In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers discovered that three distinct brain areas work together to weigh the benefits of giving to oneself versus another monkey. The team found that neurons in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACCg) encode both giving and receiving rewards in a remarkably similar way.
Scientists have discovered a new type of molecular lever that can accelerate chemical reactions 1000 times faster than other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to engineer more efficient materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties.
Researchers tracked humpback whales in Antarctic waters and found that they sang while foraging, suggesting a previously unknown behavioral flexibility. The study suggests that the widely held behavioral dichotomy of breeding-versus-feeding may be too simplistic.
Researchers have discovered a jerky, non-smooth energy transfer from a meteorite or missile to sand and dirt grains during impact. The study shows that the sound wave and grains behave differently than previously assumed, with pulses moving along networks of grains, or force chains.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method to create large-area absorbers using silver nanocubes, which can control the absorption of electromagnetic waves. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective devices for applications such as sensors and solar cells.
The study estimates that only 32,000 to 35,000 lions remain on the savannah, down from nearly 100,000 in 1960. The research identified 67 isolated areas of savannah with low human impacts and densities, but most are in West Africa, where lion populations have declined drastically.
A study by Duke University found that more than half of all US couches tested contained potentially toxic or untested chemical flame retardants. Tris, a known carcinogen, was detected in 41% of the foam samples, while pentaBDE was banned in 172 countries and 12 US states but still found in some couches.
Researchers at Duke University have created a more efficient cloaking device by reducing reflections and increasing wave transmission. The new design uses a diamond-shaped pattern with copper strips to guide electromagnetic waves around an object, eliminating loss due to reflections.
A new genus of ferns has been discovered, with 19 species named after pop star Lady Gaga. The 'Gaga' ferns were recognized for their unique characteristics, including fluid definitions of gender and a distinct DNA sequence spelling GAGA.
Researchers at Duke University have observed the deformation of water droplets within polymers when exposed to high electric voltages. The droplets transform from a spherical shape to a tubular shape, leading to material failure and potential applications in tunable lenses for eyes.
A new study reveals that male mice can learn to match the pitch of other males' ultrasonic serenades, exhibiting certain brain features similar to those found in humans and song-learning birds. The researchers also identified genes specific to vocal behavior in mouse brains, previously only found in songbirds and humans.
A Duke University-led study predicts that high-pressure systems over oceans will intensify, contributing to droughts and extreme summer rainfall in the northern hemisphere. The North Atlantic and Pacific subtropical highs are expected to strengthen due to increasing greenhouse-gas concentrations.
A new study estimates that destruction of coastal habitats releases 0.15 to 1.2 billion tons of carbon emissions annually, with a high value associated with keeping these ecosystems intact.
Researchers discovered that deep-sea crabs can detect shorter wavelengths of light, including ultraviolet and blue light, allowing them to identify toxic corals and distinguish between edible plankton. This sensitivity may enable the crabs to color-code their food using UV vision.
Duke University researchers have characterized metal's ability in devices that enhance light by measuring unique properties of light on a single atom scale. The findings provide a roadmap for precisely controlling light scattering, enabling the development of medical sensors and integrated photonic communications components.
Researchers at Duke University have identified the genetic variation behind wild mustard plants' varying levels of spicy chemical production. This difference affects their ability to survive in environments with changing conditions. The study sheds light on how complex traits are shaped over thousands of years.
A longitudinal study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found that persistent cannabis use before age 18 led to significant declines in IQ, attention, and memory. The study suggests that adolescence is a critical period for brain development and vulnerability to substance-induced harm.
Scientists developed a tool to identify bays with suitable habitats for resting spinner dolphins, allowing conservation efforts to focus on specific areas. The maps aim to minimize human disturbances and protect the dolphins' ability to rest, forage, and communicate effectively.
A study by Adrian Bejan suggests that larger bodies tend to have longer lifespans and greater distances traveled. This applies to both animate and inanimate systems, with rivers, jets of air, and vehicles following a similar pattern.
HASTAC has received a $294,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study its own social network, focusing on effective ways to support interdisciplinary collaborations. The study will analyze six years' worth of data from the HASTAC website, examining mentoring and virtual peer connections.
A laboratory study conducted by Duke University psychologists found that the brains of humans, including radiologists and baggage screeners, evolved to solve foraging problems in similar ways. The researchers discovered that people with fewer targets to find gave up on a given screen sooner compared to those with more targets.
Researchers at Duke University created a system to study electron tunneling and unexpectedly found a quantum phase transition. The discovery could provide a simple model for testing environments where quantum phase transitions occur.
A new study found large numbers of humpback whales remaining in Antarctic bays until late autumn, with densities estimated at up to 1.75 whales per square kilometer. This challenges previous thought that the annual migrations would begin earlier.
A new study by Duke University scientists reveals that surface coal mining is severely impacting water quality in southern West Virginia. The research found that just five percent of upstream land conversion can lead to the degradation of up to 22% of streams, with salinity levels and insect biodiversity declining substantially.
Researchers at Duke University discovered that strobe eyewear training enhances visual short-term memory by disrupting vision and forcing participants to adjust their processing. The effects of improved visual memory retention were observed even after removing the eyewear, lasting up to 24 hours.
