Parents of students considering college are now struggling with a federal form that is longer and more grueling than the IRS Form 1040. But that could soon change, thanks to the work of a U-M researcher. Susan Dynarski’s plan was embraced by both the Obama and McCain campaigns and could become reality as officials work to simplify the financial aid process.

Most people seem to need a justification for making an indulgent or luxurious purchase. But new U-M research finds that, with or without a reason, people tend to enjoy that guilty pleasure…well, without guilt. The take-away? Indulging yourself may or may not be healthy, but if you’re going to do it, don’t worry about finding a justification. Just enjoy.

U-M physicians have discovered a connection between the number of fast-food joints in a neighborhood and the rate of stroke. It’s not known yet whether the restaurants are a cause of stroke, or just a marker of an unhealthy area.

Educational software for cell phones, a suite of tools developed at the University of Michigan, is being used to turn smart phones into personal computers for students in two Texas classrooms.

A new Web site that teaches English to Spanish-speaking immigrants has attracted more than 500,000 visitors in its first three months of operation.

Violent video games and movies make people numb to the pain and suffering of others, says a study co-authored by U-M’s Brad Bushman. “People exposed to media violence are less helpful to others in need because they are ‘comfortably numb’ to the pain and suffering of others,” he says.

Podcast: Researcher Brad Bushman describes his findings

The global travel logs of greenhouse gases are based on atmospheric sampling locations sprinkled over the Earth and short towers that measure the uptake or release of carbon from a small patch of forest. But those measurements don’t agree with current computer models of how plants and soils behave. A University of Michigan researcher is developing a unique way to reconcile these crucial data.

Among defendants sentenced to death in the United States since 1973, at least 2.3 percent — and possibly more — were falsely convicted. So says a study co-authored by U-M law professor Samuel Gross.

Nearly a third of veterans treated at Veterans Affairs health care centers have significant depressive symptoms, and about 13 percent have clinically diagnosed depression. Depression is bad enough; it’s also a serious risk factor for suicide.