CSU scientists awarded $3.2M to make algae a better crop
A Colorado State University team has received a $3.2 million grant to develop ways to grow algae crops faster and improve their potential as a source of biofuels and other products.
Colleges
News from colleges and their role in students and communities. Covers academic programs, student mental health and resilience, campus culture, and economic impact.
Is revenge a dish best served cold? For most, ‘hot and ready’ is preferable, VCU study finds
Researchers at VCU found a clear preference for immediate revenge in six experiments with over 1,500 participants. Participants who ruminated on past provocations or had antagonistic traits showed a shift towards delayed-but-greater revenge.
Using AI to predict suicidal behaviours in students
A study from McGill University and France uses AI to identify factors predicting suicidal behavior in students, finding self-esteem as a major predictor. Approximately 17% of students exhibited suicidal behaviors, highlighting the need for large-scale screening tools.
Elsevier partners with American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics to publish Genetics in Medicine
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has partnered with Elsevier to publish its official journal, Genetics in Medicine. The partnership aims to increase the journal's visibility and influence in medical genetics and genomics research.
Four themes identified as contributors to diseases of despair in Pennsylvania
Researchers identified four key themes contributing to diseases of despair in Pennsylvania: financial instability driving self-harming behavior, lack of infrastructure exacerbating distress, deteriorating sense of community leading to loneliness and isolation, and family fragmentation. These findings have significant implications for u...
Sharks, lies, and videotape: Scientists document problems with Shark Week
A recent analysis reveals that Shark Week prioritizes sensationalism over scientific accuracy, with hosts relying on unproven methods and making false statements about shark biology. Researchers suggest improving diversity in expert representation and factually accurate storytelling to boost the program's credibility.
Real-time stress detection devices could help fight alcohol relapses
A Washington State University research team developed wearable wristbands to measure physiological responses to stress in real-time, providing a potential method to prevent relapses in people with Alcohol Use Disorder. The study found that the devices matched survey results and can trigger interventions when needed.
Association between COVID-19 exposure, self-reported compliance with public health guidelines among essential employees at an institution of higher education
A study evaluated self-reported protective behaviors and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates among in-person employees during the first six months of the pandemic. The research found a significant association between COVID-19 exposure and reduced compliance with public health guidelines.
Many ICU staff have experienced mental health conditions in COVID-19 pandemic
A new study found that 48% of ICU staff showed signs of mental health conditions, including depression, insomnia, and PTSD. The study also found a significant increase in mental health issues among those who spent more than six hours in personal protective equipment.
New study examines commuter characteristics and traffic pollution exposure among commuters
A new study led by George Mason University faculty Jenna Krall investigated how commuting patterns impact air pollution exposure, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The research found that commuters traveling during rush hour have higher overall exposure to traffic-related air pollution compared to sporadic commuters.
Program seeks to reduce preventable cancers with free screening, same-day results
A free cancer screening program, See, Test & Treat, has been implemented to address barriers to healthcare for under-served women in Mississippi. The program offers same-day results and improves knowledge of cancer screenings and self-efficacy for seeking regular check-ups, with positive effects on health behaviors.
Race, politics divide Americans on sports issues
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found sharp divisions among Americans on whether college athletes should be paid and whether it's acceptable for pro athletes to protest racial injustice during the national anthem. The study analyzed opinions from over 1,400 Americans, revealing strong links between race, ethnicity, and...
Study identifies monoclonal antibodies that may neutralize many norovirus variants
A recent study has identified a panel of human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize a broad range of norovirus variants. The researchers discovered a conserved antigenic site on the virus that could be used to reformulate vaccine candidates for broad effectiveness.
Scientists create rechargeable swimming microrobots using oil and water
Researchers have created artificial swimmers that use fluctuating temperature changes to store energy and swim independently. These microswimmers can harness heat from their environment to recharge multiple times, opening up possibilities for studying biological interactions.
Engineers find imaging technique could become treatment for deep vein thrombosis
Penn State researchers have developed an imaging technique that can not only identify but also potentially treat deep vein thrombosis by breaking down blood clots. The particles used in the technique bind to activated platelets and inhibit further clot growth, disrupting the clot or inhibiting its mechanism to persist.
