A new study suggests that rural communities in Vermont are already managing their food waste effectively through composting and feeding scraps to pets or livestock. While support for banning food waste is high, only a minority of residents are willing to pay for curbside compost pickup programs.
A team of scientists has created the first living robots, 'xenobots', by assembling frog embryo cells into new life forms. These biodegradable organisms can move, heal themselves, and even carry payloads, promising advances in drug delivery, toxic waste clean-up, and more.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with higher BMI tend to have a thinner cerebral cortex, especially in the prefrontal area. This may help explain the correlation between obesity and decreased executive function, such as working memory.
A new study published in the Cambridge Journal of Economics finds that countries taking the 'low road' to growth, like the US, experience adverse effects on wellbeing and future prosperity. In contrast, Scandinavian countries that take the 'high road' by investing in social reproduction see positive effects on human welfare.
A recent study has provided new insights into the early development of PTSD, revealing that it proceeds along two independent tracks. The research, which tracked symptoms over 30 days after a traumatic event, suggests potential interventions to prevent its development and proposes different treatment approaches for fear-based and depre...
A new salary structure proposes locking in salary gains as athletes advance toward graduation, offering drafted freshmen 60% of the current NBA rookie salary base. This system aims to entice most other college players to graduate before entering the NBA, improving player preparedness and the overall labor market.
Researchers create metal that is 42 percent stronger than previous record while maintaining electrical conductivity. The team's discovery combines nanocrystalline and nanotwinned structures to overcome traditional trade-offs between strength and conductivity.
A study by the University of Vermont found that visitors to urban parks use happier words and express less negativity on Twitter after their visit, with a lasting effect. The impact is comparable to the mood spike on Christmas Day, highlighting the importance of green spaces for mental health.
A new University of Vermont study reveals that certain essential oils, including garlic, spearmint, and thyme, can effectively repel the swede midge pest from broccoli crops. The study provides a novel framework for exploiting plant odors to manage invasive pests, offering a sustainable solution for organic farmers.
Researchers at the University of Vermont discovered that viruses from domestic honeybees are spilling over to nearby wild bumblebee populations, primarily through shared flowers. The findings suggest that careful monitoring and treating of diseased honeybee colonies could protect wild bees from these viruses.
Research reveals that agroforestry is a major carbon sink, but its contribution is often overlooked in international climate agreements. Scientists call for improved accounting and visibility of agroforestry practices to support climate change mitigation targets.
Researchers developed video games to test disease control and prevention strategies, finding that a small shift in risk attitudes can significantly impact disease incidence. The model suggests that changing farmer behavior could make dramatic impacts on avoiding devastating outbreaks.
Researchers develop new assessment tools using implicit signs like eye movement, pupillary dilation, and brain activity to measure vocabulary knowledge in individuals with severe autism spectrum disorder. These tools show potential to be more accurate than traditional behavioral assessments.
A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that older forests are less vulnerable to climate change, particularly for carbon storage, timber production, and biodiversity. The research analyzed 18,500 forest plots across the eastern US and Canada, identifying priority regions for forest climate adaptation efforts.
A new study suggests that physical exercise can alleviate patient symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, potentially reducing time spent in acute facilities. Practitioners are now considering exercise as a fundamental treatment option, alongside pharmacological interventions.
A new study finds that immediate, dramatic cuts in carbon emissions can be economically sound if human health benefits are factored in. The research estimates that the health benefits alone could reach trillions of dollars annually, depending on air quality policies adopted by nations.
A machine learning algorithm can detect signs of anxiety and depression in young children's speech, potentially providing a fast and easy way to diagnose conditions that are difficult to spot. The algorithm is highly successful at diagnosing children with an internalizing disorder with 80% accuracy.
Researchers have discovered that Araguaian river dolphins use hundreds of different sounds to communicate with each other, including short calls for mother-child interaction and longer whistles for maintaining distance. The unique acoustic characteristics of these sounds may have evolved to avoid echoes in their aquatic habitat.
A study by the University of Vermont found that free community-based screenings significantly influenced older adults to adopt fall risk reduction strategies. Physical therapists played a crucial role in assessing participants' risk levels and providing tailored recommendations.
A new study published in Obesity found that successful weight losers spent an average of just 14.6 minutes per day on dietary self-monitoring, confirming the reality of its effectiveness rather than the perceived time-consuming nature. The most predictive factor was logging in three or more times a day with consistency.
Research on Twitter use during natural disasters highlights the importance of targeting average users with meaningful networks to spread life-saving information. Average Twitter users with small local networks increase their activity more than those with larger networks in disaster situations.
A University of Vermont study found that farmers' spring and summer decisions on manure application can increase greenhouse gas emissions during winter. The research highlights the importance of considering long-term effects of management decisions, as agriculture is expected to expand in northern regions with warming climates.
A new study shows that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can predict a person's behavior based on their friends' posts, undermining the idea of individual choice online. The research found that up to 95% of predictive accuracy remains even if someone leaves or never joined the platform.
A wearable motion sensor and machine learning algorithm can detect internalizing disorders in young children with high accuracy, identifying those at risk of substance abuse and suicide later in life.
A study published in Pediatrics found that gay fathers and their children continue to experience stigma, with the most common contexts being religious environments. The presence of supportive laws and policies in states where they live reduces this experience of stigma.
