Researchers used satellite-observed chlorophyll fluorescence to detect subtle physiological changes in evergreen trees, revealing forest stress two years before bark beetle mortality appears. The technology could provide early warning for forest managers to prepare before mortality becomes widespread, helping to mitigate climate change...
Researchers have created a 3D map of a hidden 'rock glacier' in the Wasatch Mountains, one of over 800 in Utah, and found it contains enough frozen water to fill 600 Olympic swimming pools. The study uses a novel technique to image the 3D ice body within a large rock glacier, revealing the scale of ice storage in Utah's mountains.
A new study finds that rain falling through wildfire smoke can deliver unusually large bursts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to ecosystems in the United States. The nutrient pulses could become an increasingly important ecological consequence of fire as wildfires become more frequent.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new method of 3D printing that creates shapes with voids using a nanoscale 'mask' that diffracts laser light. The process takes as little as 7.5 seconds, a significant improvement over traditional laser-based printing methods.
A new open-source toolkit called 'egg' has been developed to simplify the process of optimizing software tools, such as compilers and synthesizers. The toolkit uses data structures known as 'equality graphs' to compare different approaches and determine the most efficient configurations.
A University of Utah-led survey found that 69% of Salt Lake County residents are concerned about the Great Salt Lake's decline, with habitat loss and risks to human health ranking as top issues. Concern varies by social group, birthplace, and personal experiences.
Exposure to even moderate levels of multiple air pollutants during critical stages of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth. The study found that a mixture of ozone and fine particulate matter posed the strongest relationship to early preterm birth.
Scientists have identified the genetics of caddisflies' evolutionary superpower, which involves a gene that produces a main protein in silk. The study found remarkable heterogeneity in those genes among individuals from two nearby wild populations, highlighting how nature modifies this bioadhesive material while preserving its performa...
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a method to print complex 3D shapes using nanoscale 'mask' technology, achieving physical toughness and transport capabilities. The technique prints multiple shapes in a conveyor-belt fashion, with dimensional ratios as high as 120:1.
Researchers develop AI framework using principles of superposition and entanglement to tailor cancer treatment to patients' entire molecular background. The technique predicts health outcomes and suggests genes to target, outperforming standard biomarkers in clinical trials.
Two University of Utah-led studies aim to improve biomass mapping to better understand how Arctic and boreal forests respond to climate change. The new maps, built using satellite imagery and field measurements, capture 40 years of ecological change in unprecedented detail.
A University of Utah team developed a smartwatch prototype that tracks blood pressure and flow using electrical properties of blood flow for continuous, cuff-free readings. The technology harnesses physics and machine learning to provide accurate and interpretable results.
Researchers confirmed locations for nine well-below-Earth's-crust deep earthquakes, proving the existence of continental mantle earthquakes. The study revealed striking patterns, including extremely high temperatures and a heterogeneous structure in the Wyoming Craton.
Research reveals US forests face significant risk of carbon loss due to wildfires, droughts, and insects. Current carbon-credit systems fail to account for these risks, but the study provides a solution by proposing larger buffer pools to mitigate losses.
The University of Utah is launching a groundbreaking testbed, SMART, to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies in rare earth elements. The initiative aims to strengthen domestic supply chains and address the nation's growing need for critical minerals.
The University of Utah and National Laboratory of the Rockies have signed a three-year MOU to strengthen the US energy system. The partnership enables research on urgent national security and energy priorities, including water security, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing.
Research led by University of Utah biologists shows that host genetics and sex influence how influenza viruses evolve. Female mice from a specific strain exhibit accelerated virulence gains compared to male mice.
Researchers found a tipping point in granular sea ice where fluids can flow vertically through it, altering nutrient replenishment and melt pond evolution. This change has major implications for microbial communities and various geophysical processes, affecting Earth's climate system.
The University of Utah has launched a new Institute for Critical and Strategic Minerals (ICSM) to address the US's growing reliance on foreign critical minerals. The institute aims to expand sustainable, domestic sources and production of critical minerals through education, workforce development, and cutting-edge research.
University of Utah researchers develop framework for assessing varying levels of automation in psychotherapy, highlighting the importance of weighing risks and benefits. They explore how automation can support therapists without replacing them, using large language models to capture core components of treatment and provide feedback.
Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) in Salt Lake City have declined significantly over the past two decades, driven by improved vehicle technology and emission standards. Meanwhile, levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major contributor to climate change, have remained relatively steady.
Researchers used airborne electromagnetic surveys to characterize a deep freshwater reservoir beneath Farmington Bay and Antelope Island. The study revealed that freshwater saturates the sediments beneath the lake's hypersaline surface to depths of 3-4 kilometers, extending towards the interior of the lake.
A new framework, 'just-shoring,' aims to shift focus from competition and security to the rights and interests of local communities whose lands are most at risk. The approach prioritizes accountability and transparency, giving communities a legal right to co-govern throughout the mineral lifecycle.
A new study reveals that selfish chromosomes exploit the Overdrive gene to destroy rival sperm, boosting their chances of passing into the next generation. The gene acts as a quality control checkpoint during sperm development, normally eliminating abnormal sperm cells, but selfish chromosomes hijack the system to kill competitors.
Researchers deploy electrical resistivity tomography to characterize subsurface groundwater under the playa, revealing a complex patchwork of fresh and salty aquifers. The study aims to understand the groundwater's volume and flux, advancing knowledge of terminal lakes and their ecological importance.
