Research

Featured research news

Woman in sun hat alongside a piece of art she has woven

Artist’s guide to digital weaving blends old, new technology

An image of two people talking in a therapy session.

Research finds alternative anxiety, depression treatment for LGBTQ individuals shows results

A painting depicts the Battle of Otumba, which occurred in 1520 between the Spanish forces of Cortés and the Aztec empire.

‘Conquest of Mexico’ chronicles complex history of Spanish contact with New World

In a new book, John Schwaller, an adjunct researcher in Latin American studies and history at the University of Kansas, examines both European and Nahuatl works to reveal the complex narrative of Spanish contact with the New World and the ensuing conflict, negotiation and cooperation.

Science and Technology

Research yields eco-friendly way to separate, recycle refrigerants tied to climate crisis

Investigators based at the University of Kansas report using membranes — amorphous fluorinated polymers — that efficiently isolate complex refrigerant mixtures. Solutions for dealing responsibly with complex gases in existing equipment destined for landfills around the world are badly needed, according to researchers.

Researcher co-edits special issue highlighting how just energy transition can happen globally

Ensuring clean energy transition without exploiting vulnerable communities or leaving people and communities behind is the focus of a new special journal issue co-edited by a University of Kansas researcher.
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A KGS scientist measures water levels in a well in Logan County, Kansas.

Groundwater levels fall across western, south-central Kansas

Preliminary groundwater level measurements compiled by the Kansas Geological Survey show an overall decline of almost a foot across the High Plains aquifer region in western Kansas in 2024. All areas in western and south-central Kansas experienced declines in water levels.
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Health and Well-Being

Study examines differences in strength by position among football players

A KU study is setting the stage to determine if there are differences in strength by position among college football players. Results showed there were differences in body type, as well as other factors, among player types that could help improve strength training for athletes.

Physicians reveal outlooks and concerns about use of artificial intelligence in medical care

In a new study, John Symons, professor of philosophy at the University of Kansas, and researchers at the KU School of Medicine-Wichita reveals the outlooks and concerns about use of artificial intelligence among frontline physicians and physicians’ assistants.
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Young protester holds sign referring to the so-called plan-demic.

Scholars address rhetorical potency of ‘Plandemic’ COVID-19 misinformation

The "Plandemic" video became influential by appealing to both sides of America’s political divide, according to Brett Bricker, KU communication studies researcher. He contributed to the new book “Pandemic Resilience: Vaccination Resistance and Hesitance, Lessons from COVID-19.”
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Teaching, Learning and Behavior

Book will guide teachers and child care providers in using the Pyramid Model

“Unpacking the Infant-Toddler Pyramid Model: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Providers," co-edited by researchers at the University of Kansas, is a guide for early childhood education professionals.

Research finds alternative anxiety, depression treatment for LGBTQ individuals shows results

A University of Kansas researcher analyzed results of an alternate treatment for LGBTQ individuals contained in “LGBTQI Workbook for CTI,” which is designed to help individuals who can’t access or have not had success with professional therapy.
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Students talk in a school hallway in an image from the virtual reality system VOISS.

KU research team develops virtual reality, AI-boosted system to help students with autism improve social skills

A KU research team has secured funding to boost systems called iKNOW and VOISS to help students with autism spectrum disorder improve social skills in a school setting.
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Arts, Architecture and Humanities

Spencer Museum’s new exhibition highlights how 'Bold Women' have changed art and society

Opening Feb. 18 at the Spencer Museum of Art, “Bold Women” explores how women have pushed the boundaries of art and spurred social and cultural change across generations and geographies. The exhibition showcases more than 75 works of art by nearly 50 artists in a variety of mediums including photography, video, installations, textiles, paintings and sculpture.

Artist’s guide to digital weaving blends old, new technology

As Poppy DeltaDawn, KU assistant professor of visual art, sees it, “RATIO: Digital Weaving to Change the World” is her first take on a more cross-disciplinary approach to the possibilities and implications of the digital hand-loom.
More Arts, Architecture and Humanities
A painting depicts the Battle of Otumba, which occurred in 1520 between the Spanish forces of Cortés and the Aztec empire.

‘Conquest of Mexico’ chronicles complex history of Spanish contact with New World

In a new book, John Schwaller, an adjunct researcher in Latin American studies and history at the University of Kansas, examines both European and Nahuatl works to reveal the complex narrative of Spanish contact with the New World and the ensuing conflict, negotiation and cooperation.
More Arts, Architecture and Humanities

Business, Economics and Innovation

Health effects of trauma linked to performance at work

In a new paper, Elizabeth Embry, assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the University of Kansas, offers a theory linking health effects of trauma to performance outcomes at work, suggesting how managerial awareness of trauma manifestations is a necessary step toward workplaces becoming supportive or healing.

Crowdsourcing proves more accurate than retail-buying experts at predicting fashion demand

In a new paper, Murali Mantrala, the Ned Fleming Professor of Marketing at the University of Kansas, finds that crowdsourced forecasts from ordinary customers are more accurate than those of expert fashion buyers. The research also determines an ideal crowd size and composition for predicting demand for fashion items in retail buying decisions.
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A financial analyst falls asleep at his desk while looking at stock information on various computer screens.

Not all financial analysts impeded by sleep disruptions, study finds

In a new study focusing on financial markets, William Bazley, assistant professor of finance at the University of Kansas, finds that sleep disruptions following spring daylight saving time clock shifts may negatively affect the forecast quality of the professional analysts — but it depends on their level of experience.
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Law, Politics and Society

New book takes in-depth look at first ladies, how the position has evolved

"The Cambridge Companion to US First Ladies" takes a look at the history of the role of first lady. Not simply a collection of biographies, the book examines how first ladies were portrayed in their time, their legacies, how they performed, their influence and much more through a variety of scholarly lenses.

Governmental restrictions on abortion lead to other human rights abuses, study finds

In a new study, Nazli Avdan, an associate professor of political science at the University of Kansas, examines the relationship between restrictions on abortion and future physical integrity rights abuses.
More Law, Politics and Society
Young protester holds sign referring to the so-called plan-demic.

Scholars address rhetorical potency of ‘Plandemic’ COVID-19 misinformation

The "Plandemic" video became influential by appealing to both sides of America’s political divide, according to Brett Bricker, KU communication studies researcher. He contributed to the new book “Pandemic Resilience: Vaccination Resistance and Hesitance, Lessons from COVID-19.”
More Law, Politics and Society