News from colleges and their role in students and communities. Covers academic programs, student mental health and resilience, campus culture, and economic impact.
A study published by UTHealth found that as rideshare usage increased, so did a decrease in motor vehicle-related trauma and impaired driving convictions. The age group under 30 showed the most significant reduction in motor vehicle-related traumas.
A recent study found that college football teams' performance is associated with both the direction of travel and the time of day when games were played. Away teams playing in the afternoon allowed more points and forced more opponent turnovers than those playing in the evening, while teams traveling eastward threw more interceptions.
A study published in Nature Communications has identified a single biomarker, neurofilament light chain (NfL), that can accurately reveal underlying neurodegeneration in people with cognitive issues. NfL levels in blood were found to be higher across all neurodegenerative disorders compared to those with no cognitive problems.
Researchers developed a predictive model to monitor infant gene expression changes, potentially identifying early markers for T1D progression. The study used data from the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) consortium and identified specific gene expression patterns related to natural killer cells.
Researchers led by Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall use liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and data science tools to understand how pathogens affect different body parts differently
A massive die-off of sharks occurred 19 million years ago, with more than 70% of the world's sharks dying off - a phenomenon not seen since the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event 66 million years ago.
College students who engage in four or more high-impact practices have a 70% chance of finding a full-time job after graduation, according to a new University at Buffalo study. These practices include internships, study abroad, undergraduate research, and more.
The US Army has partnered with teams led by the University of Maryland to accelerate AI development and deployment for safe and effective capabilities. The collaboration aims to reduce human workload and risk in complex environments, such as search-and-rescue operations.
A new study published in Trends in Cognitive Science argues that recent research does not challenge free will. The article highlights computational modeling and data analysis challenges to the idea that electrical activity in the brain indicates a lack of free will.
A new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine finds critical links between job loss and physical inactivity among young adults during the U.S. Great Recession. The study, led by Dickinson College economist Shamma Alam, found that job losses reduced the likelihood of physical exercise by 6.3 percentage points.
Panayiotis 'Panos' Diplas, a Lehigh University professor, has been awarded the 2021 Hunter Rouse Hydraulic Engineering Award for his fundamental contributions to turbulence in sediment transport and ecohydraulics. The award is presented by ASCE's Environmental and Water Resources Institute.
A new simulation platform, Advanced Modular Manikin (AMM), has been developed to realistically simulate multiple trauma scenarios, providing physiologic responses and feedback. Trauma team members preferred the integrated AMM platform for its realism and feedback, leading to higher team experience ratings.
New research from the University of Georgia shows that foster care and homelessness create significant barriers to higher education success. Stable housing and financial support are top concerns for these students. Institutions like UGA are implementing programs to address this issue, but more needs to be done at the federal level.
A new study highlights the surprising similarities between quark-gluon plasma, the first matter thought to have filled the early Universe, and ordinary liquids. The ratio of viscosity and density is crucial in determining fluid flow, and researchers found that this ratio is the same for both quark-gluon plasma and water.
A research team led by the University of Houston will examine external review letters and tenure clock extensions to uncover ways to reduce bias and increase representation of faculty from diverse backgrounds. The project aims to create training programs to promote transparency and fairness in promotion and tenure processes.
University of Kentucky researchers found that brain glycogen contains 25% glucosamine, a crucial sugar for protein decoration. This discovery has implications for understanding neurological diseases, including Lafora disease and glycogen storage disorders.
Two Lehigh University Rossin College PhD students, Mari-Therese Burton and Nicole Malofsky, have been selected for prestigious national STEM research fellowships. Burton will focus on high-entropy alloys, while Malofsky will work on biomaterials for corneal regeneration.
A new study from King's College London found that users of the Reddit forum 'SuicideWatch' post at their highest between 02:00 and 05:00 on Mondays, a trend that closely follows earlier studies on suicide timing patterns. The researchers believe this data can be used to target at-risk populations with greater levels of support.
Archivist Sarah Buchanan assesses and preserves artifacts to better understand their origin and cultural heritage. Her research reveals the importance of provenance in authenticating collections and shedding light on cultural history.