Researchers developed a machine-learning system that predicts how molecules form, cutting lab work time from months to days and reducing costs. The system uses asymmetric cross-coupling reactions to build complex compounds and can be applied across fields, deepening our understanding of chemistry.
University of Utah researchers have discovered a steam-enabled self-cleaning mechanism that dramatically improves sulfur tolerance in solid oxide fuel cell anodes. The addition of rhodium leads to the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles that actively resist sulfur poisoning and autonomously regenerate under steam exposure.
Utah engineers have created a wearable, portable hip exoskeleton that reduces the energy needed to walk by nearly 20% in individuals with hemiparesis after a stroke. The device helps compensate for reduced ankle propulsion and provides real-time motor assistance, improving mobility and quality of life.
Physicists at the University of Utah have developed a new, streamlined system for generating orbital angular momentum in electrons, allowing for cheaper and more abundant materials. The innovation uses natural symmetry and vibrations of atoms to control electron momentum.
Researchers tracked web-surfing activities of over 1,000 U.S. adults and found that only 6.8% of health-related browsing sites contained low-credibility information. The majority of exposure to such sites occurred among older adults, particularly those with right-leaning political views.
A new collaborative study evaluates potential dust control measures for the Great Salt Lake, considering effectiveness, cost, water demand, maintenance needs, and ecological impacts. The analysis emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, sustained maintenance, and careful consideration of unintended consequences.
Scientists have discovered that ancient Earth magnetic field reversals lasted up to 70,000 years, revealing a new perspective on the geomagnetic phenomenon. This extended reversal period had significant impacts on atmospheric chemistry, climate processes, and the evolution of living organisms.
Researchers found a significant decrease in lead concentrations in hair samples from Utahns, spanning over 100 years. The study demonstrates the impact of environmental regulations on public health and highlights the importance of protecting against toxic metals like lead.
Researchers found clouds in North Atlantic region formed with fewer, larger droplets, yet remained unchanged in reflectivity; overall water content increased to maintain balance.
Researchers analyzed stone tools from 14 archaeological sites and found starch granules from the Four Corners Potato, supporting early domestication. The study reveals that Indigenous people intentionally cultivated and transported the tuber across the Colorado Plateau.
A team of geoscientists has identified a massive underground reservoir of freshwater beneath the Great Salt Lake, extending thousands of feet below the playa. The aquifer is believed to contain water dating back to the Ice Age, which could provide a new source for restoring lakebed crusts and reducing dust storms.
Researchers used 'proxies' from the geological record to show that intense rainfall events were less regular during the Paleogene Period, which saw extreme warming. This challenges common assumptions about how wet places become wetter and drier with climate change.
A new species of roundworms, Diplolaimelloides woaabi, has been discovered in the Great Salt Lake, characterized by its unique features and potential role in the lake's ecosystem. The discovery raises questions about how the worms arrived in the lake and their adaptation to highly saline environments.
University of Utah engineers developed an autonomous approach using proximity and pressure sensors, training an artificial neural network on grasping postures. Study participants demonstrated improved grip security, precision, and less mental effort when using the AI-enhanced prosthesis.
The University of Utah has established the nation's first Prison Education Research Center (PEARL) using an $8 million grant. The center will focus on advancing educational justice for people and communities impacted by incarceration, collecting systematic data on postsecondary education in prisons. PEARL aims to strengthen data and ev...
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a new model to predict the snow-to-liquid ratio, which varies widely in the Western United States. By training a random forest model on high-quality data from 14 mountain sites, they were able to explain nearly half of the variability in snow density compared to existing methods.
New research from the University of Utah shows a significant decline in veteran suicide rates since 2020, but rates remain high for those with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The study's findings highlight the importance of safe gun use and various suicide prevention measures.
The Lancet Countdown report links climate change to violence and community health, emphasizing the need for social and economic changes to prevent conflict. Strengthening food systems and ensuring emergency responses can reduce grievances and protect healthcare workers.
A new study found that public greenspaces are lacking in many American communities, with some groups facing significant barriers to access. The research highlights the need for more inclusive park planning and distribution to ensure equal benefits for all residents.
A University of Utah geologist used earthquake-monitoring tools to analyze how towering saguaro cacti respond to wind and ground motion without harm. The study found that saguaros' resonance frequencies vary widely across their height, with stiffness near the bottom and flexibility at the top.
Researchers developed an AI tool that detects intestinal parasites in stool samples with greater sensitivity than human observers, even those with years of experience. The system uses a deep-learning model to identify parasites in wet mounts of stool, improving the likelihood of detecting pathogenic parasites.
Researchers found that a pyrite-oxidizing microbe preserves up to 90% of atmospheric oxygen in sulfate, offering insights into microbial activity in ancient environments. This discovery could help analyze oxygen isotope data from Martian sediments for signs of life and provide clues to environmental conditions on early Earth.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme called PapB that can create tight rings in therapeutic peptides, enabling the creation of stronger, longer-lasting versions of GLP-1 medications. This enzymatic method offers a simpler alternative to traditional chemical methods and could improve the stability and effectiveness of these drugs.
Engineers at the University of Utah create a synthetic antifreeze protein inspired by polar fish, demonstrating its effectiveness in inhibiting ice crystal formation without toxicity. The innovation has potential applications in extending shelf life of frozen foods and improving storage of biologics.
Researchers have developed a new aptamer called Golden Broccoli that can detect glycine levels in living cells with high accuracy. The sensor uses a single dye and can be used to image glycine dynamics inside cells at single-cell resolution.