A new imaging technique using ultrasound-guided diffuse optical tomography can reduce unnecessary benign breast biopsies by nearly 25%, according to a recent study. The technology uses near-infrared light to create 3D pictures of tissues, revealing functional differences between normal and cancerous tissue.
Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered the cause of fluctuating metabolic activity in microorganisms and developed strategies to optimize bioproduction. They found that fluctuations in enzyme expression account for most of the variability in betaxanthin production.
A team of researchers led by Alian Wang has discovered the isotopic geochemical consequences of Martian dust activities. The study reveals that dust-induced electric discharges can lead to various oxidized chemicals, including volatile chlorine species, activated oxides, and airborne carbonates.
A new study suggests that Europa's seafloor is geologically inactive, with no signs of tectonic motion or warm hydrothermal vents that could support life. The team calculated the gravitational forces from Jupiter and concluded that the tidal heating on Europa is not strong enough to drive significant geologic activity.
A study found that prescription stimulants primarily affect brain's reward and wakefulness centers, rather than attention circuitry. This leads to improved focus through increased motivation and reduced sleep deprivation effects.
Researchers have found that twisted growth in plants is not due to null mutations, but rather changes in gene expression in the epidermis layer. This discovery could help crops thrive in challenging conditions with rocky soils.
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a computational tool to reveal connections in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the body's central circadian pacemaker. The study identified five functional cell types and found that a small subset of 'hub' cells are critical to SCN timekeeping.
Researchers study topics most frequently discussed with grandchildren, revealing cultural and gender differences. The study highlights the importance of investing in well-being for both grandparents and grandchildren, showing that digital communication is a valuable way to maintain relationships.
Research finds that sorbitol, a common sugar substitute, can induce similar effects on the liver as fructose, leading to steatotic liver disease. The study also shows that gut bacteria play a crucial role in clearing sorbitol, and that excessive consumption can overwhelm them.
Researchers are studying the Great Oxygenation Event (GOE) using deep drilling in Gabon, Africa, to understand the timing and pace of oxygen accumulation. The project aims to provide clues about the changing amount of oxygen in the environment at the time.
Scientists use XL-Calibur telescope to measure polarization of light around Cygnus X-1 black hole, gaining insights into matter's fall and energy release. The observations will be used to test computer simulations and shed light on black hole physics.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to converting waste carbon into useful products using porous separators called diaphragms. These diaphragms can withstand the harsh conditions of the process and maintain efficiency over an extended period, making them a viable alternative to existing membranes.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new fiber-optic device, PRIME, which delivers multi-site, reconfigurable optical stimulation through a single implant. This technology enables manipulation of neural activity deep in the brain and holds promise for understanding complex brain circuits.
Researchers have developed bioelectronic hydrogels made from conducting polymer microparticles that can be injected into the body or used as injectable therapies. The material has the potential to emulate properties of the body and leverage its functions for more sophisticated ways of doing it.
Recent psychological research from Washington University in St. Louis found that anger, not fear, contributes to shifts in political attitudes. Anger causes people to lash out and seek retribution, leading to a shift towards conservative views on issues related to the threat. However, this effect is narrow, with no impact on unrelated ...
A new analysis of the 4.4-million-year-old Ardipithecus ankle bone reveals that early human ancestors were capable of vertical climbing like African apes, challenging previous findings on human evolution. The study provides evidence for a more generalized ancestor and sheds light on the transition to bipedal locomotion.
Researchers at WashU have gained unprecedented views of a protein linked to ALS and FTD, revealing unique shapes that may contribute to disease progression. The discovery opens doors to new approaches for treatment and prevention, with the team planning further experiments to understand the protein's role in health and disease.
Researchers discovered that three-legged lizards can survive by adapting their gait and using abundant food sources, highlighting the limitations of Darwin's natural selection theory. The study found less than 1% of wild lizards have a limb deficit, with nearly half being Caribbean anoles.
Research by Washington University in St. Louis found that engaging in problem-solving daydreaming can increase the potential for work-related epiphanies that transform how people view themselves. This type of mind wandering is especially useful for people who are naturally curious and feel compelled to solve problems.
Researchers uncover evidence of adzuki bean domestication in East Asia dating back to 9,000 years ago, expanding understanding of early Neolithic agriculture. The discovery reveals regional differences in bean size and utilization, highlighting the role of culinary practices in its domestication.
Researchers aim to prevent maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage with a wearable device that tracks blood loss through cardiovascular features. The device, developed by Christine O'Brien at Washington University, uses light-based sensors and machine-learning algorithms to detect changes in hemoglobin and blood flow.
The Trusted Tap project enables households to monitor their tap water quality using commercially available filters and sending them to Washington University in St. Louis for analysis. This allows households to receive guidance on next steps if contaminants are detected, promoting safe drinking water for all Americans.
A new study reveals a way to produce short-chain volatile fatty acids (VFA) at lower cost by adding hydrogen peroxide to sewage, which can then be reclaimed for use in manufacturing and agricultural processes. Light exposure further enhances the efficiency of this process.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created quantum sensors that can measure stress and magnetism in materials under pressure exceeding 30,000 times the atmospheric pressure. These breakthrough sensors offer a new frontier for studying high-pressure phenomena in fields like astronomy, geology, and superconductivity.
Researchers discovered that a collective of epithelial cells can work together to sense beyond their direct environment, up to 100 microns away. This new ability allows cancer cells to migrate and evade detection with enhanced precision, making it a potential target for therapy.
