Researchers discovered that midwater crustaceans have transparent bodies and optical coatings on their legs and bodies that reduce reflections by up to 250-fold. The coatings appear to be made of living bacteria, with each species having its own symbiotic optical bacteria. This discovery has potential technological applications.
A Duke University study finds that underfed worm mothers buffer their babies from early starvation's effects, consistent with the thrifty phenotype hypothesis. Baby worms reared in lean conditions thrive despite prenatal malnutrition.
A Duke University study reveals that over 90% of water wells in North Carolina are contaminated with hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen. The contamination is attributed to the natural leaching of chromium from aquifer rocks in the Piedmont region.
A Duke University study found that roadside garbage fires in India produce a toxic rainbow of pollutants, with concentrations 1,000 times greater than ambient air. The variability in emissions stems from the diverse trash materials and smoldering combustion, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices.
Researchers at Duke University found that male mice carrying a genetic mutation known to affect human speech struggle with sequencing phonemes into words. The study used new statistical tools to analyze the structure of ultrasonic mouse songs, revealing a similar impact on sequence complexity as seen in humans.
New research from Duke University found that RNA viruses like hepatitis, Zika, and dengue are littered with N6-methyladenosine tags which slow down their ability to infect cells. The study suggests that these chemical tags might regulate the life cycle of these viruses and provide new targets for antiviral drug development.
Female meerkats can produce up to twice as much testosterone as males, which may lead to a trade-off in their immune system, making them more prone to infections. Dominant females tend to live longer and give birth to more litters than subordinate females.
Researchers at Duke University and NIEHS discover that dust mite allergens are both more abundant and stable than non-allergenic proteins, which may lead to new allergy treatments or predict allergenic potential of artificially added proteins. This discovery could also help characterize disease states and study drug mode-of-action.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully delivered bacterial genes to human cells, enhancing electrical signaling and making cells more excitable. The technique could one day be used to treat cardiac arrhythmia, restore electrical functions to scarred tissues, or improve conductivity in genetic diseases.
A new theory proposes that social identity and policy positions compete to shape voter choice. This model explains why voters often select candidates whose policies contradict their own interests, as people prioritize their self-image and social media signals over the practical benefits of voting.
A new Duke University study reveals that most fracking wastewater comes from naturally occurring brines, not man-made chemicals, accounting for over 92% of the flowback and produced water. While these brines carry risks, they also have potential beneficial re-uses, particularly in areas with scarce freshwater.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a simple, energy-efficient way to create three-dimensional acoustic holograms using Lego-like metamaterials. The technique manipulates sound waves into desired patterns, enabling applications such as improving sound quality in speakers and creating realistic ultrasound images.
A study of wild chimpanzees found that female chimps maintain a stable social rank throughout their lives, whereas males' ranks fluctuate as they age. This unique strategy suggests that females consider long-term reproductive success over short-term gains.
Academically talented US girls outperform boys in verbal abilities, while India's gifted girls trail behind in math but excel in language. The study analyzed 320,554 and 7,119 top-performing students from the US and India, respectively.
A new brain-scanning study found that engaging a specific part of the brain during mental math exercises is connected with better emotional health. The study suggests that this ability may reflect the brain's capacity to regulate emotions like fear and anger, and could inform new brain training strategies.
A study on chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans shows they can anticipate when someone else has a false belief. The apes' ability to grasp the concept of false beliefs is seen as a key milestone in human cognitive development.
A new technique using computer 'deep learning' and light-based, holographic scans can spot malaria-infected cells from simple blood samples, offering fast and reliable diagnosis in resource-limited areas. The method was tested on hundreds of cells and accurately identified malaria 97 to 100 percent of the time.
A large-scale study by Duke University researchers found that India's World Health Partners (WHP) Sky program had no impact on improving healthcare for children with diarrhea and pneumonia. Despite its $23 million funding, the program failed to increase access to proper treatment or change healthcare utilization patterns.
A new study by Duke University identified a threshold for permanent spill-induced erosion in salt marshes, with erosion rates accelerating at sites covered in over 90% oil. In contrast, marshes with less oil impact showed no accelerated erosion and potentially recover over time.
A study led by Duke University researchers found that blocking the production of a key receptor can reduce the toxicity of cigarette smoke on zebrafish embryos. The receptors were found to play a role in early embryonic development, particularly the formation of bone, heart and muscle tissues.
Researchers at Duke University discovered a new molecular mechanism by which the brain forms memories, involving the growth of neural connections. The study's findings may lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases such as epilepsy.
A new study at Duke University reveals that applying a tiny force to the Piezo1 receptor can change its behavior while it's already activated. The researchers used magnetic fields and nanometer-sized beads to manipulate the protein, which sits on cell membranes and plays a crucial role in sensing forces surrounding cells.
A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience suggests that oxytocin may support spiritual beliefs by enhancing feelings of awe, gratitude, and hope. Men who received oxytocin reported a stronger sense of spirituality and interconnectedness with others, regardless of their religious affiliation.
A new website developed at Duke University, iCheck, lets visitors evaluate claims about congressional voting records more critically. The site integrates data from multiple sources and allows users to explore how claims hold up under different parameters.
