Articles tagged with Basic Research
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Gail Frayne has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies. She brings extensive experience in contract requirements, governance, and risk management to her new role.
Researchers analyzed how immunological memory gets generated and maintained to understand its role in cancer and inflammatory diseases. They found that increased inflammation can actually reduce immunological memory, highlighting the need for regulation.
A team of researchers has developed an experimental method to manipulate the Rydberg state excitation in hydrogen molecules using bicircular two-color laser pulses. By controlling the photon effect and field effect, they were able to generate Rydberg states while varying the extent to which each effect contributed to the process.
Scientists have developed a new method to enhance electron-photon coupling, resulting in a hundredfold increase in light emissions. The approach uses a specially designed photonic crystal to produce stronger interactions between photons and electrons.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Stem Cell Biology will highlight the latest scientific advances in stem cell therapy and tissue bioengineering. Internationally renowned scientists will present state-of-the-art science and results of new research.
Researchers have developed a new method for recycling high-density polyethylene (HDPE) into fully recyclable and biodegradable material. The approach uses catalysts to cleave polymer chains, reducing carbon emissions and pollution associated with HDPE.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin discovered that high-energy X-rays can cause damage to bone collagen, even at low irradiation doses. The study used powerful X-ray sources and sensitive detectors to examine the effects on fish and mammalian bone samples.
A recent study has identified common and unique cellular processes in six neurodegenerative diseases, providing new insights into the underlying causes of these conditions. The research used machine learning analysis to compare RNA markers in whole blood samples from patients with distinct diseases, revealing eight shared themes across...
Neuroscientists have uncovered a brain circuit that enables mice to rapidly escape to shelter when faced with a threat. The retrosplenial cortex and superior colliculus form a circuit that encodes the direction to a shelter, allowing mice to accurately orient and escape.
A study published in PLoS Genetics reveals the mechanism by which a selfish gene in yeast, wtf4, enables its function using a poison-antidote strategy. This strategy involves the production of poison protein that can kill spores, but is countered by an antidote protein produced only by those spores that inherit the drive allele.
A husband-and-wife research team at UC Riverside found a simpler gene network is involved in specifying the gut in nematodes related to Caenorhabditis elegans. The discovery was made possible by the COVID-19 pandemic, which freed up time for the researchers to explore their question of how nematodes develop their gut.
Researchers studied the strong nuclear force using nickel-64 nuclei, discovering that they change shapes under high-energy conditions. The team used advanced detectors to analyze gamma rays and particle direction, revealing two possible shapes for the nucleus: oblate and prolate.
Researchers found that boron arsenide's thermal conductivity decreases at extremely high pressures, breaking the general rule of pressure dependence. This discovery may lead to novel materials for smart energy systems with built-in 'pressure windows'.
Researchers from the Max Born Institute report on a new light source generating ultrashort infrared pulses beyond 10 µm wavelength, exhibiting high potential for vibrational spectroscopy and optical materials processing. The system demonstrates excellent beam quality and stability, with output power and repetition rate scalable.
Researchers clarify key aspects of thermal Hall effect in magnetic insulator, reaching novel conclusions and advancing understanding of topological quantum matter. The study utilizes ruthenium chloride to demonstrate the first example of a magnetic insulator exhibiting the thermal Hall effect from quantum edge modes.
A new technological advancement at the University of Oklahoma will enable scientists to study whole macromolecular structures without deconstructing them. This breakthrough, supported by a $50,000 NIH grant, aims to analyze proteins as intact molecules, improving our understanding of their modifications and interactions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a genetic link between melanoma tumors and telomere maintenance, which could lead to new treatments for the disease. The study found that mutations in the TPP1 gene stimulate telomerase activity, promoting long telomeres that enable cancer cells to divide in...
Researchers have validated a new theory for molecular diffusion in polymer matrices, explaining how molecules move through complex media. The study found that temperature and molecule size significantly impact transport rates, enabling the design of more selective polymer membranes.
Researchers discovered a new daily rhythm in inhibitory synapses, which rebalance brain activity to consolidate new information into long-lasting memories during sleep. The study suggests that wakefulness strengthens inhibitory synapses, enhancing memory formation.
