuating phenomenon.
UT researcher Francisco Úbeda and Andy Gardner found that genomic imprinting affects children's behavior, with paternal genes promoting altruism and maternal genes encouraging self-interest. This discovery has implications for understanding neurological disorders like autism and psychosis.
Nautilus provides cutting-edge capabilities for analyzing large datasets in various fields, including life sciences and astrophysics. The system is designed to process vast amounts of data using its shared-memory architecture with four terabytes of memory.
A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that communities with more walkers and cyclists are healthier than those relying on cars. The research analyzed city- and state-level data to show a significant link between active travel and physical activity, obesity, and diabetes rates.
A UT professor has made a groundbreaking discovery on how viruses jump from host to host. The study found that cross-species transmission may be driven more by host similarity than virus mutation and contact rates.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have discovered water on the inside and outside of the moon, with similarities to volcanic systems on Earth. The finding challenges the long-held theory that the moon was bone-dry and has deep implications for its formation.
A three-year study by UT experts found that summer reading significantly improves reading achievement in students who receive books. Reading development is compared to athletic fitness, highlighting the importance of regular practice to maintain skills.
Scientists Jérôme Chappellaz found a tight link between atmospheric methane and global climate at glacial-interglacial time scales. He attributed the 40% increase in carbon dioxide since the last ice melt to changes in Antarctic oceanic waters
Research using geoscientific observatories reveals high levels of manganese in certain soils linked to nearby industrial activities. The study contributes to understanding the impact of human activity on soil formation and fertility.
Researchers propose using special bacteria to capture and convert CO2 into valuable natural gas, potentially lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This method has the potential to increase energy production while minimizing environmental harm.
Researchers at the Carbfix Project have found a way to capture and dissolve CO2 in water, then inject it into basalt rocks where it forms solid carbonates. This method aims to provide a long-term, thermodynamically stable solution for storing excess CO2.
Scientists have developed a method to distinguish between primary and secondary organic carbon in ancient sediments, providing insights into the earliest life forms on Earth. By analyzing chemical fossils from Neoproterozoic glacial sediments, researchers have revealed new information about the environment and ecosystems of this period.
A geochemist raised concerns about the efficiency of carbon storage projects by highlighting the impact of underground chemical reactions on mineral dissolution. Research is needed to analyze reaction rates and affected minerals for better carbon storage project evaluation.
Navrotsky's research reveals that particle size significantly affects the energy needed for oxidized reactions, with implications for applications such as hydrogen production and battery efficiency. The study sheds light on how nanoparticles react under different temperatures and conditions.
New intense sources of radiation at national facilities are allowing geochemists to gather images and data on minerals in one second, revolutionizing the field. The enhanced power of x-rays and pulsed neutrons enable researchers to detect, characterize and understand mineral components and contaminants.
A new study has uncovered a mysterious area beneath the deep ocean floor, providing insights into microbial life in this extreme environment. Researchers believe that this habitat could be one of the largest biological reservoirs on Earth, holding secrets to new species and metabolism.
Researchers from UTK-ORNL-Oslo successfully compute the proton halo state in Fluorine-17 using a many-body problem approach. This breakthrough calculation provides tools to investigate nuclear existence and predict properties for applied fields.
A University of Tennessee study found high-risk water sources in East Tennessee contain fecal contamination, including E.coli, coliforms, Bacteroides, and infectious viruses. This highlights a potential health hazard for rural residents who drink untreated groundwater.
Asteroid 24 Themis has been found to have a thin film of ice coating its surface, with complex, long-chained molecules detected as well. This suggests that water ice is abundant in the asteroid's interior and may be responsible for delivering water to Earth.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee have developed a new Alzheimer's test called CST, which is more than 95 percent effective in detecting cognitive abnormalities. The test is designed to be simple and accessible for medical professionals and patients, providing an objective way to determine the presence of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UT Knoxville discovered that Azospirillum brasilense has 48 receptors, enabling it to detect changes in its environment and make complex decisions. This understanding could lead to tailored medicines and new agricultural applications.
The University of Tennessee supercomputer Kraken has been ranked as the world's third fastest computer and holds the title of the world's fastest academic supercomputer. With its combined computing power with Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Jaguar, East Tennessee is now firmly established as a center for supercomputing activities.
Researchers from UT Knoxville and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a way to harness algae's solar conversion abilities to create clean fuel. By using a thermophilic blue-green algae and a platinum catalyst, they can sustain the reaction at high temperatures, producing a steady supply of hydrogen.