Story Archive

Research Brief

Diamonds are "forever," PFAS are not

The biological breakdown of “forever chemicals” released into the environment may be possible, according to new research from the College of Biological Sciences.

Research Brief

Novel viral treatment effective against devastating bone cancer

Researchers from the University of Minnesota partnered with Mayo Clinic to conduct a groundbreaking study that could offer hope for dogs, and potentially humans, diagnosed with osteosarcoma — a devastating bone cancer predominantly affecting children, adolescents and young adults.

Research Brief

Lack of culturally-responsive messaging hinders vaccine acceptance among Black communities

New study examines COVID-19 vaccine decision-making among Black women, and finds that decisions were impacted by historical traumas, myths from countries of origin, and other factors, and that current public health campaigns promoting vaccination are falling short in Black communities

Research Brief

School-based mental health services can improve the well-being of children and adolescents

The mental health of young people across the U.S. is suffering: rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges remain high, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death. To address these challenges, school-based mental health (SBMH) services are being offered by some school districts as a way to identify and treat children and adolescents who may not have access to other mental health services.

Research Brief

Global forests could soak up one-third of annual fossil fuel emissions

Research results recently published in Nature show that global forest lands could store enough carbon to soak up one-third of annual fossil fuel emissions for decades to come.

Research Brief

Excess mortality during pandemic was higher among workers in critical occupations

While numerous news reports and previous studies have revealed disparities in COVID-19-related deaths among certain populations, including older adults, people of color, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) have now added a new element to this conversation — differences in rates of death among workers in critical occupations during the pandemic.

Research Brief

Humans have substantially altered the relationship between wolves and deer

New research from the University of Minnesota’s Voyageurs Wolf Project found that human activities in northern Minnesota — logging, road and trail creation, and infrastructure development — have profoundly impacted where wolves hunt and kill deer fawns.

Research Brief

Playing professional football may shorten players' lives

Several recent studies have concluded that professional football players tend to live longer than other “American men in general.” This research implies that the benefits of professional football, including physical fitness and affluence, may outweigh risks such as cardiovascular and neurological health problems.

Research Brief

U of M study suggests even more reasons to eat your fiber

Health professionals have long praised the benefits of insoluble fiber for bowel regularity and overall health. New research from the University of Minnesota suggests even more reasons we should be prioritizing fiber in our regular diets.

Research Brief

Understanding mutualism can help control the spread of invasive species

U of M researchers found that studying mutualistic relationships can provide tools to manage invasive species.

Research Brief

New study highlights role of ‘social capital’ in contributing to food security of Somali-American households

Despite the U.S.’s perceived wealth and abundance, food security remains a public health challenge for millions of Americans.

Research Brief

New “racism-conscious” approach to shaping public policies that advance health equity

The five-step framework is designed to be a tool to help policy makers formulate policies and practices that promote health equity and address racism.

Research Brief

Identifying biosecurity to prevent CWD transmission

In a pioneering study, U of M researchers recently assessed the risks associated with the introduction of CWD to farmed deer herds in Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Research Brief

Using fire to revive a fragmented prairie landscape

A new study looks at how controlled burns can help plants and pollinators, especially on smaller patches of prairie.

Research Brief

New study suggests link between tear gas exposures and adverse reproductive health outcomes

U of M School of Public Health (SPH) researchers found that 83% of people exposed to tear gas or other chemical agents used by law enforcement reported at least one adverse reproductive health outcome.

Research Brief

Research Brief: Contaminants of emerging concern impact fish health in Minnesota waters

Researchers from the University of Minnesota and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa discovered fish from 18 out of 19 testing sites in northern Minnesota contained contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as pharmaceuticals, hormones and personal care products

Research Brief

Digital nudges based on weather increase exercise

New research from the Carlson School of Management suggests targeted motivation linked to weather can encourage exercise.

Research Brief

Mapping deadly oak wilt disease from space to protect our forests

A new method pioneered at the College of Biological Sciences can help forest managers save oaks and other species.

Research Brief

Public health initiatives can support caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementia

Unlike many other long-term health conditions, most people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) receive some or all of their care from an unpaid relative or friend — a situation that has spawned a robust scientific literature on the potentially negative health implications of caring for a friend or family member over a sustained period of time.

Research Brief

Predators play irreplaceable role in ecosystems

New research shows that predators play a unique and important role in ecosystems by creating ‘ecological hotspots’ — localized areas important for plants and animals.