Top 10 Inquiry Stories of 2019
It’s the end of the year, and 2020 is just around the corner.
Before we set our sights on the year ahead, Inquiry takes a moment to think back on the many projects, discoveries, and collaborations that made up the past year at the University of Minnesota. The publication, led by the U’s Office of the Vice President for Research, celebrated five years this summer of exploring the impact of University research and innovation.
Here are Inquiry’s top 10 most-read stories from 2019.
10. A Stimulating Treatment for Mental Illness
Precisely treating the source of mental illness—the brain—may soon be possible using a technique called deep brain stimulation.
9. Unscrambling the Aurora
A U researcher's team has taken a giant step toward understanding the genesis of solar storms, which could help in limiting the damage they cause.
8. Earthworm Study Opens New Dimension in Climate Science
Research suggests conservation efforts that neglect earthworms—which help regulate water and nutrient flows at the base of ecosystems—could backfire.
7. Psychology of Fear: How Anxiety Turns the Everyday into a Threat
Anxiety disorders can make the cues that trigger fear overly broad, causing people to change their day-to-day behavior even when there's no imminent threat.
6. Discovery Launchpad: Coaching & Support for New U Startups
A new startup incubator developed by the UMN Venture Center helps companies based on U research bring discoveries beyond the lab and into the market.
5. Balancing Values: How Attitudes about Money Affect Relationships
As children become adults, the financial values instilled by their parents can clash with those of their romantic partners, straining the relationship.
4. Decision-Making, Made Visual: Atlas Maps State's Natural Resources
A new online platform led by the Natural Resources Research Institute brings together a wide range of data sources to guide local and regional planning.
3. Back from War: Telling Native Veterans’ Stories after Vietnam
PhD student John Little explores Native American veterans’ experiences during and after the war to provide new perspectives on this piece of history.
2. Speaking Science: 8 Quick Tips for Discussing Your Work
An annual U conference helps faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students more effectively share knowledge and research with outside audiences.
1. Making Muscle after Menopause
While testosterone has a reputation as the hormone that strengthens muscles, U researchers have discovered estrogen is essential to muscle health in women.
Kevin Coss
Kevin is a writer with the Office of the Vice President for Research.
