Jia Niu received a four-year, $600,000 Beckman Young Investigator Award to support his research on sustainably-oriented polymers. The award will enable him to develop novel precision macromolecules with tailor-made structures and sequences for biomedicine, materials, and environmental sciences.
Klemens Engelberg has been awarded a $65,000 grant by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation to research the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The funding will support his study of how the parasite divides and causes damage in human cells.
Researchers paired a calorie-restricted ketogenic diet with a tumor-inhibiting antibiotic to destroy cancer stem cells and mesenchymal cells in glioblastoma, a fast-moving brain cancer. The combination killed tumor cells while reversing disease symptoms and improving mouse survival.
A Boston College researcher found that when paired with a selfish partner, it is better to behave altruistically rather than selfishly. When paired with an altruistic partner, it is better to behave selfishly to achieve a desired outcome.
Boston College's Institute for Scientific Research has been awarded a $10.6-million contract to study the space environment and improve capacities to understand and respond to various space phenomena. The research will focus on topics such as solar emissions analysis, radio frequency wave propagation, and ionospheric remote sensing.
A team of Boston College researchers discovered that memories fade in quality over time, losing vibrancy and visual details. The study found that people report declines in the visual qualities of their memories, akin to applying a filter to edit a picture.
A new Weyl semimetal delivers the largest intrinsic conversion of light to electricity, exceeding previous records by tenfold. The unique material exploits electron chirality for non-linear generation of direct current.
Masayuki Wasa, a Boston College Assistant Professor of Chemistry, has been awarded a prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship. He will use the $70,000 award to further his research on developing novel catalysts for biologically active molecules and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers found that when compressed, cubic boron arsenide's heat conductivity improves initially but then deteriorates due to competition between different processes. This behavior has never been predicted or observed before and challenges conventional understanding of heat conduction.
A team of researchers found that vertical land motion is the primary factor behind variations in relative sea level rates along the US East Coast. The study, published in Nature, reveals that land motion explains 75% of the observed variation, with ongoing effects from the last ice age being the largest contributor.
Scientists successfully induce a 'charge-stripe' crystal phase in an insulating cuprate material, resolving long-standing controversy in the field. The discovery reveals a unidirectional charge-stripe order with a wavelength of exactly 4 atomic lattice constants.
A recent study reveals that Fe3Sn2 exhibits nematic electronic state and giant magnetization-driven energy shift, shedding new light on the presence of spin-orbit coupling in kagome lattices. The research also shows that the material can be manipulated to change its electron energy structure through tuning the magnetic field.
Researchers have developed a new platform for studying 2D magnetism, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing, sensing technologies, and superconductors. The discovery of novel materials with specific functionality could also deepen our understanding of fundamental issues in condensed matter physics.
The observatory will collaborate with the Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to study the impact of pollution on children's health, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and brain function in children. The Observatory aims to mobilize society to see pollution as a serious threat...
A team of Boston College chemists has developed a technology to incorporate non-canonical amino acids into proteins made in eukaryotic cells, including humans. The novel strain of E. coli bacteria enables the facile engineering of the bacteria-derived genetic machinery, opening up new ways to probe and engineer protein function.
Scientists from Boston College create a new class of layered materials with tunable magnetic anisotropy by adjusting the spin-orbit coupling using mixed halide chemistry. This breakthrough enables the engineering of ultrathin magnetic devices with unprecedented control over magnetism.
A new platform enables quick discovery of molecules that recognize specific strains of bacteria, overcoming challenges in developing targeted antibiotics. The approach uses phage display with chemically enhanced peptides, resulting in potent and selective probes against two antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
A recent study found that much of East Antarctica's land-based ice sheet has remained stable over the past 8 million years, despite rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. This suggests that some ice on the continent could be resilient to a warming climate, but does not mean it will completely prevent sea-level rise.
A massive study of nearly 700,000 English speakers reveals that the optimal years to learn a second language is open until the age of 17.4, challenging standard theoretical accounts of language learning. This finding has significant implications for neuroscience, linguistics, developmental psychology, and public policy.
A new 'water-in-salt' electrolyte enables stable lithium-air battery operation with superior long cycle lifetimes, according to Boston College researchers. The team's approach involves no organic solvents and allows water molecules to lock onto ions, reducing degradation when in contact with oxygen.
Researchers from the US and China developed a dispersed iridium catalyst with two active metal centers for artificial photosynthesis. The catalyst demonstrates high stability and activity in water oxidation, a crucial process in natural and artificial photosynthesis.
A study of Norway's universal child care system found that offering high-quality child care beginning at age one reduces early achievement gaps in Norwegian communities. The study also reported significant narrowing of the language skill gap between rich and poor children.
Research suggests that the brain's insular cortex mediates approach and avoidance responses to others in distress. The hormone oxytocin plays a crucial role in regulating this process, influencing social affective behaviors.
Researchers have discovered that primitive moths and butterflies, known as Glossata, evolved earlier than previously established - emerging during the Jurassic period. They developed physical attributes to find nutrition by drawing off water droplets from immature gymnosperm seeds.
Scientists from Boston College and Harvard have successfully created a copper iridate metal oxide that meets the Kitaev model's standards, enabling a chemical entity known as a 'spin liquid' with free-flowing properties. The material's unique honeycomb structure disrupts natural magnetic order, producing geometric frustration.
