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Princeton University


Singling out a bacterium from the crowd

A new method, M3-seq, has been developed to study the gene expression patterns of individual bacteria with unprecedented detail. This approach enables researchers to identify rare bacterial populations and profile phage infection, shedding light on complex biological phenomena.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 13, 2023

How eavesdropping viruses battle it out to infect us

Researchers find that viruses, like bacteriophages, can eavesdrop on bacterial communication and switch from chill mode to kill mode in response to chemical signals. The study reveals tools that control this strategy and demonstrates its abundance, providing new insights into viral behavior.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

Princeton researchers reveal microscopic quantum correlations of ultracold molecules

Princeton researchers have achieved a major breakthrough by microscopically studying molecular gases at a level never before achieved. The team cooled molecules to ultracold temperatures, observed individual molecules with high spatial resolution, and detected subtle quantum correlations, opening up new avenues for many-body physics re...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Kepler's first exoplanet is spiraling toward its doom

Researchers have observed an exoplanet whose orbit is decaying around an aging star, providing the first look at a solar system this late in its life cycle. The doomed world, Kepler-1658b, has less than 3 million years left before colliding with its expanding star.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Long-term benefit of wearing masks for endemic diseases depend on the biology of transmission and immunity

Princeton University researchers found that mask-wearing and social distancing reduce respiratory disease spread in the short term but do not guarantee long-term benefits. Vaccination successfully limits return epidemics, whereas sustained NPIs can lead to increased susceptibility and eventual outbreaks.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2022

A new experiment pushes the boundaries of our understanding of topological quantum matter

Researchers clarify key aspects of thermal Hall effect in magnetic insulator, reaching novel conclusions and advancing understanding of topological quantum matter. The study utilizes ruthenium chloride to demonstrate the first example of a magnetic insulator exhibiting the thermal Hall effect from quantum edge modes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

A fast, accurate, equipment-free diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants

A team of researchers from Princeton University and the Broad Institute created a fast, accurate, and equipment-free diagnostic test for COVID-19. The test uses CRISPR technology to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants and can be performed at home without special equipment, improving sensitivity and specificity compared to existing tests.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

How fast-growing algae could enhance growth of food crops

Researchers at Princeton and Northwestern universities developed a computational model of the pyrenoid, identifying key features needed for enhanced carbon fixation in plants. The study suggests that engineering a pyrenoid-like ability could improve crop growth rates and mitigate food insecurity.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 19, 2022

What do you see when you listen to music?

A study found that listeners in Arkansas and Michigan imagined similar stories, while those in China envisioned unique narratives. The results suggest that music can generate shared experiences despite cultural differences.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022

New study reveals insights into how early immune response defines severity of COVID-19

A new study by Princeton University researchers reveals that macrophages, a type of immune cell, are crucial in the early immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The study used humanized mice with human lung tissue and blood stem cells to investigate the role of macrophages and identified specific genes associated with an effective antiviral re...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2022

Princeton Chemistry reports method for direct “uphill” isomerization of numerous olefin classes

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a method to generate less-stable olefins from internal olefins catalytically, utilizing photocatalysis and chromium co-catalysis. This innovation allows for the conversion of internal olefins into terminal olefins, which are useful starting points in various chemical processes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022

Study uncovers new features of genome organization

Researchers identified two classes of DNA elements: tethering and insulators, which work together to regulate gene expression. Tethering elements facilitate timely activation by bringing enhancers close to target genes, while insulators prevent interference between neighboring genetic loci.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022

What is your dog’s lifespan? You might be surprised

The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking study that has enrolled over 32,000 dogs to understand the aging process. Researchers are using this dataset to identify biomarkers of canine aging and potential genetic factors contributing to exceptional longevity, which they hope will translate to human health.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Princeton researchers discover new way to encourage vaccinations and masking

Researchers found that advocating for a public health position while also encouraging mindfulness helped participants comply with guidelines and sought out vaccination appointments. The study aimed to address the issue of inconsistent behavior among those who already agree with vaccines being good, but find excuses to not get vaccinated.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 21, 2021

Rise and fall of water blisters offers glimpse beneath Greenland’s thick ice sheet

A Princeton University-led research team discovered that water blisters on the surface of Greenland's high-elevation ice sheet can estimate transmissivity, a property characterizing the efficiency of water networks between ice and bedrock. The study found that transmissivity can increase by two orders of magnitude during the summer mel...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021