Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain circuits respond to threats at different distances. They found that near threats engage survival circuitry, making them harder to extinguish, while distant threats are processed by higher-order thinking areas. This could lead to new therapies for PTSD.
Researchers at Duke University have created a cartilage-mimicking gel that is strong and durable, matching the properties of natural cartilage. The gel has been tested to withstand heavy loads and repeated stress without losing its shape or deteriorating over time.
A long-term study found that young adults from disadvantaged neighborhoods show epigenetic differences linked to chronic inflammation, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and lung cancer. The researchers suggest that these differences may contribute to long-term health disparities among communities.
A Duke researcher found that publicizing OSHA violations through press releases leads to a significant improvement in compliance among nearby facilities, with effects persisting up to 31 miles away. The study suggests that this approach can be an effective tool for regulatory agencies to promote safety and health in the workplace.
A new model developed by Duke University engineers can accurately recreate the dynamics of historic and current landslides, pointing to the temperature of a thin layer of clay as critical to its potential for sudden cataclysmic failure. The approach is being used to monitor an evolving landslide in Andorra.
Researchers at Duke University developed an AI tool called PULSE that can turn low-quality images of faces into highly detailed, computer-generated portraits. The system can create realistic-looking images from noisy, poor-quality input, and has been shown to outperform other scaling methods in a rating test.
Researchers create microfluidic lab-on-a-chip that uses sound waves to manipulate and transport droplets, overcoming surface absorption issue. The device enables on-site diagnostics or laboratory research with minimal energy and complex setup.
Researchers found that functional MRI measurements are highly suspect for predicting individual brain patterns, leading them to shift focus to brain structure measures instead. The study's findings have significant implications for the field of fMRI research, highlighting the need for more reliable methods.
A study by Duke University scientists found that native communities hundreds of kilometers away from gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon have high levels of mercury exposure, leading to intellectual deficits and IQ losses. Children with higher mercury levels in their hair showed cognitive effects, even at lower exposure levels.
Researchers at Duke University developed a synthetic molecule that selectively dampens cocaine-induced hyperactivity and interferes with dopamine metabolism in the brain's rewards center. The treatment slowed down drug use by 20 minutes to an hour and reduced consumption by over 80 percent in mice.
Researchers at Duke University have developed flow-through electrodes that can store hydrogen more efficiently than conventional electrolyzers. The new design increases the surface area of the electrode to allow for faster and more productive water electrolysis, with potential implications for affordable renewable energy storage.
Researchers found that male fruit flies adjust their scent sensitivity by altering a gene called fruitless in response to pheromone signals and social environment. This study may provide insights into treating sensory processing disorders like autism, as it reveals how organisms selectively tune into or block sensory input.
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that reusing oilfield water in California's Kern County does not pose major health risks. The water can be safely used for irrigation if mixed with surface water, but farmers must plant boron-tolerant crops and monitor soil quality to avoid potential issues.
A Duke University study reveals that low-severity fires shield peatland soils from decay, preserving carbon and slowing down its release into the atmosphere. This 'crème brulee effect' enhances long-term carbon retention, with implications for managing peatlands and addressing climate change.
Researchers propose genetic barcodes to guarantee DNA samples' authenticity before reaching the lab, mitigating cyberbiosecurity threats. The system introduces non-harmful material into samples as they're collected, which acts as a password ensuring their genuineness upon processing.
Researchers at Duke University found a single brain area, the CeAga neurons, which can profoundly control pain by turning off dozens of other pain-promotion centers. By activating this center, they can alleviate pain behaviors in mice, suggesting potential future treatments for chronic pain.
Researchers discovered that malaria parasites can tick their own internal clocks, with 90% of genes showing rhythmic patterns. This internal metronome may help the parasite synchronize its escape from red blood cells and evade the human immune system.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new imaging device that can measure the thickness and texture of the retina, potentially providing an early warning system for Alzheimer's disease. The device combines two technologies to spot structural changes in the retina, which could be indicative of the disease.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a massive fluid dynamics simulator to model blood flow through the full human arterial system, providing guidance for treatment plans. A new graphical user interface called Harvis allows clinicians to easily explore options without expertise in computer science.
Researchers at Duke University use plasmonics to boost fluorescence in diagnostics, increasing test brightness by over 150 times. The approach could make point-of-care diagnostics more widespread and affordable.
Researchers at Duke University have devised a low-cost method for passively locating sources of radio waves, such as Wi-Fi and cellular communication signals. The technique uses metamaterials to create a coded aperture that boosts signal strength and allows for the characterization of radio wave frequencies.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully treated motor dysfunction in an animal model of Parkinson's disease using light-based deep brain stimulation. The technique, which targets specific neurons, shows promise for tailoring therapies to individual patients and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed a fast and low-cost diagnostic test using inkjet-printed antibodies, potentially reducing coronavirus testing wait times to 30 minutes. The D4 assay tool has shown promise in detecting SARS-Cov-2 antigens with high accuracy, making it a promising solution for point-of-care diagnosis.
Duke University researchers use a machine learning algorithm to estimate ground-level air pollution with high accuracy and resolution, surpassing current methods. The approach uses high-resolution micro-satellite imagery and weather data to detect tiny airborne particles like PM2.5.
A new study by Duke University finds that US community water systems are disproportionately affected by droughts, with low-income and minority neighborhoods facing the highest risks. The analysis highlights the need for a fundamental re-evaluation of how these systems are managed and funded to ensure equal access to safe drinking water.
