Researchers developed a molecule that can inhibit an enzyme linked with the onset of stroke, reducing brain damage by as much as 66 percent. The inhibitor, known as 6S, works by binding to cystathionine beta-synthase and reducing inflammation in stroke patients.
A gold sensor developed by a Nebraska researcher uses DNA to detect gold and other metals in water samples. The sensor has potential applications for monitoring household water supplies for lead, mercury, arsenic, and other contaminants.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have predicted a new molecular form of frozen water, which could become the 18th known crystalline form of water. The proposed ice is about 25 percent less dense than a record-low form synthesized by a European team in 2014.
A new type of conductive concrete has been developed that can melt ice and snow in winter storms while remaining safe to the touch. The concrete is made with a pinch of steel shavings and carbon particles and conducts enough electricity to de-ice roads, reducing the need for salt and chemicals.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have developed a laser-based X-ray machine that can detect nuclear materials hidden behind thick shielding or smuggled in cargo containers. The technology offers several advantages, including low radiation levels and portability, making it a potential tool for nuclear site inspections.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that children taking ADHD medications experience significant sleep problems, including delayed sleep onset and poor quality sleep. The researchers recommend frequent monitoring by pediatricians and consideration of behavioral treatments to minimize these adverse effects.
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has provided direct evidence that an algae-infecting virus can invade and replicate within some mammalian cells. The virus, known as Acanthocystis turfacea chlorella virus 1 (ATCV-1), successfully infiltrated macrophage cells in mice, causing changes characteristic of a viral infection.
Researchers estimate that farmers in sub-Saharan Africa can obtain 20-30% of their potential yields with optimized management and resources. The Global Yield Gap and Water Productivity Atlas provides detailed information for major crops in countries such as Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and others.
A team of physicists has discovered stable ferroelectricity in a few nanometers thick strontium titanate film, contradicting expected behavior. This finding could lead to new materials for nanotechnology devices.
Researchers used an enormous X-ray laser to induce a phenomenon that doesn't occur under normal circumstances, resulting in a single higher-energetic X-ray photon. The findings may lead to new ways to diagnose matter in the future.
Nearly 2 million Americans live near wells exceeding EPA's uranium guideline; nitrate mobilizes uranium through bacterial and chemical reactions. High Plains aquifer contains concentrations up to 89 times the EPA standard.
A new study has analyzed data from Great Britain, the US and Sweden to profile human population growth and its consumption of energy. The research found that energy use generally outpaced population growth over the past few hundred years.
Researchers found that constructing organic solar cells on a 'non-wetting' plastic surface increased efficiency, allowing for larger grain growth and reduced barriers to electricity production. The technique has potential applications in other technologies like faster transistors and more sensitive photodetectors.
Chemists have designed four new atomic arrangements of gold nanoparticle clusters, exhibiting lower potential energy and greater stability than previous configurations. The arrangements could inform the use of these nanoparticles in transporting pharmaceutical drugs and removing pollutants from industrial byproducts.
Researchers investigate how BAF protein defends against viral DNA attacks, discovering the virus's ability to turn off this key defensive mechanism. This understanding may lead to targeted therapies for viruses that inject DNA into cells.
A new fiber-optic temperature sensor has been designed to measure small temperature changes in the ocean with increased speed and sensitivity. The sensor uses a silicon pillar attached to fused silica glass, allowing it to register temperature shifts at high rates.
A UNL researcher highlights the impact of climate change on the emergence of infectious diseases, citing examples of West Nile virus and Ebola as predictable outcomes. The expert calls for greater collaboration between public and veterinary health communities to address the growing threat.
Scientists have made new discoveries about Antarctica's geology and biology using a hot-water drill and an underwater robotic vehicle. The expedition uncovered a unique ecosystem of fish and invertebrates living in an estuary deep beneath the Antarctic ice.
Researchers found snakes' vertebral bones have the same number of regions and patterns as limbed lizards, contradicting the idea that snakes evolved from a simplified body form. The study suggests that Hox genes are functioning in snakes to control subtle changes in shape.
A recent study sequencing the complete genomes of 45 avian species reveals that avian genomes have slower rates of evolutionary change compared to mammals. This finding suggests a larger-scale pattern of evolutionary stasis in avian genomes, with fewer opportunities for gene duplication and functional innovation.
Scientists have identified the most ancient pinworm yet found, dating back 240 million years. The discovery confirms that herbivorous cynodonts and possibly dinosaurs were infected with parasites.
Researchers at UNL pinpoint characteristics of laser pulses that can control electron behavior, enabling predictive and controlled electron motion. The study's findings offer a new signature for classifying experimentally produced laser pulses.
Researchers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln enhance ferroelectric tunnel junction performance, increasing disparity between 'on' and 'off' conditions to improve RAM reliability. The team's graphene-ammonia combination also addresses the challenge of maintaining polarization in thin ferroelectric layers.
A UNL researcher has received a $1.2 million grant to improve the efficiency of solar cells using perovskite technology, aiming for at least 30% efficiency. The project seeks to refine silicon-based cells by overlaying them with perovskite, taking advantage of the material's natural abundance and properties.
Research suggests that physical responses and deep-seated psychology are at the core of political differences, with conservatives exhibiting a negativity bias towards negative stimuli. This finding is supported by over 50 peer-reviewed articles discussing the study in a leading journal.
Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully produced a drug compound featuring the 5P12-Rantes molecule, which could prevent HIV from attaching to human cells. The facility has delivered its first batch of the compound to Mintaka Foundation for formulation as a vaginal cream for clinical trials in South America.
Researchers found that low levels of the stress hormone cortisol are strongly correlated with voting behavior, while age is also a predictor. The study suggests that biological factors can play a role in voter turnout, complementing social and demographic variables.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist found that younger evangelical Protestants are closing the social-class gap with mainline Protestants. Younger working-class Americans are increasingly unaffiliated with any particular denomination, a shift that could impact conservative Christian groups' role in U.S. society and politics.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln team has developed a promising new approach for HIV vaccine development using an attenuated and genetically modified virus. The approach involves manipulating the virus' codons to rely on an unnatural amino acid, preventing the virus from replicating in the human body.
A study of Kansas and Nebraska census data shows a growing proportion of young men over young women in rural areas, with many communities experiencing increases of up to 200% in the ratio of males to females. This trend is particularly concerning for long-term population stability, as it may limit economic development and growth.
A study published in Nature Climate Change found that using corn crop residue to make ethanol and other biofuels reduces soil carbon but generates more greenhouse gases than gasoline, casting doubt on its climate benefits. Researchers suggest planting cover crops or alternative feedstocks to mitigate emissions.
A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explores the connection between ideology, social capital, and health. The research found that states with high levels of liberalism and social trust have higher levels of health and well-being, suggesting that strong communities play a crucial role in promoting good health.
A three-year study across five continents found that fertilizer increases grass production but reduces stability, leading to wilder swings in forage availability. This results in fewer species thriving, reducing the overall diversity of grasslands.
A meta-analysis study found that more than half of parents underestimate the weight of their overweight or obese child, regardless of age or obesity rates in their area. Parents' perceptions about their children's weight become more accurate with age.
A new study found that tree growth rate increases with size, with older trees removing a larger share of carbon from the atmosphere. This means that massive, old trees can remove huge amounts of carbon through photosynthesis, playing a disproportionate role in the global carbon cycle.
A recent study finds that narcissistic leaders face a double-edged sword, with extremely high or low levels of narcissism leading to poorer organizational outcomes. Moderation is key, as confidence without antisocial tendencies can lead to effective leadership.
Researchers with the ANDRILL Program discovered thousands of small sea anemones burrowed into the underside of the Ross Ice Shelf, a first for a species to live in ice. The newly identified species, Edwardsiella andrillae, can be found hanging from the ice surface, with no clear mechanism for survival or reproduction.
Research suggests that future global food security projections may be overly optimistic due to stagnant crop yields in intensively cropped areas. This could lead to increased marginal costs and decreased returns on investment in agricultural research and development.
A UNL-led team discovered that using small amounts of graphene oxide as a template improves carbon nanomaterials, leading to enhanced strength and other properties. The process could lower the cost of making composites significantly by requiring only small quantities of expensive nanoparticles.
Researchers at UNL's Extreme Light Laboratory developed a novel method to generate research-quality X-rays using a 'tabletop' laser, increasing accessibility to the technology. The new device produces high-energy X-rays with potential applications in Homeland Security, medical imaging, and scientific research.
Researchers used eyetracking technology to map visual behavior of both men and women as they viewed images of different females with different body types. Women were found to objectify other women more often for social comparison purposes.
A new UNL study reveals a genetic pathway that connects social anxiety to prosocial behavior, finding carriers of a dominant gene are less likely to help others. The study suggests this pathway can influence an individual's level of social anxiety and their willingness to engage in pro-social behavior.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln political scientist Sergio Wals found that Mexican immigrants tend to be centrist or center-right in their political ideologies. Despite historical trends showing the Hispanic vote going Democratic, Wals' research reveals a more diverse political landscape among Mexican immigrants.
A recent study by Jay Storz and colleagues at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln found that the effects of individual mutations depend on the context in which they occur. The researchers used protein engineering to synthesize hemoglobin proteins with each naturally occurring mutation in all possible multi-site combinations, revealing t...
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln materials engineers developed exceptionally thin polyacrilonitrile nanofibers that are both strong and tough. This breakthrough could lead to lighter, safer products in various fields, including aerospace and body armor.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study finds that childhood socioeconomic disadvantages and maternal depression increase the risk of major depression and chronic pain in working-aged adults. Hunger experienced in childhood can lead to chronic pain and depression later in life.
A new study finds sharp differences in school-prayer support between generations and religious denominations. School-prayer support remains lower among Catholics and mainline Protestants compared to evangelical Protestants.
A new study finds that evangelicals have become more devout since the early 1990s, while Catholics report the lowest proportion of strongly affiliated followers among major American religious traditions. This shift could present challenges for the Roman Catholic Church, particularly in terms of church participation and social support.
A new study reveals that childfree women perceive more social pressure to become mothers than others, yet feel less distress. The research highlights the varying reasons behind childlessness and their effects on women's lives, challenging societal assumptions about motherhood.
A national study of economists found significant differences in policy views between men and women, with women more likely to favor progressive taxation and less likely to support limiting government-backed redistribution policies. The study highlights the importance of including diverse perspectives in policy-making.