The oldest available data on the Missouri River shows that water flow has become more variable over time due to extensive damming. The river is also narrower at St. Charles, Missouri, with a reduced width of 500 yards compared to its original 720 yards in 1804.
A computer scientist at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a novel technique to extract more DNA from a single sequence reaction, reducing both cost and time of the sequencing process. The approach uses software that sorts through genetic information and finds predicted sequences, with 59% of predicted genes verified as e...
Blank's research challenges initial findings on cyanobacteria age, pinning emergence to 2.3 billion years ago using genetic analysis. This breakthrough also sheds light on eukaryote evolution and the development of mitochondria.
The Rat Genome Sequencing Project Consortium has completed the genome sequence of the common laboratory brown rat, sharing approximately 825 non-repetitive DNA sequences with humans and mice. The study reveals unique genetic differences between rodents and humans, shedding light on evolutionary processes.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis has created a three-minute video capturing the unique interaction between water and three different oils when mixed using a magnetic stir bar. The resulting vortices, or funnels, display distinct characteristics due to their varying viscosities, showcasing the fluid dynamics phenomenon.
The device captures aerosol particles with an electrical field, charging and trapping them to destroy bioagents. Smart nanoparticles catalyze oxidation to completely deactivate organisms.
The Maize Genomics Consortium developed a cost-effective approach to sequence the maize genome, reducing its effective size by six-fold. The method uses methyl-filtration and high-Cot selection, targeting overlapping fractions of the genome enriched for genes.
Researchers analyze over 59,000 grains from Acfer 094 meteorite and identify nine specks of silicate stardust. The discovery provides information about stellar sources, nuclear processes, and the physical and chemical compositions of stellar atmospheres.
Researchers have discovered that carbon isotopic compositions in IDPs are different from those on Earth and in other parts of the Solar System, indicating it was formed in molecular clouds before the formation of the Solar System. The findings help understand the Solar System's formation and the origin of organic matter on Earth.
Researchers found that dynamic pricing strategies outperform fixed prices in environments with high market uncertainty. Optimal prices adjust continuously over time and jump upward at the point of sale. Companies can benefit from proactively setting prices to impact revenue and learn from sales observations.
Research casts doubt on voice-stress lie detection technology, with studies finding dismal results in detecting deception and excluding non-deceitful individuals. The technology's ability to identify micro-tremors related to stress is limited, suggesting it may not be capable of reliably detecting lies.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found that heavy metal snow on Venus is actually made of lead sulfide, contradicting previous hypotheses. This discovery could allow for the dating of Venus using lead isotopes, providing a new frontier for space exploration.
Researchers analyzed over 250 dinosaur genera, finding the fossil record to be moderately complete, but highly congruent with existing family tree relationships. This study provides valuable insights for paleontologists studying dinosaur evolution.
The study found that the primary motor cortex represented actual movement while the ventral premotor cortex generated elliptical shapes. The research reveals how the mind creates order and adjusts on the fly to eliminate distortions, with implications for developing biomedical devices controlling artificial limbs.
Stephanie Novak, a doctoral candidate at Washington University in St. Louis, developed a novel model to determine classification of a new species based on skeletal differences. The Archosaurian Morphospecies Concept found that Postosuchus from different locations were part of the same species.
Scientists use Raman spectrometer to analyze minerals, gases and liquids on the sea floor, tracking carbon dioxide levels and distinguishing between gas and liquid forms. The device could potentially trap carbon dioxide in clathrate hydrates, a promising method for climate change mitigation.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease show increased activation in the default network, a set of interconnected brain areas responsible for passive mental processes. This could be an attempt to compensate for memory problems caused by normal aging or Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Washington University developed a non-invasive fMRI technique to better evaluate brain surgery risks and guide operations to avoid sensitive language areas. This breakthrough holds promise for safer surgeries for nearly 200,000 Americans diagnosed with brain tumors annually.
Researchers developed a hardware platform called FPX that scans for malware signatures in parallel, allowing it to scan every byte of network traffic at an unprecedented rate. This technology can quarantine viruses and worms within sub-networks, protecting thousands of users with just a few devices.
A geologist has used historical data from Lewis and Clark to calculate the magnetic declination in the North American interior. The analysis reveals changes in the magnetic pole over time, with some maps corrected to be remarkably accurate.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that previous year's drought is the main driver of high mosquito populations in wetlands. This discovery has implications for predicting and controlling diseases like West Nile virus and malaria, which are spread by mosquitoes.
The study finds that the shape of a semiconductor nanocrystal can significantly impact its electronic and optical properties. The researchers developed a novel synthesis method to create indium phosphide nanowires with controlled diameters, allowing them to investigate the effect of two-dimensional vs. three-dimensional confinement.
The Center for Environmental and Biological Chemistry (CEBC) will focus on developing greener chemical processes, including catalysts for cleaner solvents. Researchers will work with industry partners to create more efficient reactors and reduce waste, aiming to improve the quality of life through cleaner chemicals.
The discovery sheds light on early modern human biology and their archaic origins. The fossils, dating back 34,000-36,000 years, reveal a mix of modern and archaic characteristics.
Researchers have developed a new technique using wavelet analysis to speed up radiation dose calculations, allowing for more accurate control over radiation doses and reduced damage to adjacent healthy tissues. This breakthrough uses wavelets to give good fast approximations to smooth data fields with 'rough' noise.
