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Yale University


Deep Earth electrical grid mystery solved

Researchers at Yale University and NOVA University Lisbon discovered that a single family of proteins in soil bacteria acts as plugs to power nanowires, creating a natural electrical grid. This finding has implications for developing new energy sources and biomaterials, as well as mitigating methane emissions.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2024

The sweet stuff: How insects tell sugars apart

Researchers at Yale University discovered how insects detect specific sugars using a highly selective receptor that responds only to D-fructose. The study revealed the molecular basis of sugar detection, which may lead to new strategies against disease-transmitting mosquitoes and the development of electronic noses.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2024

An inside look at Beech tree disease

Researchers have discovered how Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) affects beech trees, revealing a novel mechanistic explanation for its decline. The disease impacts leaf development and photosynthesis, leading to reduced carbon assimilation capacity and potential tree mortality.

SourceYale University·JournalForest Pathology·DateMar 4, 2024

In fight against brain pathogens, the eyes have it

Researchers found that vaccines injected into mouse eyes can disable the herpes virus and activate an immune response through lymphatic vessels along the optic nerve. This discovery highlights a shared immune response between the brain and eyes, providing a potential new approach to combating ocular and central nervous system diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2024

High-precision thermometry — straight from the snake pit

Researchers create a mathematical model that explains how pit vipers amplify small signals and transmit them to their brain with high fidelity. The study reveals that the snakes' sensory organ can detect milli-Kelvin changes in temperature, requiring it to be 1,000 times more sensitive than its underlying molecular sensors.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2024

How ovarian tissue freezing could prevent menopause—possibly forever

A new mathematical model predicts that ovarian tissue freezing can potentially delay or eliminate menopause in healthy women. The study, led by Yale University's Kutluk Oktay, uses data from hundreds of previous procedures to estimate the maximum number of years menopause can be delayed, with younger women showing greater promise.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Zooming in on our brains on Zoom

Researchers found that neural signaling during online exchanges was substantially suppressed compared to face-to-face conversations. The study used imaging tools to track brain activity in real-time, revealing increased coordination of neural activity and enhanced face processing ability during in-person interactions.

SourceYale University·JournalImaging Neuroscience·DateOct 25, 2023

Metaphors for human fertilization are evolving, study shows

A new study by Yale sociologist Rene Almeling found that despite the shift in social and scientific views on gender, sex, and sexuality, a common metaphor of active sperm penetrating a passive egg remains widely used. However, another more egalitarian metaphor describing sperm and egg as two halves of a whole is also circulating.

SourceYale University·JournalGender & Society·DateOct 1, 2023

Air pollution has decreased across the US, but new Yale research finds health burdens remain unequal among racial groups

A new study by Yale researchers found that despite reductions in fine particulate air pollution, racial and ethnic minorities still experience disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. The study found that Black people face the highest burden, with a mortality rate 4.59 times higher than white people in 2001.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateSep 1, 2023

How the immune system can alter our behavior

Researchers at Yale University have discovered that the immune system plays a crucial role in changing behavior in response to allergens and toxins. By manipulating immune system variables, scientists were able to alter the behavior of sensitized mice, demonstrating the importance of immune recognition in controlling defensive behaviors.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2023