Over the course of evolution, bats and whales acquired echolocation abilities independently, for use in very different environments, so you’d expect the means by which each accomplishes the feat to differ. But a new U-M study suggests that at the microscopic level, the molecular structures for both species are very similar. It’s a striking discovery that overturns conventional thinking in evolution.

Gently rocking embryos while they grow during in vitro fertilization (IVF) improves pregnancy rates in mice by 22 percent, new University of Michigan research shows. The procedure could one day lead to significantly higher IVF success rates in humans.

Banks with strong political connections were more likely to receive bailout money from the government—and more of it—in the past year than those with weaker ties, say researchers with the U-M Ross School of Business.

In a study that helps to explain the origins of water on Earth, U-M astronomers have found that water vapor can form spontaneously in habitable zones of solar systems.

U-M researchers and colleagues working in Argentina have discovered how dinosaurs were able to navigate muddy and slippery inclines.

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U-M researchers disclosed 350 new inventions in fiscal year 2009, setting a new record. Despite the state’s economic woes, the university licensed eight new startups in the last fiscal year.

Modern tissue engineering developed at the University of Michigan Health System could improve the function of prosthetic hands and possibly restore the sense of touch for injured patients.

U-M has become a leader in helping top athletes and weekend warriors avoid injuries.

U-M researchers have found that the current theory of an internal mechanism controlling our sleep is, “frankly, wrong.”