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California Institute of Technology


Noise-canceling optics

A team led by Caltech's Changhuei Yang and Edward Zhou developed a device that selectively cancels scattered light, revealing dimly reflective objects. The technology, termed 'coherence gated negation,' has potential applications in satellite exploration and biomedical imaging.

Proteins team up to turn on T cells

Researchers at Caltech investigate the genetic switch that directs cells to become T cells, discovering a multi-tiered process involving four proteins that work together in three distinct steps. This finding has potential applications in boosting T-cell populations and fighting diseases such as AIDS.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 15, 2016

Is risk-taking behavior contagious?

Researchers found that observing others' risk-taking behavior changes one's own attitude towards risk, with the brain responding to this change in activity levels. The study also found that participants could learn and predict the risk-taking preferences of an observed peer.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2016

A new system for color vision

Researchers found a previously unknown type of neuron called J-RGCs that signal color to the brain by comparing signals from ultraviolet cones and rods. This discovery may help explain why humans perceive the color blue in dim light, as proposed by Van Gogh's Starry Night painting.

An up-close view of bacterial 'motors'

Researchers used electron cryotomography to visualize bacterial 'motors' in three dimensions, revealing the complexity of type IVa pilus machine and flagellum structures. The study provides insights into pilus assembly, structure, and function, as well as correlations between motor strength and torque-generating protein complexes.

Dark matter dominates in nearby dwarf galaxy

Astronomer Evan Kirby measures high concentration of dark matter in small dwarf galaxy Triangulum II, potentially making it a leading candidate for direct detection. The galaxy's unique characteristics and minimal background noise make it an ideal location to search for gamma-ray signals from colliding dark matter particles.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

Seeing sound

Researchers discovered that intrinsic neural connections can be used to help the blind detect their environment, making tasks easier and more intuitive. The study used a sensory substitution device to translate images into sound, allowing blind people to associate different sounds with features of their environment.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 26, 2015

Long-term contraception in a single shot

A team of Caltech biologists has created a non-surgical approach to deliver long-term contraception using a single shot, rendering animals infertile for up to two months. The technique targets the 'master regulator of reproduction,' gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), neutralizing its effects and preventing conception.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2015

New polymer creates safer fuels

Researchers at Caltech have developed a polymeric fuel additive that reduces the intensity of postimpact explosions in jet engines, without affecting fuel performance. The additive works by inhibiting droplet breakup under impact conditions, thereby reducing explosion size and turbulence.

Farthest galaxy detected

A team of Caltech researchers detects a galaxy called EGS8p7, which is more than 13.2 billion years old, making it the farthest galaxy ever found. The detection challenges our understanding of the universe's evolution, particularly reionization.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 4, 2015