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.
The UMass Amherst team, led by Stéphane Willocq, made significant contributions to particle physics, including studies of rare processes and Higgs boson properties. Their work explores the deepest questions about our universe and prepares for the High-Luminosity LHC upgrade.
Dr. Gadhamshetty, a leading expert in environmental engineering, brings over 25 years of experience to the role. He aims to expand the journal's influence and promote transformative research that addresses critical environmental challenges.
Researchers have mapped the hidden control system of vision, revealing a higher degree of systematic organization in visual cells. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, used a new GABA sensor to observe and map inhibitory neuron activity, providing new insights into eye disorders such as congenital nystagmus.
Researchers discovered that aging causes inflammation, oxidative stress, and gene disruption in the retinal pigment epithelium, a vital layer of cells in the eye. This study provides a clearer understanding of why aging leads to eye disease and introduces a reliable laboratory model for testing new therapies.
Researchers have identified new candidate genes that could be responsible for congenital deafness, a condition affecting around one in 1,000 babies born in the UK. The study suggests that understanding these gene mutations may hold the key to devising effective treatments.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology and Jeonbuk National University successfully trapped mechanical waves within a single resonator, overcoming a century-old physics barrier. The discovery opens new possibilities for energy harvesting, ultra-sensitive sensors, and advanced communications.
A unique partnership between researchers and a merchant marine vessel is providing critical data for measuring ocean change, biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of global systems. The project, led by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, is filling gaps in observations of the Middle Atlantic Bight shelf and Slope Sea.
A new study on natural oil seeps in the deep sea has found that hydrothermal processes mobilize dissolved organic matter, influencing local ecosystems and the global marine carbon cycle. The composition of released water-soluble organic molecules is strongly influenced by temperature and petroleum composition.
The authors propose expanding psychological contract theory to include non-human agents, such as algorithms, in digital labor platforms. They analyze how workers form contracts with these agents and explore the implications for understanding digitalized working relationships.
Jason Cong recognized for contributions to field-programmable system design and customizable computing, enabling efficient FPGA programming from software languages like C/C++.
Engineered materials mimic quantum behaviors, allowing for the simulation of Schrödinger dynamics in classical systems. This breakthrough enables the study of quantum phenomena in more accessible environments, paving the way for novel technologies.
Researchers investigated Si-C anode's thermal stability through systematic thermal stability tests. They found that floating silicon triggers thermal runaway and optimize electrolyte blending ratios to minimize thermal safety risk. Designs strategies for high-thermal-stable Si-C materials are proposed.
A study by HKU professor Bo Huang's team reveals fundamental principles governing population dynamics across cities. The research demonstrates that population movements scale predictably with urban density and distance from central hubs.
Aging (Aging-US) journal announces a commemorative collection honoring Dr. Mikhail Blagosklonny, a pioneer in aging biology. The special issue will explore key themes central to his scientific contributions, including mechanistic insights and translational approaches.
Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a compact peritoneal dialysis device that can be used as a wearable artificial kidney, offering an alternative to traditional hemodialysis. The device uses nanoelectrokinetic technology to continuously regenerate peritoneal dialysate and remove waste products from the body.
Rachid Guerraoui has made groundbreaking contributions to distributed computing, shaping the landscape of concurrent environments. He also promotes computer science education in Africa, fostering academic excellence through initiatives like the Excellence in Africa program.
The thorium-229 nuclear optical clock has the potential to achieve a very high-precision time and frequency standard due to its unique properties. Despite significant progress, numerous challenges remain, including temperature sensitivity and the scarcity of the isotope.
The NASA Hubble Fellowship Program has selected 24 outstanding astrophysicists for the 2025 class, providing up to three years of support at a U.S. institution. The fellowships aim to foster excellence and leadership in astrophysics by supporting innovative early-career researchers.
A research team has uncovered a fundamental brain circuit that distinguishes between direct and vicarious fear, with the locus coeruleus playing a crucial role in processing fear. The study reveals a lateralized LC-NAergic system that separates personal from socially learned fear, shedding light on empathy and social learning.
The Protein Society recognizes five award winners in 2025 for their groundbreaking research in protein science and technology. Professor Jan Steyaert receives the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for pioneering nanobody technology, while Dr. Brian Kuhlman wins the Emil Thomas Kaiser Award for novel protein design and structural modeling.
Researchers developed a CuO catalyst that enhances lithium–sulfur battery performance by regulating Li-bond chemistries and reducing sulfur conversion kinetics. The study demonstrates exceptional catalytic performance under harsh operating conditions, showcasing the potential of CuO as an earth-abundant alternative to precious metals.
Torsten Hoefler's groundbreaking work on high-performance computing and AI has revolutionized the capabilities of supercomputers. His innovations include MPI-3 nonblocking collective operations, 3D parallelism, and routing protocols that power modern AI systems.
Avelino Corma, John Hartwig, and Helmut Schwarz received the BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for their fundamental advances in catalysis. They have improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption in various industrial processes through their innovative catalysts.
