An illustration of the giant, flightless bird known as Genyornis newtoni, surprised on her nest by a 1-ton predatory lizard named Megalania prisca in Australia roughly 50,000 years ago.

Ancient extinction of giant Australian bird points to humans

Jan. 29, 2016

The first direct evidence that humans played a substantial role in the extinction of the huge, wondrous beasts inhabiting Australia some 50,000 years ago -- in this case a 500-pound bird -- has been discovered by a University of Colorado Boulder-led team.

Forensic Plant Science book jacket

Murder, they wrote... Plant forensic scientists help solve crimes

Jan. 28, 2016

They have been at if for decades, these two sleuths from CU-Boulder, using their expertise in plant forensics to help investigators solve crimes, often murder. And now the pair, emeritus professors Jane Bock and David Norris, have teamed up on a new forensic plant science book expected to aid detectives, lawyers and judges around the world in better understanding and solving crimes.

A high-resolution map based on NOAA weather data showing wind energy potential across the United States in 2012

Rapid, affordable energy transformation possible

Jan. 25, 2016

The United States could slash greenhouse gas emissions from power production by up to 78 percent below 1990 levels within 15 years while meeting increased demand, according to a new study by NOAA and University of Colorado Boulder researchers.

Colorado employment growth to continue despite slight drop in new business formation, says CU-Boulder report

Jan. 21, 2016

Even with a slowdown in new business filings in Colorado during the fourth quarter of 2015, employment in the state is expected to expand over the first and second quarters of 2016, according to a University of Colorado Boulder report released today by Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams.

CU-Boulder panel to address parents’ rights and public education

Jan. 20, 2016

A panel discussion examining parental choice in public education will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Canyon Theater at the Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. It is free and open to the public.

Independent report on 2013 school shooting identifies lessons learned

Jan. 18, 2016

The Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV) at the University of Colorado Boulder today released an independent fact-finding report examining the events and circumstances leading to the 2013 fatal shooting at Arapahoe High School and offering recommendations for improvements in school safety.

salmonella bacteria under a microscope

Light-activated nanoparticles prove effective against antibiotic-resistant “superbugs”

Jan. 18, 2016

In the ever-escalating evolutionary battle with drug-resistant bacteria, humans may soon have a leg up thanks to adaptive, light-activated nanotherapy developed by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli and Staphylococcus infect some 2 million people and kill at least 23,000 people in the United States each year. Efforts to thwart these so-called “superbugs” have consistently fallen short due to the bacteria’s ability to rapidly adapt and develop immunity to common antibiotics such as penicillin.

Pregnant woman meditating

Mindfulness training more effective against postpartum depression than conventional methods, CU-Boulder study says

Jan. 11, 2016

Pregnant and postpartum women at risk of depression are less likely to suffer depression when they meditate or get in a yoga pose than when they are treated with psychotherapy or antidepressants, a new study led by University of Colorado Boulder researchers has found.

Tracking high-elevation snowfall at NSF's Niwot Ridge LTER site in Colorado

Mountains west of Boulder continue to lose ice as climate warms

Jan. 11, 2016

New research led by the University of Colorado Boulder indicates an ongoing loss of ice on Niwot Ridge and the adjacent Green Lakes Valley in the high mountains west of Boulder is likely to progress as the climate continues to warm.

Colorado business confidence increases slightly heading into 2016, says CU-Boulder index

Jan. 5, 2016

After a small dip last quarter, the optimism of Colorado business leaders grew modestly for the start of 2016, according to the Leeds Business Confidence Index released today by the University of Colorado Boulder’s Leeds School of Business. At 55.4, the overall first-quarter reading is up from 53.5 last quarter and down by 5.7 points from one year ago.

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