Explore Research at the University of Florida -
UF Explore engages readers in the journey of scientific discovery, research, scholarship and creativity at the University of Florida.| Explore Magazine
UF has received more than $500 million in Gatorade royalties, helping to fund thousands of research projects. Often, faculty are able to leverage Gatorade seed funding into millions more in grants from public and private agencies. The Next Generation Keri Hoadley UF astronomer Keri Hoadley, who specializes in ultraviolet space instrumentation, is building tools for future space missions, including NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory. The UV Space Lab she leads is outfitted with state-of-the...| Explore Magazine
W hen Chimay Anumba became dean of UF’s College of Design, Construction and Planning in Fall 2016, one need was immediately evident: a new building. He noticed right away that students had no space for collaborating. Over the years, the situation only got more difficult. Labs that are crucial for design collaborations and student learning got scattered to other buildings due to a lack of space. Nine years later, DCP is getting new quarters. A 50,000-square-foot, $49 million facility ...| Explore Magazine
I magine every member of the Florida Gators football team wearing a wireless sensor during practices and games that uses GPS, accelerometers and other technologies to gather over 1,000 data points per second on location, speed and workload. Now imagine that for the basketball team, the volleyball team, the soccer team and UF’s other intercollegiate sports teams. “Just one athlete wearing one kind of tracking device can generate a billion data points in a single season,” says Jennifer Ni...| Explore Magazine
U niversity of Florida researcher Daniel Swale describes his work in the simplest of terms: He studies the most lethal creature on Earth. “Mosquitoes are a nuisance to us in the United States but, in other parts of the world, it’s a life-or-death issue,” he says. “Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world.” Worldwide, mosquito-borne diseases result in more than 1 million deaths each year, according to the American Mosquito Control Association. Swale is one of UF’s “m...| Explore Magazine
W hether it’s using geographic information systems to help IFAS researchers rebuild oyster reefs or computer vision and large language models to make collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History more accessible, UF’s George A. Smathers Libraries have come a long way since its first building opened a century ago with 40,000 books that could only be read in the building. Today, the UF libraries are a state-of-the-art academic resource system that has evolved to play a pivotal role [...| Explore Magazine
W ildfires like the ones that recently devastated Southern California burn an average of 7 million acres a year in the United States, taking dozens of lives and causing billions of dollars in damage. While 2025 is off to a bad start, the 2020 wildfires are still the worst on record in the United States, consuming 10 million acres. That year, fires burned 4.3 million acres in California, where they killed 25 people, caused over $12 billion in damage and […] The post XPRIZE UF appeared first ...| Explore Magazine
U niversity of Florida biomedical engineering Professor Christine Schmidt has spent nearly three decades developing ways to heal damaged nerves so that people like Shirley Pincus could live pain-free lives. Pincus, who suffered from polio as a child, developed benign masses called neuromas on nerves in her left leg as an adult. For six years she searched for a treatment for pain she described as a 9 on a scale of 1-10. Finally, she found a doctor in Chicago who […] The post Biomedica...| Explore Magazine
Whitney Lab scientists pursue ambitious marine-life discoveries The post Secrets of the Seas appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Nobody likes to feel pain, but it’s something every person will experience at some point in their life. The post Why does it hurt when you get a scrape? A neuroscientist explains the science of pain<em> —Yenisel Cruz-Almeida</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
In January 2015, 12 people were killed at the French satirist magazine Charlie Hebdo’s office after it published controversial caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. Ten years later, the tragic events continue to resonate in global conversations about limits to the freedom of expression. The post 10 years after the Charlie Hebdo attacks in France, conversations about free speech are still too black and white<em> — Armin Langer</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Eighty years ago, the Jewish American novelist Laura Z. Hobsonwas contemplating her next writerly move and was seeking a little help from her friends. The post The power of friendship: How a letter helped create an American bestseller about antisemitism<em> — Rachel Gordan</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
400,000 years ago, early humans in Europe, Asia and Africa lived alongside giant straight-tusked elephants, far bigger than their modern-day cousins. Their evolution has long been a mystery to palaeontologists, but an extraordinary, enormous and near-complete skull is helping us uncover an obscure episode in the evolutionary history of these prehistoric megaherbivores. The post How a giant prehistoric elephant skull helped untangle an evolutionary mystery<em> — Steven Zhang and Advait M. Ju...| Explore Magazine
