Research on mice reveals that over-producing a normal autism-linked gene can cause cognitive problems, while under-producing it leads to arrested development. The findings suggest narrow windows of opportunity for effective gene therapies.
University of Oregon neuroscientists found that people's brains detect grammatical errors without conscious awareness, generating an early negative ERP response. Despite participants' lack of awareness, their brains processed the errors implicitly, suggesting a brain mechanism recognizing and reacting to them.
A University of Oregon study found that 17% of female students alter their menstrual cycle for convenience or personal preference. Women who prefer a monthly cycle are less likely to modify their bleeding schedule, suggesting healthcare providers can educate them on suitable options.
A study of 27 children using fMRI found a specific brain region, the ventral medial prefrontal cortex, increasingly devoted to social self-evaluations during puberty. This region showed significant increases in blood-oxygen levels when responding to questions about identity and peer status.
Scientists observed orderly movements of protein-carrying packets along axons to specific synapse sites, revealing a complex process. The discovery sheds light on the formation of glutamate-driven synapses and their role in conditions like autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed ultra-thin films of nickel and iron oxides that demonstrate high catalytic activity for forming oxygen from water. The nickel-iron oxide catalyst was found to be most effective when just 0.4 nanometers thick, making it a promising material for solar-hydrogen production.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have synthesized organic molecular structures that can move both positive and negative electrical charges. This breakthrough has significant implications for creating flexible electronic devices, such as stretchable and bendable computers and synthetic skin for robots and prosthetics.
Researchers at the University of Oregon found that victims of institutional betrayal experienced more severe symptoms of anxiety, dissociation, and trauma. The study suggests that organizations need to widen their actions and policies to prevent and respond to sexual assaults.
The University of Oregon's Network Startup Resource Center is expanding its work in Africa, providing technical training and infrastructure support to universities and research institutions. The grant from Google.org will help connect more African universities and researchers to the global research network fabric.
A study by the University of Oregon found that large landslides in the past created broad, flat valleys with multiple auxiliary channels, providing a calm and safe haven for coho salmon during heavy rainstorms. This discovery provides fundamental insights into the geological and ecological controls on salmon habitat.
A University of Oregon study finds that patients with higher levels of motivation, knowledge, and confidence in managing their health have substantially lower healthcare costs. The researchers recommend assessing patient activation scores to support more engaged patients and improve outcomes.
Researchers found that mindfulness meditation increased focused engagement and aesthetic responses among music students, even with familiar passages. The technique helped renew attention and drive participants into a state of 'flow,' leading to improved listening experiences.
Researchers found that high school athletes experienced compromised focus and task-switching abilities for up to two months after brain concussions. The study's findings suggest that athletes may need longer recovery periods than current practices dictate to minimize the risk of subsequent concussions.
Geologist Gregory Retallack proposes that ancient Ediacaran fossils, dated to 542-635 million years ago, were remnants of land-dwelling lichen or microbial colonies. The fossils are preserved in iron-colored impressions similar to plant fossils and microbes in fossil soils.
A recent study found that exercise can alleviate high blood pressure in pregnant rats by restoring balance between vascular growth factors. Exercise also improved endothelial cell function and reduced oxidative stress without compromising fetal weight.
Researchers at the University of Oregon successfully transferred an optical signal between two colors using a mechanical oscillator. This breakthrough could pave the way for building and connecting quantum computers, where photons carry information.
University of Oregon scientists have developed a new method to simulate multiscale systems, accurately reproducing structure and thermodynamic quantities. This breakthrough enables more reliable and efficient simulations, potentially revolutionizing fields like biology and material engineering.
A new independent analysis published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has confirmed the presence of magnetic particles at sites challenged by a group led by Todd A Surovell. The study's findings support the climate-altering cosmic impact theory, but the researchers did not declare it as proof.
A University of Oregon team has developed a formula to refrigerate coal-plant emissions, reducing carbon dioxide by 90%, sulfur dioxide by 98%, mercury by 100% and other pollutants. The process would save society 38% through reduced health-care and climate-change costs.
University of Oregon chemists have identified a catalyst that dramatically reduces waste made in methyl methacrylate production, a process used for lightweight glass alternatives. The new catalyst overcomes fundamental chemical reasons why previous catalysts failed, enabling efficient conversion to methyl methacrylate.
Researchers studying zebra fish mouth formation have identified a potential developmental pathway related to Fraser syndrome deafness in humans. The study found that a fras1-dependent 'endodermal outpocket' may underlie some ear defects in Fraser patients, suggesting a connection between skeletal development and hearing loss.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered 13,000-year-old Western Stemmed projectile points and human DNA in the Paisley Caves. The findings provide new information on the overlap between Clovis and Western Stemmed point-production technologies.
Researchers examined the resurrection of TrackTown USA identity through personal interviews, track meets, and media accounts. They found that community engagement, sustained pattern of events, and authentic outcomes forged the distinctiveness of TrackTown, with a key role played by UO coach Bill Bowerman.
A University of Oregon psychologist found that societies with strong punitive religious beliefs have lower crime rates. Conversely, countries where people believe more in heaven tend to have higher crime rates.
Scientists have discovered a new way to inactivate the disease-causing ability of Helicobacter pylori by disrupting its acid-sensing receptor. The study reveals that urea binding is crucial for the protein's function and could lead to potential treatments.
