Researchers at Stanford University and the Exploratorium developed an immersive exhibit allowing visitors to interact with single-cell organisms called Euglena. Visitors spent twice as much time engaging with interactive exhibits compared to traditional microscope-only displays.
A preventive treatment developed by Stanford researchers could greatly reduce the incidence and severity of wildfires. The approach involves an environmentally benign gel-like fluid that helps common wildland fire retardants last longer on vegetation.
A Stanford-led study predicts a tripling of storm-related damages in the Bahamas if protective ecosystems like coral reefs and mangrove forests are degraded or lost. The research is being used by the Bahamian government to pinpoint key areas for investment in natural ecosystems.
A Stanford-led study reveals that turmeric is sometimes adulterated with lead-laced chemical compounds in Bangladesh, leading to elevated blood lead levels among consumers. The researchers aim to shift consumer behaviors, reduce incentives for the practice and develop business opportunities to promote lead-free turmeric.
Researchers have discovered a way to convert CO2 into energy-rich carbon monoxide using electricity and an Earth-abundant catalyst, which can be used to produce fuels like synthetic diesel and jet fuel. The team's breakthrough could lead to the development of carbon-neutral products, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Nine corporations and a university research team participated in the Mobile Monitoring Challenge, testing 10 promising technologies for finding natural gas leaks swiftly and cheaply. The technologies were effective at detecting leaks, but most need to improve their ability to quantify the size of the leaks.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting 200 million people worldwide, can't be cured with current approaches due to poverty's role. Researchers found that mass drug administration programs fail to eradicate the disease, as treated individuals re-expose themselves to contamination.
Researchers at Stanford University have made a groundbreaking discovery that microscopic droplets of water spontaneously produce hydrogen peroxide. The finding has significant implications for the production and use of hydrogen peroxide, which is commonly used as a bleaching agent and disinfectant.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a coating that overcomes some of the battery's defects, extending its life and making it safer. The coating prevents dendrites from forming, which can cause the battery to combust or create a short circuit.
A Stanford-led study found that incorporating traditional techniques into current fire suppression practices could help revitalize American Indian cultures, economies, and livelihoods. The approach increased the production of high-quality stems needed to make culturally significant items up to 10-fold compared with untreated shrubs.
Managed retreat can achieve societal goals like community revitalization, equity, and sustainability. However, barriers include financial constraints and psychological issues, which must be addressed through strategic planning and social programs. Implementing equitable relocation policies is crucial to ensure the most vulnerable house...
A smart sink was tested at Stanford University to see if it could help people use less water while still being comfortable. The results showed that participants used up to 26% less water when washing dishes with the automated faucet.
The Stanford Woods Institute has awarded grants totaling $16 million to support research projects addressing major environmental challenges. These interdisciplinary initiatives aim to combat air pollution, mine wastewater for valuable resources, reduce food waste, and investigate the causes of chronic kidney disease.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a potential treatment for citrus greening, a devastating disease affecting the US citrus industry. By studying a symbiotic bacterium, they found 130 compounds that can inhibit the spread of the disease without harming beneficial bacteria.
A new academic discipline, 'macro-energy systems,' aims to address large-scale energy system transitions. Researchers propose formalizing this field to improve research methods and collaboration.
Scientists at Stanford University have developed an atomically thin heat shield that is effective in preventing overheating in electronic devices. The new material, which consists of four layers just 10 atoms deep, can provide insulation comparable to a sheet of glass 100 times thicker.
Researchers create BodyNet, a wearable technology that detects physiological signals from the skin using RFID technology. The system tracks heart rate, respiration, and muscle movements, providing accurate readings without interfering with daily behavior.
The Stanford-led study, published in Nature Climate Change, explores the capacity of trees and plants to absorb carbon dioxide. The research suggests that trees will continue to sequester carbon dioxide at generous rates through at least the end of the century, with potential increases in plant biomass by 12% by the end of the century.
A simple, electricity-independent device has been proven effective in reducing child diarrhea rates by up to 23% in developing countries. The Aquatabs Flo technology uses precise chlorine dosing to purify water without compromising taste, offering a promising solution to control the second-leading cause of death for children globally.
Researchers at Stanford University have designed a crystal structure that can trap and convert both infrared and green laser light, significantly improving the efficiency of this process. The device, which is microscopic in size, has the potential to greatly benefit technologies in telecommunications, computing, and laser-based equipment.
The study, published in eLife, reveals that birds adapt their grip by wrapping their toes and curling their claws to stick the landing. Researchers aim to apply this knowledge to develop more nimble flying robots with bimodal capabilities.
A Stanford study found that assigning newly arrived refugees to live in areas with larger ethnic networks increases their chances of finding employment. In contrast, smaller ethnic networks are associated with lower employment rates.
The new camera system uses a high-powered laser to capture reflected light from objects around the corner, allowing for real-time monitoring of movement in 3D. This breakthrough enables faster and more accurate tracking of objects beyond visible light spectrum, with applications in autonomous cars and robots
The Stanford group's battery captures blue energy by releasing sodium and chloride ions, then reincorporating them through rapid wastewater and seawater exchanges. The technology has shown 97% effectiveness in capturing salinity gradient energy over 180 cycles.
Researchers at Stanford University have designed a photon diode that can only flow in one direction, enabling faster solutions to scientific, mathematical and economic problems. The device uses nanostructures and metasurfaces to manipulate light and break time-reversal symmetry.
A Stanford-led study identifies shifting weather patterns and ocean conditions as contributing factors to the collapse of Mexico's jumbo squid fishery. The research found that warmer waters led to smaller, less profitable squid, shutting down the entire industry in the Gulf of California.
