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.
Researchers found that tiny displacements of picoscale atoms can significantly impact optical properties, leading to potential applications in imaging and remote sensing. By controlling the degree of atomic disorder, they aim to develop crystals with advanced infrared imaging capabilities.
Researchers estimate CO2-equivalent emissions for astronomy meetings in 2019, suggesting preferential virtual meetings and hybrid formats. This approach can reduce long-haul travel and make astronomy more inclusive for underrepresented groups.
Lan Yang and Jie Liao demonstrate a transformative approach to overcome limitations of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) resonators, enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple resonant modes within a single WGM resonator. This allows for greater resolution and accuracy in detecting molecules, with a potentially limitless range of measure...
A new imaging technique developed by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has allowed scientists to visualize the differences between synthetic peptides and amyloid beta fibril assemblies. The study provides valuable information on the heterogeneity of these assemblies, which is crucial for understanding protein toxicity a...
Researchers observed a rare instance of lemur predation by a fosa in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. The impact of this predation, combined with low reproductive rates and genetic isolation, poses significant threats to the survival of critically endangered lemurs.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel 2D/3D/2D heterostructure material that can minimize energy loss while preserving ferroelectric material properties. The new structure achieved an energy density up to 19 times higher than commercially available capacitors and efficiency over 90%.
Researchers analyzed global ambient particulate matter to understand the health risks associated with exposure to airborne trace elements. The study highlights elevated levels of arsenic and other toxic metals in South and Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam.
A team of scientists has created a single-cell atlas for the highly regenerative worm Pristina leidyi, revealing new insights into its regenerative abilities. The study characterizes all major annelid cell types and provides molecular signatures that could inform stem cell technologies and regenerative medicine.
Researchers have developed a novel sensing platform that boosts the sensitivity of conventional optical sensors using exceptional points (EPs), allowing for improved environmental detection and biomedical imaging. The new EP-enhanced sensing platform enables ultrahigh sensitivity without complex modifications to the sensor.
A new study reveals that the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, moves 6-8 centimeters once or twice a day due to slip events triggered by the Whillans Ice Stream. This movement has significant implications for understanding the stability of Antarctica's ice shelves and potential icequakes.
Recent research connects biological domestication to early food globalization, proposing a new conceptual framework that challenges traditional narratives. Archaeological investigations have shown that plant and animal domestication entailed a more gradual transition spanning thousands of years across extensive geographies.
A new study examines the impact of a pandemic course on COVID-19 knowledge and behaviors among university students. The course used an interdisciplinary approach to encourage safety behaviors while reiterating their importance.
Researchers propose changing election certification to use independent, nonpartisan commissions to minimize politics' influence. Broad public support exists for this reform, with over 70% of voters supporting its use.
A two-year national study examines the SFR market and its implications for renters, with a focus on St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Atlanta communities. The research aims to provide an in-depth view of the market and spur conversations about addressing the housing affordability crisis.
Researchers at WashU make the case that a public health priority focusing on these conditions can enhance brain development, cognition, and social-emotional development. The study evaluated 232 infants and found that even those from adverse conditions can thrive with access to these basic supports.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to break down lignin into small molecules similar to oxygenated hydrocarbons. This process could lead to the creation of renewable chemicals that replace traditional petroleum-based products.
Scientists have developed a method to measure pH in cell condensates, a crucial step in understanding their physical and chemical properties. The study reveals that nucleolar proteins exhibit distinct acidic profiles, which create a proton motive force facilitating RNA and protein molecule movement.
Researchers have discovered unique electromagnetic signals in the debris of a neutron star merger, which could provide new constraints on axion-like particles and their potential role in dark matter. The findings were made using data from NASA's Fermi-LAT gamma-ray telescope.
Biologist Elizabeth Carlen's investigation into iNaturalist data revealed biased species distribution in St. Louis, with northern parts of the city underrepresented. The framework developed by Carlen and her co-authors identifies four filters contributing to this bias: participation, detectability, sampling, and preference.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that advantaged group members, especially men and white people, often underestimate the appreciation for their allyship efforts. However, when they realize how much it is appreciated, they are more likely to engage in these behaviors. The research suggests that highlighting awar...
Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that states allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses are associated with improved birth outcomes, particularly for babies born to Mexican and Central American immigrants. Birth weights increased, and preterm birth rates declined in these states compared to those...
A study found that weedy rice's promiscuity allows it to crossbreed with wild rice, enabling it to adapt and outcompete cultivated rice. This process, called adaptive introgression, has contributed to the evolution of Southeast Asian weedy rice.
A common mineral in red soils, goethite locks away trace metals over time, rendering them unavailable for plants and animals. The study found that up to 70% of nickel was non-recoverable and only 8% of cadmium was irreversibly bound.
A new study reveals that the mobility of Tibetan farmers and herders in prehistoric times influenced the settlement patterns and cultural connections across the plateau. The research found a strong correlation between the routes used for subsistence-oriented mobility and the social network of shared technologies and ceramic designs.
A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that individuals with a sense of purpose were rated higher for attractiveness on dating app profiles compared to those without. The researchers created four categories of 'sense of purpose' and discovered that participants preferred profiles that shared the same orientation.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used specially made nanostructures to enhance the locust's ability to detect odors, boosting neural signals for improved chemical sensing. The team created a biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticle that converts light to heat, amplifying neural activity.
The samples from Wild 2 comet have revealed a record of the solar system's dynamic formative years, shedding light on the events that shaped its history. Researchers have found unusual carbon-iron assemblages and precursors to igneous spherules in the comet material.
New research found significant differences in heat tolerance among mosquito populations, with some more resilient to heat waves than others. Climate factors such as precipitation and humidity play a crucial role in determining their thermal limits, which may impact disease transmission.
A team of researchers led by Keith Hengen proposes a theory that explains both the meaning of sleep and the complexity of the brain. By tracking brain activity in sleeping rats, they found that sleep restores criticality, a state that maximizes thinking and processing.
A new study from Washington University School of Medicine reveals that people hospitalized for seasonal influenza face increased risks of long-term health effects, including death, hospital readmission, and organ system problems. Long flu is more debilitating than initially thought, with patients experiencing health loss similar to tho...
Researchers found evidence of domesticated yak dating back 2,500 years in the southern Tibetan Plateau, revealing insights into animal domestication pathways and human adaptation to high-altitude environments. The discovery was made using a combination of ancient DNA sequencing and zooarchaeological analysis.
Researchers developed a novel approach to integrate multiple functions into a single chip using monolithic 3D integration of layered 2D materials. This technology offers unprecedented efficiency and performance in AI computing tasks, enabling faster processing, less energy consumption, and enhanced security.
Dr. Ning Zhang's AntiFake tool uses adversarial techniques to make it difficult for AI tools to read voice recordings, preventing synthesis of deceptive speech. The tool has achieved over 95% protection rate against state-of-the-art speech synthesizers and is accessible to diverse populations.
Researchers separate out microbial and environmental controls on marine sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotope ratios, revealing local processes that dominate the record. This breakthrough refutes previous hypotheses and offers a new framework for interpreting ancient signals.
A new tool called dahliagram enables cross-disciplinary collaboration to study past and present human-environmental interactions. The tool allows researchers to analyze and visualize diverse data sources, promoting nuanced understanding and testing hypotheses.
Researchers have reconstructed a global history of water over the past 2,000 years, showing that the global water cycle has changed during periods of higher and lower temperatures. The study found that when global temperature is higher, rain and other environmental waters become more isotopically heavy.
A new study by James Stroud at Georgia Tech and Jonathan Losos at Washington University in St. Louis found that natural selection varies massively through time among four different species of anoles living together on a small island. Despite this variation, the species remained remarkably similar across the entire time period.
A new computational approach removes movement in heart cell and tissue images, allowing direct monitoring of electro-mechanical coupling. The algorithm mimics a drug's action, giving insight into heart diseases.