A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that good parenting can improve cognitive and language skills in children, but only up to a point. Prenatal social disadvantage is associated with lower scores, and supportive parenting behaviors may not be enough to overcome its effects.
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health — Americas highlights growing divide in cardiovascular health in the US, showing that wealth and education play a significant role in heart disease risk. The research reveals that high-income, college-educated Americans face far fewer health risks than the rest of the population.
Researchers have developed ExPOSE, a method that allows for the visualization of plant cells with greater resolution, enabling studies on protein and RNA location, and cellular response. The technique uses protoplasts to overcome cell wall challenges, paving the way for a powerful new toolkit in plant biology.
A recent study by Washington University in St. Louis explores the potential of large language models to predict postoperative complications from preoperative assessments and clinical notes. The work shows that specialized LLMs can significantly outperform traditional machine learning methods in forecasting postoperative risks.
TaxaBind, a new multimodal AI tool, addresses ecological problems by combining multiple models for species classification, distribution mapping, and other tasks. The tool outperformed state-of-the-art methods in zero-shot classification and cross-modal retrieval tasks.
A new biosensor can detect airborne H5N1 avian influenza virus in under 5 minutes, providing real-time monitoring for dairy and poultry farms. The sensor uses electrochemical capacitive biosensors to improve detection speed and sensitivity.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers has found a critical role for the physical interfaces of amyloid beta peptides in determining their chemical dynamics, leading to neurodegeneration. The research identified small molecules capable of breaking the toxic feedback loop, providing evidence that proper nutrition may ...
Researchers at WashU created a new model that uncovers brain mechanisms behind focusing amid distractions, finding people ignore past distractions but stay open to other inputs. The model demonstrates attention control by modulating focus on distractors and target tasks.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed nature-inspired bioelectronic scaffolds for creating new tissue with electronic conductivity. The scaffolds, printed using a soft conducting hydrogel, have the properties cells need to form new tissue and offer advantages over traditional materials.
Researchers found that anthocyanin in wind-pollinated tree stigmas protects pollen germination and growth by scavenging reactive oxygen species. This adaptation helps protect exposed reproductive parts from sun damage.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing a new way to detect sulfur mustard, a highly toxic chemical warfare agent, using nucleic acid molecular recognition and dendrimers.
A new deep learning technique called CTLESS enhances myocardial perfusion imaging accuracy without requiring additional radiation scans. This method leverages deep learning to estimate attenuation maps, improving diagnostic interpretation and potentially boosting technological health equality across the U.S. and worldwide.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine analyzed over 2 million veterans taking GLP-1RA medications, finding benefits to cognitive and behavioral health while revealing increased risks for pancreatitis and kidney conditions. The study also showed decreased risks of seizures, addiction, suicidal ideation, and neurocognitive disorders.
Neuroscientists at WashU develop a novel method to create personalized brain models, shedding light on individual variations in brain dynamics and their impact on cognition and behavior. The study reveals new insights into the mechanisms underlying person-specific differences in brain electrophysiology.
Batten disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, affects the bowel wall's enteric nervous system, causing degeneration and bowel symptoms. Gene therapy has been shown to slow symptoms and extend lifespan in mice by preventing enteric neuron degeneration.
A new study explores how city life is influencing the evolution of urban coyotes, revealing genetic changes related to diet, health, thermoregulation, behavior, cognition, and reproduction. The research also highlights the challenges of studying urban coyotes, which are increasingly common in urban areas throughout the US.
A group of researchers found that cells can move faster with lower force when adhered to soft surfaces with aligned collagen fibers. They developed a theoretical model to explain the physics behind this behavior, which has implications for cancer metastasis and wound healing.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis found that pawpaw patches reduce herbaceous plant species diversity and total understory community size, creating a habitat where the rules of competition are more random. The presence of pawpaws also makes it challenging for land managers to encourage the growth of understory species.
A new study found that over half of weedy rice sampled in the southeastern US has become resistant to certain herbicides, including imidazolinone and a newer class of herbicides. The researchers also discovered that individual fields have distinct compositions of weedy rice strains, making management harder.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are developing vaccines to target misfolded proteins in the brain, with a focus on preventing inflammation and using peptide nanofibers. The goal is to prevent dementia by training the immune system against amyloid beta and tau proteins.
Glioblastoma brain tumors synchronize their growth with the daily release of steroid hormones like cortisol, according to new research. Blocking these signals slows tumor growth and disease progression in animal models.
Researchers found unique signatures in household plumbing microbiomes, with wide variation from house to house. They also detected antibiotic resistance genes, highlighting the need for better monitoring and prevention strategies.
A study published in Nature reveals that dietary fructose promotes tumor growth in animal models of melanoma, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. The liver converts fructose into usable nutrients for cancer cells, a finding that could lead to new treatment avenues.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that bird wing shape is a key factor shaping biodiversity patterns on islands worldwide. The study revealed how birds' dispersal abilities influence the number of species found on islands, with low-dispersal birds leading to steep species-area relationships.
A team of researchers led by Jeff Zacks used computer models to analyze over 25 hours of video footage of people performing everyday tasks. They found that the models were most accurate when responding to uncertainty, suggesting a more complex role for prediction errors in human cognition. Additionally, another researcher, Maverick Smi...
