News from colleges and their role in students and communities. Covers academic programs, student mental health and resilience, campus culture, and economic impact.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent worsening health in people with chronic coronary disease. Clinicians should coordinate care between cardiovascular and primary care professionals, emphasizing team-based approach and social determinants of health.
Researchers at West Virginia University are developing a hydrogen flexible boiler to decarbonize the food and beverage industry. The technology, proposed by Hailin Li, will supply thermal energy by burning clean fuel rather than traditional fossil fuels.
A mobile app is being tested to help students with disabilities such as autism, down syndrome, and learning disorders. The app, I-Connect, will enable select students to set goals, track progress, and receive prompts to improve their behavior and engagement in class.
Researchers at Purdue University have received funding from the Trask Innovation Fund to further develop their work in freeze-drying pharmaceuticals, certifying grass-fed beef, and thermal imaging for autonomous navigation. The fund will support the creation of prototypes and testing for these innovative technologies.
Residents of southern Israel suffered significantly greater physiological and mental harm than others, with spikes in heart rate and stress, reduced sleep duration, and decreased physical activity. Women, young people, and those living near Gaza paid the heaviest price, with notable differences in screen time, mood, and quality of sleep.
A new study found that certain credentials, such as more education, references, and experience, can offset the negative impact of a criminal record on job prospects. Applicants with a criminal record were less likely to be hired without these credentials, but more likely to be hired if they had relevant experience or a college degree.
Research by West Virginia University professor Sean Tu found that orphan drugs earn pharmaceutical companies almost as much as those marketed to the general public. The Orphan Drug Act incentivizes companies with tax credits, longer patent exclusivity, and easier FDA review for treating rare diseases.
The CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) study found that the movement of cosmic rays is affected by the Sun's magnetic field, causing fluctuations in galactic cosmic rays reaching Earth. The research indicates that electrons are more susceptible to solar modulation than protons.
Young adults' past-year use of non-LSD hallucinogens increased from 3.4% in 2018 to 6.6% in 2021, raising public health concerns. The study found that male and white young adults used these substances more frequently.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found similarities in COVID-19 mortality rates between certain US states and Canadian provinces, highlighting the importance of localized public health strategies. The findings suggest that factors such as population density, age, and socioeconomic conditions may have contributed to these s...
A WVU researcher is developing a data-driven approach to enhance roadway maintenance operations, incorporating AI analysis of real-time data from sensors on consumer cars and roadside observation stations. The goal is to minimize time and resources spent on less affected roadways, reducing winter maintenance costs and time.
Clean technology can help reduce food waste and establish long-term sustainability goals in on-site foodservice providers. Engaging employees in the process is crucial for its success, as it helps measure and quantify waste production.
Survivors of firearm injury experience chronic PTSD symptoms and poor health-related quality of life, emphasizing the need for comprehensive care. Screening for chronic kidney disease could be cost-effective for US adults starting at age 35.
A study by WVU researchers highlights the need for improved mental health programs for first responders, citing increased stress and stigma. The study recommends linking responders with culturally competent clinicians, establishing centralized organizations, and expanding research efforts to address these issues.
NERC has invested £25 million in a host of high-risk, high-reward research projects tackling key unanswered questions about our planet. The projects cover geology, atmospheric science, biodiversity and ecology, with research spanning 3-4 years and funding up to £1.3 million.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that college students were less consistent in their decision making during the 2020 fall semester compared to previous years. Students were more likely to cycle between relying on gut instincts and thoroughly evaluating information depending on how scenarios were described.
Online radiologists choose studies based on financial attractiveness, leading to delays in high-priority cases. This study found that expedited priority class contained the highest percentage of delayed studies.
A new study reveals significant economic burden of racial and ethnic health inequities in the US, with minority populations facing $421-$451 billion in healthcare costs annually. The findings emphasize the urgent need for policy interventions to address these disparities and improve health outcomes for marginalized communities.
A study found that students with lower grades, public high school attendees, and those from low-income families were less likely to believe they could attain a bachelor's degree. Meanwhile, advanced placement courses, college tours, and positive peer pressure boosted confidence in success.
A new study found that an online belonging exercise increased the rate of full-time college completion among students, especially at institutions with strong support strategies in place. The intervention showed significant effects on students' persistence, course taking, and sense of belonging.
A randomized controlled experiment involving 26,911 students at 22 diverse U.S. universities found that a low-cost online social-belonging intervention increased the rate of students completing their first year as full-time students, particularly among historically underrepresented groups. The study demonstrates the efficacy of this in...
Scientists discovered that inhibiting microRNA-141-3p can reduce chronic inflammation, muscle loss, and bone degradation in aged mice. By blocking this tiny RNA, researchers found improvements in the spleen's immune response, lower levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, and a more youthful profile in bones and muscles.
A study published in Sociology of Education found that teens with incarcerated fathers have lower expectations of completing college, especially for impacted Black youth. Despite optimism about their futures, these teens face stigma and limitations on their educational trajectory.
A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...
A new study reveals that first-generation college graduates often originate from more affluent families with greater resources. This challenges the notion of a meritocracy, where success is solely based on individual effort. The research highlights the significant advantage these students have due to their family's socioeconomic status.
The WVU SMARTER center aims to improve mobility in rural areas through self-driving cars, ride-sharing services, and bike sharing. The center will develop infrastructure and technology barriers to ensure accessibility for all people.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that existing associations between cognitive ability and body mass index may be due to confounding by family factors. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 siblings and found a significantly smaller association when comparing siblings within families.
Researchers found that employing social media posts as visual nudges to encourage safe behaviors significantly impacted COVID-19 positivity rates. Images communicating the value of wearing masks made a real difference, with effects remaining even after accounting for various organizational characteristics and disease dynamics.
