A new study from Duke University reveals that historic lithium mining is unlikely to contaminate surrounding waters with common pollutants like arsenic and lead. However, high levels of other metals including lithium, rubidium, and cesium were found in the mine's waters.
Researchers at Duke University School of Medicine found that vagus nerve stimulation reduces gut inflammation by modulating immune response, potentially offering new IBD therapies. The study showed improved symptoms and boosted survival rates in stressed mice with colitis.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a polymer that can be used in commercial 3D printers without solvent, leading to major advantages across different applications. The new solvent-free material has been shown to improve mechanical properties while maintaining biodegradability.
A new system dubbed SonicSense allows robots to interpret the world through acoustic vibrations, giving them a richer ability to 'feel' and understand objects. The system, featuring a robotic hand with contact microphones, can identify materials, shapes, and recognize objects in complex environments.
Researchers found that the El Niño oscillation persisted at least 250 million years ago, with more intense temperature swings. The study suggests that atmospheric noise from ocean surface winds plays a key role in the oscillation's magnitude.
A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that smaller, specialized science publications have a disproportionate impact on conservation efforts. The team found that journals focused on specific regions or organisms were often cited more frequently by federal agencies than high-impact journals.
A new study by Duke University finds that deep-diving whales confuse plastic debris with prey items, as its acoustic signature mimics squid. Researchers tested various types of plastic trash and found strong similarities in their acoustic signals compared to whale prey, highlighting the need for more sustainable materials.
A new report argues that countries can cut premature mortality in half by 2050 through targeted health investments. By prioritizing the 15 health conditions causing most premature deaths and implementing public subsidies for essential medicines and diagnostics, nations can achieve this goal.
Researchers from Duke University have discovered the mechanism behind the discrepancies in how resistant infections react to combination treatments. The study found that bacteria with a higher level of 'selfishness' are more likely to thrive after treatment, while less selfish strains benefit more.
Researchers used a retrofitted U2 spy plane to detect gamma radiation in large tropical thunderstorms. Over 9 of 10 flights yielded observations, suggesting more than half of all thunderstorms in the tropics are radioactive.
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that people are strongly biased by first impressions, but 'sleeping on it' can lead to more rational choices. Participants who didn't make a decision immediately were less likely to fall into these traps and made more rational decisions.
A study of 350 million primary care visits found that mental health concerns are a significant part of everyday care, affecting 1 in 9 patients. The prevalence of mental health issues was equal to respiratory and cardiovascular complaints, with depression, anxiety, and psychosis being common conditions.
Researchers discovered that disrupting plant microbiomes can compromise a plant's immune system, leading to autoimmunity. Prebiotics could potentially support or reset the microbiome to maintain balance, reducing losses in food crops.
Researchers found that biological condensates, previously overlooked cellular structures, play a significant role in modulating cell activity and influencing global traits such as antibiotic resistance. These 'blobs' can separate or trap proteins and molecules, affecting cellular behavior and electrochemical processes.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a computer model that simulates nerve responses to electrical stimulation, enabling the efficient design of more effective and targeted neuromodulation therapies. The new tool, called S-MF, runs thousands of times faster than current industry standards without sacrificing accuracy or detail.
A new AI-powered image recognition technique could help scientists detect dark matter at the LHC by flagging fleeting tracks before collisions occur. The technique, developed by Ashutosh Kotwal and his team, processes images in under 250 nanoseconds and weeds out uninteresting data points.
A study by Duke University researchers suggests that a mixed approach to reforestation, combining both planted and naturally regenerated forests, can sequester more carbon than either method alone. This approach can remove up to 10 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at lower cost.
Researchers at Duke University have broken through the performance wall of adaptive radar systems using convolutional neural networks, paralleling computer vision. They've released a large open-source dataset for other AI researchers to build upon their work, aiming to tackle industry needs like object detection and tracking.
A Duke University study found that by adulthood, Black men and women in the U.S. have developed mental resilience to everyday discrimination, including microaggressions, potentially limiting its impact on their mental health. White young adults may lack these coping strategies, making them more psychologically distressing.
Researchers found a link between ancient ocean oxygen depletion and the massive extinction of marine species during the Jurassic Period. The study provides insights into how human-made carbon emissions may lead to similar extinctions in the future.
Research from Duke University found that citizen science tools used in urban areas understate the problem of heat islands. The study suggests a statistical method to improve estimates of urban heat, highlighting the need for additional weather stations to better understand the issue.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique to grow complex, functional 3D muscle tissue from stem cells in the laboratory, replicating patient symptoms and treatment responses. The study reveals biological mechanisms underlying LGMD2B's characteristic loss of mobility and demonstrates that existing treatments may allevia...
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that nearly half of protected areas can benefit both nature and people, with a balanced approach. The study suggests smaller, closer-to-market protected areas are more likely to achieve this balance, without harming local economic growth.
Scientists have developed a research framework to incorporate ecological theory into ecosystem management, enabling more effective restoration and counteracting rising carbon dioxide emissions. The approach maps ecological theories to desired restoration outcomes, prioritizing climate-smart restoration and rebuilding ecosystems faster.