A study by University of Vermont researcher Christine Carmichael found that nearly 25% of eligible Detroit residents rejected the city's tree planting program due to negative past experiences with street trees. The opposition was primarily driven by concerns over maintenance responsibilities and lack of decision-making power. The resea...
A new study published in Environmental Geosciences is the first to predict which oil and gas wells are likely to leak methane. The research used machine learning algorithms to identify characteristics of wells that deviate from vertical drill lines, age, and larger casings as indicators of potential leaks.
Leading scientists propose eight steps to boost global soil organic carbon stocks, mitigate climate change and improve agricultural productivity. The KJWA aims to formalize these measures through coordination and financing.
A study led by University of Vermont scientists reveals that wild bees are essential for larger and better blueberry yields, providing major benefits including greater berry size, quantity and earlier harvests. Maintaining natural bee habitat and reducing pesticide use can help protect wild bees.
A new research from the University of Vermont provides insight to help predict which plants are likely to become invasive in a particular community. Plant height can be a competitive advantage for non-native plants, enabling them to outcompete native plants and spread more aggressively.
A research study shows that the microbiomes of sea stars play a critical role in the progression of the disease. The study found that an imbalance of beneficial and disease-causing bacteria contributes to the severity of the illness, with healthy animals hosting more helpful microbes.
Researchers found that residents and property owners are more likely to adopt green stormwater infrastructure practices if they have experienced flooding or erosion. The study suggests a flexible approach to encourage effective stewardship of these practices across diverse populations and landscapes.
Rising global temperatures will lead to increased pest pressure and crop losses, especially in temperate regions, with wheat, rice, and maize facing substantial declines. Crop losses are projected to rise by 10-25% per degree of warming, with the most severe impacts expected in countries like France and China.
Research found that biodiversity increases live tree carbon storage by up to 20 megagrams per hectare, but has a smaller impact on overall carbon storage. Climate and site topography have a more significant effect on forest carbon storage.
A global study reveals that children living near forests have better nutrition due to increased dietary diversity from forest products and reduced micronutrient deficiencies. Forests promote health through multiple pathways, including access to a range of foods and income for food purchases.
A new study found that eighth-grade science teachers without an educational background in science are less likely to practice inquiry-oriented science instruction, a pedagogical approach developed by the National Research Council. This research suggests that U.S. middle-grades students may lag behind global peers in scientific literacy...
A study from the University of Vermont found that mandatory labeling in Vermont improved consumer attitudes toward genetically modified food, with opposition falling by 19%. The simple disclosure reduced fear and increased transparency, allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
A new study found that red spruce tree growth has increased by over 75% since 2001, with reduced pollution and warmer winter temperatures likely contributing to the resurgence. The research suggests that the Clean Air Act is working to enhance conditions for red spruce, but future changes in climate may impact their recovery.
A new study has mapped over 3.4 million acres of Europe's last wild forests, revealing that primary forests are widely distributed throughout the continent. The study highlights the importance of preserving these remaining fragments of primary forest, which provide exceptional ecological values and habitat for biodiversity.
A new study finds that Americans waste nearly a pound of food per person each day, with the amount of wasted food corresponding to harvests produced using 780 million pounds of pesticide and 1.8 billion pounds of nitrogen fertilizer annually. The study also found that higher quality diets were associated with higher levels of food waste.
Researchers developed cognitive ground-penetrating radar technology, enabling real-time underground infrastructure mapping and inspection. The technology has been showcased at the National Smart Cities Conference and won a Smart 50 Award, aiming to reduce construction permits from 18 months to hours.
A new study finds that maintaining a forest's natural shape is crucial in preventing its collapse. The research uses high-resolution satellite data to show that the shape of forests follows a predictable mathematical relationship between perimeter and area, which can help predict stability.
New research shows that even low-level parental conflict can have lasting damage on children's emotional development. Shy children are particularly vulnerable, with shyness exacerbating the problem. Children from high-conflict homes struggle to accurately identify neutral interactions, leading to potential instability in adulthood.
A new study by University of Vermont professor Caroline Beer reveals that Mexico is more progressive than the US when it comes to LGBT rights. In contrast to the US, where religion suppresses LGBT rights, Mexico sees a positive correlation between liberal governance and increased LGBT-friendly legislation.
A study by a team of economists and marine experts found that protecting marine coastlines contributes $179 million to the state's economy, more than finfish landings and whale-watching. Coastal conservation groups support activities such as beach cleanup and education campaigns.
New research reveals an extreme lack of genetic diversity in domestic chickpeas, threatening their adaptability to climate change. However, the study also identified wild relatives with promising traits such as drought-resistance and resistance to insect pests.
A new study suggests that understanding rainfall patterns is key to effectively addressing food insecurity among smallholder farms in Africa and Asia. Financial supports, such as cash or loans, were more frequently correlated with improved food security for drier farms, while agricultural inputs and practices were more effective for we...
A new study by University of Vermont researchers shows that employees are more likely to engage in green behavior and local volunteerism if their boss is perceived as ethically responsible. However, this engagement declines significantly if the boss displays poor ethics.
A comprehensive study found that mining operations in Brazil are destroying a significant portion of the Amazon forest, with 90% of deforestation occurring outside mine lease boundaries. The research suggests that mining is now a substantial cause of Amazon forest loss, warranting action.
A new study published in Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure predicts that warmer oceans will lead to higher wind speeds and larger storms, resulting in increased damage and financial losses due to hurricanes. The study estimates a 70% increase in hurricane-related financial loss by 2100 for coastal communities in South Carolina.