A recent study by Duke University reveals a six-fold increase in Amazon deforestation in Peru, largely driven by artisanal gold mining fueled by record gold prices. The mining activities have led to widespread mercury pollution, contaminating water and soil, and posing risks to human health and the environment.
Scientists have discovered that chitons can see objects overhead using eye lenses made of aragonite, a type of rock. This unique feature allows them to detect potential predators and defend against being eaten.
An epidemiological study on trees reveals earlier spring warming and summer drought as significant risk factors for tree reproduction and survival. The study helps scientists predict which species are vulnerable to climate change by analyzing the effects of climate variability on tree growth and fecundity.
A new Duke University-led study reveals a 10.2% increase in leatherback sea turtle nests at 68 beaches in Florida since 1979, suggesting conservation and recovery efforts are paying off. The growth may be attributed to improved monitoring, reduced predators, and changing ocean conditions favoring turtles.
Researchers developed new models to predict seabird bycatch, using remotely sensed data to project where birds and boats are likely to intersect. The models demonstrate potential for improved conservation efforts in predicting bird habitats.
Researchers compared aging patterns of seven species of wild primates with humans, finding that human aging rates fall within the primate continuum. The study also confirms the mortality gap between males and females is narrowest for the least aggressive species.
Researchers developed a protective substrate to observe polymer deformation, revealing creasing-to-cratering phenomenon under increased voltage. This breakthrough could lead to improved durability and efficiency of polymers in electrical applications.
A Duke University engineer's theory predicts that dominant teams in March Madness and top-ranked universities share similar hierarchies. The constructal law explains how these systems evolve to minimize imperfections and optimize performance.
Researchers at Duke University developed a laser-based tool that can identify substantial chemical differences between cancerous and healthy skin tissues. The technique uses two lasers to pump energy into suspicious moles, analyzing the way it redistributes in the skin cells to pinpoint microscopic locations of different skin pigments.
Researchers discovered that Arabidopsis plants boost their immune system in the morning to prepare for the greatest fungal spore release. The daily cycle of defense compounds is safer and more efficient than constant production, allowing plants to adapt to pathogens' schedules.
Researchers have created a new method for rapidly producing protein-polymers using overlap-extension rolling circle amplification. This technique allows for the synthesis of large libraries of proteins with subtle differences, which can be used to rapidly screen new combinations and develop new classes of protein-based polymers.
A long-term study found that children with lower self-control at age 3 were more likely to have health problems, substance dependence, and financial troubles by age 32. Self-control can be taught, reducing healthcare and criminal justice costs.
Wildflowers with distinct colors prevent hybrid offspring from reproducing, ensuring the species remains pure. Researchers have identified a genetic change linked to flower color, demonstrating reinforcement in plants.
Researchers developed a device using angle-resolved low coherence interferometry to detect pre-cancerous cells in the esophagus lining. The technology holds promise for earlier detection and targeted biopsies, potentially improving treatment outcomes for esophageal cancer.
A new study by researchers at Duke University reveals that Mexican American men and women have different experiences with the US healthcare system, with men facing greater challenges as they age. Women, particularly those more recently arrived in the US, report poorer health due to their increased interactions with healthcare providers.
A team of scientists at Duke University has measured the viscosity of an ultra-cold gas, confirming its potential as a scale model for exotic matter and high-temperature superconductors. The results also provide insight into predictions made using string theory.
Researchers found that apes prefer to play it safe when odds are uncertain, mirroring human behavior. They distinguish between risk and ambiguity, with greater hesitation towards unknown outcomes.
A Duke University study identifies new monitoring protocols to accurately measure and predict ecological impacts of coal ash contaminants. The research found that arsenic levels remained high in pore water long after surface waters dropped below safe thresholds, posing significant risks to aquatic life.
Researchers found that marsupial embryos develop forelimbs earlier than expected, using a unique genetic program. This breakthrough suggests that developmental processes may be more flexible than previously thought, allowing for adaptability in marsupials.
A team of researchers argues that FDA's current review process for transgenic salmon fails to consider the full impact on human health and environment. Experts call for a broader assessment of safety, including market impacts and environmental effects.
A new device can analyze samples thousands of years old in minutes, helping archaeologists determine ancient activities. It works by lifting off spectral fingerprints with infrared light and analyzing molecular peaks to tease out material origin differences.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a single gene, UPBEAT1, that controls the balance of free radicals in plant roots, leading to faster growth and improved root establishment. This discovery could accelerate the development of biofuels and enhance carbon sequestration capabilities.
A study by Duke University scientists has identified potential sites where CO2 leaks from underground storage could contaminate freshwater aquifers, posing a risk to drinking water quality. The research found that certain geochemical markers can be used to detect early warnings of potential carbon dioxide leaks.
Researchers have created a novel 'on-off switch' using a plant's light-activated proteins to control cell functions. The blue-light switch has been successfully tested in yeast, mammalian cells and cultured rodent brain tissue, offering a new approach for controlling cell growth, death and delivering medication directly to diseased cells.
A study by Duke University scientists found that the Bermuda High's center intensified by 0.9 geopotential meters a decade from 1948 to 2007, leading to increased summer rainfall variability in the Southeast. This intensification is attributed to anthropogenic warming and is expected to continue in coming decades.
