A new study from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Bristol found that exposure to false tweets about e-cigarettes' harm can deter adult smokers from quitting. The study recruited 2,400 UK and US adults who were not using e-cigarettes and showed them different health-related information on Twitter.
Researchers have developed a smart dental implant that resists bacterial growth and generates its own electricity through chewing and brushing. The implant uses a nanoparticle-infused material that repels bacteria and an embedded light source powered by piezoelectric properties to conduct phototherapy.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that certain proteins have evolved to reduce biased chromosome inheritance, potentially avoiding mistakes and birth defects. The study found a parallel pathway suppressing selfish chromosomes, indicating an evolutionary arms race.
Researchers discovered that groups of microscopic, self-propelled droplets can transport more material through narrow channels using collective hydrodynamic entrainment. The effect is stronger in confined spaces due to focused flows and front-back symmetry.
A new study found that men are over-cited and women are under-cited in Communication journals, with papers authored by men showing a 14% overcitation rate compared to papers authored by women, who are under-cited by 20%. The researchers propose tools to help academics evaluate their citation practices and promote gender equality.
Scientists have created a new type of liquid in thin films of glass, which forms a high-density glass with distinct structures, akin to graphene and diamond. This breakthrough enables the development of new materials with improved properties, leading to potential advancements in various industries.
A new study found that quality-of-life policing restricts access to free Wi-Fi, especially for Black and other people of color. Wealthier neighborhoods experienced a 5% increase in quality-of-life complaints after internet access was introduced, while other areas did not.
A study published in Nature Communications found that people with limited connections within a network are most effective at spreading new ideas and behaviors. Targeting small groups on the 'outer edge' of a social network can stimulate shifts in thinking, rather than relying on prominent influencers.
Researchers developed an approach to evaluate cognitive workload in cyclists, finding that stressful areas have a consistent response regardless of expertise level. The study suggests that infrastructure design is key to making spaces safe, shifting the focus from individual education to proactive urban planning.
Researchers used 27 years of detailed data on hyena social interactions to reveal that mother's social networks are inherited by their cubs. Higher-ranking mothers' cubs closely replicate their mother's social connections, while lower-ranking offspring diverge more.
Research finds discrimination against Muslim women eliminated when they signal shared progressive views on women's rights. German women's receptivity to messages about the immigrant woman's attitude toward gender equality eliminates anti-Muslim bias.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that overstating the level of cooperation in a society can increase cooperative behavior overall. The study used a mathematical model to simulate the creation and maintenance of a community, finding that a degree of deceit or obfuscation can promote the formation of a cooperative ...
A University of Pennsylvania-led study found that protein actin's nucleotide sequences, not amino acid sequences, govern its functions in cells. The faster translation rate of beta-actin mRNA causes it to attach to substrates more strongly, slowing down cell movement.
Researchers solve a major problem in manufacturing metallic wood, eliminating inverted cracks that plagued similar materials for decades. The new material allows strips of metallic wood to be assembled in areas 20,000 times greater than before, enabling the creation of stronger, more consistent devices.
A new study published in Nature Communications finds that sand grains are in constant motion, challenging prevailing theories. Researchers used optical interference data to observe individual sand particles at rest and found they behave like glass, with creeping soil rates controlled by disturbances such as heat or tapping.
Researchers found that individuals with a strong sense of purpose in life were less lonely and more willing to engage in COVID-19 protective behaviors. Despite feelings of loneliness, those with a higher sense of purpose expressed stronger beliefs in the effectiveness of prevention measures.
Researchers at Penn develop a framework for designing public institutions that promote cooperation regardless of social norms, exploring indirect reciprocity and reputation monitoring systems. The model finds cooperation can flourish under various social norms and institutions adhere to assessments by social contagion, holding potentia...
A team of scientists has developed a new method for tracing the lineage and gene expression patterns of metastatic cancer cells at the single-cell level. The researchers found that a spectrum of aggression exists in cancer cells, with some cells more likely to remain in place and others more likely to spread to other tissues.
A study by Pilar Gonalons-Pons and Markus Gangl found that unemployment affects romantic relationships more strongly in countries with strict gender norms. The researchers discovered a stronger association between men's unemployment and relationship breakup in societies where masculinity is tied to breadwinning, highlighting the signif...
University of Pennsylvania researchers discovered a correlation between childhood stress and earlier molar eruption, with lower-income children experiencing an earlier onset. The study used a novel rating system to measure tooth development, showing that adverse childhood experiences also predict earlier molar eruption.
Early amphibians that adapted to terrestrial life had shorter, more curved intercentra, while aquatic species maintained morphologies similar to their ancestors' land-dwelling counterparts. The study's findings contradict earlier notions of what spinal morphologies enabled successful movement on land.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that Americans dramatically overestimate the number of migrants affiliated with gangs and children being trafficked. Researchers developed interventions to address this misinformation and increase empathy, resulting in improved attitudes toward immigrants.
Researchers found that HIV prevents oligodendrocytes from maturing, reducing myelin production. The virus secretes glutamate, which activates the integrated stress response, further disrupting cell development.
A new study led by Katie Barott found that climate change-resistant corals can thrive in different environments and maintain their resilient qualities after transplantation. The research suggests that these hardy corals could serve as a founding population to restore reefs in the future.
