Scientists have discovered a new strategy to prevent the formation of toxic tau tangles in brain cells, which are linked to neurodegenerative diseases. By targeting polyserine, an amino acid chain that drives tau misfolding, researchers have found a potential preventative treatment for tauopathies.
A new CU Boulder study reveals that tropical land regions heated up nearly twice as much as the ocean when carbon dioxide levels were similar to today's. The researchers found that land temperatures in the tropics changed about 1.6 to nearly 2 times more than the tropical ocean.
Researchers have discovered a neural circuit hidden in an understudied region of the brain plays a critical role in turning temporary pain into chronic pain. Silencing this pathway can prevent or halt chronic pain, offering new hope for treating severe chronic pain with injections or infusions targeting specific brain cells.
Researchers have developed a fast and easy test that can track the aging process of red blood cells after storage, potentially improving the quality of blood transfusions. The device uses surface acoustic waves to detect changes in metabolites associated with aging cells.
Engineers have developed a device that can generate surface acoustic wave phonon lasers, enabling the creation of sophisticated chips in cellphones and other wireless devices. This technology could lead to smaller, higher-performance, and lower-power wireless devices like cell phones.
Scientists at CU Boulder have solved a pressing mystery about the universe's gravitational wave background by revealing the role of smaller galaxies in galaxy evolution. The new study suggests that when a smaller supermassive black hole merges with a larger one, the smaller black hole gains mass, producing larger gravitational waves.
The researchers created tiny, microorganism-inspired particles that can change their shape and self-propel in response to electrical fields. These particles could be used as microrobots to deliver medications or build dynamic materials that are responsive and self-healing.
Researchers at CU Boulder have introduced a solution to improving desalination plant performance by observing in real-time membrane fouling using SRS. The technique helps maximize filtration efficiency and reduce energy use, making it crucial for ensuring global access to clean water.
Researchers at CU Boulder developed particles that vibrate in response to ultrasound waves, reducing protein content and softening tumor tissue. This method could make chemotherapy more effective by targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Researchers have developed a nearly 100 times smaller device that can efficiently control lasers required for thousands of qubits, unlocking potential for larger quantum computers. The device uses microwave-frequency vibrations to manipulate laser light with extraordinary precision.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have designed a new material called Mesoporous Optically Clear Heat Insulator (MOCHI) that can improve energy efficiency in buildings. The material, which is almost completely transparent, traps air through tiny pores to block heat exchange.
A recent study has identified five categories of psychiatric disorders that share similar genetic factors, including compulsive features, internalizing conditions, substance use disorders, neurodevelopmental conditions, and a category combining bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. The research suggests that these shared genetic factors ...
A new study found that vividly imagining positive encounters with someone can make you like them better and change how information about that person is stored in your brain. The study suggests that imagination can actively shape what we expect and choose, providing a mechanism-level reason for how it influences motivation and choices.
A new study on TRAPPIST-1's flares could help scientists unravel how the star shapes its nearby planets, potentially in drastic ways. The researchers used observations from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and computer simulations to understand the physics behind TRAPPIST-1's temper tantrums.
Research finds certain psychological disorders are associated with positive attributes like heightened creativity, empathy and resilience. People with mental illnesses may grow and develop unique strengths despite their struggles.
Researchers found sulfur-containing molecules in ancient Earth's atmosphere, which could have supplied life with building blocks like amino acids. The discovery challenges the idea that these molecules emerged after life already formed, suggesting a more complex role for the environment in life's origin.
Scientists studied the effects of two hot stars, Epsilon and Beta Canis Majoris, on the local interstellar clouds around our solar system. The team found that these stars' ultraviolet radiation ionized about 20% of the hydrogen atoms and 40% of the helium atoms in the clouds.
A behavioral study analyzed toilet use in Cambodia and found that households struggled to follow recommended guidelines for maintaining a smart toilet system. Only 40% of respondents could recall key details, highlighting the need for user education and support.
A new study reveals a severe decline in recruitment of the American pika on Niwot Ridge, Colorado, with fewer juvenile pikas being born or migrating to take their place. Climate change is predicted to threaten pikas in the American West, with warmer summers affecting their habitats and ability to survive.
Researchers have developed a new surgical instrument called the CAP-LIFT cannula that completely transforms arthroscopic procedures in the hip region. The device solves existing problems with limited space and allows for easier maneuverability of tools, reducing complications and recovery time.
A study reveals that nearly half of the global population lives in regions facing three or more environmental problems, including polluted air, unsafe water, and biodiversity loss. The analysis provides strong evidence for urgent climate action as countries prepare to convene for COP30.
A study of nearly 2,500 adults in the US and Brazil found that older participants were more likely to share partisan news and evaluate information based on their party affiliation. Researchers suggest that encouraging less partisan communication and fostering inter-group contact are key to combating misinformation.
Researchers found that manipulating P bodies, cellular storage units, can efficiently create hard-to-develop cell types in the lab. This discovery could lead to advances in fertility treatments, regenerating organs, and testing new drugs. The study also sheds light on how embryos form and disease originates.
Researchers found that radiation in space can transform PAHs into pentagon-bearing molecules, which may be key to converting them into buckyballs. These findings shed light on the formation of fullerenes and could help scientists search for similar molecules using tools like the James Webb Space Telescope.
A new study reveals that Hektoria Glacier on Antarctica's Eastern Peninsula experienced the fastest retreat recorded in modern history, losing eight kilometers of ice in two months. The glacier's flat bedrock enabled it to go afloat, causing rapid calving and significant ice loss.
