Biomedical engineers at Duke University developed a platform combining automated wet lab techniques and AI to design nanoparticles for drug delivery. The TuNa-AI platform resulted in a 42.9% increase in successful nanoparticle formation compared to standard approaches.
Duke University researchers discovered that inhibiting an enzyme involved in iron regulation makes cancer cells vulnerable to cell death. By targeting STK17B kinase, they reactivated ferroptosis and increased the effectiveness of conventional therapies against multiple myeloma.
Researchers found that providers know antibiotics are wrong for most diarrhea cases but prescribe them anyway due to patient expectations. Targeted interventions empowering caregivers and public campaigns can slash misuse of antibiotics in India's private sector.
Researchers found human pancreatic tissue produces more bioactive GLP-1 than previously believed, linked to insulin secretion. Boosting body's own GLP-1 production may offer a natural way to support insulin and manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at Duke University developed a wireless patch that non-invasively measures skin and tissue stiffness, providing real-time feedback for medical applications like wound healing and chronic conditions. The technology also has potential for athletic performance optimization and rehabilitation.
Researchers have successfully treated damage caused by heart attacks in non-human primates using gene therapy, restoring both strength and rhythm of the damaged hearts. The treatment improved heart function in pathological conditions with no adverse effects observed.
New research reveals that ancient ocean oxygenation drove diversification among jawed vertebrates. The study found two oxygenation events occurred in deeper waters, one lasting from the Middle Devonian period to present, and suggests oxygen played a key role in shaping evolutionary patterns.
Global net primary production increased significantly between 2003 and 2021 due to land's photosynthetic increase, but declined in marine algae. The study highlights the importance of terrestrial ecosystems in offsetting ocean declines.
Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have identified a new system linking the microbiome to the brain, which influences behavior and appetite. The discovery was made by detecting flagellin in gut bacteria, triggering an appetite-suppressing signal to the brain.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that diet rather than idleness is the primary driver of obesity worldwide. The research analyzed data from over 4,200 adults across 34 populations and found a correlation between higher caloric intake and increased body fat percentage.
Researchers found that ring-tailed and sifaka lemurs show differences in life pacing and lifespan, making them useful comparisons to human evolution. The study suggests that lemurs avoid the phenomenon of inflammaging widely observed in humans, pointing to potential differences in aging mechanisms.
MXene materials have been engineered to respond to light, enabling their use in soft robotics applications. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new types of robots that can change shape and function in response to external stimuli.
A study published in Nature Communications found that developing countries get more nutrition per dollar in seafood imports than developed countries. They receive more protein, fatty acids, iron, and vitamin B12 per dollar, largely because they pay less for non-nutritional attributes like convenience.
Scientists at Duke University have developed a freely available tool that can estimate an individual's rate of aging and predict their risk for chronic diseases like dementia. The tool, called DunedinPACNI, analyzes brain scans to identify those who are aging faster, which may lead to cognitive decline and age-related health problems.
A new study shows that socially integrated female chimpanzees are more likely to raise surviving babies, regardless of kinship. Females with stronger social ties had a significantly better chance of raising their infants through to their first year and beyond.
Marine food webs could be impacted as ocean 'greening' shifts phytoplankton biomass. Phytoplankton act like sponges absorbing CO2 during photosynthesis, influencing climate warming.
A team of researchers combined artificial intelligence and statistical modeling to analyze language patterns in three major sections of the Bible. They distinguished between three distinct scribal traditions spanning the first nine books of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Enneateuch. The model also determined the most likely authorship ...
Scientists at Duke University have discovered a new geochemical landscape in critical lithium deposits, where boron plays a key role in controlling brine pH levels. The study found that natural brines contain high levels of boron, which is responsible for the unique chemistry in these regions.
Researchers at Duke University developed a novel framework called WildFusion that fuses vision, vibration and touch to enable robots to sense complex outdoor environments like humans do. The system was tested in real-world settings and showed remarkable ability to accurately predict traversability and improve robot decision-making.
SBI-810, a non-opioid treatment, activates a specific pain-relief pathway that avoids the euphoric high linked to addiction. The compound effectively relieved pain from surgical incisions and nerve injuries better than some existing painkillers.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new framework called HUMAC that enables robots to collaborate like humans by teaching them Theory of Mind. After just 40 minutes of guidance, robot teams exhibited strong collaborative behaviors and achieved high success rates in simulations and physical tests.
Research at Duke University found that insight triggers a burst of activity in the hippocampus, leading to better memory retention. Participants who experienced 'aha!' moments recalled solutions far better than those without, with conviction levels doubling long-term memory.
A new brain atlas developed by researchers at Duke University will increase precision in measuring changes in brain structure, making it easier to share results. The tool, the Duke Mouse Brain Atlas, provides a detailed map of the entire mouse brain, from large structures down to individual cells and circuits.
Researchers found that female cavity-nesting birds are more aggressive than their non-cavity-nesting counterparts, with beaks and claws being key defense mechanisms. The team also discovered that aggression is not linked to family or testosterone levels, but rather to specific genes that may be expressed in subtle ways.
Researchers found that oxytocin receptors were more abundant in egalitarian lemur species, contributing to reduced aggression and increased harmony. The findings could shed light on the role of hormones in shaping behavior in humans and other animals.
