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University of Vermont


Robot, heal thyself

Dr. Joshua Bongard's research enables robots to detect damage and teach themselves to continue walking despite missing limbs. This innovation is crucial for NASA's planetary missions where robots need to be able to fix themselves without human assistance.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateNov 16, 2006

A road is more than a road

The University of Vermont is introducing a new systems education project to reform its engineering curriculum, emphasizing the connection between traffic and social, environmental, and economic factors. The project aims to equip students with skills to analyze complex problems and provide solutions that consider multiple perspectives.

Cherry juice may prevent muscle damage pain

A study found that cherry juice can significantly reduce muscle strength loss and improve average pain scores in individuals with muscle damage. The study suggests that cherry juice may be a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for treating conditions like arthritis and gout.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJun 22, 2006

Tasting maple syrup, for science

The University of Vermont's Proctor Maple Research Center has opened a research building to study the impact of new maple syrup technologies on flavor and chemistry. The facility allows for simultaneous testing of up to four evaporators, providing objective data on the effects of air injectors and other equipment.

Stem cells shown to regenerate damaged lung tissue for first time

Adult stem cells have been shown to regenerate damaged lung tissue, offering a promising new treatment for devastating lung diseases. The study's findings suggest that circulating stem cells can repair damage in organ tissue, which could have a huge impact on the treatment of conditions like emphysema and cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 29, 2003

Rainforest researchers hit pay dirt

Researchers have discovered that indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon improved the soil, rather than degrading it. The ability to reproduce this super-fertile soil could enable intensive agriculture in hot regions, making a significant impact on food production.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2002

Study proves flu shot safe for asthmatics

A new study has shown that the flu shot does not trigger asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe asthma. The study included 2,032 children and adults diagnosed with asthma, who received either a real or placebo flu vaccine, with all participants receiving the actual flu vaccine by the end of the study.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 28, 2001

Study first to confirm acupuncture's effect

Researchers measured the force required to overcome tissue-needle connection during acupuncture needling, finding a significant pullout force when needles were rotated. The study suggests that layers superficial to muscle may be involved in the body's response to acupuncture, with future research focusing on connective tissue's role.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 19, 2001