A study by University of Utah researchers found that experienced radiologists can miss clear abnormalities when looking for one specific issue, highlighting the limits of human cognition. The experiment demonstrates that years of experience don't guarantee detection of critical findings.
A new study from the University of Utah finds that people experiencing homelessness are exposed to high levels of air pollution, particularly those sleeping outdoors at night. The researchers also discovered that sheltered and unsheltered individuals experience similar negative health outcomes associated with air pollution.
Rapid population growth in rural gateway communities poses significant planning challenges due to increased housing costs, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. The GNAR Initiative aims to help local officials prepare for these pressures through a webinar series on amenity migration.
A new study from the University of Utah reveals that mixed landscapes, comprising both trees and grass, are the most effective way to cool temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley. Lawns actually outperform trees in reducing daytime and nighttime temperatures by acting as a swamp cooler, while more open areas allow for better heat escape.
Researchers found atmospheric dust levels increasing by up to 5% per year across the Great Plains, correlated with farming practices and seasonal crop cycles. The trend suggests a repeat of the devastating Dust Bowl that devastated the Midwest in the 1930s.
Research in Salt Lake City schools found a correlation between poor air quality and increased school absences. Even mild elevations in air pollution were associated with higher absenteeism rates, particularly among elementary students. The study suggests that low-level air pollution can have cumulative effects on health and education.
Researchers at the University of Utah found that measuring magnetic particles on evergreen needles can provide a high-resolution, year-round picture of air quality. The study correlated needle magnetism to general air quality, suggesting a new method for mapping particulate matter distributions at a high resolution and low cost.
Researchers aim to curb idling, a main source of pollution, by using displays similar to speed limit signs. The system will collect and integrate air-quality measurements, local weather conditions, and thermal images to provide feedback to drivers.
A new study by University of Utah researchers found a correlation between media coverage of weather and air quality, and transit ridership. The study suggests that favorable weather conditions and comfort are associated with increased ridership, while poor air quality may discourage usage.
Researchers found that current energy consumption is tied to unchangeable past economic production, which led to an increase in carbon emissions. The study suggests that improving efficiency may actually accelerate civilization growth and consumption, making it harder to reduce CO2 emissions.
Daily surveillance of emerging COVID-19 hotspots reveals smaller but more numerous clusters nationwide. The study uses innovative space-time statistics to detect geographic areas with elevated risk of contracting the virus.
A University of Utah study found that genetic variations in brown howlers may have helped them survive the devastating yellow fever virus outbreak in Argentina's El Piñalito park. The researchers discovered three mutations in the immune genes of surviving brown howlers, which could affect their response to the disease.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that hair isotopes can reveal a person's diet and socioeconomic status. The analysis showed lower-SES areas displaying higher proportions of protein coming from cornfed animals, correlating with obesity rates.
University of Utah researchers found that Salt Lake City's buildings will require less natural gas for heating and more electricity for cooling as temperatures rise. The study suggests that local building policy can impact energy use in the future, with multi-family apartment buildings expected to grow in number.
Research in the Mojave Desert shows that the brittlebush shrub has adapted to increased temperature and aridity by increasing its water use efficiency. Over a 39-year study period, the shrubs' ability to open their stomata was linked to changes in carbon isotopes, revealing a remarkable adjustment to the changing climate.
Physicists at University of Utah pioneered a method to image virus-like particles in real time, revealing the lattice's dynamic nature. The discovery opens up potential new therapies by understanding how Gag and GagPol proteins rearrange, leading to viral maturation.
A recent study reveals that the Carnian Pluvial Episode, a period of intense warming and humidity, occurred globally, particularly in South America. The research suggests that this global climate event may have spurred the emergence of early dinosaurs.
Ornithologists at the University of Utah found that community science bird data shows different trends in bird populations than professional surveys, especially in developing countries. The researchers hope to encourage more conscientious recording and connection between birders and professionals to fill data gaps.
Researchers warn that forests can be vulnerable to climate change, including fire, drought, and insect damage, which can undermine the effectiveness of forest-based natural climate solutions. Scientists must focus on assessing forest climate risks and sharing data with policymakers to inform climate strategies.
Researchers assess the stresses and health of Utah's natural rock arches by analyzing seismic vibrations, revealing the effects of erosion on their shapes. The studies provide valuable information on the mechanical properties of rocks and the dominant sculpting agents behind arch formation.
Jan Kubanek's new procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to alter brain state, treating mental disorders and neurological conditions. The non-invasive treatment shows promise in targeting individual neural circuits for personalized therapy.
A new study found that the mechanics of rib movements in lizards facilitate locomotion, which was later co-opted for breathing. The researchers captured 3D motion of lizard ribs and vertebrae using XROMM, revealing a twisting forward and backward pattern similar to inhalation and exhalation.
A new study reveals that minority students and charter schools experience higher concentrations of PM 2.5 levels even on clean air days, highlighting the need for policies to protect school-aged children from environmental harm. The research used a community-university partnership to analyze data from 174 public schools in Salt Lake Co...
University of Utah engineer Massood Tabib-Azar has developed a portable, reusable test for COVID-19 that works with cellphones. The sensor uses just a drop of saliva and can produce results in a minute, and is designed to be reused multiple times by destroying the previous sample.
Biomedical engineer Jessica Kramer is researching how different compositions of mucus play a part in transferring coronaviruses from person to person. Her study may help identify those who are 'super-spreaders' and those more vulnerable to infection, leading to faster and more accurate data on virus spread.