Researchers found that servers at two restaurants and cab drivers received lower tip percentages for larger bills, but levels off above $100. The magnitude effect shows that relative value is affected by absolute amount, contradicting standard microeconomic theory.
A group of researchers found a strong correlation between the ages of branching points and morphological variation in four lizard groups. The study challenges the general assumption that each lineage's history is unique.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that frontal lobe function can impact false memories in older adults. Contrary to common assumption, age-related cognitive decline may be linked to declines in executive control functions rather than memory skills themselves.
Researchers Jody O'Sullivan and Pierre Moulin have developed a theory that sets fundamental limits on the amount of information that can be reliably hidden in various data types. This breakthrough has significant implications for security applications, including detecting forgery and intercepting terrorist messages.
Scientists found that the biological clock in mice and rats responds to temperature changes rather than light signals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding jet lag and could lead to new treatments for related conditions.
Researchers found significant genetic differentiation among Anolis lizard populations on Caribbean islands, revealing unexpected dimensions of biodiversity. The study suggests that multiple species may be present within a single island's ecosystem, and factors such as geography and ecology could be driving the DNA evolution.
Researchers found Neandertals did not have long faces, but rather average or slightly reduced facial projection compared to earlier human ancestors. Modern humans' faces are significantly shorter due to evolutionary changes.
A team of researchers found a unique population of chimpanzees in the Goualougo Triangle that have had minimal or no contact with humans. The primates displayed curious behavior when encountered, but showed no signs of fear or aggression, suggesting they had not formed negative associations with human presence.
A team of geologists has discovered a crab fossil within inches of a massive plant-eating dinosaur fossil in Egypt. The find, dating back to the Cretaceous Period, sheds light on the ecosystem where these species coexisted, revealing a diverse array of organisms including fish, sharks, and turtles.
Researchers discovered six grains of stardust outside our solar system, including crystalline grains that contradict established theories. The study found that stardust is surprisingly common in interplanetary dust particles, suggesting it comes from primitive bodies.
A new brain imaging study from Washington University in St. Louis has shed light on the inner workings of human intelligence, revealing that individuals with higher fluid intelligence use specific brain regions to resist distraction and maintain focus. The study found that participants with higher fluid intelligence engaged several key...
A team of researchers led by Michael R. Brent developed a new computer program to predict genes by analyzing patterns of evolutionary conservation. They identified 1,019 predicted novel mouse genes with high accuracy, including those involved in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and neural development.
Researchers study soccer heading to understand cognitive decline and long-term brain damage risks. The study found linear accelerations of 15-20 G's and angular accelerations of 1,000-2,000 radians per second squared, values below established injury thresholds.
Researchers have created detailed maps of the brain's cerebral and cerebellar cortex, which will help physicians understand brain damage and guide neurosurgeons. The maps will be freely available online, revolutionizing the field of neuroscience.
Researchers at Washington University's Molecular Imaging Center are developing new applications for existing technologies like PET scans. They're also exploring new methods of molecular imaging using near-infrared fluorescence and bioluminescence probes to study protein-protein interactions, immune cells attacking tumors, and the cours...
Researchers develop mice with nerve tracts stained by up to four different fluorescent jellyfish proteins, enabling them to study neural connections in the living brain. This approach reveals clues about how learning occurs in the brain, including the elimination of many connections after birth.
Physicist Richard A. Loomis is using lasers to observe and control chemical reactions in real-time, creating 'movies' of molecules forming and breaking at atomic resolution. By recording snapshots at precise times, he aims to understand reaction dynamics and potentially improve industrial production processes.
Scientists using Whipple Observatory gamma-ray telescope discover energetic gamma-ray flares from active galaxies, revealing relativistic jets and compact emission regions. The study also holds promise to reveal nature of 'dark matter' and 'dark energy', which dominate universe's mass budget.
A new strategy in cancer treatment involves using genetic information to guide drug delivery, allowing for more targeted and efficient treatments. The approach uses nucleic acid-triggered catalytic drug release, recognizing and responding to unique cancerous sequences to deliver potent anticancer drugs.
Researchers develop waveform templates to analyze gravity wave signals, enabling detection of neutron star collapses and black hole collisions. Gravity waves offer a window to the universe carrying different information than electromagnetic waves.
A national effort is underway to study traumatic injury and develop evidence-based treatments. The project will compile extensive databases and standardize care procedures to help physicians choose the best treatment for each patient.
A new nanoparticle coating developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis mimics the natural properties of dolphin skin to prevent biofouling on ship hulls. The coating's complex surface features make it difficult for marine organisms to attach, reducing friction and drag.
The Department of Education at Washington University in St. Louis has received a $10 million NSF grant to establish the Center for Integrating Science, Technology, and Learning (CISTL). CISTL will focus on supporting inquiry-based teaching and learning in K-12 science education through professional development and research projects.
HHMI has selected 20 'million dollar professors' to promote groundbreaking research in STEM fields and enhance undergraduate education. These experts, including Sarah Elgin, will develop innovative teaching tools and curricula to address the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge.
Researchers used DNA sequences to identify hybridization and introgression in Phlox species, tracing the Eurasian source of invasive Tamarix species. The study found that a novel hybrid plant genotype is contributing to the invasion's spread, affecting biodiversity and hydrology in fragile environments.