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Brown University


Yeast's lifestyle couples mating with meiosis

Researchers found that Candida lusitaniae fuses its mating and meiosis programs, expressing genes associated with both processes during each. This 'coupling' offers the yeast an efficient way to split diploid products of mating, maintaining its haploid lifestyle. The discovery challenges understanding of fungal reproduction and evolution.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateJan 5, 2014

Mangroves expand north as Florida freezes decline

Researchers found mangroves are expanding along hundreds of miles of coastline in Florida, with a doubling of habitat in areas like Daytona Beach and Titusville. The expansion is linked to a decrease in cold snaps, which allows mangroves to thrive in previously inhospitable conditions.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2013

Aging erodes genetic control, but that's flexible

Biologists at Brown University found that gene silencing via chromatin in fruit flies declines with age, but administering life span extending measures such as lower calorie diets or increased expression of the protein Sir2 restores the loss of gene silencing due to age. The study suggests a possible line of research to develop more pr...

Protein interplay in muscle tied to life span

A study at Brown University found a connection between protein quality control in muscle tissue and lifespan in fruit flies. Suppressing the activity of activin, a protein complex involved in muscle performance, increased life span by up to 20%. The researchers also discovered a potential link between this protein interplay and human a...

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 14, 2013

Compound stymies polyomaviruses in lab tests

Researchers at Brown University have identified a small molecule compound called Retro-2 that successfully controls the spread of three polyomaviruses in human cell cultures. The compound protects up to 90.5% of cells from infection, offering new hope for treatment options.

SourceBrown University·JournalmBio·DateNov 13, 2013

How sleep aids visual task learning

New research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating visual task learning through specific brain frequencies. Brainwaves of 15 volunteers were measured during sleep and training to demonstrate increased sigma power in the visual cortical area, leading to improved performance on the task.

Edited RNA + invasive DNA add individuality

A new study reveals that edited RNA and invasive DNA contribute to individual variation in humans by regulating gene expression. The study found a 20% difference in life span and eye color between individuals with varying levels of ADAR activity.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2013

Anxiety help comes, eventually, via primary care

A new study found that seven in 10 primary care patients with anxiety disorders eventually received adequate medication or psychotherapy, but this took years and was less likely for minorities. The study also showed that people with higher education levels were more likely to receive care.

SourceBrown University·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateNov 7, 2013

For young baseball players, light bats don't hit too fast

A study by Brown University researchers found that lighter non-wood bats did not launch the ball at significantly higher speeds than wood bats, particularly for younger players. The study's results suggest that coordinated rules for bat performance in youth baseball are needed to ensure player safety and enjoyment.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Applied Biomechanics·DateNov 6, 2013

Gold nanoparticles give an edge in recycling CO2

Researchers from Brown University have developed a catalyst using gold nanoparticles that selectively converts CO2 to carbon monoxide, an active molecule for making alternative fuels and commodity chemicals. The team found that particles with an exact size of eight nanometers achieved the best selectivity, converting 90% of CO2 to CO.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 24, 2013

Single mutation gives virus new target

A team of scientists discovered that a single amino acid change in the human BK polyomavirus enables it to bind to a different sugar on host cell surfaces. This mutation allows the virus to potentially adapt to new species by changing its binding target preference.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 21, 2013

Rats! Humans and rodents process their mistakes

Researchers tracked similarities in how human and rodent subjects adapted to errors in a simple time estimation task, finding that both species employed low-frequency brainwaves to synchronize neurons. This study suggests that rat models could be useful for studying psychiatric diseases.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2013

For celebrated frog hops, scientists look to Calaveras pros

Researchers from Brown University traveled to Calaveras County to study the Guinness Book of World Records' top frog jumper, Rosie the Ribeter. They found that bullfrogs at the Jubilee surpassed the old research-grade mark of 1.3 meters a striking 58 percent of the time, with jumps reaching up to 2.2 meters.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 16, 2013

BrainGate wins $1M B.R.A.I.N. prize in Israel

The BrainGate team has developed a revolutionary brain-computer interface that allows people with severe paralysis to control robotic arms and interact with the world around them. The $1M B.R.A.I.N. Prize award recognizes their groundbreaking work in advancing technology for the betterment of humanity.

Meals for more seniors could save some states money

A new study by Brown University researchers projects that expanding home-delivered meal programs to 1% more seniors would save most states money, with Pennsylvania seeing the greatest net savings of $5.7 million annually. This expansion would enable 1,722 more Medicaid recipients to avoid nursing homes and improve their quality of life.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 7, 2013

How JC Polyomavirus invades cells

The study reveals that JC polyomavirus uses specific serotonin receptors to gain entry into cells, contrary to initial hypotheses. This discovery could lead to improved treatment options for patients with PML by informing how existing drugs work.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 7, 2013

Medicare plans understate risky prescribing rates

A study by Brown University researchers found that Medicare Advantage health plans significantly understated their rate of high-risk medication prescriptions. The average plan reported a 5.8 percentage point difference in favor, resulting in about 500,000 more seniors receiving high-risk medications than reported.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2013

Largest, most accurate list of RNA editing sites

The researchers validated 1,799 sites and predicted an additional 1,782 sites, resulting in a combined list of 3,581 accurate sites. The team gained insights into the model organism's fundamental biology, including patterns of editing and alternative splicing.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 29, 2013

Higher lead levels may lie just below soil surface

A recent study of hundreds of soil samples from Rhode Island found that surface lead concentrations do not always accurately reflect contamination at depths below the soil surface. The research highlights the need for more comprehensive sampling methods to ensure public safety, particularly in areas with legacy lead-painted water towers.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 18, 2013

Lifestyle, age linked to diabetes-related protein

A study published in Clinical Chemistry found that SHBG levels are significantly associated with type 2 diabetes risk in women, with age, estrogen therapy, and coffee consumption being key predictors. The research also suggests that adjusting these factors may impact SHBG levels and ultimately diabetes risk.

