Researchers at Duke University have discovered that gut inflammation sparks colon cancer, with microRNA miR-34a playing a crucial role in controlling stem cell division. Elevated levels of miR-34a may serve as an early warning system for colon cancer, and its expression could be used to treat late-stage cancer.
Researchers found that deprivation of cystine triggers necrosis in renal cell carcinoma cells, leading to cell death and delayed tumor growth. This approach may offer a new therapeutic strategy for treating this aggressive form of kidney cancer.
Fruit flies develop complex nervous systems through a set of genetic control switches that interact early in development to generate dozens of types of olfactory neurons. The same gene network also plays a role in programming taste neurons, suggesting the same basic mechanism could be at work in other animals.
A study by Duke University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory finds that global temperature remains stable in the long run due to the Planck Response and other mechanisms. Natural climate cycles alone are insufficient to explain large, sustained changes in global temperature.
Researchers used whole-transcriptome sequencing to screen for blood-borne diseases in wild lemurs and found several strains of parasites similar to those causing Lyme disease. The approach could pave the way for earlier detection of future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases that move between animals and people.
New research by Duke University scientists suggests that habits like sugar addiction manifest in the brain's basal ganglia circuitry, leading to a 'go' signal that primes cravings. The study found that mice with formed habits had altered brain activity patterns, including a change in timing between go and stop signals.
Research found that prairie voles living in close quarters were less stressed out and had lower levels of the stress hormone corticosterone. This is surprising as most studies link increased crowding with higher stress.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to freeze cancer-causing Epstein-Barr virus in its tracks. By triggering senescence, a suspended state of the cell, the virus's advance can be halted, providing new hope for controlling the disease.
Researchers have discovered the structure of TRPV2, a protein linked to pain and heat perception, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that TRPV2 has an in-between state where it becomes desensitized to repeated stimuli, suggesting a potential way to alleviate chronic pain.
Researchers found that the number of bacterial species in a chimp's GI tract increases when they are more gregarious. The study suggests that social interactions with other chimps help maintain gut microbial diversity over a lifetime, just as initial exposure from mom does.
A trio of molecules, hevin, neurexins, and neuroligins, orchestrate neuron connections in the developing brain that are responsible for processing sensory information. The study may provide insight into brain disorders including autism, depression, and addiction.
A new report from Duke University's Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security recommends expanding community policing efforts to prevent violent extremism. The report finds that building trust with Muslim-Americans has become especially challenging due to widespread discrimination and harassment since 9/11.
A new study finds that dynamic closures can reduce bycatch up to three times more efficiently than static measures, while minimizing economic impact on fishermen. By managing at finer scales, managers can zero in on transitory hotspots and reduce the need for large-scale closures.
Researchers at Duke University found that delayed neural stem cells can cause premature differentiation into neurons and increased cell death, leading to smaller brain development. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of microcephaly and its potential links to other neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study uses radiocarbon dating to estimate ages, growth rates and reproductive maturity of sea turtles in the wild. The technique provides more accurate estimates than current methods, shedding light on factors influencing endangered sea turtle populations.
Scientists from Duke University developed a freely available computer program based on the traveling salesman mathematics problem to find the least-repetitive genetic code. This allows synthesizers to easily explore synthetic biomaterials previously unavailable to most researchers.
Duke University researchers successfully treated an adult mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy using CRISPR gene editing. The treatment involved delivering the gene-editing system directly to the affected tissues through a non-pathogenic carrier called adeno-associated virus, overcoming several delivery challenges.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that coastal marshes can adapt to rising sea levels through increased plant productivity and soil generation, reducing the extent of marsh loss. The 'CO2 fertilization effect' allows marshes to trap more sediment and create organic soil, which helps them keep pace with sea-level rise.
A study found that chronically lonely adolescents interpret social inclusion as coincidental and social exclusion as personal failure, leading to increased emotional distress. These self-defeating interpretations can perpetuate loneliness, making it harder for them to take advantage of opportunities for social inclusion.
Researchers found that humans are exceptionally short sleepers, getting an average of seven hours of sleep per night, whereas other primates need up to 17 hours. Human sleep is also more efficient, spending less time in light stages and more in deeper stages.
Researchers found that teens who witness others using substances are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior, especially those with a 'risk-taking' gene. The study used cell phones to track teens' daily lives and found that witnessing substance abuse triggers misbehavior.
Cavitation bubbles, formed by ultrasonic pressure waves, can cause severe damage to nearby cells. Duke researchers used high-speed cameras to study the effects of these powerful little bubbles on individual cells, finding that membranes can withstand higher strains than previously thought and reseal allowing target cells to fully recover.
The study found that people use two different mechanisms to judge intentionality, relying on emotion for negative outcomes and statistics for positive outcomes. Brain scans revealed differences in brain activity between individuals with different personality traits and psychological measures.
Cuttlefish use electrical fields to mask their presence from sharks, reducing the bioelectric field by up to 89% when arms are over siphons. This technology is used in combination with visual camouflage to protect against predation.
