The Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) mission uses a constellation of 5 space probes to track the origin of magnetic storms and their impact on aurorae. The probes will observe over 30 substorms and coordinate with ground-based cameras to discover the time history of these events.
Astronomer Nathan Smith proposes a new theory for the origin of the 1987 supernova's triple-ring nebula, suggesting that unstable blue supergiant stars, called luminous blue variables, may be responsible. Three nearby stars with similar nebulae have been discovered, contradicting the prevailing merger and red-to-blue transition explana...
The researchers found that the dust grains have a porosity of over 90%, similar to powder snow, allowing them to measure the agglomeration process of interstellar grains. This discovery provides valuable insights into the early days of our planetary system and how dust grains grow from interstellar sizes to macroscopic objects.
Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered a synthetic peptide that prevents the genital warts virus from infecting cells. The peptide targets the viral E2 protein, which binds to chromosomal proteins, and blocks its action, potentially stopping the spread of the virus and preventing cancer.
Researchers at UC Berkeley used shotgun sequencing to identify new microbes living in mine slime, including three previously unknown Archaea that are the smallest organisms ever found. These nanoorganisms have the potential to thrive on other planets, such as Mars.
Astronomers observe two long gamma-ray bursts that defy the consensus of supernova association, suggesting multiple ways to produce black holes and gamma-rays. The discoveries indicate a rich diversity in cosmic events and challenge the prevailing model of massive stellar death.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found specific gene expression changes in Daphnia magna water fleas in response to copper, cadmium, and zinc contamination. These changes suggest a possible role for toxicogenomics in assessing environmental toxicity.
Researchers at UC Berkeley found that humans gain a performance advantage from cross-nostril comparisons when tracking scents. With training, humans can improve their accuracy significantly and nearly double their speed. This discovery challenges the common assumption that humans are poor smellers compared to other mammals.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed techniques to pluck comet dust from the aerogel collectors used by NASA's Stardust spacecraft. The extracted samples reveal a diverse and unexpected composition of materials, including calcium/aluminum-rich inclusions similar to those found in meteorites.
Historical data analysis reveals that combined effects of atmospheric brown clouds and greenhouse gases negatively impacted Indian rice harvests. The study estimates that harvests would have been 20-25% higher in the 1990s if pollution-related climate impacts hadn't occurred.
Researchers have discovered a human protein that disrupts anthrax bacteria's iron scavenging system, potentially leading to new anti-anthrax drugs and diagnostic tools. The study found that siderocalin binds to bacillibactin, preventing it from capturing iron, while petrobactin is not bound by the protein.
Researchers at UC Berkeley and LBNL have developed light-sensitive switches that can trigger chemical reactions, muscle contractions, and nerve cell stimulation. The goal is to equip retina cells with these switches to restore light sensitivity in people with macular degeneration.
A new study estimates that 87 out of 115 leading global crops depend to some degree on animal pollination, accounting for one-third of crop production globally. This reliance on pollinators is particularly concerning due to the decline in key North American pollinator populations.
Researchers at UC Berkeley used mechanical stretching to guide bone marrow stem cells towards becoming smooth muscle tissue, similar to that found in blood vessels. The study suggests that a combination of chemical and mechanical factors will be needed to achieve efficient cell differentiation.
A new study reveals that tropical regions are both a cradle and a museum of biodiversity, with many species originating in the tropics and spreading to higher latitudes. The research suggests that preserving tropical ecosystems is crucial for maintaining global biodiversity.
Researchers found that slow theta oscillations tune into high-gamma waves, allowing areas of the brain to coordinate activity and transmit information. This coupling enables top-down executive processes like attention and memory to be connected to low-level perceptions and actions.
A new study by UC Berkeley vision scientists found that the human visual system is more effective at distinguishing a single person's actions when they are in sync with another individual. This ability is crucial for our social species, allowing us to interpret visual cues to determine emotions and intentions.
A team of researchers at UC Berkeley created synthetic micro-fibers inspired by geckos' remarkable hairs, which can hold a quarter to a glass slide inclined at an 80-degree angle. The fibers have high friction but low adhesion, making them suitable for applications such as shoe soles and car tires.
The trap-jaw ant's mandibles close at 35-64 meters per second, or 78-145 miles per hour, with an average duration of 0.13 milliseconds. The ants accelerate at 100,000 times the force of gravity, generating forces exceeding 300 times their body weight.
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers found significant differences in disability rates between people of different income levels, even among those at the higher end of the spectrum. Those living above 600% of poverty had elevated odds of disability compared to their counterparts at 700% and higher.
Aerial mosquito spray increased the toxicity of pyrethroids in creeks by doubling their effects. Researchers found that a chemical synergist, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), made sediments more toxic to certain aquatic species.
A UC Berkeley study found that in utero exposure to DDT is linked to lower developmental scores in children, while nursing was beneficial despite DDT transmission through breast milk. The study suggests that the benefits of nursing may outweigh the potentially harmful effects of DDT transmission.
Researchers discovered that listeria bacteria first infect the placenta before using it as a breeding ground and then infecting other organs. The bacteria proliferate rapidly in the placenta before pouring out to cause infections.
A new technology developed at UC Berkeley enables remote consultations between rural clinics and hospital doctors, improving access to eye care services for half a million patients annually. The system uses directional antennas and routers to achieve network speeds of up to six Mb/s at distances of up to 40 miles.
Researchers discovered that supernova remnants in the Small Magellanic Cloud contain up to one-hundredth the amount of dust predicted by current theories. This finding suggests alternative sites of dust formation, such as massive star winds, may be more important contributors to primordial galaxies. The study provides a unique test of ...
