Researchers used atomic force microscopes to 'yank' chemical bonds, accelerating reaction speeds while maintaining the order of bond formation and breaking. This discovery may aid in developing self-healing polymers and lead to a better understanding of fundamental energy exchange in chemical reactions.
A light-based device probe has been developed to detect early cancer signs in the esophagus, emitting light that scatters when it hits the cell nucleus. The technology could be adapted to detect pre-cancerous cells on any organ's surface, potentially increasing the likelihood of cancer detection.
Duke University scientists increased chemotherapy drug molecular weight to improve tumor penetration and concentration while reducing healthy tissue toxicity. The optimal molecular weight range was found to be between 40,000 and 70,000.
A team of researchers at Duke University has developed a computer-assisted method to find novel and superior materials by simulating and lab synthesizing vast universes of possible molecules. The technique, called LCAP, uses a universal property applicable to all molecules to identify optimal candidates for various applications.
A study in a Venezuelan reservoir found that predator-free islands had significantly fewer plant species and smaller sapling densities than larger land masses. The researchers concluded that the presence of predators is essential for maintaining biodiversity and preventing ecosystem collapse.
Researchers at Duke University captured the clearest video yet of lightning-generated sprites, revealing new details about their development and structure. The team's findings, published in Geophysical Research Letters, provide a better understanding of sprite dynamics and their possible effects on the upper atmosphere.
Researchers Kerry Jordan and Elizabeth Brannon found that seven-month-old infants spent more time looking at video images matching the number of women talking, similar to monkeys who chose videos with matching sounds. The study suggests an internal representation of 'two-ness' or 'three-ness' in preverbal infants.
Researchers at Duke University have shown that hydrogen bonds are crucial for protein folding and are highly conserved across different proteins. Their study found that deleting hydrogen bonds from proteins led to destabilization of the structure, supporting the importance of these bonds in protein folding.
Researchers apply constructal theory to predict global climate characteristics, including average wind speed and temperature differences. The findings challenge previous understanding of factors driving climate patterns and may aid in predicting environmental changes.
Researchers created a simplified version of cardiac tissue using cells from neonatal rats, mimicking normal heart tissue. The study found that pace-setting pulses successfully halted the abnormal rhythm 80% of the time, but in 20% of cases, it worsened the condition.
Duke University biologists evolved a complex polyphenic trait in tobacco hornworms by applying temperature shocks to create two distinct strains with different color responses. The researchers discovered that the level of juvenile hormone regulated the color change, and their experiments demonstrated genetic accommodation.
A team of researchers at Duke University has discovered ankyrin repeats, a common protein motif found in humans and other organisms, which exhibit unprecedented elastic properties. The nanometer-sized 'nanosprings' display linear elasticity and can self-repair after repeated stretching.
A study published in PNAS reveals that Amazonian soils support complex microbial communities, with diversity varying by soil pH and temperature. The research, led by Noah Fierer and Robert Jackson, uses DNA fingerprinting to compare microbial species diversity across North and South America.
A unified physics theory explains how animals move by minimizing imperfections in their flows. The constructal law predicts relationships between body mass and speed, stride frequency, and muscle force, showing convergences across different species and environments.
Researchers at Duke University used DNA self-assembly to mass-produce grids with infinitesimal patterns, down to nanometers. By specifying the sequence of bases for each DNA strand, they could create trillions of identical grids with specific letter patterns.
A new study led by Duke University suggests that growing tree plantations to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere may trigger environmental changes that outweigh some of its benefits. The research found that these plantations would lead to water and nutrient depletion, increased soil salinity and acidity, and decreased stream flow.
Researchers discovered a distinctive variant of the prodynorphin gene in humans, which increases production of neuropeptide prodynorphin. This variant is linked to increased brain size, memory, perception, and sensitivity to pain, as well as potential risks for drug addiction, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorders.
A team of scientists at Duke University used computer-chemistry techniques to study the docking orientation required for a Cdc25B phosphatase enzyme to activate a cyclin-dependent kinase protein complex. The researchers discovered that specific hot spots on the molecules' surfaces must align precisely for the brief docking to accomplis...
Researchers discovered that a small cluster of water molecules can facilitate electron transfer between proteins, contrary to expectations. At intermediate distances, the water molecules play a crucial role in mediating electron tunneling, making it stronger than previously thought.
Researchers have developed a biocompatible polymer that briefly changes from liquid to gel at body temperature to block gene-bearing viruses from leaking into the bloodstream and harming other tissues. This method reduces misdirected virus dissemination by a factor of 100-1,000 times, solving the problem of toxic leakage in gene therapy.
Duke engineers have developed a new ultrasound device that combines 3-D imaging with therapeutic heating, potentially improving doctors' most widely used method for destroying aberrant tissue in the heart. The device uses sound waves to heat tissue from a distance, eliminating the need to physically touch the tissue.
A new UV measurement tool helps validate UV treatment for preventing disease-causing bacteria and parasites in drinking water. The technique uses fluorescent microspheres to mimic pathogenic microbes, providing precise measures of UV doses.
Researchers found that monkeys demonstrate a significant semantic congruity effect when making numerical comparisons, similar to humans. The study used colored cues to instruct monkeys to choose larger or smaller numbers, showing high accuracy and speed in the task.
Researchers at Duke University explore the neural mechanisms of interval timing, a fundamental process involved in tasks like walking, speech recognition, and learning. They propose a new model involving the 'coincidence detection' of oscillatory patterns, which integrates information from various brain structures.