Researchers at Duke University created an ultrathin silk membrane that helps cells grow into functional tissues used for research, enabling the development of kidney disease models. The new membrane improves communication and growth between cells, mimicking natural human organ structures.
Researchers at Duke University developed an assistive machine learning model that greatly improves the ability of medical professionals to read EEG charts. The model, which provides visual explanations and decision support, has been shown to almost double medical professionals' accuracy in identifying seizure-like events, potentially s...
A new tool identifies toxic metals in mineral phosphate fertilizers worldwide, with higher levels found in US and Middle East fertilizers compared to China and India. Researchers use strontium isotopes to detect fertilizer impacts on soil and water resources.
A study by Duke University researchers found that combining a low-carb, high-fat keto diet with fluconazole significantly improved treatment outcomes against fungal meningitis. The keto diet increased the effectiveness of fluconazole by reducing fungal levels by up to ten thousandfold.
Despite concerns about data privacy risks in the post-Roe era, many American women continue to use popular period-tracking apps without taking steps to protect their information. The study found that users are unsure how to take control of their data and feel in the dark about how it is used and shared on these apps.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets the portion of the flu virus surface with less variability, aiming for universal and long-lasting protection. The experimental vaccine elicits an immune response focused on the stalk region, which remains consistent despite viral mutations.
Researchers develop laser microscopy technique to analyze pigments in artwork, detecting chemical changes that mark the onset of decay. The technique uses ultra-fast pulses of light to create 3D maps of certain pigments, allowing for nondestructive analysis and early detection of fading.
Researchers created a simulation model to analyze the impact of coastal management activities on barrier islands' vulnerability to sea-level rise. The model shows that natural processes can create and maintain barriers, but human efforts to protect communities can disrupt these processes.
Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.
Researchers at Duke University used nanoscale visualization techniques to study corrosion in electrolyzers used to produce green hydrogen. The study reveals that rare metal catalysts break down quickly due to acidic environments, but also identifies potential strategies to minimize these defects and extend the devices' lifetimes.
A study by Duke University researchers found that manganese stimulates decomposition of soil organic matter and releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel imaging platform to visualize the growth of the placenta throughout pregnancy. The approach provides detailed images of blood flow and oxygen metabolism, shedding light on how lifestyle factors and health complications affect placental development.
A new study by Duke University researchers provides fundamental insights into autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. They developed a system to test how DNA attached to nanoparticles interact with the immune system, revealing that larger nanoparticles provide more protection for DNA.
A new study reveals that climate change alters the hidden microbial food web in peatlands, affecting carbon storage and potential releases. Rising temperatures dry out peatlands, causing protists to behave unexpectedly, leading to changes in feeding habits and CO2 emissions.
Researchers at Duke University have determined the theoretical fundamental limit for how much electromagnetic energy a transparent material with a given thickness can absorb. This finding has practical implications for applications such as stealth technology and wireless communications.
A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new diagnostic platform that uses sound waves to spin an individual drop of water up to 6,000 revolutions per minute. The technique separates tiny biological particles within samples to enable new diagnostics based on exosomes.
Duke researchers have developed a new technique to engineer carbon-based semiconductors by wrapping metallic nanotubes in spiral polymers, transforming them into semiconducting forms that can be switched on and off. This method enables the creation of semiconductors that can control electricity with low-energy light wavelengths, openin...
Researchers at Duke University found that cooperative growth in bacterial colonies can lead to the emergence of 'cheating' bacteria that exploit others. The study demonstrates how environmental pressures can shape the evolution of microbial communities.
A new analysis of 14,000 fish surveys in 216 MPAs across 43 countries reveals that no-take MPAs are effective in restoring fish populations but come at a cost to coastal communities. The study suggests multiple-use MPAs, where fishing is regulated, can be a more equitable alternative.
Researchers found duplicated antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria from environments with higher antibiotic use, increasing the likelihood of evolution and resistance to new treatments. The study suggests using antibiotics more efficiently could address the growing antibiotic resistance crisis.
Local fishers in Mexico's Gulf of California respond to climate challenges through self-governance and organizational structures, with cooperative fishing organizations adopting conservation measures for specific high-value species. The study reveals tradeoffs between specialization and adaptability, suggesting that social structures c...
Researchers at Duke University have discovered how stem cells decide their fate by analyzing the activity of two key regulators, short-root and scarecrow, in real-time using light sheet microscopy. This finding has implications for understanding cell development and preventing diseases such as cancer.
Research at Duke University reveals that sex hormones allow Neisseria gonorrhoeae to produce more pumps to fight off antibiotics, increasing the risk of infection. The bacteria can sense its hormonal environment and colonize during specific phases of the menstrual cycle.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a critical structure on the HIV virus that plays a crucial role in its infection process. By understanding this structure's dynamics, scientists may be able to design broadly neutralizing antibodies for an AIDS vaccine.
Researchers at Duke University create a system called MadRadar that can trick automotive radar sensors into believing anything is possible without prior knowledge. The technology can hide existing cars, create phantom vehicles, or make it seem like an actual car has changed course.