display Latest news from Florida Atlantic University on News en-us Copyright 2025 News 115 31 / /images/newswise-logo-rss.gif /articles/experts-challenge-aspirin-guidelines-based-on-their-undue-reliance-on-a-flawed-trial/?sc=rsin /articles/experts-challenge-aspirin-guidelines-based-on-their-undue-reliance-on-a-flawed-trial/?sc=rsin Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:30:45 EST Recent guidelines have restricted aspirin use for primary cardiovascular disease prevention, with the AHA/ACC restricting it to patients under 70 and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force further restricting it to those under 60, even though heart attack and stroke risks increase with age. Researchers argue they were overly influenced by the flawed ASPREE trial, which failed to provide reliable evidence of aspirin's efficacy in the enrolled age groups, and that proper statistical principles must guide trial design, analysis, and interpretation to avoid misleading conclusions. Florida Atlantic University /articles/fau-secures-1-3m-nih-grant-for-breakthrough-in-hiv-self-test-technology/?sc=rsin /articles/fau-secures-1-3m-nih-grant-for-breakthrough-in-hiv-self-test-technology/?sc=rsin Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:30:05 EST FAU researchers have been awarded a five-year NIH grant to address the urgent need for a reliable, rapid and affordable self-test for early HIV detection. Expected to cost less than $5, the novel micro-chip technology will detect HIV during the acute infection phase or viral rebound, deliver rapid results in about 40 minutes and remain stable without refrigeration. Florida Atlantic University /articles/ai-learns-to-speak-genetic-dialect-for-future-sars-cov-2-mutation-prediction/?sc=rsin /articles/ai-learns-to-speak-genetic-dialect-for-future-sars-cov-2-mutation-prediction/?sc=rsin Thu, 27 Mar 2025 08:30:24 EST A powerful AI model called Deep Novel Mutation Search (DNMS) predicts virus mutations more accurately and efficiently than traditional, time-consuming lab experiments. Focused on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the model uses a specialized protein language model fine-tuned to understand the virus's specific "language." DNMS can predict mutations that cause small, functional changes - crucial for viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which evolve through subtle adjustments to maintain function. Florida Atlantic University /articles/quantum-leap-nist-selects-fau-for-new-generation-of-encryption-standards/?sc=rsin /articles/quantum-leap-nist-selects-fau-for-new-generation-of-encryption-standards/?sc=rsin Wed, 26 Mar 2025 08:30:18 EST The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected FAU's Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC) algorithm for standardization in its Post-Quantum Cryptography project. HQC was chosen for its security, efficiency and practical implementation in secure key exchange, which protects digital communications and ensures safe encryption against future quantum computing threats. FAU is the only U.S. university involved among all the authors of the two, winning key-encapsulation mechanism schemes selected by NIST, highlighting its prominent role in the field of post-quantum cryptography. Florida Atlantic University /articles/offering-paid-time-off-dramatically-cuts-odds-of-employees-quitting-their-jobs/?sc=rsin /articles/offering-paid-time-off-dramatically-cuts-odds-of-employees-quitting-their-jobs/?sc=rsin Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:30:51 EST Employee turnover costs U.S. businesses more than $1 trillion annually. Offering paid time off cuts quitting rates by 35%, with men seeing a 41% drop and women 28%. Flex time is just as effective as retirement plans in reducing turnover, and for women, it's as valuable as PTO and tuition assistance. PTO costs just $2.94 per hour per employee - a small price compared to the high costs of recruitment, lost productivity, and damaged client relationships. Florida Atlantic University /articles/white-collar-crimes-fall-from-grace-and-the-stigma-of-reentry-into-society/?sc=rsin /articles/white-collar-crimes-fall-from-grace-and-the-stigma-of-reentry-into-society/?sc=rsin Mon, 24 Mar 2025 08:30:32 EST The study focused on how stigma, social background and emotional factors impact white-collar offenders as they transition into society after prison and how modern technology, including social media, intensifies the stigma of imprisonment. While white-collar offenders typically face less difficulty securing employment and housing, due to stronger social networks and resources, they experience heightened anxiety about social stigma, particularly through online exposure. Their middle-class status increases vulnerability to public shaming, leading many to seek mental health support to cope with these challenges. Florida Atlantic University /articles/a-deep-dive-into-family-caregivers-journeys-navigating-alcohol-use-disorder/?sc=rsin /articles/a-deep-dive-into-family-caregivers-journeys-navigating-alcohol-use-disorder/?sc=rsin Wed, 19 Mar 2025 08:30:44 EST Most