Researchers found that genetically modified Bt corn releases the insecticidal toxin into the soil through its roots, posing a risk to beneficial insects. The toxin was shown to retain its insecticidal activity for 234 days and can affect soil communities in unknown ways.
The center aims to understand how changes in the brain cause pathological anxiety states and seek clues from basic research that could lead to new treatments. It will conduct research with model species and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of human subjects to shed light on why particular treatments are effective.
A team of NYU/U.Rochester researchers found evidence that viewing any image for as little as 0.5 seconds causes an after-affect on visual neurons. This rapid adaptation helps the brain distinguish subtle differences in visual patterns, a critical component of normal visual perception.
New York University scientist Denis Pelli finds that the transition from grid to face in Close's paintings occurs at relatively short distances, revealing a size-dependent breakdown of shape perception. This challenges existing theories and credits Chuck Close with discovering this effect.
Researchers found neurons in parietal cortex that carry signals correlated with reward probability and amount, reflecting the value a monkey places on an action. This discovery reveals a viable biological alternative to the Cartesian reflex paradigm.
NYU chemist Robert Shapiro challenges existing assumptions about life's universality with a new theory that simple cellular life may arise from organic chemistry and self-organizing systems. He also advocates for continued search for extraterrestrial life in nearby worlds like Mars, Europa, and Titan.
Rocky Kolb will discuss the first second in the life of the universe, describing a hot primordial soup of 'elementary' particles. He explores how this soup has cooled and condensed into the cosmic structure we see today. Kolb's work is praised for its clarity and insight.
Researchers propose new explanation for proton mobility, revealing complex behavior of hydrated protons. The findings could impact understanding of biological processes and reactions involving aqueous proton diffusion.
Dan H. Sanes' research focuses on understanding how deafness affects the growth and function of the central nervous system, particularly through the development of inhibitory synapses. His lab aims to find ways to restore function following traumatic injury to nervous system pathways, including axon regeneration.
Researchers at New York University have successfully constructed a machine from synthetic DNA molecules, featuring two rigid arms that can be rotated between fixed positions. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing nano-robots and molecular manufacturing capabilities.
A team of astronomers has developed a 3-D globe-like image of the Helix nebula, allowing them to inspect it from all sides. The image reveals evidence that the nebula behaves like a double-headed garden sprinkler, with each side ejecting gas at similar structures.
Researchers found that seven-month-old infants can recognize and generalize simple language-like rules, understanding the algebra of combining words into sentences. This discovery has implications for diagnosis and treatment of language disorders in children.
Cathleen Synge Morawetz, a NYU professor emerita, is the first woman to receive the National Medal of Science for mathematics. Her pioneering work in partial differential equations and wave propagation has led to applications in aerodynamics, acoustics, and optics.
A comprehensive examination of 100 female statuettes carved in Europe between 30,000 and 20,000 years ago suggests they prioritized the health of mother and child during childbirth. The statuettes depict physical effects of pregnancy and show little evidence of long-term use.
Researchers found genes encoding for glutamate receptors in plants, indicating a common cell-to-cell communication system between plants and animals. This discovery may explain why certain plants produce neuroactive compounds that activate human brain receptors.
The NYU Computer Lab's ReaCT-ILP laboratory is working on eliminating the programming bottleneck in embedded systems by developing an optimizing compiler that regulates instruction timing. This technology, known as EPIC computing, aims to increase information processing power and precision in smart devices.
To stabilize atmospheric CO2 content at twice pre-industrial levels, non-fossil energy generation must increase from 15% to 50% of global power generation by 2050. This requires a massive transition in the global energy system, equivalent to a 150% increase in current total energy production.
Physicist Glennys Farrar proposes that extremely high-energy cosmic rays come from distant quasars, violating the Greisen-Zatsepin-Kuzmin cutoff. She suggests a new subatomic particle, the SO, with neutral and gluon-bound properties, as an alternative explanation.
Researchers at New York University have developed a technique to assemble DNA molecules into two-dimensional crystals with precise topographic features. The method uses synthetic DNA double-crossover molecules and exploits the key chemical feature of DNA to achieve predictable self-assembly.
Researchers Caro-Beth Stewart and Todd Disotell propose a new model for the evolution of humans and apes, suggesting that the common ancestor evolved in Asia rather than Africa. This theory requires only two hominoid migration events, marking a significant departure from traditional views.