Brown University to help Ghana build HIV, TB research capacity
A new $1.45-million program will enhance the training of scores of Ghanaian researchers in new research methods, grant writing, ethics, and clinical care for TB and HIV patients.
Brown University
Research grasps how the brain plans gripping motion
The study found that neurons in the ventral premotor cortex retain information about objects and generate unique grip patterns. This advances brain-computer interfaces, enabling people with severe paralysis to control robotic arms and hands using their thoughts.
Researchers predict material with record-setting melting point
Using powerful computer simulations, researchers identified a material made of hafnium, nitrogen, and carbon with a melting point of over 4,400 kelvins, two-thirds the temperature at the surface of the sun. The next step is to synthesize the material and corroborate the findings in the lab.
Web app helps researchers explore cancer genetics
The new tool, MAGI, enables users to search, visualize, and annotate large public cancer genetics datasets, including data from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. Users can also upload their own data and compare findings to those in the larger databases.
Brown Universtity begins study of early life chemical exposures
Researchers are investigating the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on child behavior, memory, and learning. The four-year study aims to close a gap in research by examining thyroid hormone levels and their association with chemical exposure during pregnancy, infancy, or childhood.
Birmingham, Ala., neighborhood revitalization motivated exercise
A new study found that a Birmingham, Ala., neighborhood's community revitalization project led to an increase in physical activity among residents. Residents' expectations of improved safety and access to green spaces were key factors in their increased exercise habits.
Revolutionizing the revolutionary technology of optogenetics
A new project at Brown University aims to make cells 'smart' enough to emit light precisely when needed to control themselves or their neighbors. This could lead to new ways to treat problems like epileptic seizures, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes.
Surprise -- subtle distractors may divert action more than overt ones
Researchers found that subtle visual distractions caused significant deviations from the intended path, contrary to intuition. The study's findings suggest a new phenomenon where the brain employs a suppression mechanism to tune out bigger distractions, but struggles with less apparent ones.
Nanowires highly 'anelastic,' research shows
Researchers found that nanowires return to about 80% of their original shape quickly but recover the rest slowly over 20-30 minutes due to impurities in their crystal lattice.
Review indicates where cardio benefits of exercise may lie
A review of 160 clinical trials found exercise improves health outcomes, but effects vary by age, gender, and health status. Intermediate biomarkers like insulin resistance and inflammation may mediate cardioprotective effects.
International consortium to study plant fertility evolution
An international consortium is developing a comprehensive understanding of fertilization in flowering plants using comparative genomics and molecular biology techniques. The research aims to provide insights into the origins of fertilization and its role in improving crop productivity.
New strategies against rare, fatal lung syndrome
Researchers at Brown University have discovered a molecular mechanism behind pulmonary fibrosis in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome patients. They propose two therapeutic strategies: manipulating CHI3L1 and CRTH2 proteins to slow down scarring.
Bass use body's swimming muscles to suck in food
Researchers at Brown University found that largemouth bass use their swimming muscles to generate suction power for feeding. The study revealed that up to 95% of the power required for suction comes from the swimming muscles, not the mouth bones.
Study suggests active volcanism on Venus
Scientists have discovered transient spikes in temperature at several spots on Venus' surface, indicating active flows of lava. The hotspots are clustered in a large rift zone called Ganiki Chasma, suggesting ongoing volcanic activity.
Using Minecraft to unboggle the robot mind
Researchers at Brown University are developing a new algorithm to assist robots in planning their actions in complex environments. The algorithm uses goal-based action priors, which can be learned by the robot through trial and error or supplied by an expert operator.
Study finds high Medicare Advantage copays for hospital, nursing care
A new study found that millions of seniors with Medicare Advantage plans face large out-of-pocket costs for hospital and skilled nursing care, including those with low incomes. The study highlights the need for policymakers to protect Medicare Advantage consumers from high copays, particularly for unpredictable catastrophic illnesses.
Martian glass -- window into possible past life
Researchers from Brown University have detected deposits of glass within impact craters on Mars, suggesting that it could preserve signs of life. The study found large glass deposits in several ancient yet well-preserved craters, including Hargraves near Nili Fossae trough.
Paleo study shows how elevation may affect evolution
A new study reveals that the rise of the Rocky Mountains predisposed North American mammals to adapt to a cold, dry world during the Grande Coupure event. This led to better survival rates compared to European mammal species, which were overrun by Asian mammals already adapted to colder conditions.
