Researchers at CU Boulder

3 years in: What we’ve learned about COVID

March 6, 2023

Three years after the first cases of COVID-19 emerged, scientists have a far better understanding of how it spreads, how to prevent infection and minimize symptoms, and what needs to be done to prevent the next pandemic.

Brian DeDecker

New ‘magic beans’ produce ingredients for cancer treatments, vaccines and more

March 1, 2023

Tens of thousands of sharks are killed each year to harvest a key ingredient for vaccines, while old growth trees are slashed to obtain chemotherapy ingredients. Soybean farmer-turned molecular biologist Brian DeDecker has a better idea.

Bathroom scale and tape measurer

Excess weight, obesity more deadly than previously believed

Feb. 23, 2023

New CU Boulder research finds that overweight populations have a 22% higher mortality risk than those of healthy weight, while obese populations have as much as double the risk. The study found that about 1 in 6 adult deaths in the U.S. are related to excess weight or obesity.

Bacteria under the microscope

We’re not so different: Bacterial weapons could help fight human diseases

Feb. 8, 2023

A new study reveals that bacteria and people share the same core machinery for fighting off viruses and sheds light on how that ancient machinery works. The discovery could lead to novel treatments for human diseases, much like the gene-editing tool CRISPR—also modeled after a bacterial weapon—has.

Cannabis

‘Gateway drug’ no more: Study shows legalizing recreational cannabis does not increase substance abuse

Jan. 24, 2023

Legalizing recreational cannabis does not increase substance use disorders or use of other illicit drugs in adults and may reduce alcohol-related problems, according to new research. The study also found no link between cannabis legalization and increases in cognitive, psychological, social, relationship or financial problems.

A pregnant belly

Prenatal pollution exposure linked to lower cognitive scores in early life

Jan. 24, 2023

Toddlers whose moms were exposed to higher levels of air pollution during mid- to late-pregnancy tend to score lower on measures of cognition, motor coordination and language skills, according to new CU Boulder research.

A gavel in the courtroom

1 in 10 minors seeking abortions must pursue court approval, many are denied

Jan. 13, 2023

Twenty-two states, including babyÖ±²¥app, that have not banned abortion still do require minors to involve their parents before terminating a pregnancy—or take their case to the courts via judicial bypass. New research sheds light on how often teens choose judicial bypass and how often they are denied.

Professor Jill Litt checks on a plant with colleagues Evan Coringrato, Erin Decker andÌýAngel Villalobos

The scientific reasons you should resolve to start gardening

Jan. 5, 2023

The first-ever randomized controlled trial of community gardening shows it boosts fiber intake and physical activity while decreasing stress and anxiety. It could even reduce risk of cancer and chronic illness. And that’s all in the first season of getting your hands dirty.

A cat

‘To save our pets, we need to know our neighbors.’ Lessons from the Marshall Fire

Dec. 21, 2022

A new CU Boulder study estimates more than 1,000 house pets perished in the Marshall Fire. With the one-year anniversary approaching, the study authors encourage guardians to have a pet evacuation plan in place. They're also helping to develop a new pet rescue app.

Graduates toss their caps in the air

Access to IUDs, other long-acting contraception boosts college graduation rates

Dec. 15, 2022

Women with easier access to the full range of contraceptive methods, including intrauterine devices and implants, are as much as 12% more likely to obtain a four-year college degree than those with more limited access, according to new research. The study comes amid growing concerns that access to certain forms of contraception is under threat in some areas of the country.

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