SourceBrown University·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2013

Study details paired risk factors in preeclampsia

A new study examines the combined effect of two risk factors on preeclampsia: maternal-fetal HLA gene sharing and seminal fluid exposure. The findings suggest that women with high levels of HLA similarity and low semen exposure have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Reproductive Immunology·DateSep 10, 2013

Psychotherapy lags as evidence goes unheeded

Despite ample evidence supporting its effectiveness, psychotherapy is on a decline in the US. This stems from a lack of definition, adoption, and articulation of its own evidence base, whereas medications have done so. Research shows that many therapists prioritize personal experience over evidence-based treatment.

SourceBrown University·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateAug 21, 2013

How sleep helps brain learn motor task

A new study by Brown University researchers found that sleep improves motor learning by changing fast-sigma and delta brainwave oscillations in the supplementary motor area. This reorganization is associated with improved speed and accuracy on sequential finger-tapping tasks after a few hours of sleep.

High-angle helix helps bacteria swim

Researchers from Brown University and the University of Wisconsin discovered that a high-angle helix enables bacteria to swim faster in viscoelastic fluids, clearing up previously conflicting findings. The study's findings have implications for understanding bacterial infection and fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 13, 2013

Study shows who survives Burkitt lymphoma

Researchers created a stratified risk score to predict patient prognosis, finding that age, race, and stage of cancer significantly impact survival rates. The score separates patients into groups with varying 5-year relative survival rates, aiding doctors and researchers in designing treatment strategies.

SourceBrown University·JournalCancer·DateAug 8, 2013

Feelings for fetus may vary smoking amount

A study published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal suggests that pregnant smokers with low scores on a scale rating emotional attachment to their fetuses may be inclined to smoke more. Women who feel less attached to their fetus tend to have higher levels of cotinine, an indicator of nicotine use.

SourceBrown University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateAug 5, 2013

More intestinal cells than thought can absorb larger particles

Scientists discovered that enterocytes play a significant role in absorbing relatively large particles, challenging conventional wisdom and offering new avenues for increasing the absorption of medicines taken by mouth. The study found that between 10-50% of spheres were absorbed via endocytosis in cells called enterocytes.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2013

Odd Martian crater type made by impacts into ancient ice

Researchers at Brown University propose that double-layered ejecta craters on Mars were formed when impacts blasted through ancient glacial ice, creating a two-layered appearance. The model explains distinct features of the craters, including radial striations and their locations at middle or high latitudes.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2013

Fly study finds 2 new drivers of RNA editing

Researchers found two new mechanisms governing RNA editing in a key neurodevelopmental gene in living fruit flies. The mechanisms involve newly discovered sequences and structures far away from the editing sites, which can be controlled like a tuning knob to increase or decrease editing.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2013

Childhood abuse raises drug users' suicide risk

A new study found that childhood abuse can have life-and-death consequences for the rest of a person's life, with severe-to-extreme abuse contributing significantly to future suicide attempts. The study used a longitudinal design and found strong associations between abuse and lasting mental health impacts well into adulthood.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 18, 2013

Newly found CLAMP protein regulates genes

The newly found CLAMP protein plays a crucial role in regulating the X chromosome in male fruit flies, enabling them to develop and survive. By working together with the MSL complex, CLAMP creates a self-reinforcing feedback loop that enhances gene expression, providing a model for understanding how proteins govern gene transcription.

SourceBrown University·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 18, 2013

Cry analyzer seeks clues to babies' health

Researchers developed a computer-based tool to analyze babies' cries for subtle acoustic features that can indicate neurological problems or developmental disorders. The new analyzer uses machine learning algorithms to evaluate over 80 parameters, offering non-invasive ways to measure disruptions in young babies' brains and behavior.

Jagged graphene edges can slice into cell membranes

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that graphene's sharp corners and jagged protrusions can pierce cell membranes, potentially disrupting normal function. The findings may help minimize the potential toxicity of graphene, a material with numerous commercial applications.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2013

DNA markers in low-IQ autism suggest heredity

A new study analyzed DNA from over 2,100 children with autism and found evidence of a recessive, inherited genetic contribution in cases with significant intellectual disability. The research suggests that runs of homozygosity, or long strands of identical DNA, may harbor deleterious variants that increase disease susceptibility.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 3, 2013

Asian neighborhoods: Separate but equal

A recent study by Brown University found that Asian Americans' neighborhoods tend to be highly segregated and affluent, unlike other minority groups. Despite this, there is little incentive for Asians to assimilate into white neighborhoods due to their own socioeconomic advantages.