Researchers have found a unique connection between magnetic properties and atomic dynamics in troilite, which could enable new technologies such as spintronic computing. The material's transition into a magnet controls instabilities in its crystalline structure, causing it to change from a conductor to an insulator.
Researchers have developed a way to protect thin, flexible neural interfaces from the biological processes of the human body. The new technology uses thermally grown silicon dioxide to create a biocompatible barrier that lasts for more than six years.
Researchers found high concentrations of selenium in stream insects and spiders that eat them, indicating pollutants move from water to land as they form the food chain. The study showed that even streams without mining contamination can still have selenium-rich spiders, highlighting the persistence of toxic substances.
A new study finds that using bedroom air filters can significantly improve breathing in asthmatic children. Consistent daily use of filters for two weeks reduced airway resistance, lung inflammation, and increased airway elasticity. The findings suggest that the filters may help prevent asthma flare-ups without costly medications.
The Duke Clinical Research Institute is leading a $50 million study to evaluate hydroxychloroquine as a preventive drug for COVID-19 in healthcare workers. The study, called HERO, aims to assess the impact of the novel coronavirus on healthcare workers' health and examine whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent infections.
A new Duke University study finds that co-occurring contaminants in North Carolina's private wells can heighten health risks for millions of residents. The study highlights the need for more research to better understand the health impacts of geogenic contaminants and mixtures.
A new study from Duke and Vanderbilt University psychologists found that older people are generally more emotionally stable and better able to resist temptations in their daily lives. The researchers surveyed 123 participants aged 20-80 and found that age is a stronger predictor of the ability to resist temptation than emotional state.
Professor Adrian Bejan explains how the physics of spreading and growth can lead to economic downturns, but also highlights the potential for innovation and creativity to drive new growth and prosperity.
The new coarse-grained model explains how seasonal changes in rainfall, solar radiation, and vegetation conditions affect surface urban heat islands at a city-wide scale. It provides general insights for city planners and scientists to design heat mitigation strategies.
The researchers demonstrate a novel type of supercapacitor that can store energy like a battery but with some key differences. It stores energy through charge separation and cannot create its own electricity, making it perfect for short, high-power applications.
A new Duke University study finds that microplastic fibers cause cellular changes in fish, including damage to gills and increased egg production in female fish. The study suggests that chemicals from the fibers may be acting as endocrine disruptors, threatening both freshwater and marine organisms.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to create new shapes of biocompatible microparticles by applying heat and light to proteins. These particles can be tailored for various applications such as drug delivery, diagnostics, and tissue engineering.
A new study by Duke University reveals that piracy in the Strait of Hormuz can have a significant toll on smaller Persian Gulf countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait. These nations export refined petroleum products, which make up a larger proportion of their GDP, making them more vulnerable to slowdowns in energy shipping.
Researchers at Duke University found that ultra-black butterfly wings achieve light-absorbing properties using a 3-D structure of wing scales, which creates an optical illusion. This study could help design thinner ultra-black coatings for applications like military camouflage and space telescopes.
A study identified dozens of new mutations in the DDX3X gene, critical for brain development, and found that half caused loss of function while others disrupted its normal functioning. The research provides insight into how the gene functions normally and may lead to potential therapies.
A study found that gray whales are 4.3 times more likely to strand during solar storms due to radio frequency noise disrupting their navigational sense. Researchers believe the noise overwhelms the whales' senses, preventing them from navigating altogether.
Researchers from Duke University have conducted field trials of their off-grid sanitation system, finding that critical components lasted longer than expected. However, the system still requires improvement in nutrient removal processes and addressing cultural practices to ensure sustainability.
A new study of wild chimpanzees finds that males whose mothers were present during their tween and teen years had higher odds of survival later in life. The study also suggests that adolescent males benefit from their mother's wealth of experience and knowledge, such as how to avoid predators or find food.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that historical helmets can provide similar protection from blast-induced brain trauma as modern ones. The French Adrian helmet demonstrated superior performance in protecting the brain from overhead blasts, with its crest feature potentially playing a key role.
A study by Duke University found that wearable devices like smart watches and fitness trackers accurately measure heart rate across different skin tones but have varying levels of accuracy during various activities. The research highlights the need for better understanding of device accuracy and its impact on medical decisions.
Researchers developed an advanced blood vessel model to study progeria, a devastating genetic disease. The model shows that the endothelium, not just smooth muscle cells, plays a crucial role in progeria symptoms, and dynamic 3D models are necessary to understand its effects.
A new Duke University study found that many household filters are only partially effective at removing toxic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Activated-carbon filters removed an average of 73% of PFAS contaminants, while reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal.
Researchers found that at least 25% of antibiotic-resistant pathogens are capable of spreading their resistance genes directly to other bacteria. The study, which used a new high-throughput method, showed that antibiotics do not significantly affect the rate of gene transfer between bacteria.
A new study reveals that neurons in the striatum require the huntingtin gene for regulating movement, maintaining cell health, and developing connections between cells. This discovery may provide a new avenue against Huntington's disease, which affects motor control, dementia, and psychiatric symptoms.
A new study finds that female chimpanzees with high-ranking mothers are more likely to stay in their birth group, despite the risks of inbreeding. The benefits of having a powerful mom, including access to prime foraging spots and social clout, may outweigh the costs of staying.