Scientists have isolated a gene that allows Pteris vittata ferns to tolerate high levels of arsenic, a toxic metal. This gene enables the plant to accumulate and store arsenic in its fronds, effectively cleaning up contaminated soils and waters.
Engineers at Purdue University, MIT, and Rice University have discovered the mechanism behind bead formation in fluids containing polymers. They found that fluid inertia, viscosity, relaxation time, and capillary time play crucial roles in controlling bead formation.
Purdue University researchers created an automated program to debug complex nuclear weapon simulations, reducing the time and difficulty of manual debugging. The tool, AutomaDeD, was 90% accurate in identifying errors and has potential applications in other parallel applications like climate modeling and high-energy particle physics.
Researchers found that resistant wheat plants under attack by Hessian fly larvae increase production of surface waxes and cutin, a molecule responsible for rigidity and integrity of epidermal cells. Susceptible plants have genes turned off, making them more permeable to the larvae.
A Purdue University researcher used NASA satellite data and Google Earth to detect changes in North Korea's Mount Paekdu Biosphere Reserve, finding that up to 75% of the forest had been removed through extensive logging. This has raised concerns over biodiversity loss and habitat destruction in the region.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered that lake sturgeon have genes from a parasitic worm and a protozoan parasite that causes a sexually transmitted disease in humans. This finding could lead to new methods of sex determination without harming the fish, which are endangered due to overfishing and pollution.
Researchers calculated that a warming of 12 degrees Fahrenheit would cause some areas to surpass the wet-bulb temperature limit, while a 21-degree warming would put half of the world's population in an uninhabitable environment. Prolonged temperatures above 95 degrees could be intolerable for hours.
Researchers at NASA and Purdue University have identified molecular-level features that make fluorinated compounds more efficient at trapping radiation in the atmospheric window. By spreading fluorine atoms out in a molecule's structure, these compounds can persist longer in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Astronauts may soon have a sweet treat in space thanks to Purdue University's discovery of a low-maintenance strawberry cultivar. The Seascape strawberry meets NASA guidelines for space crops due to its ability to thrive under shorter daylight periods, reducing energy requirements and labor needs.
A Purdue University scientist has discovered a long-sought gene that controls soybean stem growth, allowing for the creation of new plant varieties with desirable characteristics. The gene, Dt1, was found to be responsible for determining whether a soybean's stem continues to grow after flowering.
A new biosensor can measure real-time glutamate flux of neural cells in a living organism, providing valuable data for neurological diseases and treatments. The sensor's versatility would be valuable for understanding the effects of therapies for various conditions.
Researchers developed an experimental imaging technique using gold-silver nanocages to detect hollow nanocages and solid nanoparticles in the bloodstream, enabling clear images without background fluorescence. This method shows improved performance with higher contrast and brightness than conventional fluorescent dyes.
A Purdue University study shows that grinding switchgrass into fine bits to improve its flowability is unnecessary, as it doesn't change the morphological characteristics important for flow. By milling switchgrass through a 6.4 mm screen, processors can save energy and money
Research finds that postadoption depression in adoptive parents is linked to unmet or unrealistic expectations. Adoptive parents may experience struggles with bonding, feelings of guilt and shame, and confusion over their emotions. Empowerment and support can help alleviate these issues.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a hidden plant pathway that produces an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. This discovery could lead to increased nutritional value in food and improved biofuel production by reducing lignin content.
Researchers discovered that odorous house ant colonies grow exponentially in urban environments, forming complex networks with millions of workers. This phenomenon raises questions about the impact on native species and potentially informs better pest control strategies.
A new gene discovery in orange corn has significant implications for addressing vitamin A deficiency-related blindness and child mortality. Increasing beta-carotene levels in cereal grains can be an economical approach to tackling these deficiencies, especially in developing countries.
A genome mapping technique has been demonstrated to speed up the process of finding specific genes by quickly identifying genetic associations. This method compares DNA sequences across multiple individuals and identifies similarities that narrow the scope of the search for a particular gene.
A mathematical model predicts complex signaling patterns in fruit fly embryos, shedding light on stem cell differentiation and potential applications in tissue engineering. The study aims to better understand how to control similar cells in a laboratory setting.
A study by Purdue University found that while federal funding for health departments has surged, its impact on local resources is limited. Leadership and director qualifications play a crucial role in supporting programs and activities.
A study published in Nature Methods found that introducing as few as two controlled environmental variables to preclinical mice tests can significantly reduce costly false positives and the number of animals needed for testing. This approach challenges traditional standardization efforts in animal testing.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a miniature device capable of converting ultrafast laser pulses into bursts of radio-frequency signals. This technology has the potential to enable all communications to be transmitted from a single base station, making wires obsolete. The approach uses microring resonators to filter out ...
A study led by Markus H. Schafer found that people's subjective age has a stronger influence on cognitive abilities during older adulthood than their chronological age. Those who felt young for their age were more likely to have greater confidence about their cognitive abilities a decade later.
A Purdue University study reveals that high humidity in bathrooms and kitchens can cause vitamins and health supplements to lose their potency. Storing products in dry conditions, below their deliquescence relative humidities, can help maintain their effectiveness.
A Purdue University study has found that nanosilver, a bactericidal agent, is toxic to fish and can cause malformations even at low concentrations. Researchers detected nanoparticles as small as 30 nanometers inside fish embryos, highlighting the need for further testing on environmental release levels.
