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Brown University


Study models ways to cut Mexico's HIV rates

A new study by Brown University researchers estimates that increasing condom use among HIV-positive male sex workers could reduce the annual infection rate among their partners from 8% to 5.2%, while increasing antiretroviral therapy could slash the rate to 4.4%. The study also found that making interventions work, such as counteractin...

SourceBrown University·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateOct 15, 2014

A new way to extract bone-making cells from fat tissue

Researchers create a fluorescent tag that identifies bone-producing cells in human fat, yielding more than twice the yield of potential bone-makers compared to another method. The extracted cells produce significant amounts of bone matrix and show promise for regenerative therapies.

SourceBrown University·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateOct 6, 2014

Sense of invalidation uniquely risky for troubled teens

A new study suggests that a moderate to high perception of family invalidation is a statistically significant predictor of a later suicide event among boys. Strong peer invalidation also predicts engagement in self-harm behaviors in the overall group, according to researchers.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateOct 2, 2014

Hypertension risk rises closer to major roadways

A new study by Brown University found that women who lived close to highways had a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, with risks rising with proximity to the roadways. The study controlled for various confounding factors and found that living within 100m of a highway increased hypertension risk by 22%.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 1, 2014

Origin of moon's 'ocean of storms' revealed

New research suggests the Moon's 'ocean of storms,' Oceanus Procellarum, was formed by ancient rifts in the crust that provided a magma plumbing system. This theory argues against the long-held impact basin hypothesis and provides a new alternative for understanding the region's unique shape and composition.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

New diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzania

Researchers at Brown University created a culturally compatible diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzanian children. The approach uses a collection of instruments adapted from established tools, including the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (CARS-2) and Malawi Development Assessment Tool.

SourceBrown University·JournalIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities·DateSep 30, 2014

Adding uncertainty to improve mathematical models

Researchers from Brown University have introduced a new element of uncertainty into Burgers' equation to describe turbulence and shocks in fluid flows. This formulation aims to make mathematical models more realistic by accounting for external influences such as terrain, which was previously ignored in standard equations.

Research suggests new strategies for killing TB bacterium

Scientists from Brown University and MIT have discovered new details on how ADEPs bind to the ClpP complex in Mtb, a crucial step towards optimizing these compounds for TB treatment. Novel ADEP analogs show improved binding and activation of ClpP, paving the way for designing new drugs.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

Failed Medicare payments law remains relevant

Despite Congress's adjournment, the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014 remains a crucial issue in healthcare finance. Experts, including Dr. Eli Adashi, advocate for bipartisan efforts to address the SGR law and promote reforms to move Medicare towards quality-based compensation.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 17, 2014

Cape Cod saltmarsh recovery looks good, falls short

Despite visible signs of recovery, Cape Cod's saltmarshes are not fully restoring their ecosystem functions. A new study found that recovering marshes provide only partial benefits in terms of wave exposure and sediment height, while always-healthy marshes continue to offer superior coastal protection.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateSep 17, 2014

Survey finds benefits, risks of yoga for bipolar disorder

A new survey of over 70 people with bipolar disorder suggests that yoga can have a substantial impact on reducing anxiety, promoting calm, and improving emotional well-being. However, some respondents also reported potential risks, such as physical injury or pain, and the need for caution in certain practice styles.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateSep 17, 2014

A 'clear' choice for clearing 3-D cell cultures

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to clear 3-D cell cultures, allowing for clearer imaging and analysis of neural tissues. The ClearT2 method works within 1.5 hours and preserves the size of the tissue, making it ideal for studying neural growth and development.

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateSep 3, 2014

Extinctions during human era worse than thought

A new study estimates the pre-human extinction rate to be 0.1 extinctions per million species per year, 10 times lower than previously thought. This means the current rate is 100 times worse, with extinctions occurring 1,000 times more frequently than in the past.

SourceBrown University·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 2, 2014

Nursing home care improves with culture change

A new study by Brown University researchers found that nursing homes implementing extensive culture change efforts experienced improvements in quality of care, including reductions in restraints, feeding tubes, and pressure ulcers. In contrast, those with less implementation saw only slight improvements in Medicare/Medicaid deficiencies.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 25, 2014

Driving brain rhythm makes mice more sensitive to touch

Brown University neuroscientists report that they have directly controlled the cells producing gamma brainwaves in mice, resulting in increased touch sensitivity. The study confirms the first direct evidence of gamma brainwaves affecting perception and attention, suggesting a more complex role for these brainwaves than previously thought.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 24, 2014

Microchip reveals how tumor cells transition to invasion

Researchers have shed new light on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in cancer cells, using a microengineered device that acts as an obstacle course for cells. The study reveals that EMT upgrades cancer cells from an economy model to a fast sports car, allowing them to migrate aggressively to distant locations.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 17, 2014

Bats bolster brain hypothesis, maybe technology, too

New research suggests that bats' brains use the temporal binding hypothesis to focus on targets in cluttered scenes, which could inspire new navigation technology. By studying bat echolocation, scientists have developed a better understanding of how to design radar and sonar systems for real-time performance.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 15, 2014

Transgender relationships undermined by stigma

A study of 191 couples found that social and economic marginalization takes a psychological toll on both individuals and their relationships. The research highlights the need for couples-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of transgender women and their male partners.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 12, 2014

