Brown University researchers discovered that unexpectedly good outcomes enhance the memory of specific events, which may have implications for treating individuals with depression. The study found that participants were better at remembering specific images from rounds where they had a high likelihood of winning.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $2.7 million grant to the Leadership Alliance to support expanded mentoring opportunities for underrepresented groups in biomedical science. The grant will provide funding for workshops, research career development, and one-on-one mentoring for students and junior faculty from historicall...
A study by Brown University researchers found that stroke patients who receive more physical therapy have lower readmission rates, with those receiving 75 minutes or more of PT being 14% less likely to be readmitted. However, the amount of occupational therapy had minimal impact on readmission risks.
A team of Brown University scientists has developed a framework to apply mathematical models of uncertainty to social scenarios, proposing three interrelated methods people use to reduce social uncertainty. The first method, automatic inference, involves predicting another person's behavior based on appearance and social norms, while t...
In a study published in Physical Review Letters, researchers reveal that repulsive interactions between Cooper pairs themselves hold them in check in insulating materials. This finding could lead to new manipulation methods for superconducting devices and the design of novel electronic components.
Researchers have developed a water-based hydrogel material that can be placed directly on the heart to prevent stretching of the heart muscle, a common problem after a heart attack. The patch outperformed existing patches and showed promising results in reducing post-heart attack damage.
Researchers used X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) to track catfish catching and swallowing prey, revealing coordinated movements of bones and muscles. The findings suggest that different tasks require varying levels of coordination.
Researchers found that teens have an overly simplistic understanding of consent, ignoring non-verbal cues, and believe silence indicates consent. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce sexual violence and improve resilience among teens.
Brown University researchers capture the first 'snapshot' of two proteins involved in delivering a bacterial stress-response master regulator to the cell's recycling machinery. The discovery sheds light on the importance of the regulation for antibiotic resistance, disease-causing bacteria, and biofilm development.
A recent study found that those who conceived months after marriage had more surviving descendants in future generations, giving them an evolutionary advantage. This shift created ideal conditions for economic growth during the Industrial Revolution, as families with moderate fecundity became the dominant population.
A new study at Brown University found that using arbitrary categories can improve the transfer of visual learning to real-life skills. Participants trained on categorizing blurry striped circles showed significant improvement in recognizing patches with the same angle, even when not training specifically on it.
Brown University researchers create modular hydrogel components that can bend, twist, or stick together in response to treatment with certain chemicals. The components are designed for various
Researchers at Brown University have developed a germ-fighting catheter coating that can kill MRSA bacteria and prevent biofilm formation. The coating, which releases the drug auranofin, has shown promising results in lab tests, inhibiting MRSA growth for up to 26 days.
Researchers at Brown University found that the movement of Greenland's snowline plays a crucial role in controlling the rate of ice melt. The study showed that changes in snowline elevation explained more than half of the annual radiation variability on the ice sheet, highlighting its importance in determining melting rates.
New research from Brown University shows how Candida albicans fungus can adapt to different host environments. The study found that patient samples of the fungus frequently lack one copy of a gene that serves as a vital master regulator, allowing cells to switch phenotype and thrive in various environments.
A new study found that doctor-affiliated PACs contribute more money to politicians who oppose evidence-based firearm safety policies than those who support them. The findings contradict the advocacy efforts of individual physicians and organizations, highlighting a disconnect between their public health goals and political contributions.
Four Brown University assistant professors, Lorin Crawford, Kathryn Mann, Brenda Rubenstein, and Amitai Shenhav, have been awarded two-year $70,000 fellowships from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to further their research in biostatistics, mathematics, chemistry, and cognitive sciences. The fellowships support groundbreaking projects t...
Researchers used small satellites to observe changes in 85,000 North American lakes over summer 2017, finding significant shoreline fluctuations that add up to hundreds of square kilometers. These findings could impact calculations of natural greenhouse gas emissions from these northern lakes.
Researchers detail sticky situations at the nanoscale, finding that miniscule differences in surface roughness can cause significant changes in adhesion. Their theory predicts an increase in interface toughness as roughness increases, with potential applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems and nanoscale patterning.
A new study found that an HIV drug reduces age-related inflammation and signs of aging in mice, holding promise for treating Alzheimer's and other diseases. The drug works by halting retrotransposon activity in old cells, which are linked to age-associated disorders.
Researchers at Brown University have discovered that graphene crinkles can be used to assemble molecules into linear arrays, known as 'molecular zippers'. This phenomenon enables easier manipulation and study of molecules, which could have applications in studying biomolecules like DNA and RNA.
A Brown University study found that fentanyl test strips are effective in reducing overdose risk, with participants using them to test suspicious drug supplies and testing residue at home due to perceived stigma. The test strips also helped participants change their behavior to reduce overdose risk if they detected fentanyl.
Researchers at Brown University have created a new type of quasicrystalline superlattice that self-assembles from a single component, exhibiting five-fold symmetry. The discovery provides insight into how these materials can emerge and offers a new rule for forming quasicrystals.
A study published in Aging Cell found age- and health-related differences in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) packaging, which could be used to determine biological age. The researchers detected well-spaced nucleosomes in younger individuals but less regular patterns in older groups.
A new study reveals that the gut microbiome helps regulate the host's immune system by moderating vitamin A levels. The bacteria fine-tune the conversion of vitamin A to its active form, reducing an overactive immune response and promoting co-existence with the microbiome.
