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Duke University


'Melting rock' models predict mechanical origins of earthquakes

Engineers at Duke University have developed a model predicting mechanical behaviors and origins of earthquakes in various rocks, providing insights into unobservable phenomena deep beneath the Earth's surface. The model accurately reproduces how friction decreases as rock speed increases, shedding light on earthquake mechanisms.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2020

Machine learning shapes microwaves for a computer's eyes

Researchers at Duke University developed a new method to identify objects using microwaves that improves accuracy while reducing computing time and power requirements. The system uses machine-learning approach to jointly determine optimal hardware settings, cutting out the need for image analysis by humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 9, 2020

Why are giant pandas born so tiny?

A Duke University study finds that baby pandas' bones mature at the same rate as other mammals, but are developed at an accelerated pace. The researchers used micro-CT scans to create 3D digital models of each baby's bony interior and discovered that giant panda skeletons are just like those of closely related animals, but smaller.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateDec 13, 2019

A window into the hidden world of colons

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created a system that allows real-time observations of individual cells in the colon of a living mouse. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the digestive system's microbiome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer, as well as explore potential treatments for gastrointestinal...

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2019

Incumbent CEOs working with new CFOs earn 10% more money

A recent study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that incumbent CEOs working with newly hired CFOs (co-opted CFOs) take home an average of 10% more compensation. This is attributed to the CEO's power over the CFO, who may be pressured to manage earnings to meet or exceed financial analyst targets, ultimately driving...

SourceDuke University·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 4, 2019

How plants harness 'bad' molecules for good ends

Researchers have identified a complex molecular interaction between reactive oxygen species and protein RITF1 that regulates root growth in the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery could lead to more efficient crop development for different soil types, optimizing productivity.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Tiny devices made of DNA detect cancer with fewer false alarms

Researchers at Duke University have developed DNA-based biomolecular reaction networks that can identify cancer cells by analyzing molecular signatures on their surface. The technology distinguishes cell types with higher specificity than previous methods, making it a promising step toward more accurate cancer screenings and therapies.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 22, 2019

Machine learning microscope adapts lighting to improve diagnosis

A Duke University microscope prototype uses machine learning to optimize lighting settings for diagnosing malaria, achieving 90% accuracy in identifying infected red blood cells. The adapted lighting system highlights the parasite in bright spots, significantly improving diagnosis times and accuracy compared to traditional methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 20, 2019

Tuna carbon ratios reveal shift in food web

A recent study found that the ratio of carbon isotopes in tuna has declined substantially since 2000, indicating shifts in phytoplankton populations. This change may be linked to increased ocean stratification and fossil fuel carbon capture, which could impact the marine food web.

SourceDuke University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 13, 2019

Disordered proteins become stable, 'super-sticky' materials

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new method to create stable IDP-based materials by controlling environmental triggers. This allows researchers to harness the phase transition properties of IDPs to build novel materials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 1, 2019

Science shows hype about your opponent actually messes with your game

A study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that players perform worse against opponents with rising rankings due to 'status momentum', which affects their mental game. This theory counters the widely debated 'hot hand' concept, suggesting a player's positive momentum can heighten their own performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Lead isotopes a new tool for tracking coal ash

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new forensic tracer that uses lead isotopes to detect coal fly ash in dust and other solids. The tracer can distinguish between the chemical signature of lead from coal ash and lead from other sources, providing a powerful tool for tracking exposure risks near coal ash ponds and landfills.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 22, 2019

How status sticks to genes

Research on rhesus macaques reveals that past social status has a lasting impact on gene expression, with low-ranking females showing signs of 'molecular memory' even after improving their social standing. The study sheds light on how stressful experiences can shape long-term health outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Machine learning predicts behavior of biological circuits

Researchers at Duke University use machine learning to model complex biological circuits, achieving speeds of hours instead of years or months. By training a deep neural network on large datasets, they uncover patterns and interactions between variables that were previously impossible to discover.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2019

Programmable swarmbots make flexible biological tools

Biomedical engineers create biomanufacturing platform using bursting bacteria and shrinking capsules to produce targeted proteins, enabling flexible and efficient production of diverse biologics. The new technology simplifies the creation of protein complexes and offers an easy way to produce multiple proteins simultaneously.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 17, 2019

Gene-targeted cancer drugs, slow release overcome resistance

Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a method to overcome limitations of gene-targeted cancer drugs by combining CRISPR/Cas9 targeting with sustained release drug delivery. This strategy effectively addressed potency, elimination, and resistance issues, demonstrating improved efficacy in mice with colorectal cancers.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 2019

Leaping larvae! How do they do that without legs?

Researchers at Duke University discovered that gall midge larvae use a hydrostatic legless jumping mechanism, which allows them to launch themselves through the air with incredible speed and efficiency. This remarkable behavior is made possible by sticky patches of skin on the larva's body, similar to those found on geckos' feet.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 8, 2019

Sustained police effort explains higher arrests for gun murders

A new study by Duke and Northeastern universities reveals that sustained police efforts lead to higher arrest rates for gun murders compared to nonfatal shootings. The researchers found that persistence in investigating fatal cases results in more arrests due to increased resources and cooperation from witnesses.

SourceDuke University·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateAug 1, 2019

Life is tough but so are worms -- thanks to mom

A Duke University study found that worm offspring of mothers who experienced nutrient stress during pregnancy were better equipped to handle starvation later on. This is due to changes in insulin signaling transmitted via eggs, which helped the larvae develop normally and avoid reproductive abnormalities.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 8, 2019