Infectious or chronic diseases such as long COVID, Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injury can cause inflammation in the brain, or neuroinflammation, that weakens muscles. While scientists are aware of this link between inflammation and muscle weakness, the molecules and processes involved have been unclear. In our research, our team of neuroscientists and biologistsuncovered the hidden conversation between the brain and muscles that triggers muscle fatigue, and potential ways t...| Explore Magazine
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is entering a new era of collaboration that will propel the nation’s space exploration by leveraging the world-class expertise at three Florida universities. As outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed Wednesday, the institutions will provide critical research and development support for NASA’s Moon to Mars Initiative, which aims to advance human presence and exploration throughout the solar system. The post NASA’s Kennedy Space Center a...| Explore Magazine
Scientists at the University of Florida are testing a new type of citrus tree that can fight off the tiny insects responsible for citrus greening. While the genetically edited tree has only been tested so far in the lab and the greenhouse, it is one of the most promising discoveries to date in a challenge that has plagued growers, researchers and consumers as Florida’s citrus industry has plummeted over the past two decades. The post Researchers explore breakthrough approach to combat devas...| Explore Magazine
For three years, University of Florida engineering professor David O. Prevatt, Ph.D., has been chewing on a stubborn problem: Why are bridges and buildings still succumbing to natural hazards when we have the knowledge to build resilient, hazard-resistant structures? “I am a wind engineer,” said Prevatt. “I study hurricanes and houses and how to make them stronger. I can tell people seven ways ‘til Sunday how to build a better house, but it takes decades to get implemented.” The pos...| Explore Magazine
The University of Florida Board of Trustees today approved investing $24 million to acquire a more advanced version of UF’s HiPerGator supercomputer. This acquisition will make UF one of the first higher education institutions in the nation to own such a machine, which includes a type of technology that is not even on the market yet. NVIDIA — co-founded by UF alumnus Chris Malachowsky — is expected to deliver the machine to the Gainesville campus during the first half of […] The post ...| Explore Magazine
Carbon offsets have become big business as more companies make promises to protect the climate but can’t meet the goals on their own. When a company buys carbon offsets, it pays a project elsewhere to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on its behalf – by planting trees, for example, or generating renewable energy. The idea is that reducing greenhouse gas emissions anywhere pays off for the global climate.https://theconversation.com/companies-are-buying-up-cheap-carbon-offsets-data-suggest-...| Explore Magazine
Johanna Neumann was 8 when she witnessed a mob of local citizens and Nazis vandalizing the Bornplatz Synagogue in Hamburg. They were “shouting and throwing stones at the marvelous glass windows,” as she later said in an oral history interview. Other students at the Jewish school nearby described a mountain of prayer books and Torah scrolls lying in the dirt on the street, desecrated and set aflame. The post Kristallnacht’s legacy still haunts Hamburg − even as the city rebuilds a f...| Explore Magazine
On the sleeve notes of some of the most memorable and best-selling albums of all time, you’ll find the words “Produced and arranged by Quincy Jones.” It was a hallmark of quality. Jones, who died on Nov. 3, 2024, at the age of 91, transformed our understanding of musical arrangement. His work spanned decades and genres, from jazz and pop to hip-hop and film scoring. He worked with pop icons like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, and […] The post Quincy ...| Explore Magazine
During her preoperative appointment at University of Florida Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville in July, Nicole Lembo was shocked to hear her A1C level, which measures blood sugar, was 11.3% — far beyond the normal range of 5.7% to 6.7%. The post Clinical and research programs at the UF College of Medicine aim to improve the lives of millions with diabetes<em> — Emily Mavrakis</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
UF cybersecurity professor Kevin Butler developed the framework, which spells out guidance for countries to prevent fraud and abuse on mobile cash apps. Cash apps are the prominent form of banking in Africa, South America and Southeast Asia and can leave people vulnerable to losing their life savings. The post United Nations ratifies UF-created framework to protect people on cash apps<em> — Karen Dooley</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Today, Space Florida’s Board of Directors designated the Florida University Space Research Consortium, as the state’s official space research entity, which will facilitate the awarding of NASA research grants in partnership with Kennedy Space Center. The post Space Florida announces launch of Florida University Space Consortium appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
The patient arrived with a bladder stone, grimacing in pain and moping about. He wouldn’t even chew his cud. The patient, you see, was a goat. And while treated for his bladder stone — a common ailment in the small ruminants — he was also contributing to new research that aims to accurately measure pain not only in goats, but other domestic animals as well and even, one day, in people. The post Scientists trained AI to detect faces in pain. In goats.<em> —Eric Hamilton</em> appeared f...| Explore Magazine