Researchers from the University of Kassel developed an approach to extend the limits of interferometric topography measurements for optical resolution below small structures. Microsphere assistance enables fast and label-free imaging without requiring extensive sample preparation.
Researchers at UIC have developed a new method to study ribosome function by attaching peptides to tRNAs, providing high-resolution structures of the ribosome and its interactions with nascent chains. This breakthrough sheds light on protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have made progress in understanding the mechanism underlying a type of dementia that strikes early in life. A genetic form of frontotemporal dementia is associated with accumulation of specific lipids in the brain, which results from a protein deficiency that interferes with cell metabolism.
Scientists discovered the first direct evidence that Stargardt-related ABCA4 gene mutations affect a layer of cells in the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The study suggests a therapeutic strategy for the disease, which currently lacks treatment.
Researchers found that actors' brain activity suppressed when hearing their own name during performance, indicating potential impact of theatre training on human brain. The study also investigated interpersonal coordination between actors and found specific brain systems involved in social interactions.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute have discovered a mechanism by which an area of the protein RPE65 converts vitamin A into a form usable by photoreceptor cells. This finding provides better understanding of RPE65's function and will inform potential treatments for vision disorders linked to gene mutations.
Dr. Louise D. McCullough is being recognized for her groundbreaking research on sex differences in stroke and their impact on immune response, which has led to a greater understanding of the biology behind these differences. Her work has also shed light on the importance of including females in pre-clinical research.
McCullough's research advances the field of cardiovascular science, with a primary focus on sex differences in stroke. Her work has led to significant discoveries about cell death pathways during ischemic insults.
The University of Missouri has earned an $8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand its National Swine Resource and Research Center. The center will support research using genetically modified pigs to study human diseases, with a focus on therapies that can be translated from pig models to humans.
A new study has discovered that MTCH2, a protein essential in various cellular processes, acts as a 'door' for proteins to access the mitochondrial membrane. The finding opens up potential avenues for cancer treatments by harnessing apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism.
Achenbach, a renowned experimental physicist, will lead Jefferson Lab's Experimental Hall B, utilizing the world's most powerful accelerator to advance nuclear physics research. He aims to upgrade CEBAF and explore new experiments, including positron beams, to expand knowledge on matter and the universe.
A team at Tampere University has demonstrated that quantum waves behave differently from classical counterparts, increasing the precision of distance measurements. Their findings also shed light on the physical origin of the Gouy phase anomaly in focused light fields.
Neuroscientists at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre discovered that individual neurons in the visual cortex of mice are modulated separately by attention and running. The study found that spatial attention and running influence neurons independently, with different dynamics.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered the critical role of small microproteins in assembling larger protein complexes inside energy-generating cell components known as mitochondria. The study highlights how microproteins regulate energy supply and mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, a feature underlying various diseases.
Researchers at UVA will study organelles in cancer cells to identify new pathways for understanding and fighting cancer. By focusing on the interactions between genes, proteins, and organelles within cells, they hope to develop fresh clues about therapies.
A team of researchers at Harvard Medical School has made new strides in understanding the basic biology of internal organ sensing, revealing spatial maps of neurons in the brain stem responding to feedback from internal organs. The study found that inhibition within the brain plays a key role in selectively responding to organs.
Magnetic antiskyrmions are stabilized in magnetic crystals and exhibit unique properties. The Forschungszentrum Juelich team successfully demonstrated the existence of these objects through high-resolution electron microscopy and advanced simulations.
Researchers at UVA have discovered the mechanism behind gene regulation during organ development, shedding light on how genetic material interacts with transcription factors to create different cell types. The study's findings could offer insights into the initiation of certain cancers and inspire new therapeutic development.
Scientists reconstruct evolution of complex multicellular organisms using genomic data and computational models, revealing gradual changes that began early in evolution. The research reveals distinct paths taken by animal and fungal lineages, shedding light on their shared eukaryotic supergroup.
A WVU researcher is studying corollary discharge circuits in fruit flies to better understand how the brain integrates sensory information and coordinate movement. The goal of this research is to shed light on human disease and human performance, with potential applications for improving fighter pilot safety.
Scientists have developed a new model incorporating the day/night cycle into a global ocean biogeochemistry model to investigate its effects on phytoplankton. The study found that diel light cycles significantly impact phytoplankton competition, particularly at lower latitudes.
