A Turkish biologist's review of existing scientific literature suggests that releasing non-native guineafowl in Turkey to eat ticks may actually spread the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The birds carry ticks on their feathers, which could facilitate the spread of the disease despite initial intentions.
A University of Utah study supports the theory that men help their sisters' children because they are more likely to carry genes from their mother. The new mathematical model relaxes assumptions previously made, showing that men are more likely to share genes with their sister's kids than under the old theory.
Researchers discovered a new bacterium in an Indiana man's infected wound, revealing how insects domesticate bacteria. The strain, HS, has a relatively large genetic blueprint and is closely related to Sodalis-like bacteria that live in many insect species.
A new study provides mathematical support for the 'grandmother hypothesis,' which proposes that humans evolved longer adult lifespans due to grandmothers' care. The simulations indicate that with only a little bit of grandmothering, animals with chimpanzee lifespans evolve into humans in less than 60,000 years.
Astronomers discover that massive galaxies with 100 billion stars are growing denser due to repeated collisions and mergers. The study used gravitational lenses to analyze the mass distribution in these galaxies, finding that major collisions between large galaxies lead to increased mass density at their centers.
In Enga, village court magistrates focus on restitution and 'restorative justice,' sending combatants home with compensation. The system has reduced violence and deaths, showing that indigenous means of conflict resolution can be more effective than Western law.
A recent study by University of Utah and University of California, Santa Cruz scientists has confirmed that the April 2012 earthquake measuring 8.7 magnitude was a result of the Indo-Australian plate breaking apart. The quake caused at least four faults to break, resulting in significant changes to the tectonic plate's movement pattern.
A University of Utah study found that periodic changes in winds 15 to 30 miles high in the stratosphere influence deep-sea circulation patterns, affecting Earth's climate. The research revealed the North Atlantic as a sensitive area where warming or cooling from the troposphere can trigger downwelling events.
Researchers mapped eosinophil distribution in esophagus, showing current biopsies may under- or misdiagnose eosinophilic esophagitis. The study suggests new diagnostic methods could be available in five years.
A University of Utah study found that judges consider a psychopath's biology when sentencing. If given biological explanations for the disorder, they reduce the sentence by about a year on average. However, this doesn't necessarily mean judges let defendants off easy, but rather show major changes in their reasoning.
A University of Utah study found that agroforests with shade-grown coffee and cacao promote greater bird diversity compared to open farmland. The findings suggest that as forests are converted to open agriculture, bird species providing ecosystem services like insect control, seed dispersal, and pollination may decline.
A new University of Utah-led study suggests that global cooling, rather than population collapse, was the primary driver of reduced wildfires globally. The research analyzed charcoal samples spanning 2,000 years and found a significant decline in fires post-1500 AD, which coincided with the onset of the Little Ice Age.
Chris Hacon, a distinguished University of Utah math professor, has been selected as a Simons Foundation Investigator, receiving up to $1.32 million over five years. He will support graduate students and visiting experts in algebraic geometry.
Peter J. Stang, a renowned University of Utah organic chemist, has been awarded the 2013 Priestley Medal from the American Chemical Society for his pioneering work in supramolecular chemistry. The gold medal recognizes his research on complex molecules with potential applications in drug delivery and oil refining.
Researchers developed a new spin-polarized organic LED (spin OLED) that can be brighter than regular organic LEDs, producing an orange color. The device uses a unique property called spin to transmit information, enabling the creation of 'spintronic' technology.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect DNA damage using nanopores, which can lead to gene mutations and diseases. The technique can pinpoint damaged sites within a DNA strand, providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms.
A new study found that a plant's toxic 'mustard oil bomb' makes mice spit out its seeds when eating the fruit, aiding seed dispersal. This discovery illustrates the first known case of directed deterrence in a single species.
University of Utah physicists created a spintronic device that uses MEH-PPV plastic paint to detect magnetic fields, showing exceptional impact in real-world applications. The new magnetometer can accurately measure fields ranging from weak to strong, with potential consumer products on the market in three years or less.
Researchers develop unique technology that keeps devices working in the presence of ionizing radiation, suitable for space applications and control systems, and overcome current radiation-resistant technologies' drawbacks. The new logic gates perform logical operations and can be used to build circuits such as adders and multiplexers.
A University of Utah study found that virgin male moths quickly warm up after smelling female sex attractant, leading to premature takeoff. This behavior may compromise flight power and reduce chances of reaching females. Researchers are studying how odors influence moth behavior, which is critical for understanding insect biology.
Scientists from University of Utah and Harvard develop method to detect changes in CO2 emissions of 15% or more using three monitoring stations. The method is a proof-of-concept step towards verifying compliance with future greenhouse gas treaties.
A five-year grant from the US Army will support research on multiscale modeling of electronic materials. The University of Utah-led consortium aims to design new materials that can reduce the weight and increase the energy efficiency of devices, enabling soldiers to carry more equipment without excessive battery weight.
Researchers have created a tiny, prototype middle-ear microphone that can be implanted in the ear to avoid problems with current cochlear implants. The device has been successfully tested in cadavers and aims to reduce size and improve sound detection abilities for future human testing.
A 2,000-year-old study reveals that indigenous people in the Amazon savannas farmed sustainably without using fire, conserving soil nutrients and organic matter. This labor-intensive approach to farming could be a model for modern raised-field agriculture, reducing carbon emissions and providing food security.
A University of Utah astrophysicist has proposed that supermassive black holes in galaxy centers grow by consuming single stars from wandering binary pairs. The study found that this process is an efficient way to bring stars close to black holes, outperforming gas clouds as a growth mechanism.
