A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that cell phone ringtones can be distracting in classrooms, impairing recall and learning. Students who experienced ringing phones performed 25% worse on course content tests, even after the ringtone had stopped.
A study using genetically modified mice found a link between low levels of inositol and neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The research suggests that increasing inositol doses may help prevent these birth defects.
Researchers found that connecting habitat patches with corridors increases plant biodiversity in protected areas and surrounding non-target habitats. This spillover effect can elevate biodiversity by up to 160%.
Researchers discovered europium becomes superconducting under high pressure, expanding the list of elemental superconductors. This breakthrough adds data to theoretical models of superconductivity, potentially leading to room-temperature superconductors.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis developed a bimetallic fuel cell catalyst that is two to five times more effective than commercial catalysts. The novel technique enables a cost-effective fuel cell technology with potential for cleaner use of fuels worldwide.
Researchers found that particles and molecules have a tendency to separate from each other when mixed, forming small-scale phase separation. This phenomenon is counterintuitive, as one might expect different shapes to mix well without any special interaction or repulsion between them.
Research at Washington University in St. Louis found that the average age of autism diagnosis is nearly six years old, three to four years after possible diagnosis. Early diagnosis is often linked to more severe cognitive impairment and is less common for females and minority groups.
Washington University and the Danforth Plant Science Center will be home to two new multimillion-dollar Energy Frontier Research Centers, pursuing advanced scientific research on energy. The centers aim to study forms of energy based on light harvesting and energy funneling.
Researchers have successfully coupled USB-based ultrasound probe technology with smartphones, enabling compact, mobile medical imaging devices. This innovation has far-reaching implications for global healthcare, particularly in developing countries where access to medical imaging is limited.
Researchers developed a test to quickly assess the effectiveness of Alzheimer's drugs in reducing amyloid beta production, which builds brain plaques. The test, SILK, was used to study LY450139, an Eli Lilly drug candidate, and showed a dose-dependent drop in A-beta production.
A Lancet study evaluated Mexico's universal health insurance program, Seguro Popular, in dozens of communities. The experiment found a 23% reduction in catastrophic health expenditures and identified areas for improvement. Researchers suggest this model could inform US healthcare reforms.
The study reveals the precise orientation of the Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) antenna protein on the membrane, allowing for efficient energy transfer. The 'taco shell' protein plays a crucial role in connecting the peripheral chlorosome antenna complex to the reaction center.
Researchers developed a new method to measure heat transport in rocks, revealing that rock conductivity varies strongly with temperature. The technique, laser-flash analysis, provides more accurate data on heat transport than conventional methods.
A mechanical engineer at Washington University in St. Louis has developed techniques to reduce vehicle drag using active flow control technology, resulting in a 15-18% reduction in fuel consumption. The technology is being researched by airplane and automobile companies worldwide to play an important role in fuel conservation.
Active learning is a teaching concept that prepares students for real-world interactions by encouraging participation, group work, and peer review. The approach has been successful in courses like software design, where lecturing plays a minimal role.
Researchers have discovered a new connection between Carter's constant and Newtonian gravity, shedding light on the behavior of rotating black holes. The findings have significant implications for gravitational-wave astronomy, potentially allowing the detection of small black hole orbits.
Astrophysicists at Washington University in St. Louis will design and build Super-TIGER to measure the abundances of ultra-heavy galactic cosmic ray nuclei. The instrument aims to better understand the mechanism by which elements are accelerated in interstellar dust grains.
Renowned biologist Ursula Goodenough explores the connection between science, ethics, and a culture of sustainability. Her work proposes an 'ecomorality,' prioritizing stewardship of the environment, in response to humanity's impact on the planet.
A breakthrough discovery by Washington University researchers has identified a technology that reduces infection by the Rice Tungro Disease virus, causing significant economic losses in agriculture. The technology involves transgenic rice plants that overexpress specific proteins, providing improved resistance to the virus.
Researchers used fMRI to track real-time brain activity as participants read and processed individual words and short stories. The study found that readers mentally simulate each new situation encountered in a narrative, using perceptual and motor representations to comprehend narrated activity.
A study found that escitalopram improved anxiety symptoms and quality of life in older adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The drug helped reduce anxiety and improve functioning, including daily activities related to work or family life. Benefits were modest, but the medication was well-tolerated overall.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using photoacoustic tomography (PAT) and gold nanocages to noninvasively image sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in breast cancer patients. This method reduces the need for invasive surgical biopsies and minimizes patient radiation exposure, offering a promising alternative for cancer diagnosis.
Biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that plant enzymes Pol IV and V are specialized forms of RNA Polymerase II, essential for decoding genetic information in eukaryotes. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of RNA polymerases and their role in gene silencing.
Dr. Joshua Maurer's research aims to unravel the tricks of neuronal wiring using zebrafish. He seeks to replicate brain-like interactions on a glass surface, allowing real-time observation of neuron growth and guidance. This knowledge could lead to better nerve repair strategies in humans.
The study of human fossils from Sima de la Palomas reveals the persistence of Neandertals until around 40,000 years ago. This challenges the idea that they were quickly displaced by modern humans, indicating a more complex picture of contact and coexistence between different human populations.
Nucleolar dominance is a phenomenon where an entire parental set of ribosomal RNA genes are silenced in hybrid plants or animals. Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding this process, which may have important implications for cancer research.
Researchers at Washington University found that corridors improve species diversity in fragmented landscapes, with birds and wind-dispersed plants responding positively to connectivity. Surprisingly, unassisted plant species also benefited from corridor presence, suggesting possible assistance from mammals.
The Genomics Education Partnership (GEP) has expanded its research-based undergraduate course beyond Washington University, reaching students at historically black and Hispanic-serving institutions. Students work with in silico tools to analyze DNA sequence data, improving their understanding of genomics and its applications.
Scientists have made precise measurements of a key phenomenon in solar cells, shedding light on fundamental processes and paving the way for more efficient designs. The findings provide a crucial understanding of charge separation in chain-like structures.
A team led by Craig Pikaard discovered a new mechanism by which plant cells silence potentially harmful genes, involving the non-coding region of DNA and two plant-specific RNA polymerases. The research has major implications for gene therapy, where RNA-centric approaches show promise for controlling diseases such as cancer and HIV.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that can detect and decode brain signals associated with hand and arm movements on the same side of the body. This breakthrough may enable patients with partial paralysis to regain mobility in their limbs.
A team led by Professor Douglas Wiens is conducting a comprehensive study of Antarctica's Gamburtsev Province, using radar and seismic imaging to understand the region's geological history. The research aims to shed light on the formation of continental ice sheets and climate models.
A study by biologists at Washington University in St. Louis shows that bird diversity is a buffer against the occurrence of West Nile Virus in humans. The more diverse a bird population, the lower the risk of exposure to WNV.
A new report shows that racial disparities in cancer incidence are declining in Missouri, with the gap narrowing between African Americans and whites. However, racial disparities in cancer death rates remain higher for African Americans, despite efforts to reduce them.
Researchers sequenced the genome of Cyanobacterium ATCC 51142, revealing a rare linear chromosome containing genes for pyruvate metabolism. The discovery provides a framework for understanding this organism's ability to produce lactate and other compounds.
Researchers found that parents who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have children who also consume these foods. A five-year study showed that the High 5 for Kids program increased fruit and vegetable intake in preschoolers of normal weight, but not in overweight children.
Patrick Crowley, a computer architect, is designing a new network for the US Department of Defense to facilitate real-time information sharing. The goal is to enable commanders to understand the location and status of all platforms, equipment, and personnel in real-time.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have detailed the interaction between a superfluid and a superconductor, which could change our understanding of neutron stars' motion. The research reveals exotic behavior at the boundary between type I and type II superconductors, with unexpected effects on magnetic fields.
A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has developed polymeric nanoparticles that can slowly release doxorubicin, a chemotherapy drug, over an extended time period. The approach aims to improve the delivery of cancer-killing drugs to pediatric brain tumors without harming healthy cells.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that humans inspect objects more thoroughly when their hands are near them, indicating a new insight into brain wiring that could impact rehabilitative therapy techniques and prosthetic design.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that families with children's special needs face different financial burdens depending on their state. On average, US families shoulder an extra $774 per year for out-of-pocket care costs, with wealthier states having lower costs.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a single protein, HS1, that enables key functions of natural killer (NK) cells. The protein allows NK cells to pursue targets, latch on, and kill them. Further study of HS1 may open new possibilities for revving up NK cells to fight infections and cancer.
Researchers found that compact, bedside brain-activity monitors, called amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) monitors, can detect most seizures in at-risk infants. The monitors are more portable and affordable than conventional EEG devices, but may require training to interpret.
Research suggests that women who started drinking at younger ages are more likely to develop alcohol dependence, with those starting before age 17 facing a 50-80% increased risk. The study also found that the earlier onset of drinking is a strong predictor of subsequent alcohol dependence.
Researchers discovered that an Antarctic ice stream radiates seismic waves, similar to earthquakes, due to the 'stick-slip' phenomenon. The ice stream moves about 18 inches within ten minutes, producing two bursts of seismic waves per day.
Scientists have identified two proteins, MSL9 and MSL10, responsible for mechanosensitive ion channel activities in plant roots. These proteins govern the flow of ions into and out of the cell in response to mechanical forces like gravity or pressure. The discovery sheds light on how plants respond to physical forces.
Researchers discovered a molecular alarm system in the skin that detects defects and triggers an immune response, leading to potentially harmful effects. The study found that genetic abnormalities in the skin can lead to an overproduction of white blood cells, which can be life-threatening.
The Phoenix Mars Mission will investigate the Martian environment, searching for signs of climate cycles and microbial life. The spacecraft will collect soil and ice samples and analyze them to understand the Red Planet's history.
Researchers have identified a unique genetic signature that can alert physicians to high-risk breast tumors masquerading as low-risk tumors. The genetic signature is associated with a higher chance of cancer recurrence and standard anti-estrogen therapy being ineffective.
Researchers have gained insight into the way Cyanothece, a cyanobacterium, regulates its physiological processes through its circadian rhythm. The study found that genes governing vital processes like energy metabolism and nitrogen fixation cycle on and off with changing light and dark periods.