Researchers at Stanford University discovered a new form of cell communication, where individual cells coordinate their ultrafast contractions to release paralyzing toxins in sync. The phenomenon was found to occur through hydrodynamic flows, allowing cells to sense and respond to their environment.
Researchers at Stanford University found that lovebirds can navigate through extreme crosswinds in both bright and dark environments, challenging long-held assumptions about bird navigation. By stabilizing their gaze and twisting their necks, the birds actively control their flight towards a light beacon.
A new Stanford study shows that wake-steering can improve the quantity and quality of power from wind farms, increasing overall power output by up to 47% in low wind speeds. Wake steering also reduces the variability of power production, making it easier for grid operators to manage supply and demand.
A new prototype by Stanford University tackles presbyopia by using eye-tracking sensors and fluid-filled lenses that adapt to changing focus needs. The technology has shown promising results in tests with 56 people, outperforming traditional progressive lenses.
Researchers found that Republicans tend to focus on breaking news reports and event-specific facts, while Democrats discuss potential policy changes. The study also reveals a stark contrast in emotions expressed by each group, with Republicans showing more fear and disgust, while Democrats express sadness and calls for action.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a new system that combines demonstrations and user preference surveys to set goals for autonomous systems, achieving better results in simulations and real-world experiments. The system improved upon previous methods, reducing the time required to generate instructions by 15-50 times.
The Gemini Planet Imager survey discovered six planets and three brown dwarfs orbiting 300 stars, offering new insights into the formation of Jupiter-like planets and their distribution around high-mass stars. The findings suggest that wide-orbiting giant planets are more common around high mass stars, but rare around sun-like stars.
A Stanford-led study finds climate change influences 3-20% of armed conflict risk over the last century and is expected to increase dramatically. Adaptation strategies can reduce potential climate-conflict linkages, but understanding their effectiveness is crucial.
A new AI tool developed by researchers at Stanford University improves clinicians' ability to correctly identify brain aneurysms by highlighting areas of interest on scans. The HeadXNet algorithm reduces the 'miss' rate and increases consensus among clinicians, with promising results but further investigation needed.
A research team at Stanford University has developed a new method to clean contaminated soils by rinsing them with a mixture of water and EDTA, a chemical that attracts heavy metals. The process involves percolating the mixture through the soil, collecting the toxic brew, and filtering it to capture the heavy metals.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a more stable prosthetic leg that can handle rough terrain, reducing the risk of falls. The new design uses a tripod foot with adjustable pressure distribution to improve mobility and overall quality of life for individuals with lower limb amputations.
A new Stanford study finds that companies claiming 100% renewable energy don't necessarily reduce carbon emissions by 100%. Hourly accounting methods show wind power produces more emissions reductions than solar power in California. The study highlights the need for hourly data to measure environmental benefits accurately.
The Stanford Student Robotics club developed an affordable, open-source quadruped robot called Stanford Doggo, which can perform acrobatic tricks and navigate challenging terrain. The robot's cost is estimated under $3,000 and all components can be bought online.
A Stanford-led paper proposes converting methane into carbon dioxide as a climate change solution. The process could eliminate one-sixth of all causes of global warming and generate significant profits with a price on carbon emissions. Zeolite, a crystalline material, can act as a sponge to capture methane.
Researchers mapped over 1.1 million forest sites and 28,000 tree species to understand how symbiotic partnerships structure the world's forests. The study revealed a new biological rule, Read's Rule, which predicts massive changes to the symbiotic state of the world's forests if carbon emissions continue unabated.
A new study outlines a roadmap for expanding Stanford's energy system innovations to other campuses, maximizing purchases of electricity during renewable power hours and reducing carbon emissions. Thermal storage tanks offer an affordable alternative to traditional batteries, with costs about 15% lower.
Researchers identify preferential activation of a brain region to Pokémon characters in adults who played videogames extensively as children. The study sheds light on the development of dedicated brain regions for processing visual stimuli.
The team's artificial synapse is similar to a battery, emulating how learning is wired in the brain, and processes data in one action. The prototype array outperformed expectations with high speed, energy efficiency, reproducibility and durability, paving the way for small devices to support artificially intelligent learning.
A new vaccine approach could protect against pandemic flu by teaching the immune system to recognize the shared 'cone' portion of the flu virus, rather than just the seasonal 'scoop'. Researchers have shown early promising results in lab animals.
Researchers at Stanford University and India's National Centre for Biological Sciences have developed a new approach to extract genetic clues from degraded DNA samples. This method uses a sequencing technique that amplifies small bits of DNA with unique differences in each sample, allowing for the use of contaminated or mixed samples. ...
Researchers at Stanford University found that adopting diverse agricultural lands can provide flood control, water purification, and climate stabilization, while also doubling farmers' incomes. The 'Ecological Development Strategy' aims to support both economic growth and environmental health in rural regions like Hainan Island.
A new neural network system developed by Stanford researchers enables autonomous cars to learn from past driving experiences and adapt to unknown conditions. The system performed similarly well as an experienced racecar driver in high-friction and low-friction scenarios, showing promise for improved safety.
A team of scientists from Stanford and MIT used machine learning to analyze extensive experimental data, predicting the remaining lifespan of lithium-ion batteries. The technique is expected to speed up new battery designs and reduce production time.
Stanford researchers have devised a way to generate hydrogen fuel from seawater using solar power, electrodes, and saltwater from San Francisco Bay. The new method uses electrolysis to separate hydrogen and oxygen gas from seawater via electricity, overcoming the limitations of existing methods that rely on purified water.