Researchers developed an ultrasonic metamaterial that captures sound wave's fine details and expands instead of compresses like natural materials. This allows for higher modulation of the acoustic wave, enabling better ultrasound image resolution.
Scientists predict temperature increases of 1.6-6 degrees Celsius due to natural processes injecting more CO2 into the atmosphere, exceeding current models' 1.5-4.5 degree Celsius predictions.
A University of California, Berkeley study found that certain household products emit toxic compounds when used indoors, exceeding regulatory guidelines. The research measured pollutants from cleaning agents and air fresheners under typical indoor use conditions, highlighting the need to address chronic exposure to these substances.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a biologically-inspired artificial compound eye that can capture visual or chemical information from a wider field of vision than previously possible. The eyes integrate microlens arrays with self-aligned, self-written waveguides, enabling low-cost and easy-to-replicate fabrication.
Researchers have found that lactic acid is not a waste product, but rather a link between anaerobic and aerobic metabolism. Efficient use of lactic acid enables athletes to generate more energy from their body's fuel sources, reducing fatigue and improving performance.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a method to create nanofibers in a controlled manner, overcoming the chaotic process of conventional electrospinning. By reducing the distance between the ejector and collection points, they achieved directed and precise deposition of fibers with diameters ranging from 50 to 500 nanometers.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have made a significant breakthrough in producing a chemical precursor of artemisinin, the best drug available today to cure malaria. The team's goal is to develop a low-cost alternative that can be widely distributed in developing countries, where the current cost is a major barrier.
The discovery of Au. anamensis fossils in Ethiopia bridges the 1-million-year gap between Ardipithecus and Australopithecus, two species previously thought to be distinct. The new findings provide insight into the evolutionary history of human ancestors, revealing a more complex and nuanced timeline.
Astronomers have found a blue ring around Uranus, similar to Saturn's blue ring in Enceladus' orbit, attributed to submicron-sized material and subtle forces acting on dust particles. The discovery suggests that the two outer rings share a common explanation for their blue color.
A UC Berkeley study found that children born with high levels of in utero arsenic exposure have a significantly higher risk of developing lung diseases such as bronchiectasis and lung cancer. The study, which analyzed death certificates from Chilean cities, revealed a 46 times higher death rate from bronchiectasis and seven times highe...
The newly discovered Triceratops skull provides valuable insights into the dinosaur's growth patterns, suggesting that its horns and frill had a purpose beyond sexual display. The fossil, estimated to be around three years old, shows significant changes in the development of its frill and horn shape from juvenile to adult stages.
A new study published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics found significant variability in pesticide susceptibility among Latina women and their newborns. The researchers used PON1 enzyme activity as a marker for pesticide resistance and discovered that genetic variants can significantly affect enzyme levels, particularly in children.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that brain scans can predict cognitive decline in normal older people, with lower glucose metabolism detected in the parietal and temporal lobes. The scans also predicted declines on memory tests, such as the DelRec test, suggesting a potential link to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have successfully forced a benign virus to evolve into a more effective delivery vehicle for genes in gene therapy. By accelerating the process of viral evolution, they were able to bypass the immune system's defenses and increase the virus's ability to deliver genes to target cells.
Researchers discovered a new brain hormone GnIH that directly inhibits the action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), stimulating the reproductive system. This finding suggests that GnIH plays a similar role in humans and other mammals, offering potential new treatments for infertility and precocious puberty.
Researchers found that combining pesticides disrupts frog development, causing delayed maturation, retarded growth, and increased susceptibility to infections. The study suggests that the interaction between pesticides and environmental factors may be a major contributor to amphibian decline.
Astronomers have calculated the density of binary asteroid Patroclus, suggesting it is composed mostly of water ice covered by a patina of dirt. The team proposes that Patroclus and other Trojan asteroids may be dirty snowballs formed in the outer reaches of the solar system.
Researchers from UC Berkeley found no signature of life in Earth's topography, contrary to previous assumptions. Instead, they suggest that life's influence is more subtle, shaping landforms like rounded hills and meandering rivers, but not creating unique features.
A recent study by UC Berkeley researchers suggests that ethanol can be a good substitute for gasoline, offering substantial energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The study analyzes six high-profile studies of ethanol and finds that producing ethanol from corn uses significantly less petroleum than producing gasoline.
Astronomers have discovered two bright debris disks around nearby stars, similar to our own solar system's Kuiper Belt. These narrow disks are believed to be shaped by the presence of a star-like companion that continually grooms their edges.
Astronomers have long hoped to find magnetic forces shaping interstellar clouds, and now they've done so. A helical magnetic field was detected around the Orion Molecular Cloud, providing the first evidence of its structure.
Researchers found that tap roots in deep-rooted plants transfer rainwater to reservoirs underground, redistributing water upwards during dry periods, increasing photosynthesis and transpiration. This effect can increase carbon uptake by 40% and impact global climate globally.
Researchers at UC Berkeley will invite Internet users to help them search for interstellar dust grains captured by NASA's Stardust spacecraft. The 'virtual microscope' technology allows anyone with an internet connection to scan images of aerogel for tracks left by speeding dust, in hopes of discovering grains from distant stars.
Researchers have charted a warp in the Milky Way's hydrogen gas layer, finding it vibrates like a drum due to interaction with dark matter. The Magellanic Clouds' passage through the dark matter halo creates a wake that enhances their gravitational influence on the disk.
Researchers found that marbled murrelets in the past fed on more nutritious prey, such as sardines and squid, while modern-day birds rely on lower-value food sources like krill. This shift in diet affects the birds' energy levels, reproductive success, and nesting patterns.