News from colleges and their role in students and communities. Covers academic programs, student mental health and resilience, campus culture, and economic impact.
A new study explores how teenage boys are taught about consent in schools and how they interpret educational messages. The research highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to consent education, addressing ambivalence, ambiguity, and uncertainty.
An international team of researchers found evidence of cooked fish remains at the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov archaeological site in Israel, dating back approximately 780,000 years. This discovery predates previous knowledge by about 600,000 years and sheds light on the evolution of cooking techniques.
A randomized controlled trial found that both total ankle replacement and ankle fusion improve quality of life and have similar clinical scores in patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. However, TAR is associated with greater wound-healing complications and nerve injuries, while AF is linked to more blood clots and nonunion of t...
Experts warn that poorly functioning IT systems are a clear and present threat to patient safety, resulting from inadequate investment and lack of prioritization. The British Medical Association estimates that 27% of clinicians lose over four hours a week due to inefficient IT systems, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have successfully used click chemistry to deliver radiopharmaceuticals specifically to tumors in large dogs with bone cancer, increasing effectiveness and minimizing circulation. This breakthrough could pave the way for click chemistry-based treatments for humans with cancer in the future.
A new study led by University of Cincinnati researcher Trisha Wise-Draper found that immunotherapy treatments may worsen COVID-19 disease in patients with baseline immunosuppression. However, patients who received COVID-19 vaccinations had less severe COVID-19 outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to examine how alcohol use alone or in combination with fentanyl affects HIV medications, including PrEP medication. The study aims to determine metabolite signatures and pharmacological biomarkers of PrEP in HIV-negative populations.
The American Heart Association has selected 52 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students for its Scholars program. The program aims to increase diversity in the healthcare field by providing opportunities for research, mentorship, and leadership development. Accepted students will study social determinants of health ...
The study suggests that marketing research should start with real-world problems and observations, developing valid insights through empirical analysis. The authors propose a three-stage approach: Identify Opportunity, Explore Terrain, and Advance Understanding.
A longitudinal study of 629 first-year college students found COVID-19 negatively affected student mental health, identity development, and academic resilience. The pandemic disrupted critical developmental tasks typical for emerging adults in college.
A study found that patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were infrequently accessed by clinicians, even when integrated into electronic health records. The data collection rate was high, but the use of PROMs among surgeons and care teams was nearly non-existent.
A new study published in the Obesity journal surveyed nearly 2,500 WeightWatchers members who lost an average of almost 58 pounds and kept it off for over 3.5 years. The study found that individuals who successfully maintained weight loss resumed efforts responsively after showing limited gains and used coping skills to get back on track.
The University of Missouri is revamping its training courses for childcare providers with a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The new online video-based courses aim to be more accessible and engaging, covering topics such as safe sleep, transportation, and emergency preparedness.
A team of WVU researchers is studying how people bounce back after disastrous flooding, using lessons learned from the 2016 West Virginia flood. The project aims to create a more effective framework for flood response and community recovery in West Virginia, with a focus on identifying gaps in organizational capacity and improving floo...
A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.
A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...
A WVU biomedical engineer is working on a rapid diagnostic tool that can detect tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease via a blood sample on a single chip. The tool uses dielectrophoresis and machine-learning to detect diseases within one to two weeks after onset, reducing the risk of hospitalization and chronic conditions.
A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that fostering positive attitudes toward math and science early in students' lives can address gender and socioeconomic gaps in STEM. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 students and found that having a science or math identity in ninth grade can increase the likelihood of enrolli...
Students who used at least one self-control strategy had higher SAT scores and spent more time practicing than those relying on pure willpower. The study suggests that helping students employ self-control strategies could be a cost-effective way to boost their scores.
A new study finds that underrepresented minority students experience greater negative impacts on graduating from low intro course grades than their White, male peers, even after controlling for academic preparation. Low grades in introductory STEM courses disproportionately deter minoritized students from pursuing STEM degrees, with Bl...
Researchers in Cell Reports study neuronal responses to bright and dark surfaces, finding that large bright surfaces activate both light-ON and light-OFF neurons, increasing the combined response with surface brightness and size. This challenges the long-standing assumption that only surface edges drive strong cortical responses.
Research found that STEM subjects have a social hierarchy based on stereotyped views of ideal students, which affects underrepresentation of women, people of color, and disabled students. Attitudes must shift to make STEM more inclusive and accessible.
Despite major disruptions, many students maintained their trust in institutions, especially among white and Hispanic students. However, Black students and those from lower-income households with limited resources experienced decreased trust due to historical distrust and pandemic-related challenges.
A recent academic study found that Facebook's introduction at American colleges was associated with a significant worsening in mental health symptoms, particularly depression and anxiety. The study used a novel research method to establish causality between social media use and poor mental health.
The University of Missouri has received a $25 million grant from the USDA to help farmers adapt to climate change through climate-smart practices. The five-year project aims to improve crop and livestock resilience on up to 500,000 acres of Missouri farmland.
A UC researcher is using information technology to track and study the endangered little brown myotis bat species in Ohio. The team has established a summer roost at Clendening Marina, where they are collecting data on the population's size and trajectory.
A study led by Arizona State University Professor Gabriel Shaibi found that a community-based program combining education and exercise significantly improves the health of Latino children at risk for diabetes. The program, which included 117 families from around the Valley, provided culturally focused lessons on healthy eating and phys...
A new study from the Strategic Management Journal found that budgeting flexibility is crucial for financial security in higher education. Universities that can reallocate resources more regularly are more likely to run larger budget surpluses, with high governance arrangements actually weakening resource allocation flexibility.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati found that emphasizing cost savings over global warming increases support for renewable energy sources. The study tested four messaging approaches and found durable bipartisan effects in favor of cost savings.
