July 20, 2022

UMN Headlines: July 2022

The July installment of the “UMN Headlines” video series features highlights from around the University of Minnesota System, including support for invasive species research, a grant to develop drug treatments for future viral pandemics, technology to allow amputees to control a robotic arm with their mind, NXT GEN MED, the U of M at Twin Cities Pride, and more. See past episodes here.
 

U of M study influences FDA decision on lower nicotine levels in cigarettes

A decades-long collaborative research effort that determined a lower dose of nicotine in cigarettes led to a reduction in cigarette smoking, less exposure to and dependence on carcinogens, and an increase in attempts to quit has finally paid off. The research study has led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to potentially set a maximum allowed nicotine level in cigarettes and other tobacco products. 

New research calls for a health equity lens in commercial tobacco product regulation

University of Minnesota School of Public Health assistant professor Dana Mowls Carroll co-authored a recent commentary in Preventive Medicine on how commercial tobacco policies contribute to inequities, including the unequal and unjust burden of tobacco-related disease and death among racialized populations.  

A new giant dinosaur gives insight into why many prehistoric meat-eaters had such tiny arms

A team co-led by University of Minnesota Twin Cities researcher Peter Makovicky has discovered a new huge, meat-eating dinosaur, dubbed Meraxes gigas. The new dinosaur provides clues about the evolution and biology of dinosaurs such as the Carcharodontosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex—specifically, why these animals had such big skulls and tiny arms.

Biodiversity survey reveals more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought

With millions of plant and animal species across the planet, biodiversity is a complex topic. Experts from all over the world need to communicate across borders to bring the challenges to biodiversity into focus. A new survey led by Forest Isbell, an associate professor in the College of Biological Sciences, attempts to fill some of the gaps in understanding by synthesizing the perspectives of thousands of biodiversity experts worldwide.  

Medical School report details a decrease in teen pregnancy, birth, and STI rates

An annual report from the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Healthy Youth Development - Prevention Research Center highlights that pregnancy, birth, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) rates have decreased among Minnesota youth. Minnesota pregnancy and birth rates continue to be at historic lows for 15- to 19-year-olds, with birth rates decreasing across every racial and ethnic group in Minnesota. 

New imaging technique allows researchers to see gene expression in brains of live mice in real time

A University of Minnesota–led team has developed a new technique that allows scientists and engineers to visualize mRNA molecules in the brains of living mice, specifically a type of RNA that is produced during the process of forming and storing memories. The research reveals new insights into how memories are formed and stored in the brain and could provide scientists with new information about diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Distance-based user fees show promise for use in shared mobility fleets

Vehicles that use little to no gasoline are becoming more common, making it harder to rely on the fuel tax for transportation funding. One way to replace this lost revenue is a distance-based user fee, but concerns about data privacy and other issues are slowing its adoption. As part of a recent MnDOT project, U of M researchers evaluated how the approach could work for shared mobility fleet operators and looked at implications for privacy and equity. 

Research Brief: Reducing risk of maternal health problems among Medicaid patients could have additional benefits in reducing disparities

Researchers at the School of Public Health looked at how risks like maternal illness and death differed for people giving birth who were insured by Medicaid compared to those with private insurance, as well as comparing by rural and urban geography, race, and ethnicity. Additional recent Research Briefs include “Ecological restoration priorities must be informed by marginalized people” and “Perceptions of DEI within health services and policy research workplaces.”