Scientists tracked individual honeybee drones using radar technology, revealing their mating behaviors and finding that they move between multiple congregation areas during a single flight. This discovery suggests the existence of a new type of animal mating system in honeybees.
A new study from Northwestern University found that self-affirmation can help Black medical students overcome fatigue, improve their sense of belonging, and reduce competitiveness for high-need residency spots. The intervention also showed promise in reducing stereotype threat and improving residency goal stability.
Pinterest users are more likely to like and pin healthy recipes, featuring poultry, fish, and vegetables, but they're more engaged with unhealthy recipes high in fat, sugar, and calories. This discrepancy suggests that users are influenced by social norms and celebrity influencers promoting healthier eating habits.
A new study found that consuming even one glass of wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverage increases the chance of an episode of atrial fibrillation occurring within four hours. The study tracked objective, real-time alcohol consumption and heart rhythm disturbance using wearable sensors and blood tests.
A study found that cooling patients to a lower temperature than recommended did not improve outcomes after cardiac arrest. Cooling to 31 degrees Celsius showed no difference in death or poor neurological outcomes at six months compared to guideline-recommended cooling of 34 C.
The experimental drug omecamtiv mecarbil significantly reduces hospitalizations for patients with severe heart failure and low ejection fractions. It offers improved benefits over current medications, especially in those with more severely impaired hearts.
A novel 12-week physical rehabilitation program tailored to address specific physical impairments in older heart failure patients improved physical functioning, quality of life, and depression. However, participation did not significantly reduce rehospitalizations during the six-month follow-up period.
A recent survey found that burnout rates doubled among cardiovascular clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, with half providing direct care to patients and reporting inadequate PPE. The study highlights the need for improved health system support and wellness initiatives to address burnout and its consequences.
Researchers found that apixaban reduced blood clot formation around implanted valves with no increased bleeding risk. However, a subset of patients showed higher rates of non-cardiovascular death without anticoagulation indication.
Researchers found that left atrial appendage occlusion significantly reduced stroke risk by 33% in patients with AFib or atrial flutter. The procedure, performed during heart surgery, added less than 10 minutes to the operation and demonstrated long-term safety.
The study analyzed over 36,000 LAAO procedures performed with the WATCHMAN device in older, higher-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. At one year, the estimated 1.53% ischemic stroke rate was lower than predicted by stroke risk scores, suggesting effective stroke prevention.
Researchers found no significant differences in cardiovascular events or major bleeding between patients taking 81mg or 325mg daily doses of aspirin. Long-term adherence was better among those taking the lower dose.
The new report presents a roadmap to achieving equity, inclusion, and belonging among cardiovascular professionals, calling for continual assessment of professional culture and climate. It also proposes continuous trainings to address individual, structural, and systemic racism and sexism.
A preclinical study by USF Health found that blocking lipoxygenase with a synthetic inhibitor alters the innate inflammatory response, delaying heart tissue repair after cardiac injury. The study suggests that preserving lipoxygenase is crucial for maintaining immune-mediated acute inflammation and preventing heart failure.
A recent study published in Aging & Mental Health suggests that Chinese parents experience approximately 1.3 times more psychological distress after losing an only child compared to losing a spouse. The loss of an only child is devastating due to the emotional, financial, and instrumental support it provides to older adults.
A study found that social factors such as education and financial stability significantly impact an individual's ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The researchers urge a greater focus on ensuring access to vaccines and precautionary measures for disadvantaged groups.
The FAU/NCHA Community Health Center has been designated as a 'Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) Look-Alike' by the US Health Resources and Services Administration. This designation enables the center to expand and enhance services for underserved populations in Palm Beach County.
A new study found that moderate alcohol intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly due to reduced stress-related brain activity. The findings suggest that low or moderate drinking may be beneficial for heart health without the drawbacks of excessive drinking.
A new study found that women with possible heart attacks are triaged less urgently, wait longer to be seen, and undergo fewer tests than men. Women were also less likely to receive cardiac monitoring or be seen by a consultant.
A study found that sleeping six to seven hours a night is associated with more favorable heart health, while participants who slept less or more had higher cardiovascular risk scores. Inflammation levels, measured by C-reactive protein, were also higher in those with longer or shorter sleep durations.