The University of Florida has selected 20 research projects in artificial intelligence for accelerated development using the university’s HiPerGator supercomputer. The post UF accelerates AI research discoveries with HiPerGator computing<em> —Joe Kays</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Invasive species in Florida like Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus pose a growing threat to the Sunshine State’s environment, economy and public safety. South Florida’s warm climate, disturbed habitats and bustling pet trade have made it a hotspot for these non-native, cryptic reptiles. However, finding these elusive creatures has always been a challenge – until now. The post New outreach strategy sets blueprint for detecting invasive species in Florida<em> — Lourdes M...| Explore Magazine
Stories written by the latest version of ChatGPT were nearly as good as those written by human authors, according to new research on the narrative skills of artificial intelligence. The post People hate stories they think were written by AI. Even if people wrote them. <em> — Eric Hamilton</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
The number of voters registered as Democrats has tumbled in recent years in Florida, effectively removing the Sunshine State as a battleground and placing it firmly in the red column. The post Abortion and marijuana ballot measures may bring out Florida Democrats, but the GOP has 1M more active voters in the Sunshine State<em> — Daniel Smith</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Nearly a million Florida condo owners face an important deadline at the end of the year. That’s when a law passed in 2022 requires most Florida condo associations to submit inspection reports for their buildings and to collect money from owners to pay for any needed repairs. The post Florida’s new condo laws recognize the total price of living on the beach<em> — Bill Hughes</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Stories define people – they shape our relationships, cultures and societies. Unlike other skills replaced by technology, storytelling has remained uniquely human, setting people apart from machines. But now, even storytelling is being challenged. Artificial intelligence, powered by vast datasets, can generate stories that sometimes rival, or even surpass, those written by humans. The post Your next favorite story won’t be written by AI – but it could be someday<em> — Haoran Chu and ...| Explore Magazine
Today, President Joe Biden appointed University of Florida distinguished computer science Professor Juan Gilbert, Ph.D., to the National Science Board. Gilbert is one of eight members appointed to the Board. The post President Biden appoints University of Florida distinguished computer science Professor Juan Gilbert, Ph.D., to National Science Board appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Sharks, on their own, are fascinating enough for Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Add artificial intelligence to the study of these creatures and their fossilized teeth, and you get Shark AI – a program that is blending paleontology and cutting-edge technology in STEM curriculums statewide. The post When Paleontology Meets AI, K-12 Students Find Thrilling New Ways to Study Shark Fossils<em> — Rebecca Burton and Carla Ruffer</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Alina Zare, one of the University of Florida’s leading artificial intelligence researchers, has been named director of the university’s Interdisciplinary Informatics and Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (IIARI). The post Alina Zare named new director of UF’s Interdisciplinary Informatics and Artificial Intelligence Research Institute<em> — Joseph Kays</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Christine Schmidt, a UF distinguished professor, was honored Sunday among some of the country’s most notable engineers when she was formally inducted into the 2024 class of the National Academy of Engineering. The prestigious recognition celebrates her more than 25 years of improving lives through neural tissue engineering and wound healing. The post Christine Schmidt inducted into National Academy of Engineering<em> — Karen Dooley</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Early screening for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism is important to ensure children have the support they need to gain the essential skills for daily life. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays, with additional screening for those who are preterm or have a low birth weight. The post Gut microbe imbalances could predict a child’s risk for autism, ADHD and speech disorders years before symptoms appear<em> — Ang...| Explore Magazine
Tommy John pitched in the big leagues from 1963 to 1989 and won 288 games. Only 25 MLB pitchers have won more. But check out his 27 years of statistics, and you’ll see one year is blank: 1975. That’s because in the fall of 1974, John underwent surgery for a ligament tear in his elbow, an injury once considered career-ending. The post 50 years after the first procedure, Tommy John surgery is more common than ever − especially for young athletes<em> — Ted Spiker and Kevin W. Farmer<...| Explore Magazine
