Gene-repair pioneer Eric Kmiec has established the University of Delaware's Laboratory of Gene Therapy, focusing on sickle-cell anemia, Huntington's Disease and food-crop advances. His technique repairs genetic mutations by stitching mutated sequences back together in their proper order.
A new hybrid of corn with more highly available phosphorus and an enzyme that helps chickens digest the mineral has been developed. Studies have shown a 41% reduction in total phosphorus levels and an 82% decrease in water-soluble phosphorus, which can help mitigate nutrient pollution in waterways.
Researchers have found that tiny air pollutant particles can penetrate deeper into the lungs of healthy adults, potentially threatening their health. The study suggests that these particles can move up to two times faster through the airways than previously assumed, with implications for public health and environmental regulations.
Scientists discover that in complex systems like living cells, opposite charges don't always attract, but instead repel or separate into adhesive zones. This understanding can lead to designing new drug carriers and smart materials that respond to their environment.
Researchers from the University of Delaware have developed a cheap and disposable biosensor using gold-on-plastic technology, which can detect targeted molecules in bodily fluids with high accuracy. The device is more specific than existing methods, such as latex agglutination tests, and can be produced at a lower cost.
The sensor uses sound waves to analyze the sugar content of the melon, with promising results showing a correlation between signal frequency and actual sugar content. The device is fast, user-friendly, durable, and reasonably priced, making it a viable solution for growers worldwide.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a mathematical algorithm that can precisely control blood-sugar levels in people with Type I diabetes using an implantable insulin pump. The chip-based system predicts insulin needs based on glucose sensor data, reducing peak glucose levels by 44% and overshoot by 80%.
Scientists have discovered magnetic stripes on Mars, similar to those found on Earth, suggesting the planet was once magnetized and had a global magnetic field. These findings provide insights into Mars' formation and evolution, shedding light on its potential for hosting liquid water.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel alloy of silicon-carbide and germanium that may handle hot, high-power microelectronic and MEMS devices better than silicon. The material also shows promise for enhancing the speed and stability of next-generation silicon-germanium chips.
A new University of Delaware theory explains how good insect moms fiercely protect their young by fanning their wings and charging predators when all hopes are on a single batch of eggs. The semelparous insects, which lay a single clutch, defend their only genetic legacy to the death.
Scientists at DuPont and the University of Delaware have created inexpensive biosensors that rapidly detect key toxins in poultry feed and environmental contaminants. The researchers used genetically engineered bacteria to create a pre-screening method for identifying potential contaminants, including aflatoxin B1.
Researchers created a test-tube photosynthesis system that mimics the metal cluster in green plants, shedding light on how life-giving oxygen is produced. The study, led by University of Delaware chemist Arnold Rheingold, may suggest new strategies for converting sunlight into electricity and enhance our appreciation of the natural world.
Researchers at the University of Delaware are studying a protein called CIB, which helps pair sticky fibrinogen with hook-like receptors on blood platelets. The discovery may lead to new remedies for blocking platelet aggregation and shedding light on cell migration.
A new heat-health watch/warning system will be installed in Rome by summer 2000, giving health officials up to 60 hours' notice of deadly weather. The system has already protected people from killer heat in Philadelphia and Washington D.C., and may be launched in Shanghai and other cities if effective.
Researchers have found a decade-to-decade variability in the depth of summer thawing in certain permafrost regions. By 2050, the active layer over large parts of the Northern Hemisphere could grow thicker due to climate trends.
Researchers have developed a system to detect the formation of gallstones by monitoring the interactions between cholesterol and lecithin in artificial bile. The technique may help identify key enzymes that speed up or slow down gallstone growth, leading to new treatments for cardiovascular ailments and genetic disorders.
Research at the University of Delaware reveals that children with Williams Syndrome may struggle to describe spatial relationships, using motion verbs less frequently and having difficulties encoding object properties and location. This cognitive deficit may be related to their impaired non-linguistic knowledge.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed promising new tunnel diodes that could boost silicon-based circuit speeds. The breakthrough technology has the potential to enhance existing production lines and reduce power losses, leading to more efficient and cost-effective chips.
The University of Delaware has received a $1.6 million HHMI grant to support interdisciplinary research projects, outreach efforts, faculty development, and new equipment for active learning methods. The grant aims to enhance undergraduate education in the biological sciences through problem-based learning.
Researchers confirm reptation theory of polymer behavior, showing hot chains coil back and snap forward, leaving a telltale signature. The study suggests stronger composite materials and welded plastic seams, with potential applications in aircraft, medical devices, and consumer products.
Researchers at the University of Delaware developed a new technique to produce extremely thin alumina films with an electrical storage capacity three times greater than silicon dioxide. These films could potentially eliminate reliability problems in semiconducting circuits by storing more electricity and reducing current-blocking flaws.
University of Munich and University of Delaware researchers have developed technology to probe artificial molecules, enabling the observation of Rabi oscillations. This breakthrough may help overcome technological hurdles associated with artificial molecules and pave the way for new computing strategies.
A new University of Delaware study explores the cognitive impacts of Williams Syndrome, revealing discrepancies in spatial and language skills. Children with Williams Syndrome exhibit extraordinary verbal skills but struggle with spatial tasks, such as replicating shapes or describing directions.
African masks have traditionally been associated with male initiation rituals, but a new study reveals that women also made and wore masks as part of an important life stage. The research challenges the long-held assumption of male dominance in African cultures.
Researchers discovered that a lack of iron limits phytoplankton growth in central California waters, impacting the entire marine food chain. This finding challenges existing climate change models and highlights the importance of iron in ocean carbon storage.