A team of researchers has proposed a revised mechanism for adding functional groups onto simple hydrocarbons like methane, highlighting the essential role of chlorine atoms. This new understanding is crucial for designing next-generation catalysts and finding scalable approaches to turn greenhouse gases into value-added chemicals.
A study by University of Pennsylvania neuroscientist Joseph Kable reveals the default mode network splits into two sub-networks: one for constructing and predicting imagined events, and another for evaluating their positivity or negativity. This finding sheds light on the neural basis of imaginative abilities.
Researchers propose sensory referenced suppression theory, where brain corrects for changes in sensory input to isolate familiar activation. This could have implications for treating memory-impairing diseases like Alzheimer's and developing AI systems that work similarly to human brains.
Researchers develop therapeutic strategy to disrupt sticky biofilm that causes early childhood caries, a severe form of dental decay. The treatment targets the bonds between bacteria and yeast, reducing biofilm volume and making it easier to remove.
Menefeeceratops sealeyi, a newly described horned dinosaur, lived in New Mexico 82 million years ago and is one of the earliest known ceratopsid species. The discovery provides important insights into the evolution of ceratopsid dinosaurs and their evolutionary relationships.
Researchers develop a novel antiviral targeting Marburg virus, blocking its departure from infected cells. Preliminary results also show potential against SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing studies underway.
A new study led by Kotaro Sasaki elucidates the early biological processes involved in the development of ovaries and testes in human embryos. Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptome data to understand gene expression at each developmental stage, providing insights into typical and atypical gonadal development.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania designed supersymmetric microlaser arrays to achieve higher power density and stability, paving the way for more efficient photonic devices. The arrays can collectively emit orders of magnitude higher power than traditional lasers.
A study by Penn researchers found that people with schizophrenia have a compromised blood-brain barrier, allowing the immune system to improperly influence the central nervous system. This inflammation contributes to the condition's symptoms. The findings may also apply to other mental disorders.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that specially trained dogs can identify positive COVID-19 samples with high accuracy, recognizing the unique odor of the infection. The research suggests large-scale training with diverse samples is crucial to ensure quality and validity for future applications.
Researchers develop a new land-use classification system to improve climate models by incorporating archaeological data, revealing the diversity and intensity of human activities that affected past land cover. The project aims to fill gaps in climate modeling predictions and provide insights into global climate patterns.
Researchers used simulations to determine optimal placement of a UVGI device to sterilize a space safely. They found that ceiling height and material reflectance had a major impact on efficiency and safety, recommending higher heights and low-reflectance materials.
A new study by Penn sociologists finds that remote work has worsened gender disparities in domestic labor, with mothers taking on more responsibilities and facing greater pressure to manage children's schooling. The study suggests that increased work flexibility may lead to a more egalitarian division of household duties.
Researchers have developed a technology that enables robots to navigate and forage for energy sources in their environment, eliminating the need for batteries or computers. The system uses oxidation reactions with surrounding air to power the robot, allowing it to sense and respond to changes in chemical concentrations.
A new gene therapy approach has been successful in restoring both normal structure and function to the retina's cone photoreceptor cells in dogs with a severe form of Leber congenital amaurosis. The treatment, which delivered a normal copy of the NPHP5 gene, was tested in nine five-week-old dogs and showed promising results.
A new theoretical framework has broad implications for active surfaces, such as biofilms and mechanisms for pathogen clearance. The researchers developed a model that predicts the transport of molecules inside cells or close to active surfaces.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that a single postcard campaign increased mail-in ballot applications by 0.5 percentage points and boosted mail ballots cast by 0.4 percentage points. The inexpensive postcards, costing less than $1 each, were equally impactful for Black and white registrants.
A massive study of brain scan and genetic data from over 12,000 people reveals how a genetic disposition toward risky behavior is embodied in the brain. The research found associations between risk-taking and lower levels of gray matter in many brain regions, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebellum.
Plant cells use pioneer transcription factor LEAFY to access genes that are otherwise inaccessible due to tightly packed chromatin. This allows for changes in cell identity and fate, enabling plants to adapt to environmental conditions.
A new study reveals that genetic variations associated with Parkinson's disease alter the action of ion channels within lysosomes, a cellular organelle responsible for waste removal and recycling. These variations increase or decrease disease risk by influencing the function of an ion channel in cells' recycling centers.
A new study by Matthew Killingsworth from the University of Pennsylvania found that money does influence happiness, contrary to previous research suggesting a dollar-value plateau. Higher earners experience increased feelings of control over life, leading to greater well-being.
Research by University of Pennsylvania biologists Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs found that climate change has taken a toll on insects in the tropics. Insect biomass and species richness have been decomposing since the mid-1970s, with dramatic drops in moth numbers and species diversity.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers shows that people from independent cultures create similar category systems when working in large groups, but not in small groups. This challenges the idea that categories are innate and instead suggests that social network interactions shape our categorization methods.
A new study measures curiosity styles using Wikipedia browsing, finding 'hunter' and 'busybody' archetypes with distinct network structures. The study also explores the drivers of these changes and links them to well-being indicators.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that humorously presented news clips enhance memory retention and sharing among young adults, making them more likely to engage with politics. This social nature of comedy is linked to increased brain activity related to thinking about others' opinions.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that gut cells lining intestines send warning signals to the immune system upon parasite invasion. The discovery sheds light on early stages of pathogen recognition and response.