For history buffs, St. Augustine provides some of Florida’s most iconic tourism options – from the Old Town Trolley Tours to several of the state’s famous forts and museums. Now, University of Florida professors are researching and building an exhibit based on another classic staple that took off from the town: chocolate. The post Visitors to St. Augustine will have a delicious new tourist option, thanks to UF researchers<em> — Gabrielle Parker</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
When structures collapse, Jennifer Bridge’s phone rings. Often, it is family wanting insight from Bridge, an associate professor in the University of Florida’s Department of Civil & Coastal Engineering. She is a well-regarded expert in structural engineering, so that phone also rings with state officials and building industry leaders. The post UF engineering researcher helping make structures safer after Surfside disaster<em> — Dave Schlenker</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Each summer, nearly 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) of rice is cultivated in the Florida Everglades Agricultural Area, a roughly 1,100-square-mile (2,800-square-kilometer) area south of Lake Okeechobee. Farming here requires a delicate touch. The area has lost nearly 6 feet (1.8 meters) of soil in the past century through a process called subsidence. One way to slow down this subsidence and preserve the nutrient-rich soil is to flood the area during Florida’s rainy season and use the field...| Explore Magazine
Post-election protests are far from uncommon in Venezuela. In 2018, people took to the streets to contest President Nicolás Maduro’s reelection; they did so again in 2019 when the Venezuelan opposition proclaimed National Assembly representative Juan Guaidó as interim president in defiance of a vote they said was rigged. The post Massive protests erupt again over disputed Venezuelan elections – but they look different this time<em> — Rebecca Hanson and Verónica Zubillaga</em> a...| Explore Magazine
Many plants, from crops to carnations, cannot bear fruit or reproduce without bees, beetles, butterflies and other insects to pollinate them. But the population of insect pollinators is dropping in the U.S., due in part to pesticides, climate change, invasive plants and diminished habitats. Rachel Mallinger, assistant professor of entomology at the University of Florida, explains why these insects are in decline and how homeowners can create yards and gardens that are good for pollinators. ...| Explore Magazine
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has been in the news lately – mostly for the wrong reasons. The bloc is facing its biggest crisis since it was formed in 1975. Three of its 15 countries – Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali – have broken away and formed an alternative grouping, the Alliance of Sahel States. The post West Africa is changing: five essential reads on breakaways from Ecowas<em> — Olivier Walther</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
About 1 in 6 Americans are age 65 or older, and that percentage is projected to grow. Older adults often hold positions of power, have retirement savings accumulated over the course of their lifetimes, and make important financial and health-related decisions – all of which makes them attractive targets for financial exploitation. The post Are older adults more vulnerable to scams? What psychologists have learned about who’s most susceptible, and when<em> — Natalie C. Ebner and Didem...| Explore Magazine
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris have sparked a discussion about whether female Muslim athletes who wear a headscarf should be allowed to compete. In September 2023, the International Olympic Committee, upholding freedom of religious and cultural expression for all athletes, announced that athletes participating in the 2024 Paris Games can wear a hijab without any restriction. The post France’s headscarf ban in the 2024 Summer Olympics reflects a narrow view of national identity, writes ...| Explore Magazine
Researchers have long known that religious teens are less likely to engage in risky behavior. My team’s research explains why. We surveyed multiple times the religious beliefs and risk behavior of over 1,400 teens from Florida between 2010 and 2012. Although the majority of our sample self-identified as Christian, many of the teens identified as belonging to other religious groups or as nonreligious. The post Why do religious teens engage in less risky behavior? A psychologist explains<em>...| Explore Magazine
The tragic death of Manly rugby league player Keith Titmuss in 2020 due to exertional heat stroke is a reminder of the life-threatening nature of the condition. The post An NRL player died at training due to exertional heat stroke. What is it and what should coaches and athletes know?<em> — Samuel Chalmers and Orlando Laitano</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
What can this dashboard show parents about how safe a school is for their child? Parents can use the Safe Schools for Alex dashboard to compare safety metrics in their child’s school with district and state averages as well as with other similar schools. The dashboard includes all public K-12 schools in Florida and over 50 indicators of school safety – ranging from fights and weapons to school bus crashes. Parents can also see information on school responses and resources, […] The post ...| Explore Magazine
Brain cancers remain among the most challenging tumors to treat. They often don’t respond to traditional treatments because many chemotherapies are unable to penetrate the protective barrier around the brain. Other treatments like radiation and surgery can leave patients with lifelong debilitating side effects. The post Brain cancer in children is notoriously hard to treat – a new mRNA cancer vaccine triggers an attack from within<em> — Christina von Roemeling and John Ligon</em> ap...| Explore Magazine