A new study finds that postpartum mothers with hepatitis C who received treatment while still in the hospital were twice as likely to be cured compared to those referred for outpatient follow-up appointments. The 'Meds to Beds' model dramatically improves cure rates by bringing treatment to bedside before discharge.
Researchers are developing AI tools to analyze speech patterns and detect personality traits and signs of mental health concerns. The tools could provide more accurate and thorough assessments than human clinicians alone.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a way for harmful bacteria like Pseudomonas syringae to bypass a plant's defenses using a protein called PmeR that detects auxin and activates genes making the germs more aggressive. This finding could lead to new approaches for protecting crops by understanding how bact...
An interdisciplinary team analyzed data from 31 sub-Saharan African countries, identifying key socioeconomic factors associated with maternal and child health services use. The study found that socioeconomic status plays a strong link in accessing these life-saving services.
Researchers found that strong wave breaking along shorelines produces significant amounts of sea spray aerosols, increasing cloud condensation nuclei and aerosol mass concentration. This can lead to gross overestimations of sea spray aerosols in open oceans using coastal measurements.
A new method measures leg movement variability to diagnose dystonia in children with cerebral palsy, enabling swift and accurate treatment. The study also identifies brain cells linked to dystonia, suggesting early intervention targeting these processes could prevent or treat the condition.
Researchers at WashU are developing a genetic switch to make microbes work efficiently over extended periods during bioproduction. The goal is to overcome challenges in continuous fermentation and create more efficient, cost-effective methods for producing chemicals and materials.
Researchers used SPARTAN network data to find black carbon concentrations in low- and middle-income areas across the Global South were grossly underestimated, with up to a two-fold underestimation. The study highlights the need for renewed attention to characterizing harmful black carbon in these regions.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have successfully induced a reversible torpor-like state in mice using focused ultrasound, offering a novel strategy for medical interventions. This technology aims to reduce energy demand and preserve organs for transplantation, promising to transform medicine.
Face masks degrade into nanoplastics under sunlight, changing their chemical nature and affecting ecosystems. Researchers found that exposure to sunlight is required for the formation of manganese oxide on plastic particles, altering their interaction and transport in the environment.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new type of bioplastic, called LEAFF, which is strong, biodegradable, and printable. This innovation uses cellulose nanofibers to address the limitations of current bioplastics and has potential applications for sustainable packaging.
Scientists studying ant plants in Fiji have discovered a way for the plant to keep the peace among conflicting ants by providing separate chambers. The new research reveals that compartmentalization is an effective evolutionary strategy to mitigate conflicts, allowing the host plant to benefit from multiple symbiotic relationships.
A new analysis reveals that religion, politics, and war can drive evolutionary changes in urban wildlife, leading to population differences and genetic drift. The study's findings have implications for city planning and management, highlighting the need for researchers to record changes as they happen using digital technology.
A 4-year-old intervention program has been shown to effectively treat depression in young children, with a majority of participants achieving remission. The treatment, called PCIT-ED, helps parents interact with their children differently in the emotional domain, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
A research team at Washington University in St. Louis used machine learning to analyze sleep data from pregnant participants and found that variability in sleep patterns can predict preterm birth. The study aims to provide accurate prediction of preterm birth, which is the primary cause of death among children under age 5.
Researchers suggest that brains reach a critical state to learn, remember, and think, which can be measured using fMRI technology. This framework offers a new perspective on neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, which disrupt the brain's ability to maintain criticality.
A machine learning model developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis can predict the risk of persistent post-operative pain and provide uncertainty estimates for each prediction. The model achieves better performance than other prediction algorithms and offers a valuable tool for doctors to guide their decisions.
A team of researchers used advanced techniques to analyze the surface of tiny glass beads found in moon samples, revealing information about ancient lunar volcanoes. The study provides clues about changes in volcanic eruptions over time, shedding light on the moon's past.
Researchers have developed innovative composite nanotechnology that removes excess nutrients from wastewater, converting them into agricultural fertilizers. The technology reduces ammonia and phosphate concentrations by up to 60% and 91%, respectively, effectively preventing harmful algal blooms and associated toxins.
Researchers developed a systems approach to measuring organelle changes in living cells as they grow. The study found that certain organelles grow faster than others and that the vacuole plays a key role in buffering the cell against randomness.
A new approach to understanding mindfulness and anxiety suggests different types of mindfulness practices can be helpful for various forms of anxiety. Mindfulness combats anxiety by improving cognitive control, a mental process that regulates thoughts and actions.
Researchers propose reawakening ancient native crops to address climate change, leveraging knowledge from Indigenous communities. The alternative approach combines food production and biodiversity protection, offering a low-input solution for adapting to changing climate conditions.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have made strides in removing selenium contamination from water using iron electrocoagulation, a process that generates iron-containing solids with large surface areas to bind selenium. The method removed more than 98% of selenium by flowing through an iron reactor for 11 seconds and se...
A groundbreaking study by Washington University in St. Louis found that eating disorders affect all racial groups equally among college students. The study revealed that up to 13% of respondents showed signs of eating disorders, with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder being the most common types.
Researchers developed a brain decoder to restore communication between the brain and spinal cord, allowing for rehabilitation and potentially restoring movement. The decoder used electroencephalography to predict movement intention, outperforming previous methods.