U names new dean for the College of Education

June 29, 2017

The University of Utah announced that Elaine Clark, professor of educational psychology at the U, has accepted the appointment as the new dean of the College of Education. For a seamless transition, Clark will begin July 1 as the current dean, María Fránquiz, moves to her new position as deputy chief academic officer for Faculty Development […]



Researchers Propose New Approach to Identify Genetic Mutations in Men with Prostate Cancer

June 28, 2017

Scientists have had limited success at identifying specific inherited genes associated with prostate cancer, despite the fact that it is one of the most common non-skin cancers among men. Researchers at University of Utah Health studied prostate cancer patients with multiple cancer diagnoses, many who would not be recommended for genetic tests following current guidelines, […]



Study highlights role of rare genetic mutations in ALS

June 27, 2017

Ninety to 95 percent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases are “sporadic,” meaning these patients had no clear family history of the condition and therefore no indication that they were at risk. A new study by investigators at University of Utah Health shows that approximately one-fifth of these cases do have signs of a genetic […]



Woodrats can’t stomach favorite foods at high temps

June 27, 2017

You’d think desert woodrats already had a lot of adversity. Besides the constant threat of coyotes and other predators and the scorching Mojave Desert heat, their primary source of food is the creosote bush, or chaparral – a plant so toxic that few other animals will even go near it. But the woodrats’ unique adaptation […]



U welcomes new dean at College of Social Work

June 26, 2017

The University of Utah has appointed Martell Teasley as the next dean of the College of Social Work. Teasley, who will begin his term on July 1, 2017, comes to the U from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he served as chair of the Department of Social Work in the College of […]



University of Utah esports team scores with “Rocket League”

June 26, 2017

This fall, the University of Utah’s newly-announced varsity esports team will be gunnin’ for virtual goals. The university’s nationally-ranked Entertainment Arts & Engineering (EAE) video game design program announced today that its new esports team will be competing in Rocket League, one of the most popular multiplayer video games in the world with a community […]



From DNA to decision-making: University of Utah Health awarded $4M for comprehensive approach to heart birth defects

June 23, 2017

The American Heart Association (AHA) awarded investigators at University of Utah Health $3.7 million to conduct collaborative research to prevent and treat congenital heart disease. U of U Health is one of four groups across the country to join the AHA’s Strategically Focused Research Network (SFRN) for children. Martin Tristani-Firouzi, a clinican-scientist at U of […]



Piling on pressure solves enduring mystery about metal’s makeup

June 22, 2017

Scientists have solved decades long puzzle about lithium, an essential metal in cellphone and computer batteries. Using extreme pressure experiments and powerful supercomputing, the international team has unraveled the mystery of a fundamental property of lithium. Its atoms are arranged in a simple structure, and may be the first direct evidence of a quantum solid […]



Yarraman flu or horse flu? Words and graphics influence willingness to vaccinate

June 22, 2017

“Yarraman flu is a virus quickly infecting the U.S. …” The mock announcement was enough to make readers worry. But when the name of the hypothetical illness was changed to “horse flu,” the news elicited a different reaction. Readers were not as concerned, and reported being less motivated to get a vaccine that would prevent […]



Finding the Perfect Match: A New Approach to Battle Drug-Resistant Bacteria

June 20, 2017

Antibiotics were the wonder drug of the 20th century, but persistent use and over-prescription have opened the door that has allowed bacteria to evolve resistance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than two million people in the United States develop bacterial infections that are resistant to multiple antibiotics every year. Previous […]