The study reveals that emotional pictures are recalled better than neutral ones, and this recall is associated with increased activity in the amygdala and hippocampus. The researchers propose a synergistic mechanism where emotion triggers recollection, creating a loop that could help understand traumatic memory recall in PTSD patients.
The Duke team is analyzing different obstacles and identifying distinguishing features to create
Researchers found that small sections of the ocean floor may be rotating like imperfectly meshing cogs, contradicting previous expectations. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of complex plate boundaries and has significant implications for our understanding of plate tectonics.
El Nino forecasting can aid in managing high-yield fisheries with boom-and-bust cycles, controlling tropical diseases like mosquito-caused malaria, and protecting marine mammals and other ocean species. By predicting ENSO events nine months in advance, scientists can deploy resources effectively.
The study found that only 10% of the original marshes survived as fully functioning wetlands after extensive drainage and irrigation, but also identified areas with high restoration potential.
A study by Larry Crowder at Duke University suggests that coastal dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico can have significant impacts on target species and commercial fisheries. The research group has found that fish and shrimp can evade death by relocating to the zone's edge, but growth rates of some Gulf fish and shellfish may be lower.
Scientists have observed a novel superfluid state in a lithium-6 atom gas, exhibiting properties that challenge traditional bosonic and fermionic behaviors. This breakthrough discovery has implications for the development of room temperature superconductors and our understanding of exotic plasmas.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to restore bladder control in people with spinal cord injury using electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve. This technology, known as a 'bladder pacemaker,' could significantly improve quality of life for over 200,000 Americans affected by SCI.
A team of researchers from Duke University has successfully used micromanipulation to study the separation of sister chromatids in cell division. Their experiments revealed that chromatids are initially attached but then separate at their centers, with linkages playing a crucial role in their separation.
A study led by Duke University researchers found that species tolerating secondary habitats are not more resilient to deforestation than those dependent on primary forests. The study suggests that all bird species in the region face equal threats from habitat loss, regardless of their adaptability.
Researchers are exploring the use of genetically endowed worms to replace rodent studies in toxicology testing, potentially saving millions of dollars. The C. elegans worm has a unique biology that makes it an ideal model for testing chemicals, with its short lifespan and transparent body allowing for direct monitoring of internal organs.
Duke University researchers discovered that the Short-Root protein moves from one cell to another through an active process that recognizes signals, not just random diffusion. This finding provides a promising pathway for understanding how complex tissues develop from individual cells in both plants and animals.
A study by Duke University researchers suggests that increasing fuel efficiency in cars and light trucks can achieve a 10% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, converting all croplands to no-till agriculture or retiring croplands would yield only a 4% reduction, making it a less feasible solution.
Researchers created new memories in subjects and studied their recall in the laboratory using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). They found that recalling autobiographical memories activated similar brain areas as laboratory memories, but also distinct self-referential processing regions. This study provides new insights int...
The SNEWS system, an international collaboration of neutrino observatories, aims to provide astronomers with a prompt alert for galactic supernovas. This network can electronically compare data to increase scientists' confidence that a neutrino signal is really from a supernova.
Biologists at Duke University discovered that nitric oxide delays flowering in plants, influenced by external concentrations of the chemical. This finding suggests that air pollution from burning fossil fuels could impact critical plant processes.
A study of 2,400 British middle-aged men found that the positive selection for a gene variant in the MMP3 gene resulted in a 43% lower incidence of coronary artery heart disease. The researchers suggest that this variation is not just harmless mutation, but rather a process contributing to population health.
Duke University researchers studied tree roots in place, finding they adjust anatomy and physiology to maximize water transport deep underground. The findings improve theoretical models of water transport within trees, revealing the importance of deep roots in efficient water flow.
Researchers at Duke University have been studying ring-tailed lemurs' scent language to understand their complex chemical communications. The scientists found that lemurs use 'scentences', combinations of scents extending their chemical messages, and identified specific compounds in their scent profiles.
A Duke University study challenges the idea that trees can 'relocate' quickly in response to climate change by analyzing genetic data. The research suggests that many tree species may have remained closer to ancient ice sheets than previously thought, limiting their ability to migrate rapidly.
A new study suggests that droughts like the 1930s Dust Bowl may not be unique to modern times, but were common in prehistoric periods. The research found that ancient droughts persisted for several decades and caused widespread effects on ecosystems, including prairie fires and erosion.
Researchers at Duke University uncover how two genes control the evolution of line and eyespot patterns in butterflies and moths. The study, published in Current Biology, sheds light on the developmental basis of wing patterns and their connection to biodiversity.
A new thermodynamic theory, Constructal Law, enables designers to balance flow resistances in complex systems, leading to more efficient designs. The law provides a mental vision of design evolution and helps engineers make informed decisions about resources and money.
A new study found that the brain's amygdala interacts with memory-related brain regions during emotional memory formation, contributing to its emotional resonance. The researchers discovered a significant correlation between activity in emotion- and memory-related brain regions during emotional memory formation.
Researchers at Duke University found that ringtails and mongoose lemurs can learn sequences of pictures and discriminate quantities. The animals show a systematic learning ability and can recognize larger quantities, but their numerical abilities are not as sophisticated as those of monkeys and apes.
