Duke University has received a $24 million award to develop foundational science for engineering systems to counter unmanned aerial attacks. The center, led by Miroslav Pajic, brings together experts in wireless systems, cybersecurity, and AI to develop tools and automated procedures for detecting, thwarting, and controlling enemy drones.
A team of researchers has discovered that controlling morphine's effects in a specific group of neurons can prevent the formation of rewarding associations with opioids. This study challenges previous conclusions and suggests that dopamine elevation can be separated from learned drug preference.
Researchers used fossil skulls and virtual models to find that the neocortex's expansion was tied to increased visual input. The study challenges a long-held idea about how primates developed large brains.
Researchers at Duke University developed an AI framework called Raygun that can create modified versions of proteins while preserving structure and function. The tool uses protein language models to make extensive changes to existing proteins, opening up new avenues for engineering customized-sized proteins.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that atmospheric rivers contribute to marine heatwaves, with a strong association in winter months. The team's analysis of satellite data revealed that active atmospheric rivers often precede peak marine heatwave temperatures, suggesting a causal link.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to systematically develop novel probiotic and prebiotic combinations to maintain gut health and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The approach uses machine learning and automation to explore complex interactions between microbes, nutritional sources, and the environment.
A recent study from Duke University and industry collaborators found that at least 1% of resumes submitted to a popular hiring platform contained hidden instructions designed to trick the AI system. The trend is accelerating quickly, with the rate increasing sevenfold between July 2024 and November 2025.
Researchers analyzed wastewater samples from 19 communities across North Carolina, revealing patterns of plant and animal consumption influenced by economics, immigration, and geography. The study demonstrates the potential for wastewater surveillance to track nutrition trends and identify gaps in food access.
A new study reveals that microplastics in the air can trap heat, making them a previously unknown contributor to climate change. Researchers found that colored microplastics absorb roughly 16% as much heat as black carbon, with an effect equivalent to running 200 coal-fired power plants annually.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have successfully grown specialized blood vessel cells critical to retinal health from induced pluripotent stem cells. These 'retinal endothelial cells' integrated into damaged tissue to regenerate blood vessels, restore function, and form functional vascular tissue in a lab-grown environment.
Scientists have identified three powerful, drug-like molecules that directly target beta-arrestins, the first clear way to control these proteins with pharmacological precision. The compounds block beta-arrestin interaction with GPCRs and carry out their normal functions, allowing signaling through G proteins to persist.
A study found wide variation in contamination by lead and arsenic in soil and ash from California homes burned by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. Cleanup efforts reduced concentrations of these contaminants, but the study highlights a need for technical review and more effective cleanup methods.
Researchers at Duke University introduce Argus, a 20-eyed robot with no front or back, demonstrating dynamic symmetry and improving performance across various measures. The design surpasses the theoretical maximum of 0.6, enabling robustness, energy efficiency, and resilience to damage.
Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine identified a new mechanism by which G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) control signaling in cells. They found that β-arrestin proteins can assemble into liquid-like clusters known as condensates, acting as hubs to organize signaling molecules.
Researchers at Duke University developed a new approach to deliver GLP-1 medications orally that maintains efficacy without requiring fasting. The technique uses an elastin-like polypeptide-based delivery system that protects the peptide from stomach acid and releases it in the intestines, bypassing the stomach's destructive acids.
A new technology called LinCx allows scientists to create new electrical connections between carefully chosen neurons, enabling selective changes in brain circuit function. This approach enables bypassing broken brain connections and may be used to treat neurological disorders.
Researchers pinpoint a specific connection in the brain where song learning first occurs, finding that it hinges on a highly organized process involving a single type of synapse. The study sheds light on how songbirds learn to vocalize by imitating a tutor and shares similarities with human language development.
A new study found that a fluid surrounding many ovarian tumors, known as ascites, helps cancer cells survive and spread. Researchers discovered that a decades-old cholesterol drug, bezafibrate, can disrupt this protection by altering fat storage and iron control, making cancer cells more vulnerable to existing treatments.
Ecotech aims to develop scalable solutions inspired by nature to tackle environmental challenges. The field combines biology, engineering, and earth sciences for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Researchers from Duke University analyzed data from over 50,000 Fitbit users across four states and found that daylight saving time does not affect overall daily step counts. However, they did notice a shift in steps taken between morning and evening, likely due to adjustments made to match the new daylight availability.
A new study in Nature has filled in the gaps of how a widely used antifungal drug works, revealing its surprising mechanism and providing critical insights for designing next-generation therapies. The research found that caspofungin binds to a growing chain of cell-wall material produced by an enzyme, effectively stalling its activity.
New research from Duke University finds that commercial large language models (LLMs) are less creative and generate more similar responses than humans. The study challenges these models with three standard tests assessing creativity and finds that their outputs are more alike, highlighting the need for human diversity in brainstorming
Using AI-driven analytical methods, researchers have created a custom OCT system that enables the objective measurement of wound progress over time. The platform shows that stiffer mechanical properties improve wound healing outcomes, with faster transition to intact regenerated tissue.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique using microbubbles and ultrasound to deliver large cancer drugs into cells, causing them to self-destruct. The technology, called SonoPIN, shows promise in precisely delivering therapeutics to cancer cells with minimal off-target effects.
A new study from Duke University found that most lethal mutations in wild fruit flies are driven by newly transferred jumping genes, not small DNA errors. The research reveals a hidden layer of evolution where lethal mutations persist in generations due to the impact of transposable elements.