Researchers simulate behavior of 'active matter'
Brown University researchers use numerical models to study the dynamics of active colloids, finding that fluid flows play a crucial role in shaping emergent macro-scale patterns. At high concentrations, particles segregate into lanes and form swirling vortices before jamming into crystals.
Crashing comets may explain mysterious lunar swirls
Researchers at Brown University propose that comet collisions may have formed lunar swirls through the scouring of loose soil. Computer simulations suggest that impacts from cometary comas can produce bright streaks on the moon's surface.
Inmates denied methadone treatment less likely to seek it once free
A new trial shows that inmates who were allowed to continue methadone maintenance treatment while incarcerated were more than twice as likely to engage in treatment after release. The study suggests that interrupting treatment during incarceration may make people with addiction more vulnerable to relapse and overdoses.
A statistical study of first-year college rape
A statistical study of first-year college rape found that 18.6% of freshmen women experienced completed or attempted rape, with a significant increase in risk among women who had previously been victimized. The study emphasizes the need for colleges to develop effective prevention and counseling programs.
Project seeks climate clues deep in Indonesian lakebed
Researchers are drilling sediment cores from Lake Towuti on Sulawesi, which date back a million years or more, to reconstruct the climate history of the region. The sediments hold signatures of the hydrological cycle and can help scientists test climate model predictions.
Expanded hospice improves care but raises Medicare costs
A new study found that expanded hospice care improved indicators of care quality, including reduced reliance on intensive care and feeding tubes. However, it also led to increased costs to Medicare of $6,761 per patient on average due to longer stays and increased provider numbers.
Perception of US care for the dying worsens
A new study reveals that the perception of quality care for the dying in the US has worsened over the last decade, with loved ones reporting a decrease in satisfaction. Despite efforts to improve end-of-life care, significant gaps remain between patient and provider preferences.
Study finds inhibitor for COPD lung destruction
Researchers at Brown and Yale implicates a specific mitochondrial protein, NLRX1, in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to cigarette smoke. The study shows that suppression of NLRX1 is a major cigarette-induced signature of lung destruction.
Study IDs collagen-damaging protein in White Nose syndrome
Scientists have discovered a protease enzyme secreted by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans that damages collagen in bats. A protease inhibitor showed a 77% reduction in collagen damage after 54 hours, offering hope for treating White Nose syndrome.
Dull forest glow yields orbital tracking of photosynthesis
Scientists from Brown University have successfully linked chlorophyll fluorescence to plant photosynthesis in a deciduous forest, validating orbital measurements of fluorescence with ground-based observations. The study provides crucial ground-truth for measuring photosynthesis on a global scale from low-Earth orbit.
Medical education: Guiding professional identity to prevent burnout
A special issue in Academic Medicine explores 'professional identity formation' and its implications for preventing burnout. The issue offers insights into guiding students through the process, which is not always intuitive, and highlights the importance of reflective writing in developing a strong professional identity.
Combining ecology and human needs, researchers assess sustainability of Baja fisheries
A study combines ecology and human needs to map regional strengths and weaknesses in Baja fisheries. The research reveals that each region has unique characteristics, requiring tailored policies to achieve sustainability without undermining its strengths.
Conifer study illustrates twists of evolution
A new study analyzing over 460 conifer species found that the ancient pollination mechanism is gradually disappearing, leading to a loss of buoyant saccate pollen and droplet emission. Instead, species evolved new traits or lost existing ones, demonstrating 'stasis and release' in plant evolution.
Study describes brain circuitry for selecting among sensations
A new study describes how the neocortex selectively samples sensory information from the thalamus, controlling the throughput of sensory input. The researchers found that cortical neurons control thalamic neuron activity by varying signal frequency, either suppressing or enhancing it.
Researchers add a new wrinkle to cell culture
Brown University researchers developed new textured surfaces using graphene to better mimic the complex surroundings in which cells grow. The wrinkled surfaces influenced cell growth, with cells being elongated and aligned along the wrinkles, resembling a biologically relevant phenotype.
Human tape worm drug shows promise against MRSA in lab
A new study finds that niclosamide, a drug used to treat tapeworms, suppresses the growth of MRSA cultures and preserves the lives of infected nematode worms. Oxyclozanide, another salicylanilide anthelmintic, proves more effective in killing MRSA.
