A study by Nicolette Sullivan and Scott Huettel found that the brain processes taste information first, followed by health information, leading to unhealthy snack choices. Slowing down the decision-making process can help individuals make healthier options.
A Duke University research team used metabolomics to compare the nutritional content of plant-based meat alternatives and grass-fed beef, finding large differences despite comparable nutrition facts labels. The study highlights the need for consumers to understand that these products are not nutritionally interchangeable.
A new tablet-sized device can detect multiple COVID-19 antibodies and biomarkers simultaneously, distinguishing between SARS-CoV-2 and four other coronaviruses with 100% accuracy. The test also shows promise in predicting COVID-19 case severity and immunity against variants.
Astrocytes play a key role in forming synapses between neurons. A new study has discovered that hepaCAM, a crucial protein, is essential for their communication and coordination. Lacking this molecule, astrocytes fail to form connections, leading to brain disorders like epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at Duke University developed acoustoelectronic nanotweezers that control nanoparticles using sound-induced electric fields. This label-free, dynamically controllable method can be applied to various technologies, including biomedicine and condensed matter physics.
Researchers found that human life expectancy increase is not due to slowing aging but rather improved survival rates among children and young adults, supporting the 'invariant rate of ageing' hypothesis which suggests a relatively fixed rate of ageing across species.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated that living cells can construct semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNs) for biomedical applications. These cell-built materials exhibit medically relevant functions and could be used to release protective molecules, such as antibiotics, in a controlled manner.
Duke University engineers developed a prototype X-ray scanner that can reveal molecular composition of objects, revolutionizing cancer surgery, pathology, drug inspection, and geology. The technology can accurately diagnose cancerous tissues and analyze pharmaceuticals in real-time.
Scientists used drones and artificial intelligence to analyze over 10,000 images of seabirds in the Falkland Islands, achieving accurate counts with 97% accuracy for albatrosses and 87% for penguins. This technology increases ability to monitor seabird colonies worldwide and track marine ecosystem health.
Scientists discovered the molecular motor that packages genetic material into double-stranded DNA viruses. The advance provides insight into a critical step in the reproduction cycle of viruses such as pox- herpes- and adeno-viruses, which could inspire researchers creating microscopic machines.
A Duke University study found that while lead levels have generally decreased since the 1970s, they remain above safety guidelines near residential foundations and in areas with high traffic density. Regular soil testing is essential to mitigate these risks and encourage cities to act on this issue.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that preschoolers around age three start going along with the crowd more than following authority. Children tend to stick to their initial choices but may switch if presented as a group norm, suggesting they're developing moral reasoning capacity and sense of shared identity.
A new AI-powered algorithm, WeakGCSeg, accurately detects and tracks ganglion cells in the retina, surpassing human expertise. This technology enables early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases like glaucoma, improving treatment options.
Researchers at Duke University and Stanford University School of Medicine found that long-term wearable device data can quickly indicate illness, dehydration, and abnormalities in a patient's red blood cell count. Machine learning algorithms applied to the data enabled identification of previously unknown relations between smartwatch s...
Researchers at Duke University have developed a machine learning platform that can identify activated neurons in videos faster and more accurately than current techniques. The technology enables researchers to watch an animal's brain activity in real-time as they behave, allowing for new insights into how the brain works.
Researchers have identified a new canine-like coronavirus found in Malaysian pneumonia cases, indicating potential for animal-to-human transmission. The discovery highlights the need for better surveillance to detect novel coronaviruses and mitigate public health threats.
Researchers found that participants overestimated minority groups and looked more often at these groups, even in quick visual scans. This bias occurs regardless of social context and is driven by a fundamental feature of human perception
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a specific ingredient in pyrethrum, a centuries-old natural insecticide, that helps mosquitoes avoid its toxic effects. The compound, called EBF, activates a smell receptor in the mosquito's antenna, making it unappealing to the insects and helping to prevent bites.
Larval mantis shrimp display impressive accelerations despite being smaller than expected, highlighting the limitations of theoretical models. Their transparent exoskeletons allow researchers to study the inner workings of their spring-latch mechanisms.
A multidecade study found higher rates of mental illness symptoms among young adults exposed to traffic-related air pollutants during childhood and adolescence. The link between air pollution exposure and mental health symptoms was observed across sub-domains of psychopathology, with strongest links to thought disorder symptoms.
Engineers at Duke University have created the world's first fully recyclable printed electronics by demonstrating a fully functional transistor made from three carbon-based inks. The researchers successfully reclaimed nearly 100% of all-carbon-based transistors while retaining their future functionality.
A new study reveals that sifakas, a genus of lemurs found only in Madagascar's forests, have taste preferences and digestive adaptations that allow them to thrive on tough leaves, fruit, and even pine needles. This dietary flexibility may give them an advantage over their strictly leaf-eating or fruit-only cousins.
As fish shift to deeper waters, they may face challenges distinguishing colors, affecting mating, prey location and predator avoidance. Climate change is likely to exacerbate this issue, particularly for species unable to relocate to cooler areas.
A new study has found that female baboons with high levels of glucocorticoids, a hormone involved in the 'fight or flight' response, have a greater risk of dying. The research, which analyzed data from over 20 years, showed that females with higher levels of glucocorticoids tend to die younger than those with lower levels.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to autonomously find hotspots of heavy air pollution using machine learning, satellite imagery, and weather data. This technique can help identify sources of hazardous aerosols and study their effects on human health.
