Research News

  1. 1 in 8 Americans over 50 show signs of food addiction, U-M poll finds

    Whether you call them comfort foods, highly processed foods, junk foods, or empty calories, a sizable percentage of older Americans have an unhealthy relationship with them, according to a new U-M poll.

  2. This is your brain at work

    Jobs characterized by cognitive complexity reinforce healthy brain reserves while repetitive occupations, especially in loud environments, can lead to mental decline, says Amanda Sonnega at U-M’s Institute for Social Research. Fear not: She has some ‘occupational interventions’ to share.

  3. EV transition will benefit most US vehicle owners, but lowest-income Americans could get left behind

    If all vehicles on the road were replaced with new EVs, the transportation energy burdens and associated greenhouse gas emissions would vary widely from place to place, according to a new study.

  4. Tailored approach makes inroads in rural firearm safety

    A new study shows early promise for an approach that seeks to reduce the risk of firearm injury and death in rural areas, while respecting rural culture and firearm ownership. The effort tailors messages about safe firearm storage and teen firearm suicide to a rural audience, and shares specific tips for improving safety.

  5. U-M team recycles previously unrecyclable plastic

    PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most-produced plastics in the U.S. and the third-highest by volume worldwide. Until recently, it had a zero percent recycling rate in the U.S. But scientists at U-M recently discovered how to chemically recycle PVC into usable material.

  6. Healthy schools: Project reduces childhood obesity

    More than 150 middle schools in 47 Michigan counties have implemented Project Healthy Schools since 2004. The community collaboration with U-M is one of the few school-based programs to demonstrate lasting improvements in participants’ health behavior and cardiovascular risk factors.

  7. Social media: Top setting tips to promote positive boundaries, mental health for young people

    Experts share tech savvy ways to better manage and control social media use on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for youth, teens and kids.

  8. 1 in 10 older Americans has dementia

    A new study aims to give more precise prevalence estimates for both dementia and mild cognitive impairment. It is the first nationally representative study of cognitive impairment in more than 20 years.

  9. Expert: 4 ways Americans can keep their vote secure and accurate

    Computer science professor J. Alex Halderman, one of the nation’s foremost election security experts, says experts have been so waylaid by years debunking false claims of election fraud that little has improved since 2020. Here are his tips to protect your vote in 2022.