Researchers found that EHR-related stress is associated with burnout among physicians, particularly in primary care specialties. Primary care doctors like pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and general internists report excessive time spent on documentation and frustrating user interfaces.
The Center for Central Nervous System Function at Brown University has been awarded a $12 million grant renewal from the National Institutes of Health's COBRE program. The funding will support five new research projects and develop new analysis tools to advance brain science.
Researchers found that female mice developed problems with attention due to fewer 'tuning' neurons in the brain's emotion regulation area. Stress in early life led to impaired rule-reversal learning in females, while males were affected by spatial reasoning skills.
Brown University researchers have developed a new smart material made from alginate and graphene oxide that is stiffer and more fracture-resistant than alginate alone. The material can also become softer or stiffer in response to different chemical treatments, making it useful for dynamic cell cultures and coatings.
Researchers from the BrainGate consortium demonstrate a brain-computer interface that allows people with paralysis to navigate and interact with off-the-shelf tablet devices. Participants were able to perform various tasks, including messaging, browsing, and music playback, with accuracy and speed.
A new study uses computer models to simulate debris movement and recreate the puzzling patterns of grooves seen on Phobos. The model suggests that boulders blasted free from an ancient asteroid impact created the distinctive feature.
A liquid nitrogen storage tank failure at a fertility center resulted in the loss of over 4,000 frozen eggs and embryos. Researchers argue that a ruling in favor of a couple's wrongful death lawsuit could lead to limits on abortion, stem cell research, and IVF.
Researchers found four groups of patients with unique characteristics, including disordered eating behaviors and varying levels of glucose in their blood. The study suggests personalized approaches to treating obesity may be more effective, as one-size-fits-all treatments may not work for all individuals.
Researchers at Brown University have developed an electroencephalography-based test to measure pain levels, providing a more objective approach than the traditional visual analogue scale. The test uses brain activity oscillations to determine pain levels and has shown promise in evaluating medication efficacy in animal models.
College students who drink alcohol don't intend to experience blackouts, but often lack understanding of risk factors and prevention strategies. Research suggests that drinking in moderation and pacing drinks can prevent blackouts.
Varying nanotwin spacing produces dramatic improvements in metal strength and work hardening rates. Researchers created composites with different nanotwin boundary spacings, resulting in stronger materials than their constituent components.
The $1.5 million grant will allow Brown, RIDOC and partners to expand MAT treatment for high-risk individuals, addressing gaps in the existing program. Over three years, the team aims to treat over 300 additional Rhode Island residents with opioid use disorders.
A new study in fruit flies reveals that just a few drinks of alcohol can change how memories are formed at the fundamental molecular level. The research found that alcohol hijacks a conserved memory pathway and changes the proteins expressed in neurons, forming cravings.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant decrease in mortality rates among patients with end-stage kidney disease. In states that expanded Medicaid, the number of deaths within a year of starting dialysis decreased by 0.8 percentage points compared to non-expansion states.
A Brown University study found that fentanyl test strips reduced overdose risk by having users take smaller amounts, go slower or use with someone else present. The researchers also noticed participants were more confident in using the strips after training.
Researchers from Brown University have developed a new alloy catalyst that reduces platinum use and maintains its activity after 30,000 voltage cycles. The catalyst's layered structure enhances reactivity while protecting cobalt atoms from degradation, outperforming traditional platinum alloy catalysts in fuel cell testing.
A new study reveals that terahertz data links are not as secure as previously thought, and can be intercepted by clever eavesdroppers. Researchers found ways to steal signals without being detected, even with directional beams, by using objects like metal plates or cylinders to scatter the signal.
Researchers found that tropical tree populations increase mainly in locations where the tree is rare, suggesting a 'negative feedback' mechanism that regulates population growth. This phenomenon could explain the high ecological diversity of tropical forests, with more species living in a smaller area than in North America combined.
Researchers will conduct the first randomized controlled trial of a peer-based recovery intervention for patients at high risk of overdose. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of a single session with a social worker versus a four-year peer-led recovery program.
Researchers have discovered that two types of motor neurons die in ALS patients through distinct mechanisms, potentially leading to the development of more targeted treatments. The study used worm models to investigate the degeneration of spinal and brain neurons in ALS, revealing new insights into the complex nature of the disease.
A new analysis found that nonfatal injuries in the US cost over $1.8 trillion in 2013, with falls and being hit by objects causing most prevalent causes of injury. The study highlights preventable measures, such as well-designed safety devices and laws, to reduce deaths caused by injuries.
Carlos Vargas-Irwin's research aims to decode intentional movements and develop more accurate brain-computer interfaces using cameras, artificial vision, and neural activity information. The goal is to improve control of robotic limbs for paralyzed individuals.
A user-friendly software tool models neural circuits in outer brain layers, enabling EEG-guided treatment for patients based on new knowledge of underlying neural circuits. The Human Neocortical Neurosolver is a free, open-source tool that can help bridge the gap between genetic and molecular changes to neural circuit level signals.
A new study reveals that ancient Mars likely had an ample supply of chemical energy for microbes to thrive underground. The researchers estimate that hydrogen concentrations in the crust around 4 billion years ago would have been sufficient to support microbial life.
Researchers developed a neural-network model that perceives contextual optical illusions like humans, advancing knowledge of human visual system. The model includes feedback connections between neurons, which improve artificial vision by addressing context-dependent weaknesses.