Researchers have discovered a way to create engineered minichromosomes in maize and attach genes to those minichromosomes. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for developing crops with multiple resistance traits, as well as producing medically useful proteins and metabolites.
Scientists created a model of proline dehydrogenase, an enzyme that enables the creation of superoxide, a reactive oxygen species involved in cell death and cancer prevention. The human form of this enzyme is difficult to work with, so researchers studied its bacterial counterpart, Thermus thermophilus.
Researchers developed a rapid technique to detect Alicyclobacillus in juices, reducing testing time from 5-7 days to hours. The new method combines DNA sequencing and mid-infrared spectroscopy for accurate identification.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are studying the effects of silver nanoparticles on wastewater treatment systems. The study aims to determine how these particles interact with bacteria used for water purification and assess their potential environmental impact.
Studies by University of Missouri-Columbia professors Lilliard Richardson and David J. Houston found that upgrading to primary seatbelt enforcement laws increases belt use and improves public safety considerably. States with primary laws consistently had the highest seatbelt usage rates, while those with secondary laws had the lowest.
Researchers found that statin drugs can lower resting sympathetic nervous system activity, a factor associated with increased mortality in heart failure patients. This decrease in activity is linked to improved health outcomes and reduced risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
Two researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia argue that talk may not reflect true knowledge, highlighting the importance of observing non-verbal behavior. By recognizing social relationships and political influences on verbal answers, scientists can uncover ecologically useful knowledge from local environmental knowledge.
Researcher Reed L. Wadley examines the historical use of swidden or shifting cultivation by the Iban population in northwestern Borneo. He argues that colonial pacification methods exacerbated unsustainable farming practices, contributing to environmental degradation.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia has found that carboranes can stabilize transthyretin protein and prevent harmful plaque formation without causing negative side effects. This discovery holds promise for developing new, safer treatments for diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's.
A new discovery by a University of Missouri-Columbia research team allows scientists to manipulate molecules to give them metal-like properties, creating a new pseudo-element. This 'pseudo-metal' can be adjusted for various uses and may change the way scientists think about attacking disease or building electronics.
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia law professor Philip Peters found that juries often side with doctors over patients in medical malpractice cases. The research suggests that defendants' hired experts are more successful at persuading juries, leading to better outcomes for them.
A national survey reveals a gender gap in America's school systems, with women making up only 18% of school leaders. Minority women face additional challenges, often serving troubled districts and taking longer to secure superintendent positions.
The University of Missouri-Columbia will create a college advising corps to guide high school and community college students from low-income backgrounds towards college enrollment and graduation. The program aims to increase college attendance and completion rates among these students.
Researchers have identified a vital protein, PAWP, essential to human reproduction and fertilization. The study suggests that regulating this protein may increase the chances of pregnancy by enhancing fertility.
A University of Missouri study found that negative news stories about clinical trials deter people from participating in medical research. The study analyzed 216 New York Times and 124 Washington Post articles, revealing a significant correlation between negative coverage and decreased willingness to participate.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that men with higher levels of traditional masculinity tend to display greater improvement in their recovery from serious injuries. The study suggests that this strength and resilience may encourage men to seek help and recover more quickly.
Researchers found that studios can increase revenues by changing distribution channels, but this move would threaten theaters' survival. In the US, film studios could gain 16% in revenue, while theaters' revenues could drop by 40%
A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is assisting the US Army in fighting multi-drug resistant infections among wounded troops, often caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The study aims to identify effective antibiotics and treatment durations to reduce infection rates and amputations.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have found that a plant extract can be used to stabilize gold nanoparticles, making them nontoxic and stable enough for injection or oral administration. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize cancer detection and treatment using nanomedicine.
A long-term study at MU found that individuals from alcoholic homes retain higher levels of neuroticism and psychoticism, increasing the risk of alcohol dependency. The researchers monitored participants' personality traits over two decades, revealing a decrease in emotional stability for those with family histories of alcoholism.
According to a University of Missouri-Columbia scientist, environmental chemicals can alter fetal gene function, predisposing babies to obesity and disease. This 'thrifty phenotype' is programmed for starvation but becomes detrimental in modern environments with plenty of food.
Researchers found fossil evidence of domesticated chili peppers in seven archaeological sites across the Americas, dating back 6,000 years. The discovery provides insights into ancient diets and suggests possible contact between distant cultures.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that investing in news quality directly impacts a newspaper's profitability. The study, which analyzed financial data from small- to medium-sized newspapers, revealed that spending more on news content leads to increased circulation and advertising revenues.
A recent study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that Hispanic male immigrants prioritize traditional family values and 'familismo' when making decisions about family planning. The research recommends using this cultural concept to encourage open communication and safe-sex practices among couples.
A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is deploying sensors on a mid-ocean ridge to capture rare underwater data, providing valuable insights into volcanic activity and its effects on ocean chemistry. The project aims to improve our understanding of the Earth's oceans, which cover over 70% of the planet.
A new study by the University of Missouri-Columbia found that kids who watched more TV were at greatest risk of becoming overweight. Family meal times were also linked to healthier eating habits, suggesting other benefits for weight prevention.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia reveals that spirituality positively affects African-American women's willingness to talk about breast cancer and engage in preventative measures. For Caucasian women, spiritual locus of control plays no significant role in paying attention to breast cancer information.
A new pilot project will determine whether changes to a community's infrastructure can encourage physical activity, such as walking or bicycling. Researchers hope to discover the long-term effects of these infrastructure changes on obesity-related chronic disease and advocate for nationwide implementation.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a method to align polar molecules in crystals, which could lead to faster and more efficient microchips. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce energy costs and create new technologies that make computers cooler.
A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is using a microchip implant to help blind animals and potentially humans with retinal blindness. The preliminary results are promising, and the technology may also benefit pets with similar diseases.
A recent study by University of Missouri-Columbia professor Daniel Vinson found that patients who reported feeling sleepy were less likely to be injured. This contradicts the commonly accepted theory that sleep deprivation increases injury risk, suggesting a possible link between daytime sleepiness and reduced physical activity.