A new study finds that immigrant children who arrive before age 10 develop occupational skills similar to those of native-born Americans. In contrast, older arrivals from languages distant from English focus more on math and STEM fields, leading to occupational segregation.
Researchers developed a new statistical framework to study microbial evolution using geology-inspired methods, identifying diverse bacteria adapting to various environments on the human body
Intellectual humility, an awareness of one's own fallibility, increases tolerance and improves decision-making abilities. The trait affects how people evaluate evidence, assess politicians' views, and engage in constructive discussions.
A new study finds that invasive fruit fly males of the wrong species can coerce females into sex, reducing their offspring production and willingness to mate with their own kind. Native species are threatened by these unwelcome romantic advances, which contribute to their decline.
Researchers created a new model to predict decompression sickness severity after deep-sea dives. The model estimates both the risk and severity of symptoms, allowing divers to better plan their ascents and prevent painful and potentially fatal results.
A new biomarker called methylthioadenosine (MTA) has been identified as a predictor of death in sepsis patients. Measuring MTA levels can be approximately 80% accurate in predicting patient outcomes, similar to the APACHE II score.
Researchers at Duke University identified a mechanism linking 'jumping genes' to brain cell death in Alzheimer's, potentially leading to new treatments. The study suggests that Alu elements, normally held in check by DNA methylation patterns, can disrupt mitochondrial function and contribute to neurodegeneration.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new laser technique to measure the stiffness of individual cancer cells, which is correlated with cellular disorder. This technique has the potential to enable high-throughput screening for early cancer detection, allowing for rapid and accurate diagnosis.
Researchers at Duke University developed tiny rhodium nanoparticles that convert carbon dioxide into methane using ultraviolet light, potentially reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. The discovery offers a promising alternative energy source and could be scaled up for industrial applications.
A study by Duke University identifies 6,648 fracking spills in Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania between 2005 and 2014, with half of spills due to pipes and valves. The analysis reveals that wells with previous spills are at higher risk of future incidents.
A new study suggests that the communication between brain hemispheres is key to creativity. Highly creative individuals have significantly more nerve connections between their right and left hemispheres, particularly in the frontal lobe.
A new study led by Duke University finds that over 25,000 elephants were killed for their ivory between 2004 and 2014 in Gabon's protected area. The loss of forest elephants has significant implications for the preservation of the species.
A Duke University study found people in rural Madagascar get shorter, poorer sleep than those in the US or Europe, but compensate by having a more consistent sleep schedule. Despite disrupted rest due to noise and light, participants reported being happy with their sleep.
Deep-sea squids have developed unique eyes to spot two different sources of light: ambient sunlight and bioluminescent flashes. The large eye is adapted for gazing upwards, searching for shadows, while the small eye scans downwards for bioluminescence.
A Duke University study has found elevated selenium levels in fish from three North Carolina lakes receiving power plants' coal ash waste, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and posing health risks. The study highlights the ongoing issue of continuous contamination of aquatic resources from hundreds of coal ash ponds across the country.
A mathematical modeling study suggests that female beauty in animals may be driven by factors beyond romantic attraction. In some species, traits like red-tipped claws or feathery fringes on legs help females compete for resources such as social status or protection.
A new Duke-led analysis reveals that hypoxic dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico drive up the price of large shrimp relative to smaller sizes, causing economic ripples for consumers, fishermen, and seafood markets. The study provides the first evidence linking Gulf hypoxia to economic impacts.
Electrical engineers at Duke University have created a metal-free metamaterial that can absorb electromagnetic energy, opening doors for applications in imaging, sensing, and lighting. The device's ability to absorb energy without heating up has direct implications for thermal imaging devices and efficient lighting systems.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a tiny device that uses sound waves to create whirlpools to gather proteins and other biomarkers from blood, urine or saliva samples. This innovative technology has the potential to form the basis of a small, inexpensive point-of-care device for early disease diagnosis.
Duke University researchers identified the caudate nucleus as the brain structure responsible for forming direct links between environmental stimuli and enhanced focus. By repeating exposure to specific faces, participants could trigger automatic focus and bypass distractions.
The increasing use of synthetic chemicals is outpacing global environmental changes, with pesticides and pharmaceuticals posing significant threats to human and environmental health. Research on these chemicals has been neglected, despite their impact on ecosystems and the environment.
A new study found that male baboons resort to infanticide and feticide when faced with scarcity, reducing their waiting time to breed. Researchers observed a spike in infant deaths and lost pregnancies after new males arrived in troops, targeting pregnant females and nursing infants.
Researchers at Duke University developed iron-fortified nutrition bars that effectively combat anemia in Indian women, offering a practical and well-tolerated solution. The study involved 179 participants who received the supplement bar for 90 days, resulting in increased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
Duke University researchers have solved the molecular structure of MurJ, a key protein in bacterial cell wall construction. The discovery could aid in the development of new antibiotics to combat mounting antibacterial resistance.
A study found that chimpanzees are more likely to reproduce with mates whose genetic makeup differs from their own, suggesting a unique mating strategy. This preference may help reduce inbreeding depression and increase infant survival rates among chimps.