A Duke University study suggests naturally occurring pathways allowed salts and gases from the Marcellus shale formation to migrate into shallow drinking water aquifers. The study found elevated levels of salinity with similar geochemistry to deep Marcellus brine in drinking water samples.
A new study at Duke University found that the temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) is responsible for processing information related to social interactions. The TPJ was active when subjects made decisions against human opponents, but not against computer opponents.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the parrot genome using single molecule sequencing, allowing for a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms behind vocal learning. The breakthrough could lead to insights into speech development in humans and the study of cancer and brain functions.
Researchers at Duke University find that clergy's practice of putting others first can lead to higher rates of chronic disease and depression. To overcome this, health intervention programs must be designed to address clergy's unique needs and beliefs.
Researchers at Duke University and the University of Arizona developed a gigapixel camera that captures unprecedented detail by synchronizing 98 tiny cameras. The camera's resolution is five times better than 20/20 human vision over a 120-degree horizontal field, with potential applications in surveillance, inspection, and photography.
A new study reveals that baby songbirds learn and repeat the clearest versions of songs they hear, influenced by noise from nature and humans. This cultural selection process can lead to lasting changes in a species' top tunes, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic factors on bird communication.
Researchers identified how Pseudomonas syringae uses coronatine to hijack a plant's defense system, keeping stomata open for bacterial invasion. The study provides insight into the full process of bacterial pathogenesis in plants.
A new Duke University study found that a caregiver's health is the strongest predictor of an orphan's health, with one in five children in fair or poor health. Caregiver-child dyad assessments and interventions are key to promoting orphan well-being, according to researchers.
A Duke University study found that videogamers are not better at multitasking while driving than non-gamers, contrary to popular belief. The researchers measured the performance of 60 undergraduate students on visual tasks and had them answer Trivial Pursuit questions over a speakerphone while driving.
A new study from Duke University found that a drug blocking fatty acid amide hydrolase activity reduces fear in mice by increasing endocannabinoids. Human genetic differences related to the same enzyme also influence how well people cope with fear and stress.
A five-year study of nearly 200 youths found that treating adolescents for major depression can also reduce their chances of abusing drugs later on. The study, led by John Curry at Duke University, found that only 10% of those who responded to treatment within 12 weeks later abused drugs, compared to 25% of those who did not respond.
A new study finds that preserving forests can curb climate change more effectively than harvesting wood as fuel. The research suggests that managing forests for maximal carbon storage can yield significant, predictable benefits within the coming century.
Duke University chemists created copper-nickel nanowires with improved stability and conductivity compared to plain silver and copper. The new material is an attractive option for printed electronics applications, including solar cells, LEDs, and clothing. Its low cost and high speed make it suitable for mass production.
A Duke University study found that toddlers from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have higher levels of flame retardant chemicals in their blood, potentially due to hand-to-mouth activity. This highlights the need for better public access to information on household products and potential exposure routes.
Duke University researchers create a mathematical formulation to unlock the data stored in a database of potential TI ingredients, providing specific recipes for searching for TIs with desired properties. This breakthrough enables efficient alloys creation and discovery of new classes of systems.
A new Duke University-led study suggests that increasing dietary calcium intake may be necessary to address widespread dental health problems caused by fluorosis in rural Ethiopia. The research found that even with fluoride-reducing treatments, high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water can still cause significant to...
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to assemble crystalline structures using varying concentrations of microscopic particles and magnetic fields. They demonstrated the creation of over 20 programmed structures, paving the way for advanced optics, data storage, and bioengineering applications.
A new study found that children who experienced violence in their young lives have shorter telomeres, a sign of accelerated aging. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases and poor survival rates. The research suggests a link between cumulative childhood stress and telomere maintenance.
A team of scientists at Duke University developed software to design molecules that block a protein-protein interaction key to cystic fibrosis. The best molecule increased CFTR activity by 12% in human cells with the disease mutation.
A study of rhesus macaques found that their social status correlates with gene expression patterns across a range of genes, with lower-ranking individuals showing signs of chronic stress and altered immune function. The study estimates that gene expression can predict an individual's social status with 80% accuracy.
Duke researchers have developed exotic materials that can control light at will, allowing for the creation of holograms in the infrared range. The team's innovative approach enables a broad range of optical devices with complex properties, opening up new possibilities for advanced optics and optoelectronics.
Researchers have created a new lithography strategy that allows for dynamic generation of various patterns on large areas of soft plastics or polymers. This enables rapid switching between different textures, such as smooth to rough and back again, with fast timescales of milliseconds.
Researchers found that giant squids' large eyes collect more light, improving their ability to detect small contrast differences and bioluminescence. The boost in detecting low-light differences is critical for spotting approaching sperm whales, but the squid's escape is not entirely dependent on its eye size.
A two-year Duke University study found that over half of patients had experienced sexual or physical abuse in their lifetime, leading to worse medical outcomes and poorer health-related behaviors. Childhood trauma was also associated with instances of unprotected sex, missing antiretroviral medications, and recent emergency room visits.
Researchers are deconstructing molecular and genetic rhythms to better understand biological timing mechanisms. By isolating genes and signals, they hope to control and repair broken clocks, leading to breakthroughs in fields like cancer research and communication signal improvement.