Researchers confirm improved mood changes in subjects practicing IBMT for a month, accompanied by increased axonal density and myelin formation. The technique may provide a new approach to intervention and prevention of mental disorders.
A new study suggests that serving water with meals can help young adults make healthier food choices by associating water with vegetables, rather than soda or salty snacks. Preschoolers also show a preference for eating raw veggies with water, rather than sugary drinks.
University of Oregon scientists create a new gene tool that allows researchers to control protein synthesis with a pinpoint UV laser beam. The tool enables the study of gene function at precise times and regions in embryonic development, revealing new insights into developmental biology and brain research.
Research at the University of Oregon reveals that partner aggression around a child's birth impacts parenting three years later. The level of psychological and physical abuse between parents predicts harsh parenting, which in turn leads to higher behavior problems in children.
A University of Oregon sociologist warns that cultural inertia is hindering efforts to address climate change. She argues that serious discussions about solutions are mired in societal resistance to change, which must be recognized and addressed at all levels.
A new study by University of Oregon sociologist Richard York finds that it takes more than 10 units of alternative energy to displace a single unit of fossil fuel-generated power. The research highlights the need for a shift in political and economic policies to address human behavior, rather than just technological solutions.
University of Oregon researchers developed new measuring techniques that monitor nanoparticle growth, reducing waste and environmental risks. By using green chemistry approaches, they improved efficiency and stability of nanoparticles.
African monkey DNA analysis reveals population decline linked to warming climate and habitat loss. Conservation efforts urged to protect endangered drill species from poaching and habitat destruction.
A new theory developed by John J. Toner extends the concept of flocking to include the effects of birth and death, revealing persistent fluctuations in density. This understanding has potential applications in designing targeted cancer therapies that selectively kill diseased cells while leaving healthy ones intact.
A University of Oregon-led research team warns that climate change and fuel buildup may trigger a perfect storm of wildfires in the US West. The team reevaluates fire-management practices to address a fire deficit due to rising temperatures, droughts, and increased tree mortality.
University of Oregon scientist Gregory J. Retallack finds evidence that transitional fossils between fish and amphibians lived in wooded floodplains, not deserts. The new theory suggests limbs and necks evolved to adapt to this habitat, allowing for feeding and navigating obstacles.
A study published by researchers at the University of Oregon reveals that two distinct populations of rainbow trout share a genetic trait that enables them to adapt to their native rivers in Alaska and Idaho. This gene variant, identified using RAD technology, may hold key to saving struggling fish populations from extinction.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a boron-nitrogen-based liquid-phase storage material for hydrogen that works safely at room temperature and is air- and moisture-stable. The new material features clean, fast, and controllable hydrogen desorption without any phase change.
Researchers discovered that cancer drug cisplatin binds up to 20-fold more to RNA than DNA, suggesting a new approach for reducing toxic side effects. The study found platinum was retained on RNA and bound quickly, with specific locations targeted.
New archaeological evidence suggests that soybean domestication may have occurred as early as 5,500 years ago, with widespread adoption in northern China, Japan, and South Korea. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about the origins of soybean domestication.
Invasive false brome grass has spread rapidly in Oregon, thanks to its ability to evade fungal and mollusk enemies, with generalist insects being the primary attackers. The grass now threatens ecosystems and forests across the state, highlighting the need for public awareness and cleanup efforts to control its spread.
Scientists at University of Oregon and Caltech discovered a 22,500-year-old landslide dammed the upper reaches of the Eel River, forming a 30-mile-long lake that disappeared over time. The lake's presence may explain genetic similarity among steelhead trout found in the river today.
Researchers found that willingness to take risks in competition increases until age 50, with men slightly more willing than women. The study of over 800 adults aged 25-75 showed a parallel trajectory for both genders across the lifespan.
Scientists discover miniscule metal nanoparticles naturally occurring in silver articles, jewelry, and utensils, revealing a dynamic behavior that changes over time. This finding challenges traditional views on nanoparticle toxicity and suggests humans have been exposed to these particles for millennia.
Researchers developed a tracking system to monitor worm behavior and brain activity, revealing that certain neurons remain active as the worm moves. The study provides a new window for exploring links between brain and behavior, genetic mutations, and mental illness in humans.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to account for missing thermodynamic and molecular parameters in molecular dynamic simulations. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of material behavior under various conditions, reducing the need for trial-and-error experimentation. By refocusing inform...
A study found that preschoolers prefer healthy meals when a collectible toy is part of the set, influencing their perceived taste and likability. 73% of parents support such an approach, while 92% are against using collectible toys with less-healthy fast-food meals.
The center aims to accelerate the translation of basic-level discoveries into commercial markets, with a focus on developing sustainable materials chemistry. Researchers will leverage environmentally friendly approaches to synthesize and fabricate compounds, thin films, and composite materials for various applications.
Researchers found that rats' place cells behave like new environments when they don't explore, highlighting the importance of direct experience in creating stable episodic memories. This discovery translates to humans, where recalling past experiences relies on autobiographical memory and direct recollection of events.
A new imaging tool has been developed to help understand and predict the structure of nanometer-sized pieces in living cells and devices. The technique, called phase-modulation 2D fluorescence spectroscopy, allows researchers to study complex molecular structures at the nanoscale.