Science and Technology

  1. Hiss-toric first: U-M museum’s 70,000 snake specimens form world’s largest research collection

    The U-M Museum of Zoology recently acquired tens of thousands of scientifically priceless reptile and amphibian specimens, including roughly 30,000 snakes preserved in alcohol-filled glass jars.

  2. Tumor-destroying sound waves receive FDA approval for liver treatment in humans

    Technique developed at U-M provides a noninvasive alternative to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments for cancer. A human trial underway since 2021 at the Rogel Cancer Center and other locations demonstrates the technology’s ability to meet the testing’s primary effectiveness and safety targets.

  3. Are you there, AI? It’s me, God

    As artificial intelligence apps such as ChatGPT have proliferated, so have chatbots with a religious bent. In this video and Q&A, Webb Keane, U-M professor of anthropology, shares his thoughts about so-called “godbots,” and the danger of giving moral authority to artificial intelligence.

  4. Improvements in human genome databases offer a promising future for cancer research

    A gene sequencing method called ribosome profiling has expanded our understanding of the human genome by identifying previously unknown protein coding regions. Also known as Ribo-seq, this method allows researchers to get a high-resolution snapshot of protein production in cells.

  5. U-M-based center awarded $5M to study climate change impacts on water resources across borders

    Funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation will establish the Global Center for Understanding Climate Change Impacts on Transboundary Waters. Partners include Cornell University, the College of Menominee Nation, the Red Lake Nation, and more.

  6. U-M, Samsung team up to bring advanced smartwatch tech to runners

    Researchers seek to provide insights and learnings around sweat loss and maximum oxygen consumption for runners by leveraging Galaxy Watch features.

  7. AI can predict certain forms of esophageal and stomach cancer

    In the U.S. and other western countries, a form of esophageal and stomach cancer has risen dramatically over the last five decades. Now a new artificial intelligence tool can accurately predict these forms of cancer at least three years prior to a diagnosis.

  8. AI tool developed by U-M helps optimize antibody medicines

    Machine learning points out why antibodies fail to stay on target and suggests better designs. Biotech is an ideal use of AI, experts say, as companies increasingly use it to optimize the next-generation of therapeutic antibodies.

  9. Cracking in lithium-ion batteries speeds up electric vehicle charging

    Rather than being solely detrimental, cracks in the positive electrode of lithium-ion batteries reduce battery charge time, a U-M research team reports. This runs counter to the view of many manufacturers, who try to minimize cracking because it decreases battery longevity.