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Brown University


Researchers pinpoint neural nanoblockers in carbon nanotubes

Brown University researchers have discovered that yttrium and nickel, two metal catalysts used to form carbon nanotubes, interfere with critical signaling transactions in neurons. Removing these metals can lead to the development of safe treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and paralysis.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 27, 2009

Weight loss competitions produce encouraging results

A new study from Brown University found that statewide weight loss competitions can be an effective way to promote weight loss in large numbers of people. The study, which evaluated the Shape Up Rhode Island 2007 program, showed that individuals who increased their activity levels achieved the best weight losses.

SourceBrown University·JournalObesity·DateMay 1, 2009

Report shows US wildlife trade poorly regulated

A recent study by Brown University and the Wildlife Trust found that US wildlife imports are fragmented and insufficiently coordinated, failing to accurately list over four in five species entering the country. This lack of regulation poses significant risks to human health, food supply chains, and ecosystems.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2009

Hispanics appear to face poorer quality nursing home care

A study by Brown University researchers found that nursing homes serving primarily Hispanic residents provided poorer quality care, including higher rates of bed sores. The study looked at data from California, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Colorado and found disparities in care related to racial segregation.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateApr 10, 2009

Brown-led team offers first look at how bats land

A Brown University-led team has documented the unique landing approaches of three bat species, including a tree-roosting bat that executes a four-point landing and two cave-roosting bats that perform a two-point landing. The study sheds new light on how bats evolved and could provide insights into their widespread success.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 20, 2009

Brown chemists create more efficient palladium fuel cell catalysts

Researchers at Brown University have developed a novel approach to creating palladium nanoparticles with increased surface area, resulting in improved efficiency and stability. The breakthrough enables the production of fuel cell catalysts that are four times more stable and twice as active, making them ideal for future applications.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 19, 2009

Evidence appears to show how and where frontal lobe works

A Brown University study found that the frontal lobe controls decision-making along a continuum from abstract to concrete, with damage affecting higher-level functions but not lower ones. The research suggests specific areas of the frontal cortex are required for different levels of abstract decision-making.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 2, 2009

Cell-building discovery could reduce need for some animal research

Researchers at Brown University have successfully grown and assembled living microtissues into complex three-dimensional structures, advancing tissue engineering. The breakthrough could eventually reduce the need for certain kinds of animal research, with implications for basic cell biology, drug discovery, and tissue research.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·DateFeb 2, 2009

Faces and race

Researchers developed a measurement system and protocol to train Caucasian subjects to recognize different African American faces, reducing implicit racial bias. The training improved ability to tell apart individual African-American faces and increased positive associations with African-American faces.

SourceBrown University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 20, 2009

'Warrior gene' predicts aggressive behavior after provocation

Researchers discover that individuals with low-activity MAOA gene display higher levels of aggression in response to provocation, particularly when faced with significant financial loss. The study suggests genetic influences on aggression and punishment behavior, questioning the altruistic punisher theory.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2009

With mental health insurance, price matters

A new study found that when the price of mental health services is equivalent to primary care co-payments, more people will seek follow-up care after an initial hospitalization for a mental illness. This leads to improved quality of care and reduced costs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 23, 2008

Men are red, women are green, Brown researcher finds

A Brown University researcher has discovered that men tend to have more reddish skin and greenish skin is more common for women. The finding has important implications in cognitive science research and potential industry applications in facial recognition technology and advertising.

SourceBrown University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 8, 2008

Brown chemist finds gray mold's killer gene

Researchers have identified a set of genes responsible for producing the deadly toxin botrydial in gray mold, and found that shutting off this gene can stop toxin production. The discovery offers hope for finding natural ways to eliminate gray mold without using expensive fungicides.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateDec 1, 2008

How do bacteria swim? Brown physicists explain

Researchers at Brown University have studied the swimming patterns of Caulobacter crescentus, a single-celled bacterium with a flagellum. The study reveals that drag and Brownian motion govern the circular swimming patterns of the microbe, which helps explain how bacteria scavenge for food and adhere to surfaces.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 19, 2008