US bridges may be more vulnerable than previously thought, according to a new Stanford study. The research found that frequent flooding and extreme events driven by climate change could lead to increased collapses, with up to $250 billion in direct costs.
A new life-cycle assessment, LUCI-LCA, integrates regional land composition for more detailed predictions. The study found that bio-plastic products from different sources had significantly different environmental impacts, highlighting the need for companies and policymakers to adopt this approach.
Researchers found that early mammalian ancestors enhanced their night vision genes, allowing them to thrive in the dark. This study supports existing fossil evidence and sheds light on the evolution of vision in mammals.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a new method for recording the shape of birds' wings during flight, enabling high-definition 3D reconstructions. The technique uses automated pattern recognition to capture wing deformations in real-time, revealing insights into aerodynamics and potential applications in drone design.
African forests, which feed and provide subsistence means to at least 100 million people, are being cleared at a rate of over 10% by 2025 due to expanding agricultural production. The study recommends policies that prioritize forest conservation and local control of land to mitigate deforestation.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a deep learning algorithm that can accurately predict the toxicity of chemicals and associate drugs with side effects using just six data points. This breakthrough could help chemists choose promising candidates and accelerate drug development.
The report recommends increasing US spending on solar R&D, encouraging international collaborations with China, and reforming federal policies to prioritize cost reduction. The researchers argue that the US should capitalize on its strengths in research and development while addressing concerns around intellectual property protection.
Researchers observe how large groups of neurons learn and unlearn a new association in the brain, blurring lines between stimuli. The findings have implications for studying emotional memory disorders like PTSD.
Grasses have evolved modified stomata that allow them to conserve water and thrive in dry environments. Researchers confirmed the increased efficiency of grass stomata and gained insight into their development, which could help cultivate crops for a changing climate.
Researchers discovered that corals activate ancient genes when exposed to stressful conditions, which could serve as an early warning sign for coral bleaching events. This study provides a new way to monitor coral health and predict bleaching events, potentially helping scientists identify and map survivor coral colonies worldwide.
The task force proposes strategies to recycle carbon dioxide and remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, complementing carbon-free approaches like electrification. These approaches aim to produce an overall emissions reduction of at least one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Researchers used brain scans to improve predictions of adolescent problem drug use, correctly identifying 2/3 of those who would abuse drugs. Novelty-seeking scores were associated with reduced anticipation in brain reward centers, a key predictor of future drug use.
Researchers developed nanostraws that can sample a single cell at a time without damaging it, allowing for long-term non-destructive monitoring of cellular processes. This technique could inform cancer treatments and help develop patient-specific organs by understanding how stem cells evolve.
Scientists at Stanford University and Sandia National Laboratories have developed an artificial synapse that mimics the human brain's efficient processing. This innovation could lead to the creation of more brain-like computers that can interpret visual and auditory signals with improved accuracy.
A novel gene therapy technique, called charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs), has been developed to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) into cells. This method overcomes the challenge of delivering mRNA through cell membranes and shows promise for treating diseases by inserting therapeutic proteins.
Conservationists from around the world gather to discuss a critical shift in thinking, recommending a more vigorous application of information from the fossil record. They suggest embracing novelty in ecosystems while preserving natural diversity, highlighting cases where conservation can benefit both humans and nature.
A Stanford University study found that anyone can become a troll given the right mood and context. The research used experimentation, data analysis, and machine learning to identify simple factors that make people more likely to engage in trolling behavior.
Stanford researchers helped China identify and protect areas of high ecological value, including the Yangtze River and Min-Zhe-Gan mountains. The move marks a historic shift in China's environmental approach, valuing nature for human well-being and societal security.
Researchers at Stanford University found that large MPAs in the U.S. Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge effectively protected grey reef sharks, with more sharks inside the reserve and fewer fishing vessels outside. The study suggests that expanded MPAs can have a significant impact on shark populations and ecosystem health.
Research from Stanford University identified phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, as the culprit behind cardiotoxicity in fish exposed to crude oil spills. The study found that phenanthrene disrupts heart function in both marine and terrestrial species, including mammals and birds.
A Stanford-developed deep learning algorithm accurately diagnoses skin lesions as well as board-certified dermatologists, with potential to provide life-saving smartphone diagnosis. The algorithm was trained on a database of nearly 130,000 images and tested against 21 dermatologists in identifying malignant carcinomas and melanomas.
Researchers found that brief psychological interventions can help close the global achievement gap in MOOCs. Brief affirmations can double persistence rates and eliminate gaps between developed and less-developed countries.
Scientists captured real-time, dynamic visualizations of atoms moving in and out of nanoparticles less than 100 nanometers in size. The experiments provided insight into the chemical and physical sciences, revealing that nanoparticles can self-heal and become more durable energy storage materials.
A Stanford study suggests that the development of face recognition entails brain tissue growth, particularly in regions that distinguish faces from other objects. The research found microscopic tissue growth in these regions, which continues into adulthood and contributes to the differences between face and place recognition areas.
Researchers have identified nearly two-dozen solid electrolytes that could replace volatile liquids in smartphones and laptops. The AI-powered approach allows for rapid screening of materials, identifying the most promising candidates for further study.
