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Washington University in St. Louis


Vibrations at an exceptional point

A team of international researchers has developed a lasing system that produces phonons, the energy products of oscillation, or vibration. By tuning the system to create resonance, they can trigger mechanical movement that generates an acoustic wave. This breakthrough could lead to new medical and materials science applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 25, 2018

Leggy lizards don't survive the storm

Researchers found that survivors had larger toe pads on forelimbs and hindlimbs compared to pre-storm populations. Survivors also had proportionately longer fore legs and shorter back legs with smaller bodies. These findings suggest natural selection favors certain characteristics in response to extreme weather events.

Warming alters predator-prey interactions in the Arctic

New research from Washington University in St. Louis found that warming conditions can alter the way wolf spiders interact with their prey, including springtails and fungi, leading to changes in ecosystem processes like decomposition. This shift could potentially alleviate some impacts of global warming on carbon losses from the tundra.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2018

Gene therapy method developed to target damaged kidney cells

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy method to target damaged kidney cells, which could lead to improved treatment for chronic kidney disease. The approach uses adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver genetic material to targeted cells, showing promise in slowing or reversing cell damage.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 5, 2018

New tools reveal prelude to chaos

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed mathematical tools that determine when randomness emerges in stochastic systems, describing the kinetics before dissolving into randomness. The tools have potential to predict onset of chaos in nanoparticles to checking accounts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 6, 2018

Bugged out by climate change

Research tracked changes in Arctic arthropod populations in response to warming temperatures, finding more plant-eating and parasitic insects, and fewer detritivores. The study suggests that water availability will play a key role in determining which bug species can thrive in a warming Arctic.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 17, 2018

Back to the beginning

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new process to generate NP-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The team mimicked the embryonic development process to produce nucleus pulposus cells, which could potentially be used to treat degenerative disc disease.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 17, 2018

New cellular insights in bone development

A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis studied the formation of new bone and teeth, discovering that miniscule gaps in collagen's fiber structure facilitate the nucleation of calcium phosphate. The findings provide a new view into the current theory of calcium phosphate nucleation in confined spaces.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2018

Trap, contain and convert

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new method to convert CO2 into a solid inert mineral in basalt, which holds promise as an effective abatement agent for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research revealed that 47 kilograms of CO2 can be converted into mineral inside one cubic meter of basalt.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateApr 4, 2018

3-D mapping babies' brains

Researchers have developed a new method to precisely map brain folds in premature infants, which could lead to early detection of developmental disorders. The technique uses 3-D imaging and computer algorithms to identify subtle patterns of growth and folding, providing a unique fingerprint for each infant's brain development.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2018

No progress seen in reducing antibiotics among outpatients

A new study found that antibiotic prescriptions continue to be prescribed at high rates in outpatient settings, contributing to drug-resistant infections and excess healthcare costs. The researchers analyzed data from Express Scripts Holding Co. and found no decline in overall antibiotic prescription rates over a three-year period.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 8, 2018

Simplifying samples

Researchers at Washington University developed a novel, low-cost technique to preserve blood and urine samples without refrigeration. The method uses nanoporous materials to protect protein biomarkers, maintaining 95% purity and enabling efficient transportation and analysis.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMar 2, 2018

Water world

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first experimental map of a cyanobacteria's water world, revealing pathways that could be used to deliver water to the active site. The discovery advances photosynthesis research and has implications for green fuels.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 17, 2017

A bit of a 'quantum magic trick'

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and University of Rochester use quantum mechanics to measure frequency with unprecedented accuracy, reducing uncertainty by a factor of 100. This breakthrough has potential applications in various fields, including MRI medical imaging, navigation, and astronomy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 2, 2017

Portable 3-D scanner assesses patients with elephantiasis

A portable 3D scanner has been developed to measure swollen limbs in patients with elephantiasis, a parasitic disease causing major swelling and deformity of the legs. The device provides highly accurate results in just a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, making it easier to assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 16, 2017

Study casts doubt on warming implications of brown carbon aerosol from wildfires

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that brown carbon aerosol from wildfires loses its ability to absorb sunlight the longer it remains in the atmosphere, leading to a significant reduction in warming effects. This finding challenges current climate models and could impact air quality management districts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 11, 2017

Breathing dirty air may harm kidneys

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine and VA St. Louis Health Care System found that breathing dirty air may harm kidneys. The research analyzed data on nearly 2.5 million people over 8.5 years, concluding that high levels of particulate matter increase the risk of chronic kidney disease and failure.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 21, 2017

Engineer develops key mathematical formula for driving quantum experiments

Washington University engineer Jr-Shin Li has developed a mathematical formula to design broadband pulse sequences, leading to enhanced signal sensitivity in various quantum experiments. The formula, published in Nature Communications, is the first to use analytical methods, resolving challenges associated with numerical optimization.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2017

Crank the AC, cut in-car pollution

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that controlling car ventilation can significantly reduce pollutant exposure during commutes. Using portable instruments and sensors, they measured pollutant levels inside and outside cars during daily commutes, finding that running the AC reduced pollutants by 20-34%.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 10, 2017