UF Research

12/16/2024

12/12/2024

12/12/2024

The Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute (MBI) at the University of Florida (UF) is a comprehensive and diverse neuroscience research center that houses the UF College of Medicine’s four “neuro” departments: neuroscience, neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry.

12/10/2024

12/10/2024

With the rise of human-like robots driven by advanced AI, a new measurement scale identifies four essential qualities—human-like appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding—that are crucial for creating approachable robots in customer service.

University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance Professor of Hospitality Oscar Hengxuan Chi and Washington State University's Christina G. Chi and Dogan Gursoy stress that understanding how we perceive these machines is as much about sociology as it is about technology. Their findings aim to guide the development of robots that connect better with people, ensuring their effectiveness in industries like hospitality and beyond.

12/05/2024

Equipped with a cutting-edge nanoparticle imaging technology, federal funds and a quest to quash pain, researchers from UF BME and the UF Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Florida are working to revolutionize osteoarthritis treatments.

Central to the research is the Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) technology, a scanner with unparalleled precision in tracking nanoparticles in the body. With intravenously administered nanoparticles, the team uses the scanner to track how well the particles—with potential as diagnostic and therapeutic agents—reach inflamed joints.

Learn more at https://www.eng.ufl.edu/newengineer/research-innovation/research-grants/uf-researchers-go-nano-to-ease-osteoarthritis/!

11/27/2024

Expressing gratitude during Thanksgiving can have lasting positive effects beyond the holiday itself. Sharing what you're thankful for can enhance overall well-being and strengthen relationships.

UF Warrington College of Business researchers, Klodiana Lanaj and Daniel Kim found that leaders who reflect on gratitude from family can become more effective managers at work. This simple act enhances their perception of making a positive impact, motivating them to be more helpful and empowering toward employees. By savoring moments of appreciation received at home, leaders not only improve their own work experiences but also foster a supportive environment for their teams.

“Gratitude has been found to have numerous benefits for recipients, but not much work has examined leaders as recipients of gratitude,” Kim said. “Our work shows that by creating opportunities for leaders to engage in such gratitude reflections, organizations can foster a positive and supportive work environment that encourages prosocial behavior and enhances overall leadership effectiveness.”

As families gather to share what they’re thankful for this Thanksgiving, new research suggests those expressions of gratitude could have benefits beyond the holiday table. University of Florida researchers found that leaders who take time to reflect on gratitude they receive from family can become...

11/20/2024

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that impacts movement, causing symptoms like slowness, tremors, stiffness, and balance issues. These symptoms start gradually and worsen over time. Diagnosis relies on patient-performed exercises and maneuvers, as there are no specific lab or imaging tests for Parkinson's.

University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance's Diego Guarin and a team of UF neurologists developed a new video-processing technique using AI to track the progression of Parkinson's disease. With support from HiPerGator, this system analyzes video recordings of patients performing the finger-tapping test, a standard test for Parkinson's. The AI can detect subtle changes in hand movements that might be difficult for clinicians to visually identify.

Guarin is collaborating with UF Information Technology to create a mobile app that enables individuals to monitor their disease progression at home, in addition to providing this technology to neurologists and other healthcare providers.

11/19/2024

The University of Florida will lead one of seven regional hubs in a new $285 million nationwide institute, the SMART USA Institute, aimed at advancing the semiconductor industry using digital twins. Volker Sorger, the Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Professor of Semiconductor Photonics in ECE Florida will direct the Florida/Caribbean hub. Digital twins are virtual models that replicate physical counterparts, optimizing semiconductor manufacturing processes and saving time and money.

The institute, headquartered in North Carolina, won the Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Manufacturing USA Institute competition. UF will receive about $20 million in funding and leverage its capabilities and HiPerGator supercomputer to improve chip manufacturing. The initiative involves over 140 organizations and aims to boost domestic semiconductor production and innovation.

The University of Florida will lead one of seven regional hubs of a new, $285 million nationwide institute dedicated to advancing America’s semiconductor industry through next-generation simulations known as digital twins. Volker Sorger, Ph.D., the Walden and Paula Rhines Endowed Professor of Sem...

11/15/2024

“Our early work uncovered issues of security and privacy when using finance apps,” said Butler, director of the Florida Institute for Cybersecurity Research at UF. “We showed these apps could be hacked, and the consumer has no recourse. We’re often talking about populations where they have very little money to start with, so any type of hack could wipe them out.”

Cybersecurity experts and UF Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering's Kevin Butler and Patrick Traynor have created a framework to secure mobile money apps, which has been ratified by the United Nations. This initiative aims to protect users worldwide from fraud and abuse, ensuring safer digital transactions.

As mobile-money services were growing at a rapid clip in the developing world 10 years ago, University of Florida computer scientists and cybersecurity experts Kevin Butler and Patrick Traynor were early sentinels, raising concerns about the lack of security that could lead to real problems for the....

11/08/2024

“By leveraging the unique strengths of our institutions, we can advance innovative research that not only reinforces Florida's status as a leader in aerospace but also empowers the next generation to excel in this critical industry,” said Dr. Kent Fuchs, interim president of the University of Florida.

The University of Florida, University of Central Florida, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have partnered to form the Florida University Space Research Consortium, designated by Space Florida as the state’s official space research entity. This consortium will collaborate with NASA's Kennedy Space Center to facilitate research grants and advance space technology research. This initiative aims to strengthen Florida’s position as a leader in the aerospace sector, attract investments, and provide unique opportunities for students and researchers.

Today, Space Florida’s Board of Directors designated the Florida University Space Research Consortium, as the state’s official space research entity, which will facilitate the awarding of NASA research grants in partnership with Kennedy Space Center.

11/07/2024

Remembering the legendary Quincy Jones, who transformed simple tunes into epic soundscapes. In this article, UF College of the Arts Professor José Valentino highlights his legacy and innovate arrangements on music across genres.

The visionary arranger thought of himself as a storyteller, not just a sound engineer.

11/01/2024

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — On a warm May day, an all-black domestic shorthair cat named Pepper entered his Gainesville, Florida, home and dropped a dead mouse on the…

10/31/2024

10/25/2024

While language models are getting better at writing, they still struggle with creative storytelling. UF College of Journalism and Communications Professor Haoran Chu and University of Central Florida Assistant Professor of Population Health Sciences Sixiao Liu highlight that storytelling has always been a uniquely human skill, shaping relationships, cultures, and societies. However, AI-generated stories are becoming more common and sometimes rival human-written ones.

The Conversation US article also addresses concerns about AI in creative industries, such as the threat to jobs and the spread of misinformation. Despite AI's advancements, Chu and Liu found that human-written stories are generally more engaging and immersive. They believe that creativity and real-life experiences are areas where AI falls.

Good storytelling relies on sound writing, believability, creativity and lived experience. AI has become skilled at the first two but still falls short on the second two.

10/16/2024

10/15/2024

As we explore the possibilities of life beyond Earth, it's crucial to consider the impact of contamination. UF Professor of Plant Pathology Andrew Schuerger's work in creating a Mars-like environment in the Space Life Sciences Lab, located just outside of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, not only helps us understand planetary protection but also paves the way for sustainable space missions.

To learn more, visit: https://explore.research.ufl.edu/mission-control.html

10/09/2024

Nils Averesch, an assistant professor of space biology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is exploring bioplastics at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Space Life Sciences Lab, using carbon dioxide as a sustainable feedstock.

By combining biotechnology with planetary resources, we can create resilient habitats and advance autonomous exploration throughout our solar system. To learn more about bioplastics and its uses on Mars, visit: https://explore.research.ufl.edu/mission-control.html