A new study uses high-resolution regional model experiments to explore how lake surface temperatures may affect the climate of the Great Lakes region. Small differences in lake surface temperatures can have a significant impact on summer climate and fuel extreme weather events.
Jianhua Zhao's five-year, $2.4 million grant will focus on proteolysis, the process cells use to break down and recycle unused proteins, with implications for cancer treatment. Cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) will be used to study protein recycling and its structures, opening new avenues for cancer research.
University of Washington researchers have created a flexible, wearable thermoelectric device that converts body heat into electricity. The device's stretchable and efficient properties enable seamless integration into wearables and soft robotics.
Researchers discovered that communication between two brain regions, parietal cortex and premotor cortex, is co-dependent on instantaneous timescales to represent and maintain working memory. This finding challenges previous understanding of working memory representation in the brain.
A multidisciplinary team at UVA Health will use deep brain stimulation to treat refractory neuropathic pain, aiming to modulate pain signals from the insula. The study may shed light on the fundamental nature of pain and identify biological indicators for effective treatment.
Researchers discovered that human egg cells skip a crucial metabolic reaction to maintain their reproductive capacity without losing energy, allowing them to remain dormant in ovaries for up to 50 years. This finding explains why some women with mitochondrial conditions linked to this reaction do not experience reduced fertility.
A team of scientists has successfully built a neutron interferometer using two separate crystals, a major breakthrough in quantum physics. This achievement opens up new possibilities for quantum measurements and research on quantum effects in a gravitational field.
Researchers have successfully created the first solid-state optical nanomotor, overcoming previous limitations in real-world applications. The new motor can rotate on a solid substrate under light illumination, enabling it to serve as a fuel-free engine for various micro-/nano-electro-mechanical systems.
Researchers discovered that hippocampal place cells represent direction and distance to a goal in addition to current location. A vector field provides signal towards the goal, aiding flexible navigation.
Researchers have discovered a unique biochemical profile in severe asthmatic patients, which could lead to more effective treatments. The study found a decrease in carnitine metabolism in severe asthmatics, playing an important role in cellular energy generation and immune responses.
Researchers discovered that blocking certain acetylcholine receptors in the lateral habenula balances reward and aversion, making it harder to resist seeking cocaine. This finding identifies a new role for these receptors as a potential target for treating cocaine use disorder.
Rice University physicists Frank Geurts and Wei Li have received a $1.8 million grant from the Department of Energy to conduct research on relativistic heavy-ion physics at both Brookhaven National Laboratory and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. Their work focuses on creating quark-gluon plasmas, a
Scientists discovered a new species of giant filamentous bacterium, Thiomargarita magnifica, with DNA clustered within membrane-bound compartments. This unique organism challenges traditional understanding of bacterial morphology and genomic complexity.
Scientists at Max Born Institute demonstrate ultrafast emergence of all-optical switching by generating a nanometer-scale grating through interference of two pulses in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. The researchers identify an intensity ratio as a fingerprint observable for AOS in diffraction experiments.
Researchers at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre discovered that brain area communication is dynamic and changes over rapid timespans, with influences varying on a fast timescale. This finding suggests that cortical areas may control different aspects of processing in downstream regions over very short time spans.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University have visualized the machinery that mitochondria use to form their proteins. This discovery presents opportunities to design more specific antibiotics and cancer drugs.
Researchers at Boston College have discovered a new particle known as the axial Higgs mode, a magnetic relative of the mass-defining Higgs Boson particle. The detection was made possible by using light scattering and quantum simulator techniques in a tabletop experiment at room temperature.
Researchers discovered two novel categories of cells in the BLA that respond to ethological stimuli, including event-specific neurons responding to one type of stimulus and panresponsive neurons responding equally well to multiple stimuli. These findings suggest a larger role for the BLA in memory and behavior.
Neuroscientists demonstrate that mice can learn to suppress their innate escape response, effectively ignoring stimuli deemed non-threatening. The study's findings show that this suppression is specific to the stimulus and dependent on recent threat-escape history.
Researchers have found a way to perform hydrogen atom transfer reactions with fewer chemicals and less cost, making it more efficient for industrial and academic settings. The new method uses electrochemistry to create cobalt hydride catalysts, reducing the need for expensive oxidants and reductants.