A study by Taiwanese researchers found that patients with atherosclerosis are at higher risk for life-threatening vascular infections from non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteremia. The study suggests the use of a scoring system to predict infection risk and identifies interleukin-1 beta as a potential biomarker.
The study found that a booster shot's effectiveness is the primary factor influencing people's willingness to receive it. Those who believe in vaccine efficacy are more likely to accept the booster shot, especially if it is made by Moderna or Pfizer. A partisan divide persists, with Democrats more willing and Republicans less willing.
Researchers at WVU are using robots to analyze potential hazards and provide walkability maps in retail environments, aiming to reduce occupational injuries. The team plans to test the robots after hours in an actual retail space, combining camera data with wheel speed measurements to estimate slip risks.
A study published in Lancet Regional Health – Americas found that malaria in pregnancy is still a major public health problem in the North of Brazil, with younger women being most at risk. The researchers believe that expansion of healthcare services and inclusion of artemisinin in therapeutic schemes contributed to the decline in cases.
A new University of Illinois project aims to improve undergraduate students' ability to estimate their knowledge using artificial intelligence methods. The researchers will utilize machine learning to anticipate student performance and provide personalized feedback to enhance studying strategies.
The MU College of Education and Human Development offers a two-year graduate certificate program for Missouri elementary school teachers to enhance their math education teaching skills. The program focuses on collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving in the classroom to promote student confidence and positive experiences with math.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that combining deep-learning reconstruction with a subtraction technique yielded optimal diagnostic performance for detecting in-stent restenosis by coronary CT angiography. This approach reduced radiation exposure while maintaining high image quality.
Researchers have identified two time periods of increased strike risk for hares at Dublin Airport: sunrise and midnight hours. By focusing prevention efforts on the hare population, the study aims to reduce costly 'runway roadkill' incidents worldwide.
A WVU researcher is studying corollary discharge circuits in fruit flies to better understand how the brain integrates sensory information and coordinate movement. The goal of this research is to shed light on human disease and human performance, with potential applications for improving fighter pilot safety.
A Rutgers study found that nonbinary and female college students, as well as those in their second year, are most affected by academic stress, leading to poor mental well-being. The researchers recommend colleges provide tailored mental health resources, stress-management strategies, and peer support groups to help build resilience.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that carotid artery stenting can be just as effective as surgery in preventing long-term stroke and improving durability. The research recommends expanding insurance coverage for this minimally invasive procedure, which can improve blood flow to the brain.
A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.
MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.
A decline in botany education is hindering environmental improvements and exacerbating climate crises. Basic plant identification skills are lacking among scientists and professionals.
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Research analyzed Cornell University's greenhouse gas consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that 60% of emissions came from off-campus activities. The study provides a framework for universities to reduce carbon footprint and achieve climate goals, with Cornell aiming to reach carbon neutrality by 2035.
A new study suggests that developing culturally-sensitive interventions for Latino college students can help prevent problem drinking. The research found that ethnic pride was associated with significantly less drinking and alcohol-related consequences, while ethnic shame was linked to a higher likelihood of problem drinking. Familismo...
A UTSA professor will use a five-year $550,000 grant to study natural language processing and develop NLP models tailored to specific population groups. The goal is to improve the accuracy and relevance of these models in everyday applications.
Liu's three-year grant will pursue protein-derived cofactor studies to improve understanding of amino acids and their role in metabolism. The research aims to gain a quicker and more thorough understanding of amino acid function and purpose.
The study found that the use of comics for humour, visual-verbal interplay, informality, simple narrative plots, and exaggerated personalities contributed to the campaign's enduring success. The researchers argue that humour is a powerful discursive strategy to educate the public, making content relatable while addressing taboo topics.
A MU researcher has earned a federal grant from the United States Fulbright Program to conduct community engagement research in South Africa. He aims to assist disengaged, vulnerable youth in rural areas through community development initiatives.
Researchers found that college towns experienced lower COVID-19 case rates when classes were held online or accompanied by regular on-campus testing. This suggests that implementing regular testing could help mitigate future community infections in these settings.
A recent study found that certain bacteria species in the gut are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer in younger populations. The research suggests that dietary patterns high in processed meats, low-calorie drinks, and liquor may contribute to this increased risk.
A study by WVU researcher Ednilson Bernardes found that supplier pool pressure contributed to the oversupply of prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. The researchers analyzed transactions from 2006-2012, revealing that over 90% of supply came from just three generics manufacturers.
West Virginia University researchers are exploring the symbiotic relationship between Miscanthus x giganteus and its microbes to improve the crop's resilience in unpredictable climates. The goal is to determine the best way to manage the plant on marginal soil, which could help restore damaged soils and mitigate climate change.
A study found that states with laws requiring CPR/AED training in high school had higher rates of bystander CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest compared to those without such mandates. The study suggests that this intervention can help reduce health disparities, particularly among low-income and minority communities.
A new grant will help Missouri parents make informed decisions about vaccinating their children against various diseases. The grant aims to provide factual, evidence-based information to address common concerns and promote public health outcomes.
A recent analysis found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) does not appear to increase college enrollment rates. The study suggests that complex subsidies like EITC may be ineffective at altering college going. Researchers recommend providing tax credits as grants instead of tax credits to increase college enrollment rates.
A new $1.25 million NIH grant provides teaching resources and professional development for middle school teachers to boost disciplinary literacy skills and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The program aims to help traditionally underrepresented groups feel confident about potential careers in STEM.
A study of 4,177 Black women found that higher education levels were associated with lower allostatic loads, indicating reduced chronic stress. Women with college degrees had lower rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.