Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of ice growth in two dimensions, shedding light on the atomic structure of low-dimensional water. This finding may lead to the development of new materials for efficient ice removal, particularly for wind turbines and other applications.
Researchers discovered a way to encode specific physical properties in materials by utilizing their 'memory' of past stresses. This approach allows for the creation of auxetic materials with enhanced mechanical properties, such as improved energy absorption and fracture resistance.
Researchers have discovered that the protein deltaNp63 plays a vital role in supplying energy to the mammary gland during puberty, while also being implicated in aggressive forms of cancer. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could be a viable approach for treating triple-negative breast cancer without affecting normal dev...
Researchers found that spherical droplets of chain-like liquid crystal molecules transform into complex shapes upon cooling, exhibiting polydispersity-driven effects. The key to this phenomenon lies in the presence of both long-chain and short-chain rods within the drop.
A study led by Mary Robinson and Jinwen Chen found potential biomarkers of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that could be used to enforce the ban on its use in horses within 10 days of a race. The researchers detected changes in five inflammatory factors, including TNF-? levels, up to three weeks after ESWT treatment.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has discovered a crucial link between alcohol molecules and haze formation. Alcohols like methanol reduce particle formation by consuming sulfur trioxide, converting it to more sticky compounds that promote growth.
Researchers identified genetic factors and parasite numbers that predict treatment success in cutaneous leishmaniasis. A small difference in parasite numbers makes a big difference in patient response.
Research reveals that communities experiencing demographic change moved towards pro-immigration Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, contradicting conventional wisdom. The study used a novel approach analyzing voting precincts instead of large geographic areas.
A large-scale study of over 11,000 West Point cadets reveals that both cognitive and non-cognitive factors predict success outcomes. Grit is crucial during Beast Barracks, while cognitive ability is the strongest predictor of academic grades in the classroom. Physical ability also plays a key role in determining graduation rates.
A new study has found that spaying dogs reduces their risk of developing mammary tumors, but may increase the risk of more aggressive cancers. Higher serum estrogen levels in spayed animals with mammary tumors were associated with longer times to metastasis and improved survival times.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have designed microscale rockets that use sound waves to propel themselves through cellular landscapes. The tiny vessels are controlled using magnetic fields and can move particles and cells with high precision.
Researchers developed a new method to separate mixtures of rare earth metals using magnetic fields, achieving a doubling in separation performance. This breakthrough has potential applications for recycling and can help address geopolitical and climate issues associated with rare earth mining and recycling.
The NIH has awarded a five-year contract to integrate two critical databases, EuPathDB and VectorBase, into a single resource called VEuPathDB. This $38.4 million project will provide thousands of researchers worldwide with access to genomic data on pathogens and vectors, enhancing global public health research.
Researchers develop mathematical model to describe how polymers contract into spiral structures, known as loxodromes, with complex patterning. The discovery could lead to the creation of manmade patterns that are difficult to produce using traditional methods.
An international team has identified the LRIT3 gene mutation responsible for congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) in dogs, a form of blindness also affecting humans. The researchers found that the mutation affects ON bipolar cells involved in dim light vision, but the retina's structure remains relatively unaffected.
Researchers found distinct shifts in fruit fly genomes after feeding them different bacteria, racking up significant genomic changes. The study suggests that microbial community composition drives part of how organisms evolve.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have developed a reconfigurable topological insulator that can route photons around defects, increasing efficiency and speed. This breakthrough has potential applications in high-capacity data routing for future communication networks.
A new study found that a special diet can alter the gut microbiome in dogs with Crohn's-like disease, mirroring changes seen in children with the condition. The diet-induced changes led to increased production of secondary bile acids, which alleviated disease symptoms.
Researchers used a canine model of Leber congenital amaurosis to study the effects of gene therapy on photoreceptor cells. They found that dogs treated before 63% of their cells were lost had lasting improvements, while those treated later experienced continued degeneration.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania has created a comprehensive molecular map of every cell in a developing animal embryo, using single-cell genomics methods. The study provides insights into how cells specialize their function during development and could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and cellular engineering.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that information gerrymandering can induce strong biases in collective decisions, even without fake news. The phenomenon occurs when individuals interact with predominantly like-minded groups, leading to a filter bubble effect that can sway outcomes.
A large-scale study found no evidence that testosterone reduces cognitive empathy, challenging the 'extreme male brain' hypothesis of autism. The study, involving nearly 650 men, used randomized controlled trials and behavioral tasks to measure cognitive empathy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a method to transplant healthy lung cells into injured mice, improving blood-oxygen levels and promoting lung regeneration. The technique, using specialized alveolar type-two cells, showed promise in treating various models of lung injury.
Researchers found that societies with specialist cultures form densely connected networks, while generalist cultures result in sparser networks. Specialists have higher proficiencies due to learning from peers, but may be harmed by environmental changes.
Researchers have developed an artificial human eye replica, the blinking eye-on-a-chip, to model dry eye disease (DED). The device mimics the complex pathophysiology of DED, allowing scientists and drug developers to test experimental treatments.
Researchers have successfully controlled the electrical properties of Weyl semimetals using light, which can be used to create new electronic devices. The discovery was made possible by developing a theoretical framework that explains how light interacts with these materials.