Study: Idea sharing increases online learner engagement
A new study finds that prompting students to share course ideas in a discussion forum increases video consumption and assessment completion rates. The 'idea advantage' outperforms identity sharing, with students performing 30% better on key metrics.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJul 14, 2021
Leading cardiovascular organizations issue joint opinion on improving clinician well-being worldwide
Leading cardiovascular organizations call for global action to improve clinician well-being, citing drivers such as lack of control over workload and misalignment of values. The organizations suggest strategies to prevent burnout, including supporting psychosocial health and creating healthy work environments.
SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2021
College of Business researcher provides framework for businesses using avatars
A UTA marketing expert has developed a framework for businesses to use digital avatars in customer service, citing studies that show 62% of online shoppers abandoned purchases due to lack of real-time support. The avatars can fill the void at a fraction of the cost of hiring human salespeople and service employees.
Decoding crop genetics with artificial intelligence
A team of scientists from Michigan State University is using artificial intelligence to analyze plant genomes and predict the functions of unknown genes. With a $1.4 million NSF grant, they aim to help farmers grow crops that can withstand drought and disease.
Survival for babies born with a birth defect - a "post-code lottery"
A study published in The Lancet found that survival rates for babies born with intestinal tract birth defects differ significantly across countries, with low-income countries facing a higher mortality rate. Improving antenatal diagnosis, surgical care, and perioperative care are key to increasing survival rates, the researchers say.
With $3M grant, UArizona-led center to advance at-home health care technology
A multi-institution team led by University of Arizona is developing clinically validated wearable technologies to remotely monitor patient health, enabling 'care in place' and improving healthcare delivery. The center aims to create devices that can efficiently collect information while ensuring patient data privacy.
Match matters: The right combination of parents can turn a gene off indefinitely
Researchers at UMD found that a specific combination of parents can cause epigenetic changes to last for hundreds of generations. The study used nematode worms and found that when the mother carried a gene, it was always turned on, while when the father carried the gene, the silencing signal often won.
Women and lower-education users more likely to tweet personal information
A recent Penn State study found that women and lower-education users are more likely to tweet personal information, despite higher vulnerability to online privacy threats. Contrary to expectations, socioeconomic status and demographics did not significantly impact the use of account security features.
Tooth loss associated with increased cognitive impairment, dementia
A recent analysis found that tooth loss is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Adults with more missing teeth had a higher risk of developing cognitive decline, even after controlling for other factors. However, the study also showed that timely treatment with dentures may protect against this risk.
Longest known continuous record of the Paleozoic discovered in Yukon wilderness
A team of scientists has discovered a 120-million-year fossil record in the Yukon wilderness that illuminates a critical period in Earth's history. The find reveals a long-term shift in oxygen levels in the oceans, which likely drove the rapid diversification of complex life during the Paleozoic era.
For many students, double-dose algebra leads to college attainment
A new study found that double-dose algebra significantly increased semesters of college attended and college degree attainment among median-skill students. Implementing the policy in schools with lower-skilled students led to no impact, highlighting the need for more intensive math interventions.
American Journal of Medical Quality supplement explores innovative solutions to health care quality and performance improvement
Selected abstracts from the 2020 Vizient Connections Education Summit explore interventions to address health equity and reduce patient length of stay. An intervention framework was developed to identify events related to biases, while a statistical dashboard uses data to optimize resource allocation and track progress.
Using computation to improve words: Novel tool could improve serious illness conversations
Researchers developed a novel computer model called CODYM to analyze conversational dynamics in seriously ill patients and their families. The model uses Markov Models to capture information flow patterns, providing concise summaries of dependencies in speaker turn lengths.
Fibromyalgia likely the result of autoimmune problems
Fibromyalgia is a disease of the immune system, according to new research that shows patient antibodies increase pain-sensing nerve activity throughout the body. Antibodies from people with FMS cause symptoms like increased pain sensitivity and muscle weakness.
Autonomous excavators ready for around the clock real-world deployment
Researchers from Baidu Research and the University of Maryland have developed an autonomous excavator system (AES) that can operate continuously for over 24 hours without human intervention. AES uses perception, planning, and control capabilities to identify target materials and avoid obstacles, achieving performance comparable to expe...