Researchers found that mice can detect rapid fluctuations in odour plumes and use this information to distinguish between sources. This suggests the mammalian olfactory system plays a key role in processing awareness of physical space and surroundings, guiding survival decisions.
A recent study published in the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session found that black patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to die after a heart attack. The study analyzed data from nearly 32,000 patients with health insurance treated for a heart attack between 2006-2016.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University will assess safety measures against airborne transmission of viral infections. They will evaluate various protective measures, including facemasks and air filters, to develop experimentally verified computational strategies for mitigating airborne transmission.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that people with prediabetes are at a significantly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. The researchers suggest that preventing prediabetes from the start may be the best approach, rather than just focusing on preventing diabetes.
A new study by Drexel University researchers found that nonprofit executives earn 8.9% less than their male counterparts, with the gap widening when there is room for salary negotiations. The study also found that organizations with higher female board representation and a female CEO tend to have smaller pay gaps.
A new study profiles teachers providing English Medium Instruction globally, with social sciences and natural sciences being the most represented disciplines. The research also highlights country-specific differences in EMI practices.
A new neuroimaging technique using diffuse optical tomography studied brain stimulation for depression, finding reduced brain activation in response to rTMS. The study suggests that treatment parameters may need adjusting for patients with severe depression.
A study conducted at Florida Atlantic University reveals that college-age women often normalize unhealthy violent behaviors, including emotional abuse, in relationships. The research highlights the need for education and early prevention programs on campuses to break the cycle of violence.
Intellihealth, a medical obesity treatment platform co-founded by Dr. Katherine Saunders, was selected as the first winner of the Women at Weill investment competition. The company's software platform Evolve generates personalized treatment plans for patients and is integrated with Epic, a widely-used electronic health record system.
The ACS Quality Verification Program utilizes data surveillance, standardized processes, and systems to identify quality improvement issues and improve surgical patient care. The program's 12 standards provide a framework for hospitals to implement robust surgical quality improvement initiatives.
Workers who faced the room and had relatively few desks in their line of sight rated themselves more focused and productive, as well as their teams being better bonded. Staff at window desks also felt more productive than those sitting beside walls.
A UMass Amherst-led team will develop a self-powered, decentralized network of computing hardware and solar batteries to reduce carbon emissions. The team plans to virtualize energy systems and engineer digital carbon-capping policies to track applications' use of traditional grid-based carbon emissions.
A study of over 2,000 individuals found that higher education does not influence the pace of brain aging, contradicting previous assumptions. However, educational attainment is linked to improved cognitive outcomes and reduced risk of dementia.
A nationwide survey of US faculty reveals that nearly 80% deal with student mental health issues, which have worsened during the pandemic. However, only 30% have received training from their institutions to handle these issues, highlighting a need for increased resources and support.
One in five pharmacies in the US refuse to dispense buprenorphine, a vital medication for opioid use disorder patients. This study highlights the need for reduced stigma and increased collaboration between pharmacists and healthcare providers.
A study by WSU College of Nursing faculty found that nurses perceive touch as an essential tool for emotional care and comfort. Nurses see massage as a valuable resource in patient care, but express concerns about boundaries and assessment of patient openness to touch.
Research found a significant increase in stroke mortality during the first lockdown, with higher case fatality rates among patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Despite stable hospital admissions for stroke, quality of care was preserved and some areas showed improvements.
Researchers developed a novel drug that increases LAMP2A receptors, revitalizing chaperone-mediated autophagy and removing toxic protein aggregates. In mouse models of Alzheimer's, the drug reversed key symptoms, suggesting potential for human treatment.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that romantic relationships can help alleviate the negative impact of trauma on drinking behavior among college students. The study, which involved nearly 9,000 participants, discovered that students who experienced interpersonal trauma during college consumed more alcohol t...
Increased tourniquet use in Los Angeles County has improved patient survival and reduced the need for blood transfusions. The study found that patients with prehospital tourniquets had lower mortality rates, fewer delayed amputations, and lessened blood transfusion requirements.
Researchers found biliverdin and bilirubin, natural molecules present in the body, can suppress antibody binding to SARS-CoV-2. This discovery may help explain why some COVID-19 patients become severely ill despite having high levels of antibodies against the virus.