A new study of emerging adults reveals deep divisions in sentiments about firearms, with those fearing mass violence more likely to oppose firearm restrictions, except among young Republicans, conservatives, and men who view expanded access to guns as a solution.
Scientists have developed a new mechanism for how animal patterns form and incorporated imperfections to mimic natural designs. The study, published in Matter, uses a combination of chemical agents and diffusing particles to create variations in pattern sizes and shapes.
Researchers have created a molecule that strongly binds to the nanocrystal's surface, slowing down energy leaks and extending the charge separation time. This technique enables more efficient use of light-driven chemical reactions.
Researchers at CU Boulder developed a framework for creating trustworthy AI tools that benefit people and society. Key findings include the importance of understanding individual trust inclinations, considering user demographics and cultural norms, and prioritizing transparency and technical reliability.
Researchers found that wildflowers are blooming about 17 days sooner than a century ago, while pollinators start flying 11 days earlier. However, some species, like the western bumblebee, are emerging later, which could leave them struggling to find food.
A University of Colorado Boulder research team has identified a novel brain circuit responsible for orchestrating the innate threat response. The interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) plays a critical role in helping animals process potential threats and adapt accordingly when they learn there's no real danger.
The new technique uses an electrowetting prism to steer lasers at high speeds for advanced imaging applications, replacing traditional mechanical mirrors. This enables two-dimensional scanning and potentially easier scaling into miniature imaging systems.
A new study reveals that North Atlantic common dolphins are living shorter lives, with female dolphins' longevity decreasing from 24 to 17 years. This decline has led to fewer calves born, posing a threat to the species' survival and the marine ecosystem it maintains.
OpenVCAD, a new open-source tool, enables efficient design of multi-material objects by mapping shapes and materials in 3D printing. The software package acts as a set of convenience tools for composing complex functions and assigning them to objects in a 3D printer.
Researchers have resurrected ancient microbes stuck in permafrost for up to 40,000 years, which can break down organic matter and release carbon dioxide. The study's findings suggest that thawing permafrost could lead to a vicious cycle of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant implications for the Arctic and global climate.
Researchers found that corals can regulate their calcifying fluid chemistry to maintain growth of their skeletons despite increasing ocean acidity. The study suggests an unexpected and hopeful signal, but more long-term data is needed to understand the implications.
Researchers at CU Boulder have developed a new method for creating human rabies vaccines that are stable at high temperatures and can be stored in a dry powder form. This innovation addresses the storage challenges faced by developing countries, where traditional vaccines often require refrigeration or specialized cold storage equipment.
Researchers have found that ultraviolet light can quickly inactivate airborne allergens, providing a potential new tool for people with allergies. After just 30 minutes, airborne allergen levels decreased by about 20-25% on average.
Researchers highlight how Ukraine's decentralization reforms empowered local communities to resist war and maintain society's functioning. Studies reveal how grassroots efforts, such as volunteering and participatory budgeting, helped keep essential services running despite extreme losses.
A tiny defect in perovskite solar cells could lead to permanent degradation and failure, as a small amount of reverse bias causes the materials to heat up and 'melt'. Researchers have used advanced imaging techniques to study the defects and understand how they affect device behavior.
Researchers studied how honeybees build hives in tricky spots, revealing their strategies to adapt and solve structural problems. The findings could inspire new bio-inspired structures and approaches to 3D printing.
Climate change is warming rivers in Alaska, posing a threat to Chinook salmon populations and Indigenous food security. The study found that summer river temperatures could rise by 1.26°C by mid-century, surging above what juvenile Chinook salmon can tolerate in four out of seven river basins.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have created a new type of time crystal that can be observed directly under a microscope and even by the naked eye. The team used liquid crystals to achieve this feat, which could lead to technological applications such as counterfeiting prevention and data storage.
A new AI tool has identified over 1,000 'questionable' scientific journals, including those that charge hundreds or thousands of dollars to publish research without proper vetting. The AI system uses six criteria to evaluate journals, including editorial board composition and website quality.
Researchers developed algorithms that enable robots to create the best possible outcomes from their actions while minimizing uncertainty and risk. The new strategies allow robots to anticipate human actions, adapt to different scenarios, and prioritize human safety.
Researchers discovered that humans with Indigenous American ancestry are more likely to carry a variant of the MUC19 gene inherited from Denisovans, which may have helped them adapt to new ecosystems. The Denisovan gene variant is surrounded by DNA from Neanderthals, suggesting interbreeding between the two species.
A team of researchers has developed a way to harness the swimming abilities of moon jellyfish, enabling them to steer the animals toward remote ocean areas. The cyborg jellies have the potential to aid in deep-sea research and provide inspiration for next-gen underwater vehicles with improved energy efficiency.
Researchers have identified over 400 genes linked to accelerated aging, including subtypes such as cognitive decline and metabolic problems. The findings support the 'geroscience hypothesis' and suggest that treating aging itself may be key to preventing chronic illnesses.
A new study published in Nature reveals that recent changes in North Pacific Ocean temperatures are driven by human-generated greenhouse gas and industrial aerosol emissions. The prolonged megadrought in the American Southwest is expected to last for at least another 30 years due to the stalled Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
A CU Boulder-led initiative reduced youth violence and arrests by 75% in Denver's Montbello and Park Hill neighborhoods through a 'violence prevention infrastructure'. The program worked with community organizations to provide training, screenings, and positive adult role models, leading to lasting impacts.