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Carnegie Mellon University


Synthetic molecule invades double-stranded DNA

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a synthetic molecule that can recognize and bind to double-stranded DNA or RNA under normal physiological conditions. The Janus gamma PNAs have an extraordinarily high binding energy and can be designed to target genomic DNA for gene editing and transcriptional regulation.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2018

Neurons reliably respond to straight lines

A study published in Scientific Reports found that 80% of tracked neurons were reliably activated by the same oriented lines throughout a two-week period. The researchers used two-photon microscopy to visualize hundreds of neurons and tested an extensive range of stimuli, including varying line thickness.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 23, 2018

Neuroscientists map brain's response to cold touch

Researchers have mapped the feeling of cool touch to the brain's insula in a mouse model, providing an experimental model for studying conditions like pain and hypersensitivity. The study found that the region was activated in mice with functional TrpM8 receptors, suggesting a highly specific response to cold exposure.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateJun 18, 2018

Lead exposure found to affect fertility rates

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that exposure to lead in the air and topsoil is associated with lower fertility rates among US women and men. The study analyzed data from the 1970s to 2000s and found that reduced airborne lead levels boosted fertility, while higher levels of lead in soil decreased it.

Even without the clean power plan, US can achieve Paris Agreement emissions reductions

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have found that US power sector carbon dioxide emissions are on track to meet near-term targets under the Paris Agreement despite the Trump Administration's withdrawal of the Clean Power Plan. A strong link between natural gas prices and emission reductions has been identified, with declining...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 16, 2018

New Carnegie Mellon dynamic statistical model follows gene expressions over time

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new dynamic statistical model to visualize changing patterns in networks, including gene expression during developmental periods of the brain. The model, Persistent Communities by Eigenvector Smoothing (PisCES), combines information across multiple networks over time to identif...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018