Researchers found that humpback whale flippers with tubercles exhibit nearly 8% better lift properties and 32% lower drag than sleek flipper designs. The study's findings have implications for improving airplane wing aerodynamics and reducing fuel consumption during flight.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered signs of superfluid hydrodynamics in a degenerate gas of lithium-6 fermionic atoms. The findings suggest that these atoms can exhibit behavior characteristic of a fermionic superfluid, providing new insights for studying high-temperature superconductivity.
Corn's genetic origins have been revised after a study found it arose from a serendipitously viable cross between teosinte and gamagrass. Eubanks' research confirms teosinte was an ancestor of corn, with gamagrass contributing key genes.
Researchers fabricate polymer 'nanobrushes' and other 'smart' molecules with potential uses in analyzing individual cell proteins and detecting chemicals. The molecular dimensions of these nanostructures allow for scalable chemistry and could enable tiny ELP arrays to screen protein contents.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new type of nanotube transistor that uses an electrically conducting polymer gate to reduce power demand and improve device performance. The innovation offers great promise for future electronic devices, including those even smaller than current models.
A mathematical equation called the Bruun rule is being misused to predict future beach erosion due to its complexity and limited applicability. Experts argue that the rule has never been shown to provide accurate predictions, even under ideal conditions.
Researchers at Duke University found that the brain can switch to automatic mode when learning new skills, reducing cognitive effort. By analyzing fMRI data, they discovered that the cortex rapidly recovers prior responses, allowing for efficient decision-making and reduced neural activity.
Researchers develop a novel treatment to stimulate natural cartilage tissue growth in knee joint defects, providing a potential solution for osteoarthritis treatment. The hyaluronan-based polymer creates a protective cap and enables new cartilage tissue to grow, filling the defect and promoting healing.
A global assessment of sea turtle bycatch in longline fisheries revealed four primary hotspots in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic, and Mediterranean Sea. The study estimates that 1.4 billion hooks were set globally in 2000, catching at least 200,000 loggerheads and 50,000 leatherbacks.
Researchers found that loblolly pine forests grown in high CO2 conditions exhibit varying growth rates depending on soil moisture. Nitrogen deficiencies limit tree growth in dry years, while excess nitrogen makes a difference in wet years.
Scientists investigate iron fertilization to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by boosting phytoplankton photosynthesis. However, the process is hindered by zooplankton consumption and limited sinking of plant material.
Scientists discovered that plants can thrive under quartz rocks, possibly mirroring ancient life on early Earth. The study found that sunlight filtering through the rocks provides a greenhouse effect, keeping plants warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Researchers discovered that fungi infecting healthy plant tissues can provide protection against pathogens, increasing survival rates for cacao leaves. Field tests are underway to cultivate such fungal armies as biological control agents.
Duke University offers a tropical biology research experience with stipend, airfare, and accommodation, as well as equipment allowance. Applications are due by March 1, 2004, for faculty at minority serving institutions.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to map the activity of thousands of genes in the roots of Arabidopsis plants, offering insights into how complex tissues develop from a single cell. The study reveals that nearly half of all expressed genes in the root show tissue-specific expression.
Researchers used seismic signals and computer analysis to derive outlines of possible secondary faults in the San Andreas Fault zone. The study's findings suggest that continued drilling will encounter significant structures before reaching the fault zone.
A new curriculum developed by Duke University's Pharmacology Education Partnership (PEP) has shown to significantly improve students' understanding of biology and chemistry. The approach uses real-world examples, such as nerve gas and drugs, to make science more relevant and engaging for students.
Researchers validated Einstein's theory by applying information theory to laser experiments, showing that information cannot exceed the speed of light. The study found that fast light pulses did not travel faster than light speed, but rather were delayed slightly compared to vacuum speeds.
Duke researchers successfully programmed DNA molecules to form patterned nanostructures, enabling precise control over molecule location and potential use in sensors, diagnostics, and nanoelectronics. The breakthrough could lead to smaller-scale devices and circuits.
Researchers discovered that monkeys reflexively shift their attention to the direction of another individual's gaze, mirroring human behavior. This finding holds promise for a new animal model of social attention, which could lead to better treatments for autism and improved teaching methods.
Researchers found that male baboons give priority care to their own genetically related offspring, despite multiple males mating with the same female. This discovery raises questions about how male baboons recognize and distinguish between their genetic and behavioral offspring.
Researchers used alginate, a major constituent of brown algae, to block viral leaks and reduce the concentration of toxic protein IL-12 in mice's livers. The solution improved the effectiveness of gene therapy by preventing sudden animal deaths caused by uncontrolled protein expression.
A landmark study on lemur nutrition by Dr. Jennifer Campbell reveals that lemurs have different dietary requirements, with some eating leaves, fruits, insects, seeds, and nuts. Her research has led to the development of a proper diet for the animals, improving their health and reproductive success.
Duke University researchers found that individual clusters in the visual cortex do not specialize in recognizing specific combinations of stimulus features. Instead, they respond to a broad range of stimulus combinations predicted by spatial and temporal properties of the visual stimulus.
Researchers deduced the structure of GRK2, a key regulatory enzyme that modulates G protein signaling. The three-dimensional structure reveals three distinct domains capable of performing multiple regulatory functions simultaneously.