The Jewish festival of Passover recalls the biblical story of the Israelites enslaved by Egypt and their miraculous escape. During a ritual feast known as a Seder, families celebrate this ancient story of deliverance, with each new generation reminded to never take freedom for granted. The post From sumptuous engravings to stick-figure sketches, Passover Haggadahs − and their art − have been evolving for centuries<em> — Rebecca J.W. Jefferson</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Birdsong is a welcome sign of spring, but robins and cardinals aren’t the only birds showing off for breeding season. In many parts of North America, you’re likely to encounter male wild turkeys, puffed up like beach balls and with their tails fanned out, aggressively strutting through woods and parks or stopping traffic on your street. The post Wild turkey numbers are falling in some parts of the US – the main reason may be habitat loss<em> — Marcus Lashley and William Gulsby</em> ...| Explore Magazine
The United States has the largest philanthropic sector in the world. Foundations and similar grantmakers have US$1.5 trillion in assets and disburse more than $100 billion annually to everything from hospitals and museums to making communities more walkable and improving care at the end of life. The post Foundations are using so many confusing words that few people can figure out what they’re doing<em> — Aaron Zeiler and Ann Searight Christiano</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder that progresses relentlessly. It gradually impairs a person’s ability to function until they ultimately become immobile and often develop dementia. In the U.S. alone, over a million people are afflicted with Parkinson’s, and new cases and overall numbers are steadily increasing. The post Newly discovered genetic variant that causes Parkinson’s disease clarifies why the condition develops and how to halt it<em> — Matt...| Explore Magazine
In 1998, my colleagues and I watched from the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center as one of our experiments rocketed into orbit on the Space Shuttle Columbia. It was thrilling to know that astronauts would be caring for these plants, and doing experiments — our experiments from UF — that would help us better understand life in space. Over the years, we have sent 15 more experiments to space, and the thrill is still there every time. There are hundreds of […] Th...| Explore Magazine
John Conklin and Amy Williams both faced pivotal career moments as young doctoral students. Conklin knew exactly what he wanted: A chance to work on gravitational waves that began rippling across the universe when black holes collided billions of years ago. More than two decades later, Conklin still speaks avidly about precisely measuring the ancient, unseeable forces that shaped the universe. Williams had a burgeoning passion for astrobiology and geobiology research, pivoting from earth scie...| Explore Magazine
While people on Earth are thinking about self-driving cars, Christopher “Chrispy” Petersen is focused on self-driving satellites. “A satellite that nudges itself in the right direction or performs some aspect of self-repair lets people in the control room focus on other, important mission-oriented tasks,” he says. Petersen, an assistant professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, loves pushing the limits of satellite capabilities. “If we already have all this real-time data f...| Explore Magazine
Andrew Schuerger and Jamie Foster have watched hundreds of rockets launch from the Kennedy Space Center over the course of their two decades at the Space Life Sciences Laboratory, located just 8 miles from the launch pad. “I try to go out to see absolutely every rocket launch. It’s thrilling, emotionally and psychologically,” says Schuerger, a professor of plant pathology. Foster, a professor of microbiology and cell science, says she’ll never forget the first time one of her experime...| Explore Magazine
Before he started probing outer space to discover planets, Jason Dittmann was studying the depths of the oceans. As an undergraduate at the University of Arizona, his first research involved mathematical models of ocean circulation. But, like the gravitational pull of a celestial body, Dittmann’s abiding interest in astronomy prevailed by his junior year. Now, he’s an assistant professor in UF’s Department of Astronomy. Dittmann’s work focuses on extrasolar planets that orbit stars ou...| Explore Magazine
Ever since July 1, 2021, student-athletes have been able to pursue endorsement deals. But when it comes to getting paid by the universities for which they play, the students have been shut down. Here, Cyntrice Thomas, a professor of sport management at the University of Florida, answers questions about the hurdles that stand in the way of college athletes being compensated for their athleticism. The post College athletes still are not allowed to be paid by universities – here’s why<em> ...| Explore Magazine
