Story Archive

Research Brief

University of Minnesota study tests wildlife for SARS-CoV-2 virus

As part of a pilot surveillance project to detect SARS-CoV-2 spread between people and animals, nearly 600 of Minnesota’s wild animals were tested for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in 2021.

Research Brief

Culturally-centered care increases feelings of respect, autonomy for birthing people of color

University of Minnesota (U of M) researchers partnering with Roots Community Birth Clinic (Roots) in Minneapolis found that alternative care models centering the birthing person’s culture and relationships may be able to improve their experiences and health during pregnancy.

Research Brief

Copycat red nectar shows promise as a natural colorant and is gecko-approved

Colored nectars are rare in nature. The colors lure in pollinators, and new patented research could attract industry partners in search of natural colorant options.

Woman wearing face mask holding three pound hand weight

Research Brief

Studies prove resident-reported quality of life information should be used in nursing home report cards

When it comes to ensuring adequate healthcare in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, it’s important to learn what residents think about their care and comfort.

Research Brief

Study shows high acceptance of proactively treating partners of people diagnosed with chlamydia

Graduate student Ashley Oglesby found that women have low knowledge of expedited partner therapy, but after learning more, overwhelmingly support the idea.

Research Brief

Researchers develop first fully 3D-printed, flexible OLED display

In a groundbreaking new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities used a customized printer to fully 3D print a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display.

Flat illustration depicting tiny people engaging in discourse and voting.

Research Brief

Pro-worker ideas in political manifestos linked to more votes

A new study shows focusing on pro-worker ideas — such as improving work conditions or increasing jobs — could be a winning move for political parties.

Flat illustration depicting communication between doctor and patient regarding reproductive health.

Research Brief

New data model reveals novel infertility treatment recommendations

A new data analysis model is shedding light on potential treatments for women facing infertility issues, offering possibilities for the future of health recommendation tools.

Research Brief

Beavers support freshwater conservation and ecosystem stability

A new study from Natural Resources Research Institute has conclusively demonstrated that beavers are essential for freshwater conservation and ecosystem stability.

Research Brief

Research brief: Wolves might help moose avoid acquiring a deadly deer parasite

A new study from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa offers a new theory on the role of wolves in disease transmission among prey.

3D illustration of conceptual self-healing material isolated on white background.

Research Brief

Step forward in quest to develop living construction materials and beyond

In a new study, U of M researchers demonstrate how to transform silica — commonly found in construction materials — into a self-assembling, dynamic and resilient material.

Research Brief

Margarines now nutritionally better than butter after hydrogenated oil ban

In the U.S. the year-end holidays are here, which not only makes it the season of joy and celebration, but also of butter as many Americans make batches of cookies and creamy comfort foods to celebrate.

Stock photo of a Black female professor showing a class a model of molecular structure. The students are blurred in the background.

Research Brief

Retention is a major factor in racial disparities in academia

Large segments of society are under-represented in science and engineering within academia at every level, but particularly among tenured professors. A new study points to a key reason: retention.

Research Brief

Over-policing linked to higher odds of preterm birth

New research from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) links the stress of living in an over-policed neighborhood with higher odds of preterm birth for both Black and white birthing people.

Research Brief

You can help scientists study the Sun

University of Minnesota leads new citizen science project to identify solar jets.

Close up shot of vaccines - glass bottles, ampules and syringe with needle.

Research Brief

Pandemic demand creates growth opportunity for domestic vaccine companies

Any pandemic sends shockwaves through markets, forcing companies to adapt to surging demand. New research highlights the differences in how domestic and foreign firms reacted amid the H1N1 pandemic, offering insights that resonate today.

Research Brief

Severe food insecurity linked with disordered eating behaviors in young people, including binge eating five years later

Growing scientific evidence highlights a strong link between disordered eating and food insecurity (i.e., inconsistent or lack of access to adequate food), which disproportionately affects individuals across lower socioeconomic groups. A new study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health now shows how the relationship between food insecurity and disordered eating unfolds over time.

An image depicting ceramics at different temperatures.

Research Brief

Exploding and weeping ceramics provide path to new shape-shifting material

An international team of researchers from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Kiel University in Germany have discovered a path that could lead to shape-shifting ceramic materials.

Research Brief

Chemical researchers invent bio-petroleum for sustainable materials

A team of researchers from the U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Sustainable Polymers based at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have developed a chemical technology of combined fermentation and chemical refining that can produce petroleum-like liquids from renewable plants.

Research Brief

Large MeerKAT telescope data release reveals beautiful new cosmic puzzles

An international team, including lead researchers from the University of Minnesota and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), have released highly detailed images of radio emissions from 115 clusters of galaxies that give new clues to the formation and evolution of galaxies throughout the Universe.