Study finds testicular cancer link for muscle-building supplements
A new study has found a significant link between muscle-building supplements and an increased risk of developing testicular cancer. Men who used these supplements were more than 65% likely to develop the disease compared to those who did not use them.
Gold by special delivery intensifies cancer-killing radiation
Researchers have developed a method to increase radiation's effectiveness in killing cancer cells by using gold nanoparticles tethered to acid-seeking compounds. The approach, published in PNAS, shows promising results and may improve radiation treatment for cancer patients.
Study tallies huge cost of hepatitis C drugs for RI prisons
A new study finds that effective new hepatitis C drugs are extremely costly, with some treatments costing between $94,500 and $189,000. The state of Rhode Island would need to spend almost twice its entire prison health budget to treat all its chronically infected inmates.
Case study Cabo Verde: Simulation offers policy Rx for curbing HIV
A new study simulates Cabo Verde's public health using a computer model to predict the spread of disease and the efficacy of interventions. The results suggest that accelerating four efforts already underway across the country could reduce annual new HIV cases below 10 per 10,000 residents.
Sea sponge anchors are natural models of strength
A team of Brown University engineers found that the unique internal structure of sea sponge spicules contributes to their remarkable anchoring ability. The pattern of decreasing layer thickness from center to edge enhances the spicule's strength and stability, potentially inspiring new engineering designs.
Score! Video gamers may learn visual tasks more quickly
A recent study from Brown University suggests that video gamers excel in visual tasks, not just due to prior practice, but also because of enhanced learning abilities. Gamers outperformed non-gamers on two consecutive visual task learning exercises by an average of 15% and 11%, respectively.
Comet dust: Planet Mercury's 'invisible paint'
Researchers propose that comet dust, rich in carbon, has painted Mercury black over billions of years. The team's experiments show that tiny carbon particles can darken surfaces to less than 5% reflectivity, similar to Mercury's dark surface.
Chemists make new silicon-based nanomaterials
Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to create pure, p-type semiconductors from silicon telluride, which could be used in various electronic and optical devices. The materials can take up lithium and magnesium, making them suitable for battery electrodes.
Researchers find promising new biomarkers for concussion
Researchers at Brown University have identified four blood proteins that can accurately signal mild traumatic brain injury within hours after a concussion. These biomarkers, which include copeptin, galectin 3, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and occludin, show significant changes in the bloodstream of patients shortly after a concussion.
Less futile end-of-life care observed where palliative care knowledge is greater
A large national survey found that nursing home directors with greater palliative care knowledge experienced less aggressive end-of-life care, including reduced use of feeding tubes and emergency room visits. This association suggests that improving staff knowledge could lead to better care for thousands of residents.
A new method for making perovskite solar cells
A new method for making perovskite solar cells has been developed by researchers at Brown University, which involves a room-temperature solvent bath to create perovskite crystals. The technique produces high-quality crystalline films with precise control over thickness across large areas.
Could yoga lessen prenatal depression?
Researchers found that prenatal yoga classes reduced depressive symptoms in pregnant women with mild to moderately depressed women. The study's results suggest that a larger randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers develop 'visual Turing test'
A new system designed by researchers from Brown and Johns Hopkins universities aims to assess computer vision systems' ability to understand the context of an image. The 'visual Turing test' evaluates how well computers can recognize subtle details, such as people walking together and having a conversation.
Mutation may cause early loss of sperm supply
A study by Brown University biologists reveals that the loss of a gene in male mice leads to premature exhaustion of their fertility, with mice being fertile at first but quickly depleting their limited sperm supply. The research provides fundamental insights into sperm generation and has implications for understanding human fertility.
'Ecosystem services' help assess ocean energy development
A new study uses ecosystem services to evaluate the potential impacts of tidal power projects on coastal environments and people. Researchers identified biodiversity, tourism, and food provision as key ecosystem services that should be assessed in the Muskeget Channel Tidal Energy Project.
Hospitals face growing active shooter threat
Active shooter incidents at hospitals have risen, with 14 such incidents reported in the year leading up to a Boston surgeon's murder, resulting in 15 fatalities. Hospitals must take proactive measures to mitigate the threat, including deploying security cameras, limiting entrances and exits, and stationing armed police.