a forest shrouded in fog

Long-term fate of tropical forests may not be so dire

April 28, 2017

Conventional wisdom has held that tropical forest growth will dramatically slow with increasing levels of rainfall. But CU Boulder researchers have turned that notion on its head with an unprecedented review of data concluding the opposite.

A couple arguing

When love hurts, a placebo can help

April 24, 2017

A new CU Boulder-led study of 40 recently brokenhearted men and women found that a placebo disguised as an emotionally soothing medicine eased their heartbreak and quieted areas of the brain related to rejection.

dna helix

CU Boulder chemist, biotech firm developing switch for turning genes on or off

April 18, 2017

Professor Robert Batey and biotech firm founder Alexandria Forbes are partnering to develop a genetic on/off "switch." The mechanism could someday reduce the number of injections or infusions of medication to patients, allowing less invasive treatments for serious conditions.

A bee on a flower

Local efforts appear to be helping bumblebee populations

April 12, 2017

None of the 22 native species of bumblebees in Boulder County showed declines over a recent five-year period, according to a new CU Boulder study. Two species previously believed to be disappearing were present in several locations. "It shows that Boulder County is doing something right," the study authors say.

jail cells

Gang membership seldom originates in prison, new study suggests

March 22, 2017

A new study by CU Boulder criminologist David Pyrooz found that more juveniles leave gangs than join them while in jail or prison.

A skateboard is propped up near someone's legs, wearing jeans.

Teens prone to drug experimentation won’t necessarily become addicted

March 16, 2017

A new study of hundreds of twins suggests that teens with poor executive function are more likely to take risks, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol, but are not more prone to addiction.

Lori Peek

Larger disasters 'inevitable,' says new Natural Hazards Center director

March 15, 2017

Having traveled the world studying the social impact catastrophes have on marginalized populations, CU Boulder alumna Lori Peek returned to her alma mater in January to become director of the Natural Hazards Center, the nation's clearinghouse for disaster research. She says vulnerable populations should be top of mind in disaster planning.

Image of swimmers standing in water.

Lactate—long the athlete's bane—could be a key driver of cancer

March 9, 2017

Research suggests lactate, a metabolic byproduct that can interfere with sports performance, plays a role in cancer formation. And while people who regularly exercise tend to be able to clear lactate, others with a sedentary lifestyle, combined with excess sugar intake, may have a harder time.

researchers flying a drone

Artists, lawyers, scientists, ethicists talk drones at March 3-4 symposium

Feb. 24, 2017

What do lawyers, military experts, poets, artists and ethicists and scientists have to say about drones? Find out at the March 3-4 “Policy, Ethics and the Future of Drones” symposium. It's free and open to the public.

Artichokes

Dietary prebiotics improve sleep, buffer stress

Feb. 23, 2017

A new study with implications for human health found that prebiotics – dietary fibers found in foods like chicory, artichokes, raw garlic and onions – improved sleep and buffered stress.

Pages