New research from Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy found that income-based school assignment policies in Wake County increased segregation, but those in other large North Carolina districts experienced less diversity and declining test scores for black students.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that umbilical cord tissue-derived cells produce molecules that promote the growth, connection, and survival of retinal neurons. The study identifies thrombospondins as key players in this process, with potential therapeutic applications for degenerative eye diseases.
Researchers have found that infertile animals appear to be protected from neurodegeneration in a study using C. elegans worms. The study, which appears online now, showed that infected worms display hallmarks of neurodegeneration similar to those seen in humans, but infertile animals resist this process.
Researchers at Duke University have created a technique for monitoring neurons in action with a time resolution of about 0.2 milliseconds, allowing for the first holistic view of neural activity in mammalian brains. This breakthrough enables scientists to study how brain activity translates into specific thoughts and behaviors.
While parents' fears about teens' digital habits are often overstated, there are valid concerns about cyberbullying and sleep disruption. Teens' online lives mirror their offline experiences, but excessive screen time can lead to negative effects for vulnerable adolescents.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a technology that brings true color to infrared imaging systems, capturing specific wavelengths from the visible to the infrared spectrum. This allows advanced thermal imaging systems to be produced faster and cheaper, with higher sensitivity.
Researchers found that specific food items like potato chips, butter, and sugary drinks contribute to weight gain in children. Policy experts suggest labeling unhealthy products, changing food marketing, and increasing access to healthy options to promote healthier choices.
Mathematicians at Duke University develop a method to compare common tumor growth models using only two time-point measurements of tumor size. The results suggest breast and liver tumors grow exponentially, while neurological tumors follow the two-thirds power law.
A new Duke University study finds that clumping newly planted marsh grasses can spur positive interactions and boost growth, increasing vegetative cover by up to 300% in some test plots. This approach challenges 40-year-old forestry-based practice of dispersed planting.
A team of evolutionary biologists used mathematical models to determine that ancient carnivores could bring down massive herbivores like mastodons and giant ground sloths. The largest cave hyena might have been able to take down a 5-year-old juvenile mastodon weighing over a ton.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR system that can precisely turn on and off specific genomic regions, potentially revolutionizing the study of human diseases. This technique has shown exceptional specificity, enabling precise control over gene expression.
A Duke University study found that early childhood stress can lead to a reduced response to rewards in adulthood, which may contribute to an increased risk of depression and other mental health problems. The research used fMRI scans to examine brain activity in adults who were closely monitored from kindergarten onwards.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a potential new class of drugs that may prevent the development of temporal lobe epilepsy. A small-protein drug called pY816 was found to reduce both the likelihood and severity of epilepsy in mice after an episode of prolonged seizures.
The Autism & Beyond app, developed by Duke University researchers, uses smartphone questionnaires and video analysis to gather information about children's development. The six-month study aims to detect early signs of autism and other developmental disorders, with the potential to provide broader access to mental health screening.
The immune system marks pathogen-containing vacuoles with ubiquitin to trigger destruction, a process that could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Highly virulent strains block this tagging, making them more resistant to host response.
A Duke University study found that assigning public schools failing grades leads to increased turnout among affluent voters, but has little impact on low-income families. The research suggests that providing citizens with information about school performance does not necessarily address imbalances in civic engagement.
Researchers at Duke University have deciphered the genetic code that instructs proteins to assemble or disassemble in response to environmental stimuli. This discovery provides a new platform for designer proteins and investigations into nanotechnology, biotechnology, and medical treatments.
The 'Tree of Life' for 2.3 million species has been released, depicting relationships among living things over time. The collaborative effort combines smaller trees from various sources, with the goal of creating a comprehensive and editable online resource.
A new study by Duke University finds that China's giant panda conservation measures also protect 70% of forest bird, mammal, and amphibian species found in mainland China. The research identifies high-priority areas for conservation to protect endangered native species.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that 60% of criminals obtain guns through purchase or trade with family and acquaintances. The study also identified straw purchasers and gun traffickers as key sources of crime guns in Chicago.
A study by Duke University analyzed data from 500 citizen scientists worldwide, who played the same games as researchers use in labs. The results showed that dogs rely on memory over sense of smell to solve problems. The dataset also revealed unique cognitive skills among dogs, including communication and problem-solving abilities.
Researchers found that palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid found in olive oil and meat, worsened inflammation in Crohn's disease. Omega-6 fatty acid, present in vegetable oils, actually reduced inflammation in the condition.
A new Duke University study finds that energy companies used nearly 250 billion gallons of water for US fracking between 2005 and 2014, while generating about 210 billion gallons of wastewater. The study's findings highlight the need for better treatment and disposal methods for chemical-laden flowback water and brine-laden wastewater.
Protected areas in Indonesia have preserved 14,000 hectares of mangrove habitat between 2000 and 2010, avoiding 28% of total mangrove loss. This conservation effort has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 13 million metric tons annually.
A new Duke University study reveals that adolescents aged 10 to 16 can be more analytical in their economic choices than slightly older young adults. Researchers found that teens carefully weigh decisions, using cost-benefit analysis skills, while young adults rely on simple rules.
A new study reveals high levels of radioactivity in coal ash from all three major US coal-producing basins, up to five times higher than normal soil. The presence of radioactive elements like radium isotopes and lead-210 poses significant environmental and health risks if not properly regulated.