A new large-scale analysis found that logged forests in Central Africa may contain nearly twice as much deadwood as unlogged forests, and up to 3.8 times more than previous estimates. This underestimation has broad implications for regional forestry practices and global carbon emissions.
A Duke University study found that three genetic causes of microcephaly in mice share a common mechanism, involving the regulation of p53 protein. The research may improve understanding of microcephaly, autism, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Duke University scientists have identified 140 previously unknown proteins at inhibitory synapses, crucial for preventing overexcitement in the brain. The discovery opens new avenues to understanding and treating autism, intellectual disability, and epilepsy.
A new study reveals that variation in repetitive genetic code, once considered 'junk', can affect genome stability and lead to an increased risk of cancer, birth defects, and infertility. The research found that genomic variation at specific regions determines the location of centromeres on human chromosomes.
A team of Duke scientists used DNA-sequencing and computerized biology to study the glucocorticoid receptor's signaling system. They found that only 13% of binding sites directly respond to hormones, while the remaining 87% act as clusters that amplify signals.
A new study by Duke University researchers creates an analog DNA circuit that can add, subtract and multiply in a test tube, using concentrations of specific DNA strands as signals. The technology has the potential to be used in diagnosing and treating diseases, with applications including sensing vital signs and detecting molecular si...
In a study, researchers found that silvery fish camouflage can deceive even animals with super sight. Fish like tuna and mackerel use reflective scales to blend in, but surprisingly, polarization vision doesn't help animals spot them from farther away.
A new study by Duke University found that future climate warming will likely cause only minor cuts in energy output at most US coal- and gas-fired power plants. The study contradicts previous modeling-based studies that predicted significant drops in plant efficiency due to rising temperatures.
A study by Duke University researchers found that manipulating dopamine signaling can control inflammation in the gut, providing a proof of principle for using drugs originally designed to target the nervous system to treat immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune disease.
Duke researchers have successfully converted mouse fibroblasts into neuronal cells using a modified CRISPR technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved models for neurological disorders and personalized medicine. The study's findings suggest that the newly generated neurons retain their properties even after the CRISPR activator...
Researchers at Duke University used single-molecule force-spectroscopy to study Protein S, a large protein found in nature. They discovered a previously unknown stable conformation made possible by the interaction between two domains, which may help explain why some proteins are more stable than others.
A Duke University-led study finds that 42% of Southeast Asia's endemic species face a higher risk of extinction from habitat loss than previously thought. Over 200 newly identified species are not currently listed as threatened or endangered by the IUCN.
Researchers at Duke University have created gallium nanoparticles with a unique phase coexistence phenomenon, where the particle core is solid while the outer layer remains liquid. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in nanotechnology applications, including ultraviolet sensors and molecular sensing devices.
A new study from Duke University predicts which binary alloys will form metallic glasses, paving the way for strong and conductive materials. The technique involves analyzing structures and energies within solidified alloys to identify potential metallic glasses.
A new study reveals that DNA, but not RNA, can contort itself into different shapes to absorb chemical damage and maintain genome stability. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to visualize these tiny changes in DNA's double helix.
Researchers at Duke University developed a handheld device capable of capturing high-resolution images of infants' and toddlers' retinas. The device overcomes previous limitations in imaging the retina, allowing for detailed structural information about the eyes to be gathered.
A new study finds that palm oil production is driving deforestation in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, and Mesoamerica, posing significant threats to biodiversity. Conservation efforts will need to be tailored to each region's unique challenges to protect at-risk species.
A new study suggests that oceans may be a significant source of free hydrogen gas, produced by slow-spreading tectonic plates on the seafloor. This finding could have far-ranging implications for our understanding of life on Earth and the potential for clean energy.
Researchers at Duke University used fast-changing mouse lemur DNA to paint a picture of Madagascar's forested past. The study suggests that the island was not as tree-covered as previously thought, with grasslands and woodlands dominating the center of the island before human arrival.
A Duke University study found a single chemical receptor in the brain responsible for OCD symptoms in mice. The receptor, mGluR5, was found to be overactive in mice with Sapap3 gene deletion, which mimics human OCD. When blocked, symptoms abated immediately.
A new study led by researchers at Duke University found that breeding plants with beneficial bacteria to feed the world won't be simple. The study analyzed the microbial diversity of a wildflower and found that environmental differences had the biggest influence on the plant's bacterial makeup.
A new Duke University study examines how early childhood characteristics affect academic performance, finding that children with attention problems were 40% less likely to graduate from high school. Social acceptance by peers also predicted grades in fifth grade.
Computer scientists at Duke University have developed software that allows users to specify what others can see on camera, preventing inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information. The researchers presented a system that enables users to select the part of a scene they want to share, either by hand or with a few clicks.
A new study finds that converting forests into monoculture palm plantations will cause significant climate-warming carbon emissions. Converting just 11,500 hectares of forest could release 1.5 million metric tons of carbon, equivalent to small developing countries. However, these emissions can be offset over 25 years if development is ...
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method to control a specific brain circuit in mice, which can alter their mood. By combining super-fine electrodes and tiny amounts of a specific drug, the team was able to restore stressed animals to relatively normal behavior.
A new study found that centuries-old court records in Istanbul reveal high interest rates for the wealthy and privileged, while the poor faced lower rates. The research suggests that these biases have unintended consequences, exacerbating modern poverty.