Engineers at Duke University have demonstrated a method to create stable optical knots using laser beams, which could be used to transmit encoded information or measure turbulence in pockets of air. The team found that by adding more squiggles to the knot's features, they could make it stable for longer and resist degradation.
Researchers at Duke University and colleagues discover a way to improve the uptake of cancer-fighting drugs called PROTACs by leveraging the CD36 protein. This approach delivered up to 23 times more potent treatment without compromising stability or solubility, paving the way for effective medications.
Researchers found that roofs with shorter peak heights (less than three feet) should be wider to minimize heat loss, while taller peaks require equilateral triangles with a specific height-to-width ratio. These findings are similar to those seen in ancient architecture across the world.
A group of long-lasting compounds called PFAS are ubiquitous in everyday products and the environment. Researchers hope to learn which ones are more toxic, and for whom, by using tiny worms to test their health effects.
Text2Robot leverages generative AI to convert user text descriptions into functional robots. The system generates manufacturable robot designs that resemble the specific request within minutes, making it accessible to anyone with a computer and 3D printer.
A new study from Duke University reveals that dopamine levels in the brains of baby birds increase with every effort they make while practicing their songs, regardless of success. This discovery has implications for understanding human learning and neurological disorders.
Researchers have discovered new CRISPR-Cas systems with improved efficiency and specificity, including one from dairy cow bacteria that can target specific gene sequences. The new systems have potential applications in human health, biotechnology and environmental fields.
Researchers found that hibernating lemurs' telomeres got longer, contrary to the usual decrease with age, suggesting a potential way to reverse cellular aging. This study, conducted at Duke University and the University of California, San Francisco, provides insights into the mechanisms behind lemur's remarkable survival strategy.
A recent survey of nearly 500 small-scale farmers in Madagascar's northern Sava region found that nearly all are experiencing changes in temperature and rainfall, making farming more difficult. Many farmers are struggling to adapt to these changes and alter their practices despite recognizing the need for change.
Researchers developed a self-healing hydrogel that can resist cracking and damage quickly. By incorporating sacrificial segments, the material forms new networks to reinforce itself.
Researchers found that corals with crab tankmates experienced less tissue loss and rapid healing compared to uninjured or injured corals without crabs. The presence of algae increased tissue loss, while crabs removed it by pruning the coral's habitat.
A new study finds Americans are willing to pay nearly $100 billion for policies that reduce gun violence by 20%. The research, conducted by Duke University and the University of Chicago, shows widespread support from all demographics for stronger intervention. With a national WTP estimate of $97.6 billion, Americans are willing to inve...
Scientists at Duke University have discovered a master epigenetic switch that can be activated using CRISPR to compensate for missing genes in Prader-Willi syndrome. This approach could potentially treat the disease by turning on naturally suppressed genes from one parent, addressing the underlying genetic defect.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed a new technique that traps together cellular machinery to increase protein production rates. This approach uses synthetic disordered proteins to form compartments called biological condensates, which enhance the rate of protein production by bringing together biomolecular machinery...
A study analyzing lithium brine and waste materials found extremely high arsenic levels, potentially threatening local wildlife. The researchers also discovered increasing acidity and boron levels in evaporation pond brine, highlighting the need for sustainable management strategies.
A recent study found that terrestrial vegetation growth was fueled by temperate and colder regions, with effects of climate warming most prominent. China and India were major contributors to global greening, driven by tree planting and land restoration efforts.
A team of researchers at Duke University has developed a novel AI-based platform that can design and match small peptides with complex proteins, previously considered unreachable. The PepPrCLIP platform utilizes generative large language models to create peptide guide proteins and an algorithm framework to screen and test the peptides.
A new study reveals that alpha male baboons' stress hormone levels are higher when they spend time monopolizing fertile females, not during aggression. This suggests that the demands of being a top-ranking male may be harmful to their health, leading to faster aging and shorter lives.
Researchers at Duke University developed an acoustofluidic integrated molecular diagnostics chip, AIMDx, that uses tiny vortexes to detect dangerous viruses. The vortexes trap cells, bacteria, and larger bioparticles, purifying samples for biomedical tests.
New measurements of the Hubble constant support a faster-than-expected Universe expansion rate, challenging current understanding of physics. A precise distance measurement to the Coma Cluster provides the foundation for this new result.
Research featured in Nature reveals that small-scale fisheries are crucial for meeting Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, poverty, and climate change. The study found that these operations provide essential nutrients to 2.3 billion people and support the livelihoods of nearly 500 million individuals.
A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that pups of dominant female meerkats, exposed to higher levels of testosterone in the womb, tend to carry more gut parasites and have weaker immune systems. Blocking a matriarch's testosterone improved the health of her pups, leading to stronger natural defenses against infection.
A new study finds that lead exposure during childhood altered the balance of mental health in the US population, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The research estimates that 151 million Americans have experienced psychiatric disorders as a result of lead exposure.
Researchers developed a platform to help AI learn complex tasks through nuance and real-time instruction, achieving up to a 30% increase in success rates. The GUIDE framework allows humans to provide ongoing, nuanced feedback, fostering incremental improvements and deeper understanding.
Researchers discovered that heart cockle shells have translucent areas with hair-thin strands that deliver specific wavelengths of light into the bivalves' tissues. This natural system filters out bad wavelengths and channels in optimal wavelengths for photosynthesis, benefiting the clams' symbiotic algae.