Researchers have developed a novel electro-biodiesel process that is 45 times more efficient than traditional biodiesel production, using 45 times less land. The process converts CO2 into biocompatible intermediates and lipids, resulting in negative emissions and potential for widespread adoption.
Researchers found that plants have multiple enzymes for adding methyl groups to DNA, allowing them to override genetic instructions. The study reveals the evolutionary history of these enzymes and their unique structures, providing insights into plant resilience to environmental changes.
Researchers used cutting-edge drone-based lidar to map two newly documented trade cities in Uzbekistan, revealing unprecedented details of medieval urban structures and economies. The cities, Tashbulak and Tugunbulak, are among the largest ever documented in the mountainous parts of the Silk Road.
Researchers at WashU Medicine used a novel approach to examine the genetic building blocks of risk for mental health problems in teens. The study found associations between genetic predisposition and modifiable risk factors, such as screen time, stressful life events, and environmental conditions like neighborhood crime rates.
A new study in PLOS ONE reports on the contents of 25 coastal and underwater cave sites in southern Sicily, uncovering three new sites with potentially important archaeological sediments. The findings provide key data for understanding the early expansion of Homo sapiens into the Mediterranean.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found that serotonin increases the amplitude of neural responses to food-related odors in locusts, while ignoring non-food smells. This discovery sheds light on how sensory signals are processed and could inspire solutions for odor detection in toxic environments.
Researchers found that when participants were told their decisions would train an AI bot, they became more likely to seek a fair share of the payout. This behavior persisted even after the experiment ended, suggesting a lasting impact on decision-making.
Washington University researchers have made new measurements of black carbon in pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) clouds, which are extremely hot and can linger for months. The study found that these particles absorb visible sunlight two times as much as those from smaller fires and urban sources.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have found that altering GABA receptor density affects circadian rhythm amplitude and synchrony among SCN cells. Reducing or mutating these receptors decreased the mice's daytime wheel-running and reduced nocturnal activity.
Researchers at Wash U used single-molecule orientation-localization microscopy to study the nano-architecture of amyloid fibrils, revealing their growth and decay patterns. They found multiple ways A-beta can remain stable or grow and decay, with surprising results on its underlying structure.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a new mechanism that produces a significant amount of particles in the Earth's atmosphere, which could impact climate change and weather patterns. The discovery suggests that stratospheric air intrusions play a crucial role in forming these particles.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early plant farming in east Africa, revealing a pattern of gradual introductions of different crops that originated from different parts of the continent. The study found domesticated cowpea, sorghum, and finger millet seeds dating back to around 2,300 years ago.
A study published in Nature Mental Health found associations between prenatal cannabis exposure and potential mental health conditions in childhood and adolescence. Researchers identified potential biological mechanisms, including reductions in neuroinflammation, that could explain this association.
Researchers propose that lunar swirls are caused by subsurface magma, which creates a magnetic anomaly. The team's experiments show that ilmenite can react and form iron metal under the right conditions, producing a magnetizing effect.
A new study suggests that the Cahokia exodus may have been due to external pressures rather than crop failure, finding no evidence of widespread drought impact. Researchers believe the society had the engineering skills to maintain crops and a diverse diet, leading them to gradually disperse rather than abandon their land.
A study led by Fuzhong Zhang found that microbes respond differently to various carbon sources, with acetate inducing high ATP levels in E. coli and oleate in Pseudomonas putida. This research provides insights into microbial energy homeostasis and offers a strategy to enhance bioproduction by choosing beneficial feedstocks.
Researchers develop a model of heart disease by tricking stem cells to behave like mature heart cells with a mutation that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study reveals the connection between mechanical stress and electrical function in hearts, shedding light on why genetic mutations can cause arrhythmias.
A new technology combining holographic acoustic devices with genetic engineering allows precise targeting of affected neurons in the brain, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases. The technique, AhSonogenetics, uses a noninvasive wearable ultrasound device to alter genetically selected neurons in mice, alleviating Parkinson's-...
Research found that weeds in cities have significantly more mildew than those in suburbs or countryside. Urban heat islands and human activity may contribute to the phenomenon. Potted plants placed in shaded areas had more mildew than full sun, but extreme summer heat is lethal to powdery mildew.
Researchers have developed a two-step process to convert carbon dioxide into acetate and ethylene, which can be used in food production and plastics. The tandem CO2 electrolysis produces high concentration and purity, addressing engineering challenges and making the system resilient against industrial impurities.
A study found that COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized within the first 30 days after infection face a 29% higher risk of death in the third year compared to those not infected. Even people with mild COVID-19 experienced new health problems related to the infection three years later.
A study by Washington University in St. Louis reveals that conflict escalates traditional gender stereotypes among politicians, with men becoming more engaged and women's voices being drowned out on social media. The research highlights the need to amplify women's voices in politics during times of war.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique to enhance quantum entanglement stability in qubits. This breakthrough addresses the challenges of maintaining coherence and reliability in quantum systems.
A team of scientists has discovered an ocean of liquid water beneath Pluto's surface, with a shell of nitrogen and water ice estimated to be 40-80 km thick. The density of the ocean is around 8% denser than seawater on Earth, allowing for minimal fractures in the ice above.