Jena, Germany, 1924: Working in near-isolation and with painstaking tediousness, the psychiatrist Hans Berger observes rhythmic electrical activity from the scalp of human subjects. He is convinced the activity arises from within the brain and coins the term “electroencephalogram.” The post A century after the EEG was discovered, it remains a crucial tool for understanding the brain<em> — Giridhar Kalamangalam</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Many people assume that horses first came to the Americas when Spanish explorers brought them here about 500 years ago. In fact, recent research has confirmed a European origin for horses associated with humans in the American Southwest and Great Plains. The post Horses lived in the Americas for millions of years – new research helps paleontologists understand the fossils we’ve found and those that are missing from the record<em> — Stephanie Killingsworth and Bruce J. MacFadden</em> ...| Explore Magazine
Cataract surgery is one of the most popular and commonly performed procedures in the world. The vast majority of patients have excellent outcomes with few complications. The post Are you one of the millions about to have cataract surgery? Here’s what ophthalmologists say you need to know<em> — Allan Steigleman and Elizabeth M. Hofmeister</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
When I started covering crime as a reporter for small newspapers in the 1980s, I was assigned to walk to the police department lobby each morning and look through all of the previous day’s police reports, clipped to a board on the counter, containing all the details laid out for anyone to see. We were able to report to the community each day on the major events in town – to explain why people heard sirens, or saw a smoke […] The post Growing secrecy limits government accountability<em> ...| Explore Magazine
Is or was there life on Mars? That profound question is so complex that it will not be fully answered by the two NASA rovers now exploring it. The post NASA’s search for life on Mars: a rocky road for its rovers, a long slog for scientists – and back on Earth, a battle of the budge<em> — Amy J. Williams</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Every now and then, an elected official will suggest bringing in the National Guard to deal with violence that seems out of control. The post Is the National Guard a solution to school violence?<em> — F. Chris Curran</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Scientists very rarely get access to most sharks, the development of their young or the nursery grounds where they grow. So seeing a hammerhead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) embryo, halfway through its five-month development, is very unusual. The post Rare access to hammerhead shark embryos reveals secrets of its unique head development<em> — Gareth J. Fraser</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
After two years of intense public debate, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the nation’s first national climate disclosure rules on March 6, 2024, setting out requirements for publicly listed companies to report their climate-related risks and in some cases their greenhouse gas emissions. The post SEC approves first US climate disclosure rules: Why the requirements are much weaker than planned and what they mean for companies<em> — Sehoon Kim</em> appeared first on E...| Explore Magazine
Eighty years ago, in the winter and spring of 1944, Brooklyn-born author Betty Smith was entering a new chapter of life. The post Betty Smith enchanted a generation of readers with ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ − even as she groused that she hoped Williamsburg would be flattened<em> — Rachel Gordan</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
If you’re planning to go into the hospitality industry, the pathway is increasingly going to involve some sort of familiarity with AI. That’s one of the key messages in “Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robot Applications in Hospitality Businesses,” a new book by hospitality professor Rachel J.C. Fu. The post Colleges are using AI to prepare hospitality workers of the future<em> — Rachel J.C. Fu</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
The leading contenders in the 2024 presidential election are two of the three oldest people ever to serve as president. President Joe Biden is 81. Former President Donald Trump is 77. Ronald Reagan took office at 69 and left it at age 77. The post Candidates’ aging brains are factors in the presidential race − 4 essential reads<em> — Brian Ho</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Probiotics have been getting a lot of attention recently. These bacteria, which you can consume from fermented foods, yogurt or even pills, are linked to a number of health and wellness benefits, including reducing gastrointestinal distress, urinary tract infections and eczema. But can they improve your mood, too? The post Bacteria in your gut can improve your mood − new research in mice tries to zero in on the crucial strains<em> — Andrea Merchak</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
The membership of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has been whittled down from 15 to 12 following the unilateral withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso in February. The post West Africa trade will take a hit as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso leave Ecowas<em> — Olivier Walther</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