Researchers at Stanford University studied a rare marine worm species, discovering that its larvae undergo a prolonged phase with little more than a head. This indicates that many animals in the ocean likely share this trunk-less stage, shedding light on animal development and evolution.
Researchers found that drivers experience a period of adjustment when transitioning from autonomous to manual driving, affecting steering performance. The study highlights the importance of acknowledging this physical change and its potential impact on driving conditions.
A Stanford study used laser light to track parrotlets flying through aerosol particles, revealing that bird-generated vortices break up suddenly and violently close to the bird. The results challenge commonly used models of lift in flight research, highlighting the need for new designs.
Researchers found that brain cells in specific columns cycle independently between active and inactive states during both sleep and wake. This cycling is linked to improved attention and response to external stimuli.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new technique to fine-tune metal catalysts at the atomic scale, leading to a significant boost in performance for platinum catalysts used in fuel cells. By compressing or separating atoms by just 0.01 nanometers, they found that platinum's catalytic activity nearly doubled.
A Stanford University study compared battery electric vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in a hypothetical future scenario. The results showed that investing in all-electric battery vehicles is a more economical choice for reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Battery electric vehicles offer higher energy efficiency and lower costs...
A new tabletop device could detect elusive neutrinos more efficiently, simplifying scientists' ability to study the sun. Researchers discovered a connection between neutrino decay fluctuations and solar rotation, providing strong evidence for this method.
Schistosomiasis larvae employ a unique T-swimming style when moving against gravity, which helps them reach the water's surface. By understanding this biophysics, researchers hope to thwart infection and prevent re-infestation.
Researchers from Stanford and Oxford have created a novel perovskite solar cell design that converts sunlight into electricity with an efficiency of 20.3 percent, rivaling silicon solar cells on the market today.
The Stanford team has built an Ising machine, a non-traditional computer that uses optical and electrical processing to solve combinatorial optimization problems. The machine has been tested on thousands of scenarios and shows promise in solving hard optimization problems that traditional computers struggle with.
The LudusScope, a 3D printed smartphone microscope, enables kids to play games and make serious observations with miniature light-seeking microbes called Euglena. The device allows students to build their own instrument and collect data on Euglena behavior, swimming speed, and natural biological variability.
A new type of bike helmet with an air bag system shows promise in reducing the risk of skull fracture and other brain injuries. The helmet's larger size and cushioning provide added protection, but initial pressure is crucial for optimal performance.
Researchers developed a brain-sensing technology that allows monkeys to transcribe passages at a rate of up to 12 words per minute. This breakthrough could provide a means for individuals with movement disorders to communicate their thoughts and emotions, overcoming limitations of existing approaches such as eye-tracking or muscle cont...
Researchers create a cooling textile that utilizes infrared radiation, allowing for efficient heat dissipation and reducing the need for air conditioning. The material is made from polyethylene and has various characteristics desirable in clothing material.
The Stanford Precourt Institute for Energy has awarded $2.7 million to 15 faculty seed grant recipients for groundbreaking research on clean energy. Researchers will develop novel technologies, including battery management systems, perovskite solar cells, smart windows, and thermoelectric technologies.
A new Stanford-led analysis reveals that introducing snail-eating prawns to local water sources is the most effective way to reduce schistosomiasis prevalence, outperforming drug-only treatment by over 90%. This approach has consistently proven effective in controlling the disease globally.
A new Stanford study reveals that managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an effective and affordable way to balance local groundwater decisions with regional and statewide management. The median cost of MAR projects is $410 per acre-foot, compared to $2,100 for surface water projects.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new method for producing clean hydrogen using photovoltaic water splitting, which can be used to power cars and store excess energy in the grid. The team also designed a novel rechargeable zinc battery with improved stability, enabling grid-scale energy storage.
Researchers at Stanford University found that applying pressure can increase the voltages of perovskite solar cells and enhance their electronic conductivity. This discovery holds promise for advancing low-cost tandem solar cells.
Scientists at Stanford University have revived an abandoned drug that shows promise in fighting two disease-causing viruses, dengue and VEEV. The drug works by boosting the human body's ability to resist viruses rather than directly targeting them.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a machine to mimic the surface of the eye, allowing for systematic testing of tear film behavior on contact lens surfaces. This innovation could lead to more comfortable contact lenses that protect users from painful dry eye symptoms.
A Stanford University simulation model analyzes how modern interventions affect the Amazon rainforest and its indigenous inhabitants. The study reveals that agro-industrial land development and loss of traditional taboos lead to biodiversity decline and ecosystem collapse.
A team of Stanford Bio-X scientists developed the first technique for viewing cells and tissues in 3 dimensions under the skin. The MOZART technique allows for real-time imaging of individual cells or molecules in a living animal, enabling doctors to monitor tumors and understand how cells break free from tumors.
A new technique developed by Stanford chemists has shown promise to be thousands of times more sensitive than current techniques in lab experiments. The test uses DNA screening technology and could enable early detection of diseases such as cancer and HIV.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a novel way to produce plastic from CO2 and plant waste, which could significantly reduce greenhouse emissions. The new technology converts fructose-free biomass into polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics.