Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have determined the importance of mixing in anaerobic digesters, which can produce biogas with manure waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and groundwater contamination. The study suggests that increasing mixing intensity is crucial for successful operations.
Researchers develop a technique to detect the ancestry of disease genes in hybrid human populations, identifying inherited genes that cause diseases. The algorithm is more powerful and accurate than standard methods, allowing researchers to pinpoint the origins of disease-causing genes and explore potential treatments.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to discover communities and substructures in various networks, including genetic networks and social networks. The tool has been applied to identify community structures in co-expressed genes and social networks, and can also be used for sociological research.
Researchers found evidence of donkey domestication around 5,000 years ago in Egypt, with skeletal remains showing joint wear and signs of load carrying. The study suggests that the process of domestication may be slower and more complicated than previously thought.
Researchers have created a highly accurate mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which closely resembles the most serious form of human ulcerative colitis. Treating the mice with broad-spectrum antibiotics reduced gut inflammation and increased survival, providing hope for new treatments.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that patients and their caregivers experience a sense of relief upon receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, rather than increased anxiety. The study suggests that providing an early diagnosis can allow individuals to make plans for the future, including treatment and preparing for ...
A new mouse model of neurofibromatosis 1 closely replicates the human condition, allowing for more extensive and accurate preclinical testing of potential therapies. The model has been used to test chemotherapy agents and experimental drugs, revealing promising results and shedding light on their effects.
The completed draft sequence of the corn genome will enable researchers to accurately and efficiently probe the genetic blueprint for the corn plant. Scientists can now look for ways to improve breeding, increase crop yields, and resistance to drought and disease.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the TDP-43 gene linked to inherited amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and suggest it may also play a role in common dementia. The study's findings could provide new insights into understanding ALS and developing treatments.
Researchers at Washington University developed a gene chip technology that can distinguish pneumonia from underlying critical illness in patients on ventilators. The method identified changes in 85 genes associated with immune system activation, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially improved recovery.
Researchers have discovered a moss protein that may play a crucial role in preventing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that the moss protein has an evolutionary conserved function with human presenilin, suggesting that it may provide clues to its primary role in mammalian systems.
Scientists have sequenced the genome of a rare cyanobacterium that produces an even rarer form of chlorophyll, enabling it to harness near-infrared light. This breakthrough could lead to genetically altered plants that can store and generate solar energy, increasing photosynthesis efficiency.
Washington University has received nearly $3 million from the Missouri Life Sciences Research Board to support biofuels research at its International Center for Advanced Renewable Energy and Sustainability (I-CARES). Researchers will focus on developing alternative fuel sources and reducing carbon dioxide generation.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a more efficient method for producing butanol from lignocellulosic biomass, offering a promising solution to the world's energy needs. The new technique uses a mixed culture of microbes to convert plant biomass into butyrate, which is then converted into butanol.
New research reveals that Pleistocene cave bears were as omnivorous as modern bears, eating both plants and animals. This challenges previous studies that suggested they were largely vegetarian.
A hot spot on Enceladus's south pole generates enough heat to eject ice and vapor plumes, indicating geological activity. The presence of water vapor and lack of sodium suggest a different mechanism may be at play, fueling questions about the moon's habitability.
The complete genome of Physcomitrella patens has been sequenced, providing insights into the conquest of land by plants. The research reveals unique gene products and metabolic pathways that enable mosses to protect themselves against stresses associated with living on land.
Researchers have developed a method to control the size of nanoparticles, allowing for mass production and diverse applications. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like medicine, renewable energy, and cosmetics, where nanoparticles can be tailored to perform specific tasks.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing microbial fuel cell kits and educational materials to teach high school students about science and engineering. The technology can efficiently convert dilute organic waste streams into electricity, making it a promising alternative for waste-to-energy conversion.
Post-treatment PET scans can accurately detect cervical cancer tumor response and predict long-term survival. The scans help identify patients whose tumors have not responded to therapy, allowing for alternative treatment options.
The NIH grants will support the study of cytochrome c biogenesis pathways in bacteria and humans. The long-term goal is to engineer electrical nanowires into E.coli to make an efficient biofuel cell. Researchers will also develop a screen to find inhibitors of the pathways, which could be potential antimicrobial agents.
Researchers found that cowpox and monkeypox viruses can prevent the immune system from detecting infected cells, a strategy that could aid in vaccine design. The discovery may help create more effective vaccines against poxviruses and other viruses.
Researchers found that the NF1 gene regulates the development of astrocytes and neurons by controlling two signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to separate treatments for the condition's two major symptoms: brain cancers and learning disabilities.
Researchers found that severe respiratory viral infections induce an allergic-type immune response, leading to long-term changes in the airways of mice. Interfering with this process could potentially prevent childhood asthma.
The university is implementing an active learning approach in computer science education, focusing on studio courses with team projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. This transformation aims to raise student interaction levels and promote motivation through creative problem-solving activities.
A Washington University team led by Douglas A. Wiens will install seismographs in east and west Antarctica to study the earth beneath the ice. The region has never been visited by humans before, but research may reveal information about glaciers, mountains, and ice streams.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have identified an enzyme called MOF that is essential for tumor development and growth. By manipulating MOF in tumor cells, researchers hope to make them more sensitive to radiation therapy, which could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Scientists analyzed neon and argon samples from NASA's Genesis mission to determine the isotopic composition of noble gases in the sun. The results show that the isotopic composition is consistent across different regimes of solar wind, indicating that measuring solar wind samples can represent the solar corona.
Scientists have successfully transplanted embryonic pig pancreatic cells into diabetic macaque monkeys, reducing the need for insulin injections without immune suppression. The transplants showed promise for curing type 1 and type 2 diabetes in humans with additional research.
Researchers found that West Nile virus can spread through nerve cells, breaking into the central nervous system and triggering acute flaccid paralysis. Injection of a therapeutic antibody blocked both encephalitis and paralysis in laboratory animals.
Patients with severe psychiatric illness lose 25-30 years of life expectancy due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Lifestyle interventions like healthy eating and exercise can be challenging for this population.
A recent study found that ponds' community diversity converges after a drought, with only hardy species able to withstand the conditions. This convergence has important implications for wetland restoration and creation, highlighting the need to consider stochasticity and beta diversity in ecological restorations.
Researchers found that certain existing drugs can target and inhibit the growth of brain tumors by modifying key signaling molecules. The study suggests that these drugs may be repurposed for treatment of brain tumors.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found a molecular connection between amyloid-beta production and cholesterol levels in the brain, linking early- and late-onset Alzheimer's. This discovery suggests that abnormal brain cholesterol metabolism may play a role in the disease.
The study found that plants without the linamarase enzyme lack the Li gene, while those with it produce cyanogenic glucosides. Researchers are testing hypotheses on why acyanogenic plants occur in cold climates, including the possibility of plant suicide due to frequent frosts.
Scientists are studying the mechanics of brain folding in higher mammals to better understand its relationship with cognitive ability and neurological diseases. They have found that tension in axons may play a key role in driving this process, which could lead to new insights into conditions such as schizophrenia and autism.
A team of researchers has determined that human ancestors outside of Africa were more primitive than previously thought, based on analysis of 1.8 million-year-old fossils found in Dmanisi, Georgia. The species had a small stature and brain size similar to earlier African species, with some modern aspects of lower limb morphology.
Researchers found that cervical tumors with high glucose uptake (SUV) on PET scans had higher recurrence rates, persistent disease, and lower survival rates. The study suggests that SUV is a more sensitive indicator of tumor aggressiveness than standard staging protocols.
Floods of '93 and '95 devastated 70% of snake populations, with larger snakes and arboreal species faring better. Ecologist Owen Sexton proposes 'islands in the stream' to provide sanctuaries for displaced species during future floods.
A new peanut butter-based program has shown remarkable success in treating severe malnutrition in children in Malawi, with 89% of severely malnourished children and 85% of moderately malnourished children recovering after treatment. The treatment, known as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), was implemented at 12 rural health centers...
Researchers developed an improved dosing formula for warfarin that takes into account genetic variations in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genes. This approach enables faster and more accurate estimation of the optimal warfarin dose, cutting dosage changes and potentially increasing patient safety.
A geologist is working with an international committee to develop an emergency plan for Quito, Ecuador, which sits near an active volcano. The plan aims to educate the public and government officials on the dangers of volcanic eruptions and provide escape routes.
Researchers have developed a new non-invasive brain scan method using light to monitor the development of infants' brains. The technique, called high-density diffuse optical tomography, allows for the mapping of the visual cortex with high accuracy.
Pain researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding the complex relationship between opiate drugs and their addictive effects. By isolating the analgesic effects from morphine, scientists can potentially develop more effective treatments for pain while minimizing the risk of addiction.
The study aims to explore the genetics of the coconut to infer historical relationships among populations. The research will focus on understanding the plant's ancient dispersal, geographical origin of domestication, and impact of human activities on population structure.
In the circumstellar environment, newly formed elements make compounds and life takes off for the first time. The shells around dying stars enable a chemistry that produced grains older than our sun itself.
Older adults experience cognitive decline that affects their ability to comprehend humor, according to Washington University researchers. However, this decline does not mean they cannot understand humor, and previous experiences, preferences, and personality play a significant role in humor comprehension.
A trio of enzymes regulates cell size in bacteria by sensing nutrient availability, with disruptions leading to defects in chromosome segregation. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind uncontrolled growth in cancer cells.
Researchers found human walking is 75% less costly than chimpanzee quadrupedal and bipedal walking. This energy savings could have given early hominids an edge in foraging for food, potentially driving the evolution of bipedalism.
Recent findings indicate a trend of increasing water content in the atmospheres of planets, from Jupiter (depleted) to Uranus and Neptune (water-rich). Computer models provide insights into planetary atmospheric chemistry, predicting the composition of Earth-like planets in other solar systems.