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Brown-assisted trial finds new colorectal screening procedure is accurate and less invasive

A new colorectal screening procedure, CT colonography, has been found to be highly accurate in detecting intermediate and large polyps. The study, which used virtual reality technology, compared the accuracy of CT colonography with conventional colonoscopy and found that it was comparable in its ability to accurately detect problems.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2008

Changes in work force, not pay, narrowing the gender wage gap

A groundbreaking study by Brown University economist Yona Rubinstein and Casey Mulligan of the University of Chicago reveals that the apparent narrowing of the gender wage gap in recent decades is due to changes in the type of women entering the workforce, not actual pay increases. The research found that growing wage inequality within...

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateAug 12, 2008

Volcanic activity shaped Mercury after all

Researchers from Brown University have discovered evidence of past volcanic activity on Mercury, suggesting that the planet underwent intense changes to its landscape around 3-4 billion years ago. The findings were made possible by detailed images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft and provide new insights into Mercury's geologic history.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateJul 3, 2008

Brown researchers work toward ending cartilage loss

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to regenerate cartilage naturally by creating a synthetic surface that attracts cartilage-forming cells. The team, led by Thomas Webster, uses carbon nanotubes to stimulate cell growth through electrical pulses, which appears to enhance cartilage regeneration.

Brown chemists create cancer-detecting nanoparticles

Researchers have created the smallest magnetic nanoparticles to date that can be used to locate cancer cells during MRI scans. The particles are about 8.4 nanometers in size and emit a stronger signal for detection, making them ideal for detecting tumors without surgery.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 27, 2008

Brown scientists say biodiversity is crucial to ecosystem productivity

A recent study by Brown University scientists found that higher plant diversity significantly enhances an ecosystem's productivity, capturing more carbon dioxide and reducing global warming. The researchers also discovered that the number of plant species in a natural environment has a positive correlation with ecosystem productivity.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2008

Modern physics is critical to global warming research

Researchers like Brad Marston use statistical physics to analyze climate patterns, providing insights into the driving concepts behind global warming. By focusing on the larger mechanisms that drive changes in rainfall, scientists can improve their understanding of climate change and its effects.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 11, 2008

Brown mathematicians prove new way to build a better estimate

Researchers have created a new class of statistical estimators called 'centroid' estimators, which allow for more accurate predictions from massive datasets. These estimators identify the most representative solution from the data, overcoming limitations of traditional methods like maximum likelihood estimation.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2008

Health insurance co-payments deter mammography use

A study by Brown University and Harvard Medical School found that health insurance co-payments significantly reduce mammography use among women. The researchers analyzed data from Medicare managed-care plans and found a 8-11% decrease in breast cancer screening rates among women with co-payments, compared to those with full coverage.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2008

Drinking and smoking don't boost HPV-related cancer risk

New study reveals that alcohol and tobacco use do not increase the risk of head and neck cancers in people infected with HPV16, a common strain of the sexually-transmitted virus. The findings suggest two distinct causes for these major cancers, requiring different prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceBrown University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 27, 2007

Optic flow: A step in the right direction

Brown University researchers found that subjects who had access to optic flow adapted faster and made it to virtual targets more easily than those without. The study suggests that optic flow plays a crucial role in navigating through environments.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 15, 2007

Study: children of immigrants form ethnic identity at early age

A three-year study found that children of first-generation immigrants develop a robust awareness of their ethnic heritage and identify with being both part of their parents' culture and American. The study also shows that older children demonstrate greater amounts of ethnic identification and exploration, indicating a positive connecti...

SourceBrown University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateSep 24, 2007

Key to longer life (in flies) lies in just 14 brain cells

Researchers found that a decrease in p53 activity in only 14 insulin-producing cells in the fly brain can significantly extend lifespan, supporting the link between metabolic regulation and aging. The findings also suggest a connection between aging and diabetes, providing a new laboratory model for studying these diseases.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2007

Brown scientists take the petri dish to new dimensions

A team of Brown University biomedical engineers has invented a 3-D Petri dish that can grow cells in three dimensions, enabling the quick and cheap production of realistic cells for drug development and tissue transplantation. The technique employs a new dish made from a sugary substance that allows cells to self-assemble naturally and...

SourceBrown University·JournalTissue Engineering·DateSep 19, 2007

Brown study finds link between depression and household mold

A Brown University study has found a significant link between living in damp, moldy homes and depression. The research team analyzed data from nearly 6,000 European adults and found that perceptions of control over the housing environment, combined with mold-related health problems, contribute to an elevated risk for depression.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 29, 2007

Researchers learn why immune system's watch dogs howl

New research led by Brown University immunologist Wen-Ming Chu has uncovered a direct interaction between high-mobility group box 1 protein and toll-like receptor 9, triggering the immune response. The discovery could lead to the development of new vaccines and treatments for diseases such as cancer, asthma, and allergies.

SourceBrown University·JournalBlood·DateAug 2, 2007