research focuses on helping individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and promoting abstinence, neglecting their support systems. New research uncovers the essence of the role of family caregivers of individuals with AUD. They often feel isolated and distressed due to a lack of support and resources. This emotional strain can lead to guilt and maladaptive coping strategies. Despite challenges, caregivers remain committed but often struggle with limited knowledge and rely on trial and error in their caregiving. Florida Atlantic University /articles/coastal-guardians-pioneer-a-new-way-to-protect-the-florida-keys-shorelines/?sc=rsin /articles/coastal-guardians-pioneer-a-new-way-to-protect-the-florida-keys-shorelines/?sc=rsin Tue, 18 Mar 2025 08:30:19 EST Nature-based solutions like restoring mangroves, and hybrid solutions, protect vulnerable shorelines. However, they need careful planning to be effective. A new GIS-based tool, combined with varied experts' input, has identified the best shoreline stabilization methods for the Florida Keys. Findings show that about 8% of coastline is suitable for nature-based or hybrid solutions, while 25.1% is unsuitable, and 67% is already vegetated or naturally protected. The tool integrates data on shoreline types, environmental factors and wave exposure to guide decisions on shoreline protection. Florida Atlantic University /articles/top-locations-for-ocean-energy-production-worldwide-revealed/?sc=rsin /articles/top-locations-for-ocean-energy-production-worldwide-revealed/?sc=rsin Mon, 17 Mar 2025 08:30:46 EST Until now, a global evaluation of ocean current energy with actual data was lacking. Using 30 years of NOAA's Global Drifter Program data, a study shows that ocean currents off Florida's East Coast and South Africa have exceptionally high-power densities, ideal for electricity generation. With densities over 2,500 watts per square meter, these regions are 2.5 times more energy-dense than "excellent" wind resources. Shallow waters further enhance their potential for ocean current turbines, unlike areas like Japan and South America, which have lower densities at similar depths. Florida Atlantic University /articles/blind-to-the-burn-misconceptions-about-skin-cancer-risk-in-the-u-s/?sc=rsin /articles/blind-to-the-burn-misconceptions-about-skin-cancer-risk-in-the-u-s/?sc=rsin Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:30:17 EST Experiencing five or more severe sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 increases the risk of melanoma by 80% and nonmelanoma skin cancer by 68%. This study is among the few to examine the relationship between perceived cancer risk, concern about being diagnosed, confidence in health, sunburn history, and the prevalence of sun protection behaviors, all in relation to sociodemographic factors in U.S. adults. Findings reveal statistically significant associations between the number of sunburns and sociodemographic factors. Florida Atlantic University /articles/headways-and-hurdles-how-ai-is-shaping-the-future-of-medicine/?sc=rsin /articles/headways-and-hurdles-how-ai-is-shaping-the-future-of-medicine/?sc=rsin Mon, 10 Mar 2025 08:30:50 EST The future of AI in health care holds great promise, but challenges remain. Researchers have identified current shortcomings and explored its potential to provide a roadmap for future advancements. Successful integration of AI into health care requires collaboration between AI developers, medical professionals and regulators. Standardized practices, robust validation processes, and interdisciplinary cooperation will ensure safe, ethical and effective AI applications. Cross-institutional data sharing and AI-focused medical training will further enhance AI's ability to improve patient outcomes and health care efficiency. Florida Atlantic University /articles/generations-sync-up-in-florida-s-rural-glades-to-boost-technology-use-for-health/?sc=rsin /articles/generations-sync-up-in-florida-s-rural-glades-to-boost-technology-use-for-health/?sc=rsin Wed, 05 Mar 2025 08:30:37 EST A pilot study in a rural Florida community tested an intergenerational program to help older adults adopt mobile health technology using smartwatches and assessed daily brain health behaviors. Despite challenges with digital literacy, 91% of participants engaged with health surveys delivered via the devices. Social contact was positively linked to physical activity, mental engagement and cognitive well-being. Florida Atlantic University /articles/e-sarah-du-ph-d-named-senior-member-national-academy-of-inventors/?sc=rsin /articles/e-sarah-du-ph-d-named-senior-member-national-academy-of-inventors/?sc=rsin Tue, 04 Mar 2025 08:30:10 EST Du's research focuses on pioneering engineering solutions, developing single-cell assays and creating advanced in vitro disease models. These efforts span both basic research in cellular biomechanics and biophysics and applied biomedical applications, such as point-of-care diagnostic tools and monitoring systems for diseases such as sickle cell disease. Florida Atlantic University /articles/unicorn-of-the-sea-drone-reveals-narwhals-never-before-seen-tusk-behavior/?sc=rsin /articles/unicorn-of-the-sea-drone-reveals-narwhals-never-before-seen-tusk-behavior/?sc=rsin Fri, 28 Feb 2025 09:50:29 EST Using drones, 17 distinct behaviors of narwhals were captured in the wild. Findings reveal complex behaviors of the Arctic's iconic whale never seen before. This highly gregarious whale uses its tusk to investigate, manipulate and influence the behavior of a fish, the Arctic char. The study also provides the first evidence of play, specifically exploratory-object play, and the first reports of kleptoparasitism, a "food thief" situation, among narwhals and glaucous gulls. Florida Atlantic University /articles/beyond-the-burn-harvesting-dead-wood-to-reduce-wildfires-and-store-carbon/?sc=rsin /articles/beyond-the-burn-harvesting-dead-wood-to-reduce-wildfires-and-store-carbon/?sc=rsin Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:30:23 EST A century of fire suppression, climate change, and drought has worsened wildfires in the Western U.S. While prescribed burns help reduce fuel, a "fire deficit" increases wildfire risks, with significant health and environmental impacts. Deforestation and pests further limit carbon storage. Emulating Indigenous practices, a new study shows that combining physical harvesting of dead wood with thinning reduces wildfire risks, lowers carbon emissions, and boosts carbon storage through products like biochar. Florida Atlantic University /articles/clashing-with-classmates-off-putting-traits-spark-enemy-relationships/?sc=rsin /articles/clashing-with-classmates-off-putting-traits-spark-enemy-relationships/?sc=rsin Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:30:05 EST Making enemies isn't random. Traits like emotional instability, aggression and disruptive behavior early in life can lead to antagonistic relationships. The study on students aged 9-14 found that negative behaviors, such as lack of empathy, increase the likelihood of mutual antagonisms, a pattern seen across genders and school levels. Emotionally struggling students were 35% more likely to develop enemies, showing that how we manage emotions and interact with others early on can have lasting social and emotional effects. Florida Atlantic University /articles/beneath-the-bog-fau-awarded-1-3m-to-track-carbon-and-gas-flow-in-peatlands/?sc=rsin /articles/beneath-the-bog-fau-awarded-1-3m-to-track-carbon-and-gas-flow-in-peatlands/?sc=rsin Mon, 24 Feb 2025 08:30:14 EST The project seeks to enhance predictions of carbon storage and gas emissions across peatlands from Alaska to the Everglades by using advanced geophysical methods like airborne GPR and ground-based TEM. Researchers will gather detailed spatial data to refine carbon storage estimates and explore how factors like permafrost and extreme weather influence gas release in these ecosystems. Florida Atlantic University /articles/deaths-of-despair-more-than-double-in-the-u-s-over-two-decades/?sc=rsin /articles/deaths-of-despair-more-than-double-in-the-u-s-over-two-decades/?sc=rsin Thu, 20 Feb 2025 08:30:31 EST A study finds a troubling rise in 'deaths of despair' in the U.S. from 1999 to 2021, using the International Classification of Diseases. These deaths, defined by 19 underlying causes such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related conditions, increased two-and-a-half-fold over two decades. By 2021, deaths of despair would have become the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., surpassing 176,000 fatalities, and ranking just behind heart disease, cancer, COVID-19 and accidents. Florida Atlantic University /articles/ai-in-retail-how-to-spark-creativity-and-improve-job-satisfaction/?sc=rsin /articles/ai-in-retail-how-to-spark-creativity-and-improve-job-satisfaction/?sc=rsin Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:30:21 EST AI is transforming retail workplaces by automating tasks and boosting efficiency. Researchers studied how AI service quality affects employees' innovation, job fit, and satisfaction. They found that reliable, empathetic AI encourages innovation, with adaptability enhancing service quality. While reliability strongly supports innovation, transparency and responsiveness had less impact. Empathy in AI was key to fostering innovation and a more engaging work environment. The study highlights AI's role in driving service innovation in retail. Florida Atlantic University /articles/rising-u-s-childhood-adhd-anxiety-and-autism-tied-to-caregiver-mental-health/?sc=rsin /articles/rising-u-s-childhood-adhd-anxiety-and-autism-tied-to-caregiver-mental-health/?sc=rsin Tue, 18 Feb 2025 08:30:55 EST Findings show significant increases in ADHD, anxiety and autism from 2019 to 2022, and links them to caregiver mental health. In 2022, caregivers with "poor" mental health had 4.6 times higher odds of having a child with severe ADD/ADHD. The COVID-19 pandemic, which increased time spent together, revealed a strong link between severe childhood anxiety and lower caregiver mental health, suggesting lasting effects rather than temporary ones. Florida Atlantic University