A new study reveals that grazing pressures compound drought stress, delaying recovery and reducing ecosystems' tipping points. Grazing animals and fungal pathogens can kill drought-weakened vegetation, preventing plants from recovering.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a new treatment approach using Salmonella bacteria to target glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. The modified bacteria produce anti-tumor compounds that kill cancer cells only in low-oxygen environments, showing promising results in rat models.
Engineers at Duke University and the University of Washington propose a flat-screen wireless charging system using metamaterials. The technology can charge devices within a room, eliminating cord hassles and power shortages.
Duke University researchers have developed a new approach to deep brain stimulation that reduces energy consumption by up to 75% without compromising treatment efficacy. The algorithm uses computational evolution to design tailored patterns for individual patients, leading to improved symptoms and reduced battery replacement procedures.
A new study by Duke University found that increasing politicians' pay does not encourage more working-class people to run for office. Research shows that high-paying jobs attract professionals rather than lower-paid individuals, making it difficult for blue-collar workers to break into politics.
Researchers at Duke University have created a new method for printing conductive films using silver nanowire inks, eliminating the need for heat. The resulting printed electronics can be used in various applications such as solar cells, displays, and implantable bio-electronic devices.
A new Duke University study reveals that global emissions targets can only be met if green technologies are developed and implemented at an unprecedented pace. To limit warming below the Paris Agreement's 2 degrees C target, green innovations must be accelerated by a full order of magnitude, or about ten times faster than in the past.
Researchers at Duke University developed a new technology using nanocubes to simplify multispectral imaging in color and infrared, promising cheaper and more robust solutions for various industries. The technique relies on plasmonics and can be scaled up, reducing costs and increasing accuracy.
Researchers identified a small portion of the population with high-needs/high-costs as the lion's share of socially costly problems. Early interventions at preschool age showed promise in avoiding these costs.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a common mechanism underlying separate forms of dystonia, a brain disorder causing involuntary movements. A new cell-based screening test has been developed to identify new drug candidates, leveraging the misplacement of the DYT1 protein near the nucleus.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a set of DNA-binding proteins in Arabidopsis roots that work together to trigger stem cell differentiation and create specialized cells with distinct roles. This discovery sheds light on the longstanding question of how plants make so many types of cells from the same genetic instructions.
Researchers discovered that neural stem cells serve as RNA highways, transporting proteins and messenger RNAs to the endfeet. FMRP was found to be responsible for controlling mRNA movement and is linked to autism-related disorders.
A recent study by Duke University researchers has identified a crucial link between autism and pain sensation, suggesting that the SHANK3 protein plays a key role in transmitting pain signals. The findings have significant implications for understanding autism-related sensory problems and developing effective treatments.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new PEG delivery system that avoids immune responses and extends the duration of drugs in the bloodstream. The technology, which produces more uniform results, shows excellent efficacy in controlling glucose levels in diabetic mice.
A new study reveals that social status affects immune cell gene expression and response to infection in rhesus monkeys. The research found that improving social standing can reverse health disparities caused by low social status.
A new study of mortality patterns in humans, monkeys, and apes reveals that men have yet to catch up with women in terms of life expectancy. Despite advances in medicine and public health, the gender gap remains unchanged, with females outliving males across all primate species.
Researchers found that triple-negative breast cancer cells are addicted to cystine and die rapidly when deprived of it, suggesting a potential new treatment. Cystine-blocking molecules may be effective in targeting this pathway, which is also used by other aggressive cancers.
A study by Duke University found that North Carolina's Smart Start and More at Four programs had long-lasting positive effects on children's educational outcomes. The programs improved test scores, reduced grade retention, and decreased the odds of special education placements through fifth grade.
A recent study found that North Carolina children living in rural counties are 1.25 times more likely to be obese than city-dwellers, with high poverty schools posing an even greater risk. Researchers suggest that targeted school initiatives can help lower obesity rates by improving access to healthy food and physical education.
A new study using remote sensing data finds that over 200 bird species in six rapidly developing regions are at risk of extinction, despite not being included on the IUCN Red List. The analysis reveals accelerated risks of extinction for 210 species and threatened status for 189 species due to habitat loss.
A new analysis predicts that most coral reef ecosystems will be severely impacted by ocean acidification and sea surface temperature rise, leading to lost fish habitats and shoreline protection. The study suggests that policy action must be informed by data and science to combat these threats and mitigate their effects on communities.
A study by Duke University researchers found that bushmeat hunting is drastically shaping wildlife communities, leading to sharp declines in large mammal populations and increases in rodent and small bird populations. The research suggests that the problem will worsen as the human population in the region increases.
Researchers from Duke University have identified two specific receptors, CXCR2 and LTBR, that play a key role in the development of drug-resistant multiple sclerosis. The study found that targeting these receptors may lead to successful treatment for patients who do not respond to interferon-beta treatment.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a crucial protein, CTGF, essential for spinal cord regeneration in zebrafish. By introducing the human version of CTGF, they were able to boost regeneration and improve swimming abilities in fish.
Research from Duke University finds shotgun marriages increasing among certain groups of women, including young mothers and those with less education. The study suggests that shotgun marriages are not as unstable as thought, with divorce rates comparable to other marriages.