A recent study published in Pain Management Nursing found that nurse staffing is a key contributor to patient satisfaction with pain control. The research highlights the need for adequate numbers of nursing staff and effective collaboration among medical trainees, hospitalists, and nurses to achieve optimal patient satisfaction.
The study reveals that bacterial defense mechanisms are highly organized in response to nutrient stress, but become disorganized when faced with antibiotics. The researchers used experimental and computational methods to understand the workings of the bacterial defense system.
A new study by Boston College researchers found that an after-school hydroponic gardening program increased positive attitudes towards science, reduced anxiety, and boosted self-confidence among elementary-age students. The program showed promise in engaging youths from underrepresented groups in the sciences.
A $4.6-million grant will investigate how students and teachers implement principles from the science of learning in educational settings. The project aims to provide students with tools to learn effectively on their own, regardless of career path.
A Boston College study links income inequality to rising carbon emissions at the state level, with top 10% of population driving growth. States like California and Texas experience significant increases in emissions, while South Carolina sees minimal growth.
Researchers create new catalytic approach to prepare compounds essential to drug discovery with high selectivity and 20 times less solvent than alternative methods. The new strategy was used to prepare the anti-cancer agent pacritinib, which is now in advanced clinical trials.
New research by Boston College marketing professors S. Adam Brasel and Henrik Hagtvedt found that the low usage of animated logos, or agent animation, means there's an opportunity for companies to bring brand personality to life. The successful use of agent animation is determined by the vibe a company gives off.
According to a report by the IEA's TIMSS & PIRLS International Study Center at Boston College, more than one-third of countries have strengthened teacher admission criteria. Digital devices are also being integrated into mathematics and science lessons, with most countries reporting guidelines for technology integration.
Researchers at Boston College have developed a nanoscale wireless communication system that operates at visible wavelengths using surface plasmons with unprecedented control. The device achieves in-plane configuration and enables high-speed communication, potentially speeding up transmission by up to 60%.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that compromise is less likely to occur when two men make decisions together, whereas it's a common practice among female-female and mixed-gender pairs. Men tend to prefer extreme options to prove their masculinity, while women act more pragmatically and choose the middle ...
A new National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report calls for a national framework to uniformly expand access to best-in-class support programs for struggling parents. The report, co-authored by Eric Dearing, aims to provide a comprehensive approach to supporting parents of young children.
City Connects, a Boston College initiative, has received a $300k grant to expand its 'whole child' support services, addressing poverty's negative effects on education. Research shows the program improves student grades, test scores, and long-term academic success.
A Boston College research team, led by biologist Tim van Opijnen, is developing new technologies to predict drug resistance in certain bacteria and identify effective treatments. The five-year study will use cutting-edge genomics research tools and techniques to understand how bacteria interact with the immune system.
A new Boston College study found that four leading teacher education rating systems lack evidence-based policies, questioning their validity. The researchers concluded that these accountability policies assume teachers are the primary solution to educational inequality, ignoring systemic societal inequalities.
Researchers found that mortality salience is a significant factor in consumers' reluctance to purchase annuities. The study suggests that when people consider annuities, they are more likely to think about their own mortality, leading to increased anxiety and decreased interest in the product.
A Boston College study reveals that Catholic schools are inadequately prepared to educate the growing Hispanic Catholic population in the US. The study highlights disparities in recruitment, training, and cultural sensitivity among school leaders and teachers, which stifle school vitality and the Church's engagement with this young gen...
Research-based climate scenarios predict catastrophic consequences of rising carbon emissions, including sea-level rise and coastal submersion affecting 1.3 billion people. The long-term view underscores the urgency to curb emissions within decades.
A new study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that simplified nutritional labeling spurs healthier food choices in grocery stores. The study used the NuVal scoring system and found a 20% increase in healthy choices, while price sensitivity dropped by 19%.
Researchers at Boston College have developed a new type of cross coupling chemical reaction using a third reactant, expanding on the pioneering Suzuki-Miyaura coupling method. The resulting 'conjunctive' reaction takes place efficiently and offers high selectivity.
A study published in Journal of Retailing found that luxury brands can increase sales by highlighting partnerships with charity at the point of sale. Consumers feel less guilty about purchasing luxury items when associated with a good cause.
A global study found that children around the world recognize and respond to scenarios that put them at an unfair disadvantage, but differ in their responses to situations of unfair advantage. In most societies, children take steps to avoid being placed at a disadvantage by middle childhood.
A new study has found that the rise in carbon dioxide was the primary driver of the global retreat of glaciers during the last Ice Age. The research, which analyzed over 1,000 glacial boulders, eliminates regional factors as the main cause of glacier melting and confirms the leading role of greenhouse gases in shaping Earth's climate.
A new study finds that smaller-scale space weather events are amplified near the equator, putting power grids at risk in previously considered safe regions. These disturbances can cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity pricing and damage unprotected power infrastructure.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology reveals that remembering self-control failures can actually lead to repeated failure, rather than improved decision-making. The research found that recalling past successes is more effective in improving self-control, while recalling failures has a negative impact.
A team of researchers from Boston College and China's University of Science and Technology has developed a new method to harness the power of solar water splitting using hematite and silicon as absorbers. The 're-growth' technique improved the material's surface, doubling electrical yield and achieving a record low turn-on voltage.