Assessment tool helps future pharmacists prepare for work in the community
A University of Arizona study suggests that Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) can effectively assess clinical skills in community pharmacies, providing a valuable learning experience for pharmacy students. The OSCE design was found to accurately reflect the time constraints faced by pharmacists in real-world settings.
SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJACCP JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CLINICAL PHARMACY·DateJun 30, 2021
Personal networks are associated with clean cooking fuel adoption in rural South India
A new study by Boston College researchers has discovered that personal networks are essential for the adoption of clean cooking fuels in rural India. Households more likely to have cleaner stoves if they have friends or peers who also use them, highlighting the importance of social influence in shaping behavior change.
Double-dose algebra and college persistence
A curriculum with additional math instruction led to higher attendance and degree completion rates for students in a 2003 cohort. However, similar effects were not seen in a 2004 cohort, suggesting that pairing high- and low-skilled students undermines positive impacts of extra math support.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2021
Don't worry, birds won't become dependent on you feeding them, study suggests
Researchers found that birds do not develop an unhealthy reliance on human-provided food when fed during winter. The study used radio frequency identification tags and measured feeder visits by black-capped chickadees, finding no increase in dependence on supplemental feed.
Baily to receive funding for CIES 2022 conference support
George Mason University's Supriya Baily will convene the CIES 2022 conference with graduate research assistants and wage workers. The event is funded by the Comparative and International Education Society at $40,607.
Researcher receives NIH director's award to help end HIV global epidemic
A researcher at Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received an NIH director's award to use genetic epidemiology tools to prevent HIV infection among people who inject drugs. The study aims to identify key players in hepatitis C transmission networks, which can also help curb the spread of HIV.
UNIST students honored at 2021 Junction X Seoul Hackathon!
UNIST students were selected as the final winning team at the 2021 JunctionX Seoul hackathon with their mobile game 'My Running Mate, Zombie'. The team took only three days to build the game from scratch using feedback from embedded motion sensors and cloud computing platforms.
Study highlights racial inequity in health care access, quality
A recent study found that states with higher levels of systemic racism have pronounced racial disparities in healthcare access and quality, benefiting white people more than Black people. The researchers also discovered that Black individuals who experienced provider racism reported lower quality of care.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 24, 2021
New study to reveal health equity impacts of flavored tobacco bans
A new University of Kentucky study will examine the effects of flavored tobacco product restrictions on health disparities among communities of color, low-income populations, and youth. The research aims to inform community leaders about how policies can help eliminate health inequities.
Flavored e-cigarettes may affect the brain differently than non-flavored
Researchers used functional MRI to understand how the brain's reward areas react to e-cigarette aerosols with and without flavor. For smokers, unflavored e-cigarettes may mimic the typical smoking experience more than flavored e-cigarettes.
Review shows minimal, high-quality evidence dietary supplements lead to weight loss
A comprehensive review of 315 clinical trials found that most weight-loss supplements and therapies did not produce significant weight loss. Only 16 studies demonstrated significant results, with weight loss ranging from 0.3 to 4.93 kg.
First clear view of a boiling cauldron where stars are born
Researchers used data from SOFIA to create a 3D view of an expanding stellar-wind bubble surrounding Westerlund 2, disproving earlier studies suggesting two bubbles. The team identified the source of the bubble and energy driving its expansion.
Declining treatment during maternity care can foster tension between patients and providers
A study by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing highlights the importance of respect, agency, and consent in clinical interactions surrounding childbirth. Researchers found that dismissive behavior by providers can hurt self-efficacy, mental health, and willingness to engage with healthcare.
It's true: Stress does turn hair gray (and it's reversible)
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a link between psychological stress and graying hair. The study, published in eLife, revealed that hair color can be restored when stress is eliminated. Stress-induced changes in mitochondria may explain how stress turns hair gray.
Foreign-born status, but not acquired US citizenship, protects many immigrants from criminal victimization
A recent study found that foreign-born status, but not acquired U.S. citizenship, protects against criminal victimization. Researchers used new data to explore the association between citizenship status and risk of victimization, finding significantly lower rates of victimization among foreign-born citizens compared to U.S.-born citizens.