Biologists identified Wnt signaling pathways that control nerve signal transmission, influencing synapse plasticity and adult brain function. The study found that these molecules also regulate addiction, schizophrenia, and mental disorders.
Researchers at University of Utah designed a new game controller that vibrates and stretches the thumb tips to simulate real-world sensations. The device delivers directional cues by stretching the skin of the thumb tips in different directions.
Researchers created a new method using calculus equations to estimate acetaminophen overdose patient prognosis, predicting those who can survive with antidote treatment versus those needing a liver transplant. The study analyzed 53 patients and showed the method's accuracy in determining survival outcomes.
A recent review of 200 scientific studies warns that climate change and habitat loss will drive tropical bird extinctions, with 87% of bird species spending time in the tropics. The study predicts 600-900 land bird species may go extinct by 2100, highlighting birds as 'canaries in the coal mine' for ecosystem changes.
A recent study from University of Utah biologists found that the diversity of immune-system MHC genes is maintained through an 'arms race' between genes and germs, where pathogens evolve to evade the immune response, but also create new opportunities for other variants to emerge. This phenomenon helps explain why some disease-susceptib...
A new study reveals that pigeons' visible traits don't necessarily coincide with their genetic makeup, defying expectations. The research analyzed over 350 breeds and found that birds from different breeds can share similar traits, even if they are not closely related genetically.
A workshop program using 3D modeling software SketchUp has shown benefits for children with autism, improving social engagement, self-confidence, and relationships among generations within families. The program's creators noticed significant improvements in participants' behavior, attention span, and ability to interact with peers.
Nadkarni has made a significant impact through her public engagement activities, raising awareness of environmental and conservation issues among diverse audiences. Her initiatives include the Sustainable Prisons Project, Tree-Top Barbie, and the Research Ambassadors Program, promoting science education and outreach.
Researchers found that water changes its molecular structure to form 'intermediate ice' at -55 F, allowing it to remain liquid below the traditional freezing point. The discovery sheds light on atmospheric scientists' need to predict global climate patterns and how much solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric water and ice.
Researchers sequence the two-spotted spider mite's genome, revealing genes capable of detoxifying pesticides and plant toxins. This breakthrough sheds light on how these pests counteract plant defenses and provides new insights for developing targeted pesticides.
University of Utah researchers are using the Doppler on Wheels radar truck to study eight to 10 snow and rain storms during its time in Utah. The truck's radar system provides detailed information on the size and shape of snowflakes, lake-effect snow patterns, and other storm characteristics.
Researchers found that the structure of lion and tiger vocal folds, including fat and viscoelastic properties, determines the low-frequency roars. The study challenges previous assumptions about the causes of loud roaring in these big cats.
University of Utah chemists created a new method to identify optimal catalysts using data analysis and principles of chemistry. The technique reveals the link between size and electronic properties of catalysts in determining their effectiveness.
Researchers have discovered a new class of compounds that stick to the sugary coating of the AIDS virus and inhibit its entry into cells. The synthetic lectins, developed from a compound called benzoboroxole, show promise as a potential microbicide to prevent HIV infection.
Researchers developed a noninvasive wireless system to measure breathing rates, alerting caregivers if breathing stops. The technique could increase surgery patient safety and reduce infant mortality by detecting sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) without invasive monitoring.
The University of Utah is launching a six-year effort to develop new materials for faster computers, better microscopes and solar cells. Researchers will focus on plasmonics and spintronics to create organic semiconductors and metamaterials.
A study published in Nature has decoded the genetic variation of Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant used in research. By analyzing 19 strains of this plant, scientists have gained insight into its ability to adapt to different environments and climates.
A new University of Utah study reveals that woodrats that eat a variety of toxic plants can limit their toxin intake more effectively than those that specialize in one plant. By increasing time between meals, reducing meal size, and drinking more water, generalist woodrats regulate their toxin exposure.
Scientists used ancient soil to measure prehistoric tree cover and found that grassy, tree-dotted savannas prevailed for over 6 million years in eastern Africa. This discovery contradicts previous theories suggesting a shift towards forested environments during human evolution.
Researchers developed a novel analysis method to organize genomic cancer data, revealing previously unknown genetic connections and similarities among different types of cancers. The approach uses multiplicity to create three-dimensional models, potentially leading to trials of already approved drugs for additional cancers.
A University of Utah study shows that men can hit with far more force when standing upright than when on all fours, giving tall males a fighting advantage. This supports the theory that bipedalism evolved to allow humans to fight with greater strength, and may explain why women prefer tall men.
A new study from the University of Utah found that mothers of twins tend to be healthier and live longer than singleton mothers, with stronger women being more likely to naturally conceive twins. The research analyzed data from over 58,000 Utah women born between 1807 and 1899, revealing a link between twin birth and longevity.
A University of Utah study reveals that Paranthropus boisei, a 2.3 million-year-old human relative, had a diet of mainly tropical grasses or sedges, not nuts. The discovery upsets conventional wisdom and has implications for understanding the diets of other early humans and human relatives.
A study by University of Utah psychologists found that individuals with lower working memory capacity are more prone to inattention blindness, missing a person in a gorilla suit walking across the screen. This suggests that people with better control over their attention may be more likely to notice unexpected events.
The new study creates a detailed image of the Yellowstone plume's electrical conductivity, showing it dips more gently and extends farther east-west. The geoelectric image suggests the plume may be enveloped by a broader sheath of partly molten rock and liquids.