Duke University researchers discovered that smaller catalyst particle size is crucial for improving efficiency in chemical reactions. The team found that the surface-to-volume ratio of the catalyst particle is more important than previously thought, leading to faster reactions.
Duke University engineers have designed and demonstrated microscopically small lasers integrated with thin film-light guides on silicon that could replace copper in a host of electronic products. The new approach solves some of the unanswered riddles facing scientists trying to create and control light at such a miniscule scale.
A new study by Duke University researchers estimates the total value of lost job productivity due to health problems among U.S. full-time employees with obesity, which exceeds medical expenditures. The per capita cost of obesity is as high as $16,900 for obese women and $15,500 for obese men.
Researchers at Duke University developed a tool called TaintDroid that monitors phone apps for transmitting private data. The study found that 15 of 30 popular apps sent users' private information to remote advertising servers, with some sharing location information even when the user wasn't running the app.
A genetic inversion in the monkeyflower plant's genome contributes to its adaptation to different environments, leading to reproductive isolation and a shift towards becoming two separate species.
Researchers have successfully slipped silver nanoparticles cloaked in HIV protein into the nucleus of cells, where they can detect subtle light signals and deliver payloads. This innovation has potential implications for disease treatment and basic scientific research.
Researchers have identified a specific gene circuit that acts as a 'switch' to tell cells when to divide. This discovery may help scientists better understand cell biology and establish a library of cancer-causing pathways.
A European Union version of the US 'priority review voucher' system could incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for neglected diseases. The system would offer accelerated regulatory review, pricing, and reimbursement decisions in exchange for developing a treatment for a neglected disease.
A team of researchers at Duke and Stanford have found a polymer molecule that can trigger a chemical reaction when stretched, enabling it to build its own repairs. The molecule, called a gem-difluorocyclopropane (gDFC), snaps back smaller than before after stretching, potentially leading to the development of self-healing materials.
Researchers found that bacteria cells start dividing normally but unexpectedly 'pop' when the colony reaches a certain density. This phenomenon is linked to the amplification of plasmids in response to cell density, highlighting the importance of considering hidden interactions in engineered gene circuits.
A Duke University study found that hormonal contraceptives alter the chemical cues used by ring-tailed lemurs to determine genetic fitness and relatedness. The study also showed that males are less interested in females treated with contraceptives, suggesting potential effects on human mate choice.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a robot's ability to locate and sample lesions in simulated human organs without human assistance. The robot uses artificial intelligence to process real-time data from ultrasound scans and perform tasks such as biopsies.
A team of Duke University researchers and African colleagues will be studying strategies to curb the spread of malaria while protecting human and environmental health. The work aims to refine a model called the Malaria Decision Analysis Support Tool (MDAST) to improve malaria control effectiveness worldwide.
Researchers argue that differences in body types among blacks and whites, including the location of their center of gravity, contribute to racial disparities in athletic performance. The study found black sprinters are 1.5% faster than whites due to a higher center of gravity.
Researchers found that HPV vaccines are not covered by patent claims granted in India, leaving room for production of biosimilars offering protection against the two most common HPV strains. This could improve access to the HPV vaccine in low-income countries.
Researchers found a persistent gender gap in math and science performance among the most talented seventh graders, with boys outnumbering girls by 3-to-1 at extremely high levels. However, the gap has narrowed considerably over time, and girls slightly outnumber boys at higher levels of verbal reasoning and writing ability.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a direct connection between plant development and growth, revealing that the Short-root protein controls the activity of genes involved in cell division. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of growth and development in plants and potentially other species.
A team of researchers from Duke University and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies has identified a key intermediary between the light system for information and the light system that makes fuel in plants. The discovery, led by Meng Chen, could help increase agricultural yields or improve photosynthesis of biofuel crops.
A new study reveals differing hormone levels in humans, bonobos, and chimpanzees before competition. Males who are intolerant of sharing food showed hormonal changes similar to chimpanzees, while those who tolerated cooperation showed cortisol increases like bonobos.
Research by Duke University scientists reveals that seawater's higher concentrations of mercury make saltwater fish like tuna and shark more toxic to humans. Methylmercury latches onto dissolved organic matter in freshwater, but tightly binds to chloride in seawater, where sunlight can't break it down as easily.
Researchers are rethinking the ocean conveyor belt model due to its limitations in accounting for eddies and wind field. The overturning of ocean waters may vary between ocean basins and be influenced by climate change, highlighting the need for a revised understanding of this critical process.
A new study by Duke University scholars found that students who have home computers tend to post lower math and reading scores, particularly those from disadvantaged families. The researchers analyzed responses from over 150,000 students and found that the negative effects on test scores were modest but significant.
A Duke University engineer, Adrian Bejan, argues that animal movement is like a natural wheel, distributing stresses uniformly. As animals evolve to move better, they develop fewer legs, allowing them to rise higher with each stride and increase their speed.
Researchers at Duke University have created copper nanowires that are both transparent and conductive, making them ideal for flexible displays and thin-film solar cells. These nanowires are cheaper than silver nanowires and outperform carbon nanotubes, offering a promising solution to the limitations of ITO.
Seventy percent of Madagascar's species live in the forests where critically endangered rosewood trees are found. The Malagasy government lacks effective enforcement, allowing for lucrative illegal logging and tree trade with China.