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Princeton University


Bilingual babies listen to language

Researchers found that bilingual infants can differentiate between words in different languages, even at a young age. The study suggests that bilinguals have an efficient processing strategy to prioritize the currently heard language when switching between languages.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017

Study reveals ways in which cells feel their surroundings

A new study led by Princeton University researchers finds that cells must move around and change shape to gain a meaningful understanding of their environment. The typical cell's environment is highly varied in stiffness or flexibility, making it difficult for the cell to determine its surroundings through mechanosensing.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2017

New model projects an increase in dust storms in the US

A new statistical model projects an increase in dust storms in the southern Great Plains from spring to fall in the late half of the 21st century due to reduced rainfall and increased land surface bareness. Climate change is also predicted to reduce dust activity in the northern Great Plains in spring during the same time period.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2017

Scientists discover master switch to turn on silent biosynthetic gene clusters

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a master switch that 'switches on' silent biosynthetic gene clusters in bacteria, leading to the production of new compounds with anti-parasitic properties. The global regulator, scmR, acts as a gatekeeper for expression and can be eliminated genetically to release molecules of interest.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

Brain's 'GPS' does a lot more than just navigate

Researchers at Princeton University found that the brain's hippocampus plays a broader role in memory and learning, involved in both spatial navigation and cognitive tasks. The study used rats to explore sound frequencies and showed similar neural activity patterns as those seen when navigating physical environments.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateMar 30, 2017

Lead dressed like gold

Using advanced computational theory, researchers developed a method called spectral dynamic mimicry that allows them to calculate the laser pulse shape to produce any desired spectral output. This ability could have implications for optical computing and molecular detection.

Movin' on up? Views on social mobility shape Americans' faith in the status quo

A Princeton University study found that people's perceptions of social mobility affect their willingness to defend the current system. Those who believe Americans have ample opportunities to change their place in society are more likely to support the status quo, while those who think people are mostly stuck are less likely to defend i...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJan 17, 2017

Viral escape hatch could be treatment target for hepatitis E, Princeton-led study finds

Researchers at Princeton University have identified a potential treatment target for the hepatitis E virus by exploiting its ability to use proteins to escape host cells. The study found that curtailing viroporin production could prevent viral particles from spreading, providing a new avenue for antiviral drugs.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2017