Researchers at Harvard University have developed a promising new tool called MagLev that can identify smaller concentrations of drug powders than any other device. The technology separates substances based on density and can handle far more substances than current quick-test options.
Researchers analyzed genome assemblies of 20 butterfly species and found a high amount of gene flow among them, even between distantly related species. This challenges the idea that species are fixed entities and suggests hybridization as a key process in biological diversity.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the architecture of a copper-nitrenoid complex that can transform carbon-hydrogen bonds into valuable building blocks for chemical synthesis. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production methods for pharmaceuticals, household products, and other chemicals.
Researchers propose mesh electronics as a foundation for brain-machine interfaces, enabling precise targeting of neural communication networks to treat neurological disorders. This technology could lead to improved therapeutic options, such as enhanced prosthetic control and cognitive enhancement.
A new Harvard study shows that students in 'active learning' classrooms learn more than they think, contradicting long-held beliefs about the effectiveness of traditional lectures. The study found that students felt like they learned more from lectures but actually scored higher on tests following active learning sessions.
Researchers have developed an 'Islet-on-a-Chip' device that integrates organ-on-a-chip and stem-cell technologies to screen insulin-producing cells, test insulin-stimulating compounds, and study the fundamental biology of diabetes. The device makes it easier to monitor islet function and study cell therapies for diabetes.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History showcases an original lunar rock sample collected by Astronaut Alan L. Bean during the Apollo 12 mission, providing insights into the Moon's geology and formation. The exhibit highlights the importance of lunar samples in understanding the origins of our solar system.
Researchers at Harvard University discovered zebrafish choose mating over fleeing a threat when exposed to pheromone cues. This decision is controlled by specific brain regions responding to reproductive hormones.
The team, led by Xiaowei Zhuang, captured the first recorded rotational steps of a molecular motor as it moved from one DNA base pair to another. They used DNA origami to build molecule-sized propellers that allowed them to visualize the motor's movement.
Harvard University researchers have developed a new method to create thousands of nanowires that can record electrical chatter inside live cells. This breakthrough allows for the simultaneous recording of multiple cells, enabling researchers to study complex neural networks and interactions. The 'combing' process of nanowires untanglin...
Researchers at Harvard University have invented a soft ring oscillator that enables soft robots to roll, undulate, sort and swallow. The invention uses pressurized air to create movement, allowing the robots to perform complex movements without electronic components.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new platform for rapid single-cell sequencing, combining microfluidics and novel software to scale up single-cell ATAC-seq. This approach enables the analysis of gene control in individual cells, revealing new insights into cell development and disease processes.
Researchers at Harvard University have synthesized sufficient quantities of the potent anti-cancer agent E7130 to enable rigorous studies of its biological activity, pharmacological properties, and efficacy. The team's achievement is a landmark in drug discovery, providing new insights into the molecule's complex mode of action and pot...
A study published in Science reveals that certain gut bacteria can degrade levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease, by converting it into dopamine outside the brain. Researchers identified Lactobacillus brevis as a key player in this process and found a molecule capable of inhibiting the bacterial enzyme responsible. Th...
Researchers at Harvard University have created miniature, 3D tissue cultures that model a patient's own brain cells in a dish, offering great promise for studying disease in humans directly. The new method consistently grows the same types of cells, in the same order, as the developing human cerebral cortex.
Researchers at Harvard University have improved the laboratory process of converting stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells, increasing purity to 80 percent. This breakthrough may improve beta cell transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new storage method that uses molecules to encode information, potentially preserving the contents of the New York Public Library in a teaspoon of protein. The approach uses oligopeptides and mass spectrometry to store data in a stable and low-energy format.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new tool that records and controls neural activity in real-time using genetically encoded voltage indicators. This breakthrough enables the study of complex behaviors and neural interactions with unprecedented clarity.
A Harvard University study explores the genetics behind the evolution of flightless birds, finding that different species turn to similar regulatory pathways when evolving flight loss. The team discovered a shared suite of morphological changes that led to a similar body plan across all flightless bird species.
Researchers combined CRISPR with drug discovery to understand how AML treatment works and which weaknesses can be exploited. The study revealed that LSD1-GFI1B relationship is critical for AML survival, enabling more targeted treatments.
A recent study reveals that thawing Alaskan permafrost is releasing about twelve times higher amounts of nitrous oxide than previously assumed, making it a significant contributor to global warming. The potent greenhouse gas can stay in the atmosphere for up to 114 years, posing an additional threat to the ozone layer.
A team of researchers led by Madison Krieger used statistical analysis to find evidence supporting the theory that Beowulf was written by a single author. The study found consistent metrics throughout the text, including letter combinations, which lends further support to the idea of unity.
A new analysis by Harvard University shows that land conservation modestly increases employment rates in New England cities and towns, even when controlling for other factors. The study found small gains in median household income and population, as well as employment growth in recreation and tourism industries.
A recent study by Robert Manduca at Harvard University reveals that income inequality is a major driver of the growing income gap between different regions in the United States. The study shows that over the past forty years, the number of people living in communities at the extreme ends of the income scale has increased three-fold, wi...
Researchers have created a soft computer using only rubber and air, emulating the thought process of an electronic computer. The soft computer mimics digital logic gates and achieves complex operations with pneumatic signals, enabling faster and more energy-efficient robots.
Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane is constructed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using an integral machine that builds each bacterium's powerful protection. Researchers have discovered how LPS gets to the outer membrane, including a protein bridge and ATP shuttling mechanism.
A team of researchers from Harvard University has discovered genetic switches that control the process of whole-body regeneration in animals. Using three-banded panther worms, they found that a non-coding DNA section activates a 'master control gene' called early growth response (EGR), which controls various processes by switching othe...
A new study by Harvard researchers finds that notifying potential tenants of past bedbug infestations can help reduce the spread of bedbugs and save landlords money. The policy creates an unofficial quarantine, reducing the chances of an infested unit being rented and allowing landlords time to thoroughly treat the space.
A new study shows tree rings offer a unique perspective on climate change, matching high-tech data over short-term periods. The method reveals strong agreement between trees' own productivity estimates and satellite-derived data.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a novel brain implant that mimics the appearance, size, and flexibility of real neurons, allowing for stable monitoring of neural signals and potential treatment of neurological disorders. The implants inspire negligible immune response and may even encourage tissue regeneration.
A team of researchers led by Joshua Sanes created the first cellular atlas of the primate retina, identifying 65-70 separate cell types and their expressed genes. The study sheds light on the mechanisms that give rise to differences in foveal cells and offers a foundation for understanding vision-related diseases.
Researchers studied how colibactin damages DNA and created a novel technique to identify DNA adducts. They isolated and characterized the products of the reaction with DNA, revealing a cyclopropane ring structure that forms the colibactin warhead.
A team of Harvard researchers has unraveled the process by which bacteria manufacture streptozotocin, a key compound used to treat pancreatic cancer. The study reveals an iron-dependent enzyme with two domains that catalyze different steps in the production of nitrosamine compounds.
A new Harvard University study reveals that reducing spending on cardiovascular disease has slowed healthcare cost growth among the elderly population. The research found that investments in preventative care can produce significant savings, with nearly half of the reduction attributed to cardiovascular health.
A team of researchers led by Professor Hopi Hoekstra conducted a years-long study on the survival of light- and dark-colored mice in different habitats. The results confirmed the intuition that light-colored mice survive better in light-colored habitats, and also pinpointed a mutation related to survival that affects pigmentation.
The Harvard Museum of Natural History announces a new Climate Change exhibit featuring multimedia displays, interactive stations, and real-time ocean monitoring data. The exhibit aims to educate visitors about the global impacts of climate change and provide solutions for reducing fossil fuel emissions.
Scientists at Harvard University have identified a potential biomarker and drug target for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurological disease that is difficult to diagnose and treat. The gene STMN2 was found to be involved in the loss of motor neurons, which leads to progressive paralysis.
A Harvard University study found that the Coca-Cola Company, through its connection with a nonprofit group, has exerted substantial influence over obesity science and policy solutions in China. The study, conducted by Susan Greenhalgh, reveals how industry funding and personal connections shaped policy decisions.
Research by Harvard University's Catherine Dulac reveals that male mice engage in infanticide due to a combination of sensory cues, including the shape of pups and specific pheromone signals. These signals allow males to identify newborn infants and recognize their need for nurturing versus protection from attack.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method for glycosylation, using a precisely designed hydrogen-bond-donor catalyst to attach sugars to molecules. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of crucial biomedical benefits such as new vaccines and drugs to treat human disorders and diseases.
A new version of the International Tree Ring Data Bank has made it easier for scientists outside dendrochronology to access and interpret the data. The team corrected thousands of formatting issues, including reducing analytical bias from overrepresentation of certain tree species.
Researchers at Harvard University suggest that inosine could have served as a surrogate for guanosine in the early emergence of life. Inosine enabled RNA to replicate with high speed and few errors, supporting its potential role as a backbone of the first cells.
Research highlights creative uses of biological collections to understand global change, including study of microbial diversity from museum specimens. Biological collections are threatened by digitization and destruction, but preserving them is essential for unlocking their hidden data and understanding the history of life on Earth.
Harvard researchers create highly-detailed musculoskeletal model of an echidna forelimb to gain insight into its biomechanics and optimize limb leverage for certain movements. The study also reveals the importance of muscle configuration in supporting limb rotation, a key feature of the echidna's sprawling gait.
A new study led by James Crall at Harvard University found that exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides has profound effects on a host of social behaviors in bees, including reduced nursing of larvae and decreased social interaction. The study also showed that pesticides impair bees' ability to regulate temperatures inside the nest.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new system that captures CO2 from power plants and heavy industry, converting it into industrial fuels with high efficiency. The improved system uses renewable electricity to reduce carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, addressing the two main challenges of cost and scalability.
Researchers have created a groundbreaking cellular atlas of the brain, revealing over 70 different types of neurons, their locations, and functions. This breakthrough technology allows for unprecedented insights into brain organization and behavior.
Researchers have long believed cell membranes act like a viscous liquid, but a new study suggests they are closer to a semi-solid like Jell-O. The discovery was made by Harvard University scientists who used fluorescent protein and mechanical actuators to measure membrane tension.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that tetracycline antibiotics target human cytosolic ribosomes, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating cancer and pathological inflammation. The study provides a crucial foundation for further drug discovery and treatment development.
Gram-negative bacteria build their outer membrane using a glycolipid called lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can be weakened by preventing its transport. Researchers in the Kahne Lab have developed a quantitative method to monitor LPS transport rates, revealing crucial new details about its molecular mechanisms.