Researchers have completed the most comprehensive survey of DNA associated with plankton in the Southern Ocean, revealing a vast genetic diversity that affects the carbon cycle. The study sheds light on the role of microbial ecosystems in climate change and highlights the need to understand how these genes control ocean chemistry.
Electrical engineers at Duke University have developed the fastest pyroelectric photodetector, capable of capturing light from the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The device requires no external power and operates at room temperature, making it suitable for on-chip applications and multispectral cameras.
Study by Duke engineers reveals that a common device architecture used to test 2D transistors overstates their performance prospects up to sixfold. The back-gated architecture amplifies the transistor's performance using contact gating, but has physical limitations that prevent its use in commercial technologies.
Researchers found that certain salinity patterns can fuel El Niño development, increasing its intensity by 20%. This process makes extreme El Niño events more likely and causes catastrophic flooding and severe droughts. The study identified global patterns in salinity preceding major El Niño events over the past 65 years.
Researchers from Duke University found that uniform materials without complexity are the culprit behind deadly infections after heart surgery. Bioengineered grafts with decellularized tissue can greatly reduce complications. The study suggests designing new solutions similar to vascular tissue in interior complexity.
Duke University researchers have observed statistical localization in a neutral-atom platform, where most configurations of quantum bits remain effectively frozen. This phenomenon has implications for robustly storing information in a quantum system and could be a powerful feature of quantum mechanics.
A new cross-cultural study suggests that children's behavior in situations involving fairness, trust, forgiveness, and honesty is shaped by local cultural norms. As children enter middle childhood, their behavior aligns with community values, refining their understanding of social norms and cooperation.
Researchers at Duke University and the University of Pennsylvania observed iridium oxide nanocrystals restructure and dissolve atom by atom during electrolysis. The findings provide critical insight into why current catalysts fail and how future materials might last longer, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.
Researchers at Duke University have created a programmable Lego-like material that can change its stiffness and damping in response to temperature changes. The material, made from gallium and iron, can be programmed to mimic various commercially available soft materials.
Researchers developed the Ocean Equity Index to rate ocean initiatives on their recognition of stakeholders, inclusion in decision-making, and treatment. The index offers a practical way to prioritize coastal communities' rights and voices, leading to more equitable outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University have created a new method to use analog radio waves to boost energy-efficient edge AI, enabling devices to run powerful AI models without heavy chips or distant servers. The approach, called Wireless Smart Edge networks (WISE), achieves nearly 96% image classification accuracy while consuming significantl...
Duke researchers successfully restored mitochondria in nerve cells, significantly reducing pain tied to diabetic neuropathy and chemotherapy-induced nerve damage. The approach could fix what the team sees as the root problem – restoring energy flow that keeps nerve cells healthy and resilient.
A new study from Duke University found that even mild stress before surgery can lead to delirium, uncontrolled pain, and longer hospital stays in older adults. Over 40% of patients reported moderate to high distress levels similar to those with advanced cancer.
A new model by researchers at Duke University explains how trees grow differently under rising carbon dioxide levels. The study found that an engineer's view of water movement in leaves can help explain tree growth patterns in a carbon-rich atmosphere.
A new AI framework uncovers simple, understandable rules governing complex dynamics in nature and technology. The AI generates equations that accurately describe complex systems, revealing hidden variables that govern their behavior. This approach offers scientists a new way to leverage AI for understanding complex systems.
A study by Duke University found potentially hazardous brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, posing risks to firefighter health. The chemicals, including decabromodiphenyl ethane, have been linked to negative health effects such as cancer, thyroid disease, and neurodevelopmental problems.
Researchers used CRISPR technologies to discover previously unannotated DNA stretches in the 'dark genome', which control cell response to mechanical properties of their environment. This work could lead to new therapeutic targets for illnesses involving changes to tissue mechanics, including fibrosis and cancer.
An analysis published in Environmental Research Letters found that Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) are underperforming and failing to meet their conservation goals. The study graded 16 RFMOs in 10 categories, with an average score of 46 out of 100, indicating a significant gap between performance and mandates.
Researchers at Duke University traced PFAS contamination to a local textile manufacturing plant in Burlington, NC. The facility was releasing solid nanoparticle PFAS precursors into the sewer system, which were then transformed into regulated forms of PFAS that current tests can detect.
A Duke University study shows that cultural norms influence gesture use, with Black and White Americans communicating differently. The research highlights the importance of considering nonverbal cues to improve understanding across racial groups.
Duke engineers built an AI optical microscope that can analyze 2D materials with up to 99.4% accuracy, identifying layer regions and subtle defects. The system, ATOMIC, leverages publicly available AI foundation models to speed up the process, requiring no specialized training data.
Engineers at Duke University have constructed an 'agentic system' of AI bots that can solve complex design problems nearly as well as a fully trained scientist. The researchers created large language model (LLM) AI agents to complete all the legwork, allowing them to automate straightforward but niche design problems.
Duke University researchers have developed a printing technique that can create fully functional and recyclable electronics with features as small as tens of micrometers. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the $150 billion electronic display industry.
Researchers found that seabirds use different strategies to find food, with scent-tracking birds benefiting visually hunting birds. This study provides insights into complex systems and crowd behavior, informing conservation strategies for procellariiform seabirds.
A long-term study by Duke researchers found that elevated levels of stress biomarkers in childhood are strongly associated with worse metabolic and cardio health outcomes later in life. A stable, financially secure home is crucial for a stress-free childhood.