Research

University of Iowa TRACERS team members celebrate the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket

Iowa researchers celebrate TRACERS launch

Dozens of scientists from the University of Iowa traveled to Lompoc, California, to joyfully witness the successful rocket launch associated with TRACERS — the NASA-funded mission to study the mysterious, powerful interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.
an animation of the interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth

TRACERS: The milestone moments (so far)

With the TRACERS launch imminent, take a trip through the timeline of the university’s largest externally funded research project, which will examine the powerful interactions between the magnetic fields of the sun and Earth.
two people talking in a lab

Curiosity and collaboration, leading to excellence

Michael Welsh’s research changed understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis. His drive to learn and forward-looking approach exemplifies teamwork and shared success at Iowa.
A baby with a tube in their nose

Exploring origins, functions of sleep in premature infants

Researchers at the University of Iowa are studying the sleep of premature babies to get the earliest look to date into how the twitches that occur during REM sleep shape the nascent communication between brain and body.
a university of iowa student prepares a subject for a study in the Psychological and Brain Sciences Building

Introducing first-generation students to research

First-gen students might come to college unaware of the pathways to research. The University of Iowa offers them support, from educational and networking services to hands-on workshops that deal with brain research.
a young man and his father stand together for a portrait

A neuroscientist and his son make strides at Iowa

When his toddler was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder more than 20 years ago, Ted Abel expanded his research focus to include the developmental disorder. Today, the University of Iowa provides an environment where both father and son have thrived.
A man smiling with a lake in the background

Helping small towns meet wastewater needs, affordably

Craig Just at the University of Iowa has sought an affordable wastewater solution for small towns. Now, through Just’s research, partnerships, and persistence, a pilot system in Dow City appears poised to meet federal wastewater treatment regulations. The technology would then be available for hundreds of small towns in Iowa.
A man standing in front of a tall building while smiling

From farm migrant beginnings to full-fledged scientist

Jorge Moreno is on a dizzying life ascent. The University of Iowa alumnus was born into a migrant family and entered Iowa as a first-generation student. After faltering initially, he has earned multiple degrees and now is a research scientist attempting to unlock the molecular secrets to immortality.
A distant shot of a car driving on a road

Working to safely bring automated driving to rural roads

Researchers at the Driving Safety Research Institute at the University of Iowa have completed more than three years of testing to learn the challenges automated vehicles encounter when operating on rural roads.
lung cancer mestastis

Data for decades: Cancer registry has profound impact

For 50 years, the Iowa Cancer Registry, at the University of Iowa, has served the state of Iowa as the trusted source for high-quality cancer data. The registry’s efforts inform research and prompt prevention, screening, and treatment.
a woman in a lab using a microscope

Igniting a passion for research and discovery

Undergraduate students at the University of Iowa not only have plentiful opportunities to work alongside faculty researchers, they make important contributions to science.
A young boy having his ear measured

Improving outcomes for children with hearing loss

University of Iowa researchers have been following 300 children with hearing loss for nearly 14 years, and their findings are changing lives, the field of audiology, and public policy.
two people doing a hearing test

Playing a key role in crucial research

Evita Woolsey came from California to the University of Iowa to pursue her interest in speech and hearing science. Through her involvement in an NIH-funded research project, the undergraduate is assessing children across the state and making connections with researchers on campus and beyond.
a man and daughter embrace on a sidewalk on a winter day

Iowa injects hope for people with diabetes

More than one in 10 Americans have diabetes, a chronic condition in which the body cannot effectively process blood sugar, and diagnoses are increasing around the world. Why? University of Iowa researchers are working to find answers — and improve the lives of those with the demanding disease.
A doctor taking someones vital signs

A half-century’s worth of heart discoveries

The University of Iowa’s Muscatine Heart Study has shown us that what we do as children has an impact on our cardiovascular health as adults. Five decades on, the study is still going strong.
Two people holding up their new device

Remote control of blood sugar

University of Iowa researchers’ unexpected and surprising discovery may have major implications in diabetes care, particularly for patients who find current treatment regimens cumbersome.
A group of people in a workshop

NASA chief touts ‘transformational’ work done at Iowa

Not long after receiving the largest research award in its history, the University of Iowa welcomed top officials from NASA, who toured Iowa facilities and lauded the meaningful work being done by researchers and students.