A new computer simulation shows how a small cosmic cloud could suddenly burst the heliosphere, potentially leading to catastrophic climate changes and increased exposure to deadly cosmic radiation. The simulation may help guide Voyager 1 and 2 through a series of shock waves and a massive 'wall' in space nearly two decades from now.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that older rats instinctively seek out hot spots to combat infections, a behavior that could lead to new treatments for older adults. By providing these animals with control over their environment, scientists were able to induce fever and stimulate the immune system.
Dr. Mather's research and teaching in climatology have made a lasting impact on the profession. He is recognized for his exemplary service to the Association of American Geographers (AAG) and his faculty colleagues.
Scientists at the University of Delaware have created a novel approach to detecting molecular-scale flaws in computer chip templates, allowing for real-time polishing techniques. This innovation could improve photomask precision and reduce production time, enabling faster and more accurate chip manufacturing.
Researchers found that varying pulse patterns, rather than regular intervals, can increase muscle force and duration in people with paralysis. This breakthrough could lead to improved control and mobility for individuals with severe paralysis, such as those affected by Christopher Reeve's condition.
University of Delaware professor John F. Rabolt's team created microblock copolymers by combining homopolymers, discovering unexpectedly improved tensile strength and temperature resistance. The technique offers vast possibilities for materials design.
John R. Mather, a renowned University of Delaware geographer, has been awarded the Association of American Geographers' Lifetime Career Honor for his exemplary service to the profession and association over his entire career. Mather's contributions in research, climatology, and instruction are highly regarded throughout the profession.
Researchers use high-tech Ground Penetrating Radar to uncover ancient shell middens, revealing Native American cooking practices and sea-level changes in the area. The technique allows for non-invasive exploration of saltwater marshes, providing new insights into the region's history.
Researchers at the University of Delaware developed a new screening examination to identify athletes who can safely delay reconstructive knee surgery through rehabilitation. The technique uses a stopwatch, tape measure, and questionnaires to assess outstanding rehabilitation potential.
Researchers will describe emerging Pfiesteria detection technologies, including a firefly enzyme-based assay and DNA-based molecular probes, to minimize public exposure to the organism. The University of Delaware's Ocean Lunch and Lecture Series will host expert JoAnn M. Burkholder on March 18.
Qaisar Shafi's research proposes two distinct components of dark matter, with the 'cold' component residing in galaxy haloes and the 'hot' component gravitationally trapped by large-scale structures. This new understanding could guide experimental work and incorporate dark matter into models of the universe.
The University of Delaware is pioneering an effort to educate students as problem solvers through 21st-century challenges. Using problem-based learning methods, students tackle real-world problems and develop higher-order thinking skills such as evaluation and analysis.
A team of scientists discovered a way to create protein-based catalysts using enzymes from the Pompeii worm, which can survive temperatures up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceutical production, paper, food, and other industries.
Researchers have identified a protein in viper venom that blocks the spread of tumors in laboratory mice. The study may lead to the development of new cancer-fighting drugs. Scientists are now working on understanding the molecular structure of the protein, eristostatin, which could help unlock its potential as a therapeutic agent.
A University of Delaware researcher reports that toddlers learn new words based on shapes, not functions, a phenomenon known as the 'shape-bias'. Adults, however, rely on both shape and functional properties when naming objects.
Researchers from UD and Denmark confirmed Subramanyan Chandresekhar's theory on the structure of compact stars, including pulsars, black holes, and white dwarf stars. By analyzing distances to a dozen white dwarf stars using HIPPARCOS data, they verified the theory, which predicts the size of white dwarf stars based on their mass.
A University of Delaware scientist has identified a critical dispatcher gene NDR1 that coordinates the defense response in Arabidopsis thaliana against a broad range of attackers. The gene may ultimately help researchers design hardier, more disease-resistant crops.
Scientists have mapped a previously uncharted area of the Southwest Indian Ridge, revealing a steepest underwater cliff ever recorded. The discovery may shed new light on the origins of primitive life forms, with some biologists suggesting that hydrothermal vents could hold the key to life's beginnings.
UD and Lincoln University researchers investigate the break-down of carbon in coastal waters by studying chitin degradation, which could help predict atmospheric carbon levels. The study aims to better understand the role of biology in global climate change.
University of Delaware scientists have developed a technique to produce inexpensive, lightweight composites using soybean oil. The new material has been tested on a door-sized prototype weighing just 25 pounds and demonstrates comparable strength and stiffness to commercial vinyl-ester based composites.
University of Delaware professor Daniel van der Weide will receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the National Science Foundation. The award recognizes his efforts to develop ultra-small instruments and techniques for polishing and characterizing semiconductor integrated circuits.
Researchers found a strong correlation between government size and jobless rates in the world's seven largest countries. Larger governments tend to impose higher tax rates and provide public health and unemployment insurance, which can reduce job opportunities.
Researchers discover byssal threads in marine mussels, which feature a mix of collagenous and elastin-like properties. The unique structure of these threads may inspire the development of biomimetic materials with improved stretchiness and toughness.
A new study suggests that electrified vehicle fleets could replace large central utilities as a major source of power generation. The research calculates that the US passenger-vehicle fleet has 10 times more potential to generate electricity than all the nation's electricity-generating equipment combined.
Researchers at the University of Delaware are developing a space-capsule computing concept that could help bridge the gap between processing speed and memory for a petaflops computer. The concept, introduced by Guang R. Gao, involves preparing