University of Utah scientists identified two genes that make some pigeon breeds develop feathered feet known as muffs, while others have scaled feet. The same or similar genes might explain scaled feet in chickens and other birds, and provide insight into how some dinosaurs got feathers before they evolved into birds. The study found that […]
All Articles
Pigeon foot feather genes identified
How the brain detects short sounds
For humans to understand speech and for other animals to know each other’s calls, the brain must distinguish short sounds from longer sounds. By studying frogs, University of Utah researchers figured out how certain brain cells compute the length of sounds and detect short ones. In addition to pitch and loudness, “sound duration is of […]
Hidden in Plain Sight: Well-Known Drug Could Yield New Treatment for Herpes Viruses
Today, there is only one class of antiviral medicines against herpesviruses – a family of viruses that cause mononucleosis, herpes, shingles, and meningitis among other illnesses – meaning options for treating these infections are limited. If viruses become resistant to these frontline treatments, a growing problem particularly in clinical settings, there are no alternative drugs […]
Robots and ramparts
A raging robot war with metallic catapults and blockades will turn the Maverik Center into a battlefield this Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. More than 40 high school teams from Utah, the West and beyond will meet at the West Valley City arena, 3200 S. Decker Lake Drive, for the annual Utah Regional […]
Better protections needed for migrant women trapped in abusive situations
A new set of recommendations developed by researchers at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law aims to better protect migrant women from domestic violence and sexual assault. The recommendations are a part of a new study released today, titled “Prevention and Protection Partnerships: Empowerment Through Rights Education,” which explores the vulnerabilities and […]
U trustees announce 2016 honorary degree recipients
The University of Utah Board of Trustees today announced four individuals selected to receive honorary doctorate degrees. This is the highest honor given by the institution. These leaders and innovators in their respective industries are Kem C. Gardner, Lynette Nielsen Gay, Kirk M. Ririe and George D. Smith. The awards will be presented during the […]
U lecture focuses on Utah’s role in aiding and resettling refugees
The University of Utah’s 65th Frederick W. Reynolds Lecture, focused on education and health care concerns for refugees, will take place March 10, 6-8:30 p.m., in the Libby Gardner Concert Hall, 1375 Presidents Circle on the University of Utah campus, and is free and open to the public. Established in 1936, the Reynolds Lecture was […]
$4 Million Gift from Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles family jump starts final phase of U Alumni House renovation campaign
Thanks to a $4 million gift from the Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles Family Foundation, the University of Utah Alumni Association is well on its way to realizing a much-anticipated transformation of its 36-year-old Alumni House into a more spacious, multi-functional facility. The renovation will nearly double the size of the building and triple […]
Ancient Viral Invaders in Our DNA Help Fight Today’s Infections
About eight percent of our DNA is viral in origin: remnants of ancient battles between infectious viruses and our ancestors. These so-called endogenous viruses are often perceived as a mere oddity with no clear biological significance. But a new study by scientists at the University of Utah School of Medicine shows that evolution has repurposed […]
Mitt Romney to speak at University of Utah on the state of the 2016 presidential race
Former governor of Massachusetts Mitt Romney will address students at a March 3 forum sponsored by the Hinckley Institute of Politics on the state of the 2016 presidential race. The forum will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Edgar J. Thompson Music Hall at the David Gardner Hall Building, 1375 Presidents Circle. The event […]