A new study found that teachers who struggle to cope with stress report far lower job satisfaction compared to those who manage their pressure effectively. The research highlights the importance of identifying and adopting healthy coping mechanisms to prevent teacher burnout, which contributes to many teachers leaving the profession.
A study published in the journal Cancer found that long-term pancreatic cancer survivors have a robust immune response and enriched gut microbiome species, including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. The research suggests that these bacterial species may promote immune response to pancreas cancer.
A large-scale study found that diagnostic errors in neuroradiology were associated with longer interpretation times and higher shift volumes. The study also revealed a significant increase in diagnostic errors during weekend work, highlighting the need for targeted quality improvement interventions.
The project, STEAM TANKS, aims to measure methane and other volatile organic compounds emitted from liquid storage tanks in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The researchers will use mobile laboratories, machine learning methods, and partner with industry leaders to develop solutions to mitigate methane emissions.
A new database has been launched to provide accurate and consistent data on minority-serving institutions (MSIs) in the US. The MSI Data Project offers dashboards with data on institutional characteristics, enrollment, and graduation metrics for MSIs from 2017-2021.
A team of UCF researchers is working on a new project to educate the next generation of nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers to improve heart health in medically underserved communities. They are using high-fidelity simulation scenarios to foster inter- and intradisciplinary care.
This study analyzes the relationship between specific skills taught in US undergraduate degree courses and graduate earnings. The research found that certain skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, have a significant impact on post-graduation salaries.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.
Research suggests that participants in psychology studies are more likely to exhibit symptoms of personality disorders, which could impact the validity of study results. The prevalence of these disorders may be due to self-selection biases in participant recruitment.
A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.
The University of Missouri will receive a $10 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to double cover crop seed production in the US by 2030. The project aims to educate farmers about new varieties of cover crops, examine their performance with root growth, and distribute them nationwide.
A new study by WVU economist Zachary Porreca found that gentrification can displace organized criminal activity, leading to a surge in gun violence in nearby neighborhoods. The study analyzed data on shootings and real estate across Philadelphia neighborhoods between 2011-2020.
A recent study found that metformin users had distinct DNA methylation profiles compared to non-users, potentially revealing its role in longevity. The research identified several pathways related to delirium and aging, highlighting the need for further investigation into metformin's mechanism of action.
The third annual Rising Black Scientists Awards recognize four winners from diverse scientific disciplines, including computer science, biochemistry, and conservation biology. The recipients share their aspirations and research goals, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that stressed individuals tend to connect with others who are similarly overwhelmed, exacerbating feelings of stress. Certain personality traits, such as high neuroticism and low conscientiousness, can buffer the transmission of stress in social interactions.
Researchers from Purdue University have received funding from the Trask Innovation Fund to develop and test their innovations. The awards will support projects in various fields, including plant phenotyping, genome editing, and radiative cooling paints, aiming to enhance commercial value and industry applications.
A new study found that individuals with a strong sense of purpose in life are less likely to drink heavily when craving alcohol. This discovery opens the door for new strategies to discourage binge drinking in college students by focusing on their mission, values, and goals.
The University of Missouri has received a $2 million grant from the Department of Justice to help detect potential threats to school safety in rural Missouri schools. The project will partner with up to 26 rural school districts and utilize technology software to monitor online activity for threatening language or images.
A recent survey study of PhD students reveals that around a third of students have granted co-authorships to more powerful researchers despite little or no contribution. The practice is most prevalent in the medical sciences, with 49% of Ph.D. students reporting guest authorships.
The American College of Physicians recommends using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or second-generation antidepressants as initial treatment for adults with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The guideline also suggests considering combination therapy and discussing patient preferences when selecting a treatment.
Analysis of surveys since 1974 shows US college attendance influences students' political orientation, particularly among females who tend to become more liberal. The study used a propensity score weighting approach to examine the effect of college on political orientation over four decades.
Researchers are working to understand the events contributing to pancreatic cancer development by studying gene abnormalities and their effects on the disease. Dr. Krushna Patra's lab is focused on understanding how genetic mutations like GNAS contribute to pancreatic cancer growth.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
A recent study found that AI failed to pass a radiology qualifying examination, with an average accuracy of 79.5%. However, the researchers suggest that further training and revision could lead to improved results.
A University of Houston study found that anger over how the industry responded to the pandemic is a major driver behind hospitality workers' reluctance to return. The research team suggests that rebuilding trust with employees and offering better compensation and benefits are key recommendations for businesses.
Patent thickets and evergreening strategies hinder generic competition, leading to higher brand name drug prices. Generic entry can drop prices by 90%, affecting patient welfare. Patent expert Sean Tu advocates for a balanced patent system that promotes innovation while preventing monopolies.
The AVID college preparatory program has been shown to have a positive effect on students' social networks, psycho-social outcomes, and health behaviors. Students who participated in the program had lower odds of using substances and associating with substance-using peers compared to those in usual school programs.
AORN Journal researcher Danielle Quintana defines surgical conscience as the moral obligation to perform duties regardless of cost or consequence. Her conceptual model illustrates the importance of consistent, accurate, and safe practice in the perioperative environment.
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
A new study led by University of Colorado Denver professor Sara Yeatman found that exposure to the 2009 Colorado Family Planning Initiative increased women's bachelor's degree completion rates. The research tracked thousands of women over 11 years, revealing a six to 12 percent increase in college attainment.
The University of Oklahoma is part of a national consortium for inclusive learning, which aims to support and incentivize teaching practices that increase student success outcomes in STEM fields. The OU project team will develop and disseminate tools and resources to support introductory STEM classroom practices.
Through its Integrated Pest Management program, WVU Extension educates growers on safe techniques, including barriers, insect traps, and predatory insects. The goal is to reduce pesticide use and promote environmentally friendly practices.