Researchers identified key genes involved in parasite adherence using a non-disease-causing species Crithidia fasciculata. The study found significant transcriptional differences between the swimming and adherent forms of the parasite.
A new study in Germany found that religious differences can drive anti-immigrant bias, even when immigrants follow local social norms. The researchers used an experimental approach to measure bystanders' behavior and found that Muslim immigrant women who wore a hijab received less assistance than native German women.
Researchers discovered that monovision can cause significant misperceptions of distance and 3D direction, particularly with moving objects. By analyzing the effects of blur differences on visual processing, they found that a darker lens can cancel out the negative impact of monovision.
Researchers have created a new technique called LADL that uses light to serve up on-demand genome folding, allowing for the manipulation of specific DNA loops on command. This technique combines CRISPR/Cas9 and optogenetics and has the potential to study the relationships between long-range loops and mechanisms determining gene express...
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discover a genetic mechanism controlling the development of specialized structures in acacia trees that feed and house ant colonies. The findings suggest an age-dependent phenomenon in plant development, where traits appear only after reaching a mature stage.
Auroraceratops rugosus is an early horned dinosaur with a complete skeleton, providing insight into bipedalism in ceratopsians. The fossil, from over 80 individuals, shows a small body size and lacks 'true' horns compared to Triceratops.
Research from University of Pennsylvania demographers finds that non-Hispanic white life expectancy has slowed or reversed since 2010, especially among 25- to 44-year-olds and women. The trend is particularly stark in rural areas, where mortality has risen despite progress seen in urban centers.
A new study reveals that protein-linked sugars play a critical role in the uptake of alpha-synuclein proteins, which are associated with Parkinson's disease. The research identifies neurexin 1β as a key regulator in this process and suggests potential therapeutic targets for treating the disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that food and drugs can hijack the brain's reward circuits, which are also responsible for signaling hunger. This knowledge could inform the creation of more effective weight loss drugs or addiction therapies with fewer unpleasant side effects.
A study published in the American Journal of Sexuality Education found that even when parents aim to avoid heteronormative stereotypes, external factors like mass media and religion can still reinforce them. Parents' mindful awareness of their conversations with other children and their influence on what they hear from friends and see ...
Researchers have found an enzyme in the body that metabolizes compounds from tobacco smoke, alcohol, and certain foods into chemicals that trigger Parkinson's disease. Mitochondrial CYP2D6 is a promising new target for treating idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Researchers developed a novel mouse model of intestinal parasite infection that mimics human disease, offering protection against Cryptosporidium infection. The model uses a naturally occurring species of mouse Cryptosporidium and demonstrates the importance of T cells and interferon-gamma in immune response.
The Penn team created an adhesive that mimics the snail's epiphragm, allowing for strong adhesion and easy reversibility. The breakthrough was achieved using a polymer called PHEMA, which conforms to small grooves on surfaces when wet, making it stick, and hardens into those cavities when dry, securing itself firmly.
Researchers develop a bio-scoring system to improve prognostication for dogs with mammary tumors, identifying those at higher risk of metastasis. The system uses tumor stage, grade, and histological type to provide a clearer picture of treatment options.
Researchers have discovered a 'hidden' phase in metal oxide materials that gives them ferroelectric properties when activated by fast pulses of light. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with controllable properties that can be turned on and off in trillionths of a second.
Researchers at Penn engineered a nanostructured diamond metalens to collect light from defects in diamonds, which harbor electron spins suitable for quantum computing. The metalens guides light into an optical fiber, streamlining data collection and enabling compact quantum devices.
A recent study published in SLEEP found that children who nap for at least 30 minutes, three days a week, experience improved happiness, self-control, grit, fewer behavioral problems, and higher IQ. The study suggests that napping can have positive effects on academic achievement, particularly for sixth graders.
People with strong life purpose are more likely to accept health messages and experience less decisional conflict. A study found that those with a stronger sense of purpose have less activity in brain regions associated with conflict-processing, making it easier for them to make healthier choices.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania and George Washington University shows that collective intelligence can increase belief accuracy even in politically homogeneous groups. Participants in homogenous groups became 35% more accurate after exchanging information with one another, decreasing polarization.
A new study reveals that damage to mitochondria leads to an increased production of osteoclasts, which break down bone. This process is triggered by stress signaling in cells, leading to greater rates of bone resorption and potentially contributing to osteoporosis.
A specially designed health intervention improved healthy eating and exercise habits among South African youth, with effects lasting at least 4.5 years. The study found that participants in the intervention had greater odds of meeting guidelines for healthy eating and physical activity than the control group.
A team of engineers, dentists, and biologists from the University of Pennsylvania developed microscopic robotic cleaning crews that can precisely and non-invasively remove dental plaque. The robots use catalytic activity to kill bacteria and break down biofilms, offering a potential solution for biofilm-related infections.
Researchers found that humans can learn to navigate through a two-dimensional environment using odor information, with brain activity resembling grid-cell models previously discovered in animals. The study used a unique 'smellscape' of pine and banana scents to guide participants' mental navigation.
A model by theoretical biologists demonstrates how superstitious beliefs can become established in a society's social norms, guiding the behavior of large groups. The research suggests that even irrational beliefs can be beneficial when correlated with others' actions, leading to coordinated behaviors.