In late 2023, I embarked on my first Formula One race experience, attending the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix. I had never been to an F1 race; my interest was sparked during the pandemic, largely through the Netflix series “Formula 1: Drive to Survive.” The post Revving up tourism: Formula One and other big events look set to drive growth in the hospitality industry<em> — Rachel J.C. Fu</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Have you ever been out on a walk and as you take that next step, you feel the slippery squish of poop under your foot? The post Perils of pet poop – so much more than just unsightly and smelly, it can spread disease<em> — Julia Wuerz</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar. The post It’s the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac − associated with good fortune, wisdom and success<em> — Mario Poceski</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Human fear of sharks has deep roots. Written works and art from the ancient world contain references to sharks preying on sailors as early as the eighth century B.C.E. The post ‘Jaws’ portrayed sharks as monsters 50 years ago, but it also inspired a generation of shark scientists<em> — Gavin Naylor</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
It’s an observation as old as humans gathering around campfires: Light at night can draw an erratically circling crowd of insects. In art, music and literature, this spectacle is an enduring metaphor for dangerous but irresistible attractions. And watching their frenetic movements really gives the sense that something is wrong – that instead of finding food and evading predators, these nocturnal pilots are trapped by a light. The post The surprising reason why insects circle lights at ni...| Explore Magazine
The post The opening of India’s new Rama temple made waves – but here’s what the central ritual actually meant<em> — Vasudha Narayanan</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
When I was younger, I would watch “Batman” on my black-and-white television after school. Usually, Batman would face either the Joker, the Penguin, the Puzzler, Catwoman or any one of his usual opponents. However, on some occasions, Batman would have to face them all at the same time. The post What if every germ hit you at the exact same time? An immunologist explains<em> — Joseph Larkin III</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
They go by many names – pigs, hogs, swine, razorbacks – but whatever you call them, wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are one of the most damaging invasive species in North America. They cause millions of dollars in crop damage yearly and harbor dozens of pathogens that threaten humans and pets, as well as meat production systems. The post Wild ‘super pigs’ from Canada could become a new front in the war on feral hogs<em> — Marcus Lashley</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
In 2023, 24 states had laws or regulations in place prohibiting transgender students from participating on public school athletic teams consistent with their gender identity. These bans mean that a person whose sex assigned at birth was male but who identifies as a girl or woman cannot play on a girls or women’s athletic team at a public school in that state. The post Biases behind transgender athlete bans are deeply rooted<em> — George B. Cunningham and Kelsey Garrison</em> appeared f...| Explore Magazine
The post How the keffiyeh – a practical garment used for protection against the desert sun – became a symbol of Palestinian identity<em> — Armin Langer</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
The big idea About one in four 11th-graders in Colorado exercised their right to skip the state’s official science test each year between 2016 and 2019. More specifically, between 23% and 27% of 11th-graders did not participate in the science exam during those years. That’s what we found in a study published in AERA Open. Our study was based on a geographical analysis of state data that revealed how many students decided to skip the test during the years in question. The post 1 in ...| Explore Magazine
Frustration with electric utilities is universal today. Whether it’s concerns over high rates, poor service or a combination of both, people are constantly looking for a better answer to the systems that serve them. The post Maine voters don’t like their electric utilities, but they balked at paying billions to buy them out<em> — Theodore J. </em><i>Kury</i> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Of all the challenges that threaten the well-being of America’s schoolchildren, one of the most serious and severe is the lack of school counselors and school psychologists. Despite the increased demand for their services, there’s simply not enough professionals in these fields to go around. The post Why more school counselors and psychologists alone won’t solve America’s mental health crisis among students<em> — Joni Williams Spelt</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Religion is highly present in Ethiopia. It’s visible in churches and mosques, in clothing, and in public rituals. The post Ethiopia: religious tension is getting worse – 5 factors driving groups apart<em> — Terje Ostebo</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Worn by some Muslim women, an abaya is a long, loose-fitting, robelike garment that covers the entire body, except for the face, hands and feet. Through the abaya, women can express their religious identity and dedication to following Islamic guidelines regarding modest attire. The post What is an abaya − and why does it cause such controversy in France? A scholar of European studies explains<em> — Armin Langer</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
People in the oldest stage of life who regularly engage in aerobic activities and strength training exercises perform better on cognitive tests than those who are either sedentary or participate only in aerobic exercise. That is the key finding of our new study, published in the journal GeroScience. The post Aerobic and strength training exercise combined can be an elixir for better brain health in your 80s and 90s, new study finds<em> —Brian Ho and Ronald Cohen</em> appeared first on Exp...| Explore Magazine