Elusive viral 'machine' architecture finally rendered

Scientists at Brown University have finally rendered the elusive viral 'machine' architecture of the lambda virus, mapping protein-DNA interactions that enable its genetic recombination mechanisms. The team's groundbreaking work provides a detailed understanding of how the virus integrates and extracts DNA from host cells.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2014

Choice bias: A quirky byproduct of learning from reward

Researchers discovered a link between credit assignment and choice bias, finding that people value rewards they choose more than equivalent rewards not chosen. The study used computational modeling and behavioral experiments to test the hypothesis, and found evidence supporting the proposed biological mechanism.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 24, 2014

Diagnostic criteria for Christianson syndrome

A new study doubles the number of documented Christianson Syndrome cases and proposes the first diagnostic criteria for the condition. The criteria include symptoms such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and hyperactivity, and are based on genetic analysis that reveals distinct mutations in the SLC9A6 gene.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 21, 2014

Bacteria swim with whole body, not just propellers

Researchers found that bacteria like Caulobacter crescentus actively carve out a helical trajectory through the water using their entire body, contributing to swimming motion. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of cell body shape and has implications for understanding disease propagation and fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Researchers discover boron 'buckyball'

Brown University researchers have discovered a boron molecule that forms a hollow cage structure similar to carbon buckyballs. The discovery was made using a combination of experimental and computational methods, and has significant implications for future research on boron clusters and potential applications such as hydrogen storage

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 13, 2014

Virtual reality crowds produce real behavior insights

A team of researchers at Brown University developed a wireless virtual reality system to study how pedestrians interact with each other and how their individual behaviors generate patterns of crowd movement. The system, which allows for the creation of virtual crowds, has shown that people tend to match the speed and direction of their...

Dodging dots helps explain brain circuitry

Researchers at Brown University studied tadpoles' neural signals to understand how they detect approaching visual stimuli. They found that the tectum region of the brain plays a crucial role in distinguishing impending collisions from mere presence, with inhibitory neurons acting as facilitators of network function.

SourceBrown University·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateJul 7, 2014

R.I. lead law effective, often ignored

A study by Brown University researchers found that Rhode Island's Lead Hazard Mitigation Law has significantly reduced blood lead levels in children living in compliant buildings. However, only 20% of properties covered by the law were in compliance, with average lead levels still above 5 micrograms per deciliter in noncompliant homes.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 7, 2014

Stem cell type resists chemotherapy drug

A new study reveals that adipose-derived human stem cells can withstand high doses of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, unlike other cell types. This finding has significant implications for developing an ASC-based therapy to promote bone growth and regeneration in cancer patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalExperimental Cell Research·DateJul 2, 2014

Forelimb bone data predicts predator style

A new classification system can predict hunting behaviors of mammals from forelimb bone measurements. The system distinguishes between ambush predators, pursuit predators, and pouncing predators with high accuracy. It was developed based on analysis of 62 specimens of 37 species, including the Thylacine.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Morphology·DateJun 30, 2014

Emergence of bacterial vortex explained

Researchers have explained the emergence of a bacterial vortex by understanding its relation to physical mechanisms like collisions, boundary interactions, and fluid flow. Computer modeling and experimentation confirm that bacteria align themselves in the same direction due to their flagellar motion, creating a two-way fluid flow.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Stem pipeline problems to aid STEM diversity

The article highlights the persistent issues with STEM pipeline diversity, citing data showing that underrepresented minority students are less likely to graduate and enter STEM careers. Researchers Andrew G. Campbell and Stacy-Ann Allen-Ramdial propose four ideas to improve the pipeline, including aligning culture and climate, partner...

SourceBrown University·JournalBioScience·DateJun 18, 2014

Proliferation cues 'natural killer' cells for job change

Researchers show that proliferation unlocks expression of Interleukin-10 in NK cells, a protein that moderates the immune system. This helps prevent hyperactivation of CD8 T cells, which can cause damage. The study provides another important role for lymphocyte proliferation and may help design vaccines.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 12, 2014

Study IDs 'master' protein in pulmonary fibrosis

A study has identified chitinase 3-like-1 (CHI3L1) as the master regulator of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a devastating lung disease. CHI3L1 plays a dual role in promoting tissue repair and reducing cell death, but its chronic elevation contributes to excessive scarring and tissue dysfunction.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 11, 2014

A plan to share the carbon budget burden

A four-step compromise is proposed to share the burden of carbon reductions, reducing actors involved in initial efforts, switching to consumption-based carbon accounting, redistributing the burden based on responsibility and capability, and bringing changes back to the larger U.N. group for inclusive emissions management

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 10, 2014

Land quality and deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Research from Brown University suggests that the decline of suitable land for agriculture is a key factor in slowing deforestation in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The study found that land with characteristics such as flat terrain and proximity to roads was initially converted to agriculture, but this type of land is becoming increasingly scarce.

SourceBrown University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 9, 2014

Progress on detecting glucose levels in saliva

The new sensor uses dye chemistry and plasmonic interferometry to selectively measure glucose concentrations in complex solutions like human saliva. It can detect changes in glucose concentration of 0.1 micromoles per liter, which is 10 times more sensitive than previous methods.

SourceBrown University·JournalNanophotonics·DateJun 3, 2014