In the News
-
March 27, 2026
Keeping e-waste, such as old laptops, mobile phones and earbuds, out of landfills is important because the devices contain materials that can harm the environment. “The way that we’re creating and using and disposing of these devices has generated this completely unsustainable waste stream,” said Rick Neitzel, professor of environmental health sciences. “And there’s no signs of that abating at all. In fact, the trend continues to accelerate.”
The Associated Press -
March 27, 2026
“Years ago it was air conditioner growth. More recently, we’ve talked about electric vehicle growth. Now we’re talking about data center growth. They all present similar problems, but different problems,” said Johanna Mathieu, associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science. “Some data center companies are thinking about building generation … so they can supply some of the load. And that helps because it solves some of these bottleneck challenges with respect to the grid.”
USA Today -
March 27, 2026
“Language is the most visible aspect, but these children also interpret systems, institutional codes and power hierarchies,” said Roberto Carlos, assistant professor of political science, about kids who serve as information brokers for their immigrant parents. “I worry that someone might … think these families don’t need institutional support because ‘the children can handle it.’ The fact that they develop extraordinary skills doesn’t mean they aren’t carrying stress. We can do better as a society.”
CNN -
March 26, 2026
Editor’s note: The following item is being re-run after containing an incorrect story link:
“In the new vehicle market, EVs are usually more expensive. But 70% of all vehicle purchases are used, and used EVs have the lowest cost of ownership across vehicle classes,” said Maxwell Woody, research assistant at the Center for Sustainable Systems. CSS co-director Greg Keoleian said, “It’s not the most positive news if you’re in the market for a new EV, knowing that your resale value may be impacted by the faster depreciation. But if you’re in the market for a used vehicle, it’s very positive news.”
The Cool Down -
March 26, 2026
“These areas are more likely to feature compact land uses with access to health care, food stores, public transport and physical activity infrastructure like sidewalks, bike facilities and parks,” said Cathy Antonakos, senior research specialist in kinesiology, whose research suggests that living in a more developed area may actually lower the chance of having a first-time stroke.
Earth.com -
March 26, 2026
“Who would have known that an arm of the federal government would be created … specifically to trace and to apprehend and store people in places where many of them are … being killed in front of everybody, for everyone to see,” said Rogério Pinto, professor of social work and of theatre and drama, whose art exhibition, “ICEBREAKER,” honors the lives lost to ICE and in detention centers.
WDET Radio -
March 25, 2026
“Exercising after a meal really does help in aiding what we call digestion. Really what it’s doing is helping to stabilize our blood sugar. As you’re moving, you increase blood flow because your skeletal muscles are contracting and those muscles are starting to eat or take in all of that extra sugar, or glucose, from your meal,” said Laura Richardson, clinical associate professor of kinesiology.
Women's Health -
March 25, 2026
“The (annual) exhibition is really a testament to the resilience of artists inside prison who continue to create and find new ways to express themselves, even in the most challenging circumstances,” said Nora Krinitsky, director of the Prison Creative Arts Project, which brings the artwork of incarcerated artists into the public realm in order to humanize prisoners, break stereotypes and create dialogue about mass incarceration.
Bridge Michigan -
March 25, 2026
Modern advanced driver assistance systems are highly capable, but are only as reliable as the data they’ve been trained on, said Jason Corso, professor of robotics and of electrical engineering and computer science: “Do I worry about people understanding the limits of ADAS technology? Much less than you’d think. There is already strong evidence these systems drive better than most humans.”
Forbes -
March 24, 2026
“As a society, we don’t like ambiguity, and there’s … lots of unknowns,” said Bridgette Carr, clinical professor of law and founding director of U-M’s Human Trafficking Clinic. “The things that are known: If drugs are sold in your community, human beings are likely as well. I’ve never seen a community that somehow has figured out how to eliminate this type of exploitation.”
The Detroit News