Researchers at Duke University developed self-assembling nanofibers that activate key cells in the immune system to limit damaging inflammation. The nanofibers, which include a protein called C3dg, were shown to be effective in treating psoriasis and other inflammatory diseases.
New research from Duke University suggests that the SEC's growing emphasis on terrorism disclosures may come at the expense of financial reporting oversight. The study found that when SEC comment letters included references to terrorism, the agency's error-detection rate dropped significantly.
A new diagnostic test, called the D4-assay, has been developed to detect Ebola virus infection earlier than the current industry standard PCR test. The test is highly sensitive and can detect the virus a full day earlier than PCR, making it a promising tool in addressing ongoing outbreaks.
Satellite images reveal 35 years of changes in North Carolina's Albemarle-Pamlico Peninsula, showing 11% of tree cover taken over by ghost forests. Extreme weather events contribute to the spread of saltwater inland, poisoning soils and killing tree species.
A recent study by Duke University researchers reveals that male baboons who attain high social status experience accelerated aging due to the physical and energetic demands of competing for dominance. This is in contrast to humans, where high social status typically predicts better health.
A new study by economists suggests that Black students who attended racially balanced high schools completed significantly less schooling than those who attended predominantly black or white schools. This challenges the standard wisdom that school desegregation leads to racial nirvana in the US.
Researchers found that liver disease primary biliary cholangitis triggers a signaling cascade in skin cells, leading to the formation of micro-RNA bubbles that signal itching. The discovery could lead to new treatments for severe itching and potential liver disease markers.
A soft robotic dragonfly, called DraBot, uses microarchitectures and self-healing hydrogels to detect changes in pH, temperature, and oil levels. This proof-of-concept demonstration could lead to the development of autonomous environmental sentinels for monitoring environmental disruptions.
Researchers found that chronic inflammation in osteoarthritis triggers a harmful 'feed-forward' loop in cartilage cells, making them more sensitive to pressure and leading to further breakdown of the cartilage. This discovery opens the door for disease-modifying treatments for osteoarthritis.
A new study from Duke University finds that people's natural level of anxiety can influence how they regulate their emotions in the lab, contradicting previous research. The study suggests that anxiety, not self-reported regulation strategies, predicts how participants are regulating their emotions.
Halide perovskites' twisting motion creates desirable renewable energy properties, helping materials scientists tailor chemical recipes for environmentally friendly applications. The study's findings apply to a wide range of halide perovskites, including hybrid organic-inorganic and lead-free variants.
Duke Lemur Center successfully replicates wild hibernation conditions, revealing insights into metabolic disorders and aging. The study's findings have significant implications for human health, particularly in the development of new treatments for heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers at Duke University and other institutions are developing a 'super camera' capable of capturing all types of information carried by light, including polarization, depth, phase, coherence, and incidence angle. The project aims to create an imaging system that can handle sensing and processing simultaneously, streamlining size...
A new study reveals that humans use 30% to 50% less water per day than chimpanzees and gorillas. This finding suggests an ancient shift in the human body's ability to conserve water, enabling early humans to venture farther from streams in search of food.
Researchers at Duke University are developing new super-hard materials using chaotic atomic structures, which can enhance stability and strength in a wide range of applications. The team aims to create a material that can solve the friction stir welding problem with steel, revolutionizing ship construction and defense equipment.
A new study finds that eastern forests are more responsive to climate change, with younger trees increasing their seed production. In contrast, older western trees have been less responsive, which could limit their ability to regenerate after diebacks. The study reveals a continental divide in forest responses to climate change.
Scientists discovered that plant roots make corkscrew-like motions to burrow into the soil and anchor themselves. The growth pattern is coordinated by the hormone auxin and helps roots find the best path forward.
Researchers from Duke University found that mental health struggles in early life can lead to premature aging and advanced diseases in adulthood. Investing in prompt mental health care could prevent later diseases and lower societal healthcare costs.
A new study comparing lemurs, distant primate cousins of humans, found few consistent differences between monogamous and promiscuous species. However, researchers discovered that the brain chemistry behind love in lemurs may involve a combination of multiple hormones and interactions rather than a single formula.
A Duke University research team has made a major advance toward ditching fiber in fiber optics by capturing visible and infrared light for high-speed wireless internet. The researchers replicated plasmonic speed enhancements on macroscopic devices, achieving speeds of two gigabits per second.
A tiny amphipod has been found to snap its claw shut 10,000 times faster than the blink of an eye, thanks to its small size and aquatic environment. This unique movement is repeatable, making it a significant challenge for engineering.
A new Duke University study reveals that harsher immigration law enforcement led to decreased prenatal care for immigrant mothers and increased birth weight deficits. The findings show a rise in births of babies small for their gestational age, highlighting the negative effects on infant health.
A study published in eLife reveals that humans living in Cabo Verde adapted to malaria over just 500 years, with a genetic mutation spreading rapidly through the population. This finding provides evidence of recent genetic adaptation and highlights the impact of human migration on disease resistance.
A new study from Duke University found that younger men who rely on others' opinions for their sense of masculinity are more likely to respond aggressively when threatened. This group, including those between 18-29 years old, exhibited violent thoughts and responses when told they were less manly than average.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that exercising lab-grown human muscle can directly counteract the damaging effects of chronic inflammation, particularly from interferon gamma. The study shows that muscle cells take anti-inflammatory actions independently of other cell types or tissues.