The 2022-23 school year was a particularly violent year for educators. In Florida, a high school student beat a paraprofessional unconscious. A 15-year-old in Georgia left her teacher with difficulty walking. And a group of students in Texas sent their assistant principal to the hospital after an assault. The post Educators say student misconduct has increased − but progressive reforms or harsher punishments alone won’t fix the problem<em> — F. Chris Curran</em> appeared first on ...| Explore Magazine
When 17 people were in orbit around the Earth all at the same time on May 30, 2023, it set a record. With NASA and other federal space agencies planning more manned missions and commercial companies bringing people to space, opportunities for human space travel are rapidly expanding. The post Spending time in space can harm the human body − but scientists are working to mitigate these risks before sending people to Mars<em> — Rachael Seidler</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
The pain from a heart attack is so bad that – if you can imagine – it can feel like an elephant sitting on you. Patients with sickle cell disease, a genetic condition affecting the red blood cells, report that this kind of pain begins before their first birthday and continues intermittently for a lifetime. The post Sickle cell disease can be deadly, and the persistent health inequities facing Black Americans worsen the problem<em> — Diana J. Wilkie</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Diseases that run in families usually have genetic causes. Some are genetic mutations that directly cause the disease if inherited. Others are risk genes that affect the body in a way that increases the chance someone will develop the disease. In Alzheimer’s disease, genetic mutations in any of three specific genes can cause the disease, and other risk genes either increase or decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The post Alzheimer’s disease is partly genetic − studying ...| Explore Magazine
Many companies have made commitments toward diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in recent years, particularly since the murder of George Floyd sparked weeks of racial justice riots in 2020. The post Workers like it when their employers talk about diversity and inclusion<em> — Rita Men</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
The Swedish government is concerned about national security following several incidents involving the burning of the Quran that have provoked demonstrations and outrage from Muslim-majority countries. The post Quran burning in Sweden prompts debate on the fine line between freedom of expression and incitement of hatred<em> — Armin Langer</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Americans will have few opportunities to binge-watch the Donald J. Trump trials. The post Cameras in the court: Why most Trump trials won’t be televised<em> — David Cuillier</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
A scene in the film “Oppenheimer,” in which the physicist is quoting a Bhagavad Gita verse while making love, has upset some Hindus. The information commissioner of the Indian government, Uday Mahurkar, said in an open letter the scene was a “direct assault on religious beliefs of a billion tolerant Hindus” and alleged that it amounted to “waging a war on the Hindu community.” He also said that it almost appeared to be “part of a larger conspiracy by anti-Hindu forces.” The ...| Explore Magazine
Imagine a steamy sex scene involving a woman and a man from your favourite television show or movie. It’s likely that both parties orgasm. But this doesn’t reflect reality. The post The orgasm gap and why women climax less than men<em> — Laurie Mintz</em> appeared first on Explore Magazine.| Explore Magazine
Slightly more than two years after Niger’s first peaceful handover of power from one civilian president to another, the military seized power in July 2023. The coup – the fourth in Nigerien history – follows on the heels of recent military interventions in Africa. Mali (August 2020 and May 2021), Chad (April 2021), Guinea (September 2021), Sudan (October 2021) and Burkina Faso (January and September 2022). The post Military coups in Africa: here’s what determines a return to civilia...| Explore Magazine
“Me encontraron càncer en la pròstata,” my father told me. They found cancer in my prostate. As a cancer researcher who knows very well about the high incidence and decreased survival rates of prostate cancer in the Caribbean, I anguished over these words. Even though I study cancer in my day job, I struggled to take in this news. At the time, all I could muster in response was “What did the doctor say?” The post Prostate cancer treatment is not always the best option – a canc...| Explore Magazine
How did this coup come about? At first it was unclear whether this even was a coup. Although there have been indications of tensions both inside the military and between military and civilian leaders, a coup certainly wasn’t expected. I was in Niger last month, and there was nothing to suggest that a coup was about to take place. And in contrast to what happened in Mali or Burkina Faso in recent years, the coup wasn’t preceded by widespread protests […] The post Niger coup: Military tak...| Explore Magazine
UF Explore engages readers in the journey of scientific discovery, research, scholarship and creativity at the University of Florida.| Explore Magazine