The device enables precise control over terahertz wave polarization, revolutionizing applications such as data transmission, imaging, and sensing. This innovation promises to transform fields like wireless communication and biomedical imaging.
RHIC physicists will complete data collection for one of the collider's central goals: creating and studying a unique form of matter known as a quark-gluon plasma (QGP). The QGP is expected to provide crucial insights for the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), which will be built by reusing components of RHIC.
Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.
Researchers identified a conserved splicing mechanism controlling the production of different proteins from the same gene, crucial for neuronal function and development. The study sheds light on how neuronal identity is established and maintained through alternative splicing.
The Systems Metabolomics Centre will focus on three key areas: profiling populations of healthy people and those living with specific illnesses, leveraging state-of-the-art metabolomic technologies to drive biomarker discovery and metabolism research. The centre aims to develop non-invasive tests, detect diseases earlier and guide doct...
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a new understanding of how complex materials like organic semiconductors and MOFs transport thermal energy. They discovered that phonon tunneling plays a crucial role in heat conduction, enabling targeted design of materials with specific thermal properties.
Researchers at WVU have discovered a way to fine-tune zinc activity to improve messaging in the brain, with potential applications for treating conditions such as autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The study identified new compounds that can selectively change synaptic connections by modulating zinc levels.
Researchers discovered that gamma-actin increases the rigidity of cell membranes while beta-actin filaments are less stiff. This mechanism may contribute to hearing loss by affecting the apical membrane's stiffness essential for auditory function.
Dr. Owen Witte has been awarded the 12th annual Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine for his groundbreaking work on leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers. His discoveries have led to life-saving therapies like Gleevec and ibrutinib, transforming cancer treatment.
The latest DESI data suggests that dark energy's impact on the universe's acceleration may be weakening over time. Researchers are seeing hints that evolving dark energy could be a more accurate explanation for their findings, which are backed by multiple lines of evidence from different experiments.
Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.
Researchers from Virginia Tech have published a visionary paper on fusing wireless technologies and AI to create human-like common sense. The team aims to develop a network that can think, plan, and imagine like humans, enabling seamless merging of physical, virtual, and digital dimensions.
Susanna Heikkil s doctoral thesis resolves a problem in topology, classification of quasiregularly elliptic 4-manifolds. Her work complements Gromov's question on quasiregular mappings and relates to Euclidean geometry.
Researchers discovered how bacterial swarms transition from organized movement to chaotic flow as confinement radius increases. The study reveals intermediate states between order and turbulence through large-scale experiments, computer modeling, and mathematical analysis. These findings provide insights into the universal properties o...
Research teams at Alcal'Hylab joint laboratory are working on designing next-generation materials for boosting green hydrogen production, combining the benefits of alkaline water electrolysis and polymer membrane technology. The goal is to produce ultra-pure gas with high yield while minimizing carbon footprint and pollutants.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism in mechanical cell competition, where stronger "winner" cells exert more mechanical forces to outcompete weaker "loser" cells. The finding challenges classical interpretation of cell competition and suggests that active resistance to elimination is the key factor in survival.
The StarBurst Multimessenger Pioneer will detect short-duration bursts of gamma-rays from neutron star mergers, providing fundamental insight into these extreme explosions. With an effective area four times greater than the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor, it will increase the detection rate of EM counterparts to NS mergers.
Researchers developed a 'nano-spring coating' technology to increase the lifespan and energy density of EV batteries. The technology, featuring multi-walled carbon nanotubes, absorbs strain energy generated from charging and discharging, preventing cracks and improving stability.
Researchers have created quantum holograms using metasurfaces and nonlinear crystals, enabling precise control over entangled information. The technology holds promise for practical applications in quantum communication and anti-counterfeiting, with potential to increase information capacity and reduce system size.
Binghamton University researchers have created a hydrogel electrode that includes conductive carbon nanotubes to monitor nerve activity in spinal cord neurons and leg muscles in mice. The technology solves the problem of rigid materials causing damage during movement, allowing for long-term functionality and single-cell signal detection.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed new formulas to calculate key quantum informative quantities, including entanglement entropy and mutual information. These simplified expressions offer fresh perspectives into quantum behaviors in materials with different physical characteristics.
A study published in Physical Review Letters suggests that a mysterious phenomenon at the center of our galaxy may be caused by a lighter form of dark matter. The research team detected unusual energy signatures radiating from this region, which they believe could be produced by the annihilation of tiny dark matter particles.
A team of scientists used cryo-electron microscopy to investigate G-quadruplexes, which have gained attention as potential therapeutic targets in cancer. The study reveals how secondary DNA structures like G4s can impede DNA replication and provides new insights into fundamental human biology.
Researchers used X-ray light to analyze the structure of 2-thiouracil, a substance with medically relevant properties. The study found that UV radiation causes the molecule to bend, resulting in the protrusion of the sulfur atom and making it reactive.
A team of researchers from Aalto University developed a hydrogel with a unique structure that combines high stiffness with flexibility and self-healing capabilities. The material uses exceptionally large and ultra-thin specific clay nanosheets, allowing it to self-heal via entanglement.
The U.S. research ecosystem, fueled by high