Researchers create synthetic coronavirus particles to study how they withstand changes in humidity and temperature. The study aims to inform policy decisions on the spread of the virus in different environmental conditions.
A new study has found that the energy source behind mysterious ultraviolet radiation is likely star-forming galaxies, which are producing gigantic clouds of hydrogen gas that emit Lyman-alpha light. The study's findings suggest that infalling hydrogen gas originates in the intergalactic medium rather than the galaxy itself.
A new NASA/university study uses satellite data to track carbon dioxide emissions in 20 major cities worldwide, revealing that densely populated cities tend to emit less CO2 per person. However, exceptions exist, such as cities with major power generation facilities and affluent areas with high rates of driving.
Researchers validate TRAX air quality sensor data, showcasing its ability to capture air pollution events, including summer fireworks and winter inversions. The expanded dataset provides insights into air mass exchange between the Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Scientists have discovered that ultra-strong metals can be created by reducing grain size to below 10 nanometers, contrary to previous assumptions. The study found that high pressure overcomes grain sliding effects, leading to extreme strengthening in finely grained samples.
A new study reveals the earliest known interbreeding event between ancient human populations, dating back to around 700,000 years ago. The super-archaics in Eurasia interbred with Neanderthal-Denisovan ancestors, providing insights into human migration out of Africa and into Eurasia.
Researchers have designed efficient polymers to prevent ice growth and damage cells during cryo-storage. The study identifies key factors controlling the binding of flexible polymers to ice, paving the way for de novo design of more potent inhibitors.
Research from the University of Utah suggests that males' upper bodies are specialized for punching, with an average power difference of 162% compared to females. This specialization may have evolved due to generations of interpersonal male-male aggression, shaping structures in human bodies to favor success in fighting.
A new species of Allosaurus, Allosaurus jimmadseni, has been discovered in Utah, inhabiting the flood plains of western North America during the Late Jurassic Period. The species possesses unique features, including a short narrow skull and relatively long legs and tail.
Researchers found that greater lead occurrence is associated with fewer low-level clouds during winter in the Arctic. The study revealed that rapidly freezing leads can shut off moisture supply and accelerate sea ice freezing.
Researchers developed a new method using interferometry to visualize the movement of millions of molecules in 3D, providing insights into biological processes. The technique distinguishes between flow and diffusion movements, enabling the study of virus-cell interactions and cellular dynamics.
Researchers discovered that Savannah monitor lizards have lung structures with a complex airflow pattern that is part bird and part mammal. The unique system distributes air into tiny chambers and exhibits unidirectional airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
The study reveals that the winner of the climate tug of war between CO2 fertilization and heat stress depends on the ratio between the two. If forests can acclimate, they can tolerate a lower ratio, but if not, it's above 89 parts per million CO2 per degree C of warming. Other factors like forest fires, insect infestation, and exceptio...
A global ant expert has discovered a new, native species in his Utah backyard, which is likely adapted to the region's warm and moist habitats. The species, Strumigenys ananeotes, was found in areas with over 150 years of irrigation and introduced forest.
A new study found that mind-body therapies such as meditation/mindfulness, hypnosis, and cognitive-behavioral therapy can significantly reduce pain severity and opioid use among patients treated with prescription opioids. These findings have critical implications for medical professionals seeking effective treatments for pain management.
Researchers found that the transition between ice and water breaks down at the nanoscale, with clusters oscillating between solid and liquid states. The study provides new insights into the conditions necessary for ice formation and has implications for understanding climate regulation and life viability.
The total cost of preterm birth in the US was estimated to be $25.2 billion in 2016, with an average cost of $64,815 per birth. Preterm births are a leading cause of infant mortality and maternal health issues, with over 22,000 babies dying before their first birthday annually.
The Utah Bionic Leg, developed by the University of Utah, enables amputees to walk with more power and better balance. The prosthetic limb features sensors, motors, a computer processor, and artificial intelligence that work together to provide assistance during walking and other activities.
Researchers found a correlation between dysfunctional microglia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) behaviors in mice. Female sex hormones exacerbated symptoms, indicating a potential genetic link to anxiety disorders.
A new study published in Science Advances shows that MORE, a mind-body therapy, decreases brain's response to opioid-related cues while increasing its response to natural rewards. Participants reported enhanced joy, less pain, and improved psychological health after treatment.
University of Utah engineers create a new type of optical lens that is thinner and lighter than conventional lenses, working with night imaging and enabling longer-flying drones and military applications. The lens is made of plastic instead of glass, reducing manufacturing costs.
Researchers found that ancient plant and animal communities differed significantly from today's, with a greater diversity of megaherbivores and non-ruminant species. The study suggests that environmental changes driven by grassland expansion and arid climate pulses may have influenced human evolution.
Biomedical engineer Tara Deans receives $1.5 million grant to develop alternative platelets that can help stop tumor cells from spreading in the bloodstream. Her lab will engineer platelets with proteins that kill cancer cells, inspired by her friend's diagnosis with blood cancer.
A team of scholars finds that existing environmental and natural resources management statutes have sufficient flexibility to cope with changing conditions, allowing for adaptation and transformation within a legislative framework. By leveraging agency discretion and flexibility in the laws themselves, governments can respond to comple...
Researchers have discovered a feedback loop that reinforces atmospheric inversions, locking smoke in valleys and worsening air quality. Understanding this loop enables scientists to predict when fire inversions are likely to occur, aiding firefighters and residents.