A new analysis suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2010 could prevent or mitigate some severe climate change effects. However, saving coral reefs is unlikely, while ocean currents and ice-sheet melting are more plausible but uncertain outcomes.
A Princeton-led study found that 62% of marine iguanas on a Galapagos island died within a year after an oil spill. The researchers believe that beneficial microorganisms in the iguana's guts were killed by the oil, leading to their deaths.
Researchers at Princeton University have pinpointed what appears to be a central cause of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects 1.4 million Americans. The discovery highlights a specific mechanism in B cells that produces disease-fighting antibodies, which can mistakenly attack the body's own DNA.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a mathematical method to predict the coming year's flu strain based on previous years' genetic sequences. The approach identified clusters of genetically similar viruses that tend to dominate in each season, with an accuracy rate comparable to existing methods.
Biologists at Princeton University discovered a protein that initiates biofilm formation in E. coli bacteria, using a 'touch sensor' mechanism to sense solid surfaces. This finding suggests disrupting this sensing mechanism could be an effective strategy for developing new antibacterial agents targeting biofilms.
Researchers at Princeton University have identified a key signaling molecule, AI2, that allows certain bacteria to perform functions only when part of a sufficiently dense population. The molecule contains boron and has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.
A Princeton University study reveals that South American forests offer a glimpse into pre-industrial US ecosystems, showing complex organic compounds as the main form of nitrogen in unpolluted ecosystems. The findings suggest that high levels of inorganic nitrogen in the US are mainly due to acid rain and agricultural fertilizers.
Researchers used fMRI to analyze brain activity in people pondering moral dilemmas, finding that emotions play a significant role in shaping moral judgments. The study's results suggest that different areas of the brain are engaged depending on the level of personal involvement and emotional response.
A study by Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study suggests that Earth's varying reflections can provide clues about distant, potentially habitable planets. By analyzing changes in light over time, scientists may gain insights into a planet's weather, oceans, or even plant life.
A Princeton scientist created a computer model of a mouse brain that can recognize spoken words, challenging conventional views on sensory perception. The model uses sensitive timing of electrical signals to perform calculations, potentially leading to faster and more sophisticated brain functions.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered a web browser design flaw that allows sites to collect users' recent browsing histories. This technique, dubbed a 'timing attack,' is undetectable and defeats most available privacy measures.
Recent study by Princeton University scientists reveals that reforestation of former farmland has played a crucial role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide. The finding highlights the importance of historical land-use changes in understanding carbon uptake in North American forests.
Researchers found that the brain replays and reinforces initial learning events to create cell-to-cell connections for long-term memories. This process, called synaptic reentry reinforcement, may be crucial for maintaining stable information over time.
A Princeton scientist has discovered a naturally occurring protein that inhibits telomerase, which replicates and lengthens chromosome ends. The protein, Pif1p, acts directly on the chromosome ends to keep the lengthening process in check.
Researchers have identified over 2,000 genes active in blood stem cells, shedding light on how they replenish themselves and potentially inform treatments for diseases like leukemias. The discovery offers a powerful tool for understanding blood cell production and development.
A study by Princeton researchers estimates that 8-18 million Americans may identify with more than one race in the 2000 census, several times greater than previous estimates. The vast majority of likely multiple race respondents chose 'White' when faced with the traditional single-response race question.
Researchers created light-emitting materials combining fluorescence and phosphorescence, increasing efficiency production of light. This breakthrough allows developers to choose from a wider range of materials, adding flexibility and reducing costs for products such as laptops and cell phones.
Researchers at Princeton University have created ultrasmall plastic structures using a novel technique called LISA. The discovery has yielded insights into material behavior at nanoscales and has potential applications in computer memory chips, DNA sorting, and more. Refinements of the technique may lead to even smaller structures.
Researchers found that adult monkeys have new neurons added to their cerebral cortex, reversing a dogma nearly a century old. This discovery suggests new ways of explaining how the mind accomplishes basic functions, such as problem-solving and learning.
Researchers at Princeton University genetically modified mice to have improved learning and memory by adding a single gene, NR2B. The results show that the brain uses a common biochemical mechanism for forming associations, and this finding could lead to human gene therapy for dementia.