Young Universities summit is held in partnership with a Russian university for the first time
The Times Higher Education Young Universities Summit is taking place virtually this year, marking the first time it's been hosted by a Russian university. The event explores the impact of changes on universities' lives, including education, research, and civic roles.
Expanding the family of quantum droplets
New research adds lattice potential to quantum droplet analysis, producing stable fundamental and vortical modes. The study improves understanding of BEC dynamics and opens door for new species creation.
There's a good reason online retailers are investing in physical stores
Researchers found that physical stores can increase average spending per trip by 40% and long-term sales by 20%, as customers need more inspection depth for deep products. Retailers can enhance customer value through promotions, merchandising, and training staff to create a tangible experience.
UofSC researcher to improve Medicaid-covered alcohol use disorder treatment
A UofSC researcher is conducting a four-year study to improve access to alcohol use disorder treatment for vulnerable populations under Medicaid. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of these programs and provide guidance on structuring coverage and utilization management parameters.
When tyrannosaurs dominated, medium-sized predators disappeared
A new study suggests that when tyrannosaurs rose to dominance, their juvenile counterparts filled the ecological niche of medium-sized carnivores. The research analyzed 60 dinosaur communities and found no decline in prey species diversity, indicating that juvenile tyrannosaurs took over the role of missing middle-sized predators.
First evidence that medieval plague victims were buried individually with 'considerable care'
Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified Yersinia Pestis in individual burials, showing that plague victims received individual care despite the outbreak. This contradicts previous assumptions of mass burials and improves our understanding of past pandemics.
Omega-3s may hold key to unlocking blood-brain barrier
Researchers have visualized the structure of the MFSD2A transporter protein, which allows omega-3s to enter the brain. The study provides insight into how this protein can be used to design drugs that mimic omega-3s and hijack the system for neurological treatment.
OU professor receives Council on Foreign Relations fellowship
Samer Shehata, a University of Oklahoma professor, has received the International Affairs Fellowship from the Council on Foreign Relations. The fellowship will allow him to analyze U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East and observe how autocratic regimes cooperate and maintain power.
Invention uses machine-learned human emotions to 'drive' autonomous vehicles
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed a technology that uses non-intrusive sensors to perceive drivers' and passengers' moods and adjust driving modes accordingly. This innovation addresses major issues with autonomous vehicles, such as accurately predicting human behavior.
Compounds derived from hops show promise as treatment for common liver disease
Research by Oregon State University suggests that compounds xanthohumol and tetrahydroxanthohumol can mitigate diet-induced accumulation of fat in the liver. The compounds act as antagonists for PPARγ, reducing fat storage and inflammation in the liver.
Mary Foltz awarded Mellon/ACLS Scholars and Society Fellowship to expand LGBTQ Archive
Mary Foltz will serve as a scholar-in-residence at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, expanding the Lehigh Valley LGBT Community Archive. She aims to share knowledge about rural and smaller urban centers' contributions to national movements.
Introducing play to higher education reduces stress and forms deeper connection material
A new study by University of Colorado Denver researcher Lisa Forbes found that playful pedagogy increases student engagement and motivation in higher education. Students reported a more meaningful relationship with instructors and improved retention rates when play was introduced into the learning process.
Physical activity may curb health care worker burnout
A new study from the University of Georgia found that investing in more physical activity programming could help curb healthcare worker burnout and improve their mental and emotional health. The research also showed that leisure-time physical activity can help exit the stress cycle, but only when done correctly.
AMA awards Penn State College of Medicine $1.8 million for education initiative
The American Medical Association has awarded Penn State College of Medicine $1.8 million to develop residency education programs that prepare physicians for the complexities of modern healthcare. The project aims to equip residents with health systems science knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality patient care.
Three factors may predict college students' loss of self-control, WVU study finds
A West Virginia University study found that college students' initial status of self-control is partly dependent on their willingness to try new things and their maternal attachment. Students who are less interested in trying new things and have a secure attachment to their mothers tend to maintain stable control throughout the year. C...