Science and Technology

  1. Good science changes: That’s a good thing

    Throughout history, the process of discovery has always involved correcting mistakes, clarifying our understanding, and adding deeper shades of nuance. These changes in our knowledge are features of science, not bugs.

  2. Trapping ocean microplastics

    Some 8 million tons of plastic trash enter the ocean each year, most of which is battered into microplastics. U-M researchers can now spot these harmful flecks, tracking where they enter the water, how they move, and where they tend to collect around the world.

  3. U-M commits to carbon neutrality universitywide

    President Schlissel at May 2021 Regents meeting: U-M will achieve carbon neutrality across all greenhouse gas emission scopes, committing to geothermal heating and cooling projects, electric buses, and more.

  4. 17-year cicadas and tree damage: What to expect

    The cicadas can damage small trees and shrubs so the best defense is to cover vulnerable or smaller trees with mesh or netting; insecticides should not be used, experts say.

  5. Toddler with spina bifida meets paralympian: “She has crutches like me”

    A young patient’s reaction to a commercial featuring gold medalist and double amputee Jessica Long goes viral, leads to a Zoom introduction.

  6. COVID-19 vaccine to be required for students who live on campus

    The new requirement provides for exemptions and applies only to students who will live in residence halls and other University housing.

  7. Patient rounds get a technical upgrade

    Out of crisis comes opportunity — and with COVID-19 derailing traditional hospital rounds, U-M researchers have found a way to bring caregivers safely to the bedside.

  8. Sticking the landing on Mars: High-powered computing reduces guesswork

    NASA’s Mars Perseverance Rover touched down on the Red Planet’s surface Feb. 18. U-M’s Jesse Capecelatro has been working with NASA to better understand what happens during landings when surface particles are stirred up.

  9. How to end discrimination in health research funding

    White researchers are nearly twice as likely to be awarded a grant than Black scientists of similar academic achievement. Now, a group of biomedical engineering leaders is calling on NIH and other funding agencies to address the stark disparity.