Researcher Benjamin Poulter found that wildfires can lead to the conversion of forested areas into marshlands as sea levels rise. In some cases, controlled burning can help forests re-establish themselves if allowed to recover for a period of time.
Researchers uncover fossils of two new species, Biretia fayumensis and Biretia megalopsis, in Egypt's Fayum desert, dating back 37 million years. The discoveries confirm that the common ancestor of humans, monkeys, and apes originated in Africa, with one species appearing to be nocturnal.
Researchers create three-dimensional topography on DNA surfaces using enzyme-driven process. The method combines enzyme-driven 'carving' and vertical length addition, enabling precise control over structure and composition of DNA nanostructures.
A study by Duke physicists suggests that climate models of global warming need to be corrected for the effects of changes in solar activity. The researchers found that the sun may have minimally contributed about 10 to 30 percent of the 1980-2002 global surface warming.
Researchers discovered that pockets of water wedge themselves into the subtropical gyre, preventing deep-ocean nutrients from reaching the surface where plants can thrive. The study found that this phenomenon reduces primary productivity and supports the food chain.
Researchers at Duke University developed a computer model to study the effect of adsorbed gas on quasicrystal alloys, which could lead to improved low-friction properties for machine parts. The model suggests ways to control the transition from quasicrystalline to crystalline structures, preserving the alloy's high lubricity.
Duke University's integration of electronic laboratory notebooks improves student engagement and reduces cheating, but has limitations due to software challenges. The adoption of electronic notebooks is not widespread among universities and businesses.
Researchers found that the pigment produced by cells in black-haired people has a thermodynamically unfavorable oxidation potential, while that of red-headed individuals is favorable. This difference may contribute to increased oxidative stress and skin cancer risk in redheads.
Research at Duke University found that hybrid kittens born to Florida panthers and Texas animals have a three times higher chance of becoming adults. This is due to the introduction of new genetic material, which helps reduce genetic abnormalities in purebred Florida panthers.
A Duke University study found that high carbon dioxide levels stimulate pine needles to grow more, even under drought conditions. The factor most affecting needle volumes was the amount of nitrogen present in the soils.
A study by Duke University researchers found that pine trees under elevated CO2 levels experienced increased growth in some years, but not consistently. The findings suggest that pine trees may be able to improve water use efficiency, but the results are mixed and more research is needed.
Biologists discovered a common corn fungus can launch its spores at incredible speeds of up to 80 miles an hour. The spore travels only two-tenths of an inch before landing due to atmospheric drag, which plays a significant role in the physics of scaling.
Duke researchers create a mathematically nimble way to follow the transfer of forces through a laboratory version of a granular mass, revealing the existence of long-range force chains. The new technique allows for quantitative analysis of force dynamics in granular materials.
Researchers propose a new magnetic herding technique that manipulates colloidal objects using magnetism, offering flexibility and convenience over existing methods. The technique has potential applications in biosensors, medical diagnostic devices, and microelectronic components.
Researchers at Duke University found that monkeys prefer to look at video images matching the number of sounds they heard, suggesting an innate ability to represent numbers across senses. This discovery resolves a longstanding debate on whether animals possess numerical abilities tied to specific senses.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new 3-D cardiac imaging probe that offers sharper, high-contrast images and real-time guidance for therapeutic treatment devices. The probe's ability to generate three-dimensional images may shorten patient time in clinics and reduce radiation exposure.
Duke University researchers have created a method to make granular materials change phases through vibration and stirring, contradicting conventional expectations. This technique could be used to predict stability in dirt embankments or 'unjam' coal or gravel hoppers.
Scientists detected gamma rays in thunderstorms, contradicting a long-held theory. The study found lightning strokes preceding the gamma rays, suggesting a negative cause-and-effect relationship.
Duke physicists create an all-optical switch using laser light and rubidium vapor, which can control stronger light beams with much weaker signals. This breakthrough could improve high-speed telecommunications networks by reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency.
A recent study found that only 10% of river restoration projects have assessment or monitoring, highlighting the need for better coordination and data collection. The study's authors called for standards for success and improved practices to restore rivers, which are crucial for environmental management.
Duke physicists Berndt Mueller and Steffen A. Bass contribute to the search for a superhot quark-gluon plasma by analyzing experimental data from RHIC collisions. Their work provides evidence that the matter created in these collisions exhibits unique properties, challenging current physical theory.
ParksWatch's investigation reveals widespread, unregulated mahogany logging within the remote Alto Purús National Park in the Peruvian Amazon. The report exposes the illicit trade of this valuable timber species, which threatens its survival and ecosystem health.
A recent survey of African rain forest parks suggests that non-economic factors like community relations and public attitude are crucial to park success. Investing in local economies or ecotourism does not guarantee conservation, according to the study.
Researchers at Duke University are using advanced atomic force microscopy techniques to study the interactions of individual amyloid protein molecules, which may hold key to preventing plaque formation. The goal is to develop a better understanding of amyloid aggregation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new class of carbon nanotubes with improved performance and lower production costs. These few-walled nanotubes exhibit electronic properties comparable to those of single-walled nanotubes but are easier to manufacture and less expensive.
Scientists have identified over 20,000 uniquely 'fetch-limited barrier islands' along coastlines worldwide. These islands differ from classic ocean-fronting barriers in their wind- and wave-shielded settings and tend to be smaller with average lengths ranging from 1 kilometer.