A Purdue University researcher projects that Midwestern states like Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan will face more winter and spring flooding, as well as dry summer and fall seasons, if average temperatures rise by 2070. The study suggests a 28% increase in precipitation in these states during the same period.
A Purdue University study found that inserting a human protein important in cancer development into plants revived dying plants, showing an evolutionary link between the two species. The discovery could advance understanding of this class of proteins and offer new options for studying their function in humans.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that resistant wheat plants stave off attacks by Hessian fly larvae by destroying their midgut and preventing nutrient absorption. The study found that the midgut disruption is caused by a toxic substance called lectin, which is produced by the plant in response to the fly's presence.
Researchers found that corn plants in no-till fields experience intense competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced yields. The leftover corn residue creates patches of soil with lower temperatures and different nutrient content, resulting in significant height differences among plants.
Researchers from Purdue University and Cummins Inc. developed an advanced engine-control system to reduce biodiesel fuel consumption and emissions. The system uses closed-loop control techniques to self-adjust engine settings based on feedback from sensors, improving fuel economy while minimizing nitrogen oxide emissions.
A study confirms the long-standing idea that animals such as lemurs and flying foxes arrived in Madagascar via natural rafts blown out to sea. The research, published in Nature, uses a three-year computer simulation of ancient ocean currents to support the theory, which was previously introduced by George Gaylord Simpson.
Scientists sequenced the soybean genome to understand its genes and improve characteristics. However, duplicated genes present a challenge, with many copies shuffled, making prediction difficult. Genome sequencing eliminates this issue, enabling faster research advancements.
Researchers at Purdue University emphasize the importance of understanding local human cultures in conserving African wildlife. Their study highlights how selective logging can help sustain local antelope populations, reducing hunting pressure on protected species.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a magnetic 'ferropaper' made from ordinary paper that can be used to make low-cost micromotors, tiny tweezers, and miniature speakers. The material is impregnated with iron oxide nanoparticles and can be controlled using a magnetic field.
A new method developed at Purdue University has shown that 70 of the rearranged distillation sequences can improve energy efficiency by 6-48 percent. This could save millions of dollars in energy costs annually for oil refineries, with potential savings reaching $12 million per year.
Monsoon rainfall has decreased over the past 50 years in rural areas with increased irrigation in northern India, while urban areas have seen an increase in heavy rainfall. This shift is attributed to landscape changes and cooling effects on low-pressure systems necessary for monsoons to progress.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed nanoprobes that deliver cancer drugs directly to tumor cells, reducing damage to healthy cells. The nanoprobes mimic the natural delivery system of endosomes and can track their distribution within cells.
College students who practice retrieving knowledge through self-testing learn more effectively than those who rely on repetitive note reading. The key is not dropping flashcards once mastered, as retrieval fluency can create an illusion of learning.
A Purdue University scientist has developed a nanoparticle that protects oils in food products from oxidation, which causes spoilage and degradation. The nanoparticle, modified phytoglycogen octenyl succinate (PG-OS), doubles the shelf life of oil droplets by acting as an emulsifier and barrier to oxidation.
Researchers studying snowflake shape and chemical reactions on their surface may uncover clues about ground-level ozone loss in the Arctic. The unique shapes of snow crystals, influenced by temperature and humidity, can affect the rate of chemical reactions that reduce ozone levels at ground level.
New research from Purdue University finds that middle-aged parents help each of their grown children with many types of support every few weeks. Parents are particularly eager to help the child they consider most successful, indicating a complex dynamic where parental involvement is motivated by a desire for reflection and validation.
Researchers at Purdue University found that the recovery of understory plants from logging depends on a forest's history and climate. The study, published in Forest Ecology and Management, suggests that forests with similar climate conditions can recover differently from logging due to their past disturbances.
Researchers found that male birds' songs with higher pitches are associated with greater genetic diversity, making them more attractive mates. The study suggests that females can pick up on the pitch of males' songs to decide which birds will make the best mates.
Scientists at IBM and Purdue University have successfully created ultrasmall transistors using semiconducting nanowires with sharply defined layers of silicon and germanium. This breakthrough could lead to faster computing and more powerful computer chips.
Researchers have identified and grouped the genes responsible for cell wall development in maize, enabling better study of biomass production. The discovery expands their ability to discover ways to produce biomass suitable for biofuels production.
Researchers have discovered a compound that prevents short circuits caused by damaged nerves, restoring function and transmitting signals more efficiently. The experimental drug, 4-aminopyridine-3-methyl hydroxide, may also be used to treat multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at Purdue University and NASA found that compounds containing fluorine atoms are more efficient at blocking radiation, contributing to global warming. These compounds, such as chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and sulfur and nitrogen fluorides, have the potential to quickly slam the atmospheric window shut, unlike ca...
Purdue researchers have developed finFETs using indium-gallium-arsenide, enabling faster and more compact circuits. The new technology may replace conventional silicon transistors and solve the industry's transistor limitations.
Purdue researchers have discovered a new approach for repairing damaged nerve fibers in spinal cord injuries using copolymer micelles, which not only deliver drugs but also directly repair axons. The treatment boosts axon recovery from 18% to 60%, showing promising results for treating spinal cord injuries.
A new theory proposes a method to determine fair CEO compensation using information theory and statistical thermodynamics. The ratio of CEO pay to the lowest employee salary has increased significantly in recent years, with US CEOs averaging around 344-to-1, raising questions about market efficiency.