Researchers at Brown University used a novel approach to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to resolve the key interaction between two proteins. The study reveals that the GroEL chaperone is a permissive captor, allowing the smaller protein to bind at two hydrophobic sites and detach, resulting in conformational heterogeneity.
Researchers from Brown University have developed computer models that show how different types of red blood cells interact to cause sickle cell crisis. The findings suggest that softer, deformable red blood cells known as SS2 cells start the process by sticking to capillary walls, leading to blockages.
A Brown University research team has discovered the genetically prescribed dance steps of the pollen tube, which leads to its self-sacrifice and allows flowering plants to reproduce. The study highlights the complex intercellular communications involved in pollination.
Geochemists at Brown University have discovered noble gases can dissolve in amphibole minerals, providing a potential mechanism for their recycling between the atmosphere and Earth's interior. This finding is significant as it sheds light on how other volatiles like water and carbon are cycled.
Researchers have found that common mutant forms of the JC polyomavirus are not infectious, but may still contribute to disease. The mutants appear to be up to no good by only being found in immunocompromised patients and possibly helping the main virus evade the immune system.
A new study suggests that universal HIV testing in India could be a cost-effective strategy to save millions of lives. The study found that testing every five years would be the most cost-effective option, with a price tag of $1,900 per year of life saved in the general population and $1,300 per YLS among high-risk groups.
The Brown University School of Public Health and Alpert Medical School will develop and deliver aging-related curricula for hundreds of doctors. The program aims to improve care for older patients by integrating healthy aging into medical specialties.
A new MRI study by Brown University researchers reveals that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three months enhances brain development in infants, particularly in areas related to language and emotional function. The study found a 20-30% increase in white matter growth in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies.
A study by Brown University found that three out of five hikers brought seven or fewer items, while only 18 percent packed all 10 essential items. Young and inexperienced hikers were most likely to lack multiple items recommended by the State of New Hampshire's HikeSafe program.
Researchers at Brown University found a link between protein processing and appetite regulation, suggesting that ER stress may play a key role in obesity. Intervening with certain chemicals has the potential to restore normal alpha-MSH production, potentially breaking the cycle of obesity.
A new study in mice reveals that the timing of gene mutation during thalamus development significantly affects TSC-like behavioral symptoms and disease severity. The research highlights the importance of the thalamus in brain function and suggests a potential target for future treatments.
Scientists discover that water on the Moon's mantle originated from primitive meteorites, not comets, raising questions about the formation of the Moon. The findings also suggest that most of the water on Earth comes from the same source.
Researchers found that theta brainwave activity in the prefrontal cortex is related to overcoming ingrained biases. The study used a custom-designed computer game to measure subjects' ability to repress Pavlovian biases, with those who performed better showing higher theta activity.
Researchers discovered that nectar-feeding bats use blood flow to erect tiny hair-like structures on their tongues, allowing them to gather nectar from flowers. This unique technology enables the bats to slurp up nectar quickly and efficiently.
Researchers developed powerful data-sifting algorithms to assemble the most complete genetic profile of acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. The work aims to lead to new AML treatments based on the genetics of each patient's disease.
A recent analysis published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that emergency care cost estimates are too low, with costs ranging from 4.9-5.8% of total healthcare spending. The study suggests that an alternative accounting method, Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (ABC), could provide a more realistic measure of ED costs.
Research finds double cropping associated with higher GDP, median per capita income, and better public sanitation. Double cropping also linked to stronger employment and tax revenue, which benefits entire economy.
A new study by Brown University researchers found that fat leaves evolved a three-dimensional vein structure to store water and sustain efficient photosynthesis. This evolution allowed leaves to become thicker without compromising hydraulic performance, enabling plants like succulents to thrive in arid conditions.
A recent analysis by Brown University researchers reveals that over 1 in 5 seniors with Medicare Advantage plans received potentially harmful high-risk medications in 2009. The Southeast region had the highest rates of prescription use for these risky medications, particularly among women and those living in poor areas.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reports that Riluzole, an ALS drug, has pinpointed a mechanism for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and restored neuromuscular function in worm models. The researchers suggest targeting SK2 potassium channels could lead to a more effective therapy for SMA patients.
Researchers discovered that iron carbonyl is the main form of carbon trapped in magmas on Mars, releasing carbon monoxide and methane gases. This finding suggests that early Mars' volcanism could have released enough greenhouse gases to warm the planet significantly.
Akilah Dulin Keita, a Brown University Assistant Professor, has received a 24-month grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to examine risk and protective factors for childhood obesity among Southeast Asians. The grant will support her research through the New Connections program, which aims to increase diversity in health research.
New research reveals that invasive green crabs are helping to restore Cape Cod's distressed salt marshes by filling the void left by declining native predators of sesarma crabs. The study found that green crab presence had a significant deterrent effect on sesarma herbivory, allowing grass regrowth in areas previously depleted.
A 18-mile-long feature with a distinct mineral signature has been discovered in the Copernicus crater on the Moon's near side. The finding suggests that pre-existing mineralogical diversity is not always blended away by large impacts, contradicting long-held assumptions.
Two genes associated with rare autism-related disorders are also jointly linked to more general forms of autism, according to a new study published in Molecular Psychiatry. The findings suggest a new genetic pathway to investigate in general autism research.
A new paper at Brown University describes a program that has significantly improved recruiting and performance of underrepresented minority students in its life sciences doctoral programs over the last four years. The program's three-part strategy includes partnerships with undergraduate institutions, minicourses to build skills needed...
Researchers at Brown University have made a breakthrough in making acrylate by combining carbon dioxide with ethylene, potentially leading to a cheaper and more sustainable way to produce the commodity chemical. The team discovered that Lewis acids can break open a five-membered ring, allowing for the formation of acrylate.
Large chunks of the Farallon oceanic plate are still present under parts of central California and Mexico, according to new research. The researchers used seismic tomography and other data to show that part of the Baja region and part of central California sit atop 'fossil' slabs of the Farallon plate.
A new paper highlights how political conflict can lead to disrupted treatment, promoting resistance to antiretroviral drugs and treatment failure. The authors call for further research and planning to mitigate the effects of treatment interruption in strife-prone nations with high rates of HIV infection.
A new analysis by planetary scientists from Brown University shows that lunar impact events produced massive seas of melted rock, up to 220 miles across and six miles deep. These melt seas differentiated similarly to the lunar magma ocean, producing rocks with complex mineral compositions.
Researchers identified specific steps in the sequence of neural events underlying stress-related drug relapse and showed that blocking kappa opioid receptors can prevent relapse. The study suggests a new approach to treating addiction recovery by targeting stress-induced brain mechanisms.
Scientists use direct statistical simulation to model fluid jets, fast-moving flows in oceans and atmosphere. The new approach is a key step toward bringing basic physics models to bear on climate science, enabling more efficient climate simulations.
A new study at Brown University found that the 'selfish' segregation distorter (SD) gene can manipulate meiosis to eliminate defective sperm, while a policing system tries to suppress it. The research deepens understanding of how life can violate fundamental genetic principles.
A new spectroscopy method has been developed to analyze light emission from layered nanomaterials, enabling researchers to determine the orientation of emitters and potentially improve the efficiency of optical devices. The technique uses energy-momentum spectroscopy to study interference effects in thin films.
Researchers created a novel low-power device that enables the recording of complex neural signals in freely moving subjects for over 16 months. The device, which transmits data wirelessly, has the potential to revolutionize brain-computer interfaces and help people with severe paralysis control devices with their thoughts.
Researchers developed a robotic bat wing that mimics the shape and motion of lesser dog-faced fruit bats, allowing them to measure aerodynamic forces and energy requirements. The robot showed it could match basic flight parameters of bats, producing thrust and lift.
Researchers Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen explore human-environment interactions in coastal regions, identifying linkages between people and the environment. They find that local and national fisheries institutions may create barriers to adaptation strategies, with urban fishermen better equipped to cope with climate variability.
Aphasia affects 80,000 people annually in the US, causing difficulty speaking and understanding language. Researchers at Brown University have developed a therapy to strengthen speech networks using guided speech and repetition exercises. Early testing with four patients showed improved precision and reduced errors.
Research by Brown University professor Rose McDermott suggests a significant genetic component in shaping political preferences, particularly along the conservative-liberal spectrum. This finding could have implications for policy decisions and targeted interventions.
A group of researchers at Brown University has discovered how Streptomyces bacteria regulate genes to break down lignin, a highly stable polymer. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind lignin degradation and its potential applications in biotechnology.
Researchers propose that mindfulness practitioners gain enhanced control over sensory cortical alpha rhythms, enabling optimal filtering of sensory information and regulation of negative thoughts. This control is linked to the practice of mindful awareness of breath and body sensations.
A team of scientists at Brown University has made a breakthrough in understanding the neurological signaling breakdown in Angelman syndrome, a disorder affecting thousands of children. They demonstrated how a synthesized compound called CN2097 works to restore neural functions impaired by the disease.
A new study reveals that bite force is influenced by the size of both the eater and the eatee, peaking at an optimal level of muscle stretch. The research found that too much or too little stretch leads to reduced bite force, with some fish able to crush stronger tubes when their muscles are optimally stretched.
A randomized controlled trial found that community health workers led by a nurse case-manager improved blood sugar levels among Samoans with type 2 diabetes. The intervention, which included culturally tailored education and home visits, resulted in clinically significant improvements in HbA1c levels.
Research by Rose McDermott and colleagues found that people with a genetic liability to experience higher levels of social fear tend to support anti-immigration and pro-segregation policies. Education also plays a significant role in shaping out-group attitudes.
Scientists at Brown University and Indiana University have traced mitochondrial-nuclear incompatibility in fruit flies to individual nucleotide mutations, revealing how the genetic double whammy makes flies sick. The study highlights the importance of considering both genomes in understanding metabolic diseases.
A new study by Brown University found that Samoan babies experience rapid weight gain in early infancy, which may foreshadow a future trend of obesity in developed nations. The researchers tracked the growth and weight gain of nearly 800 American Samoan babies born between 2001 and 2008.
A recent study found that while more seniors are dying with hospice care than a decade ago, they are increasingly doing so for very few days right after being in intensive care. This suggests that palliative care often happens as an afterthought, and patients may not receive the full measure of comfort and psychological support they need.
A study found that conditional cash transfer programs can improve behavior among gay men and male sex workers in Mexico City. Gay men would participate at a rate of over 75% if offered $7-8.75/month, while male sex workers would participate for significantly less, $156/year.
A global meta-analysis supports the Stress Gradient Hypothesis, showing that plant interactions become more influential in positive ways when ecosystems face threats like drought. The study found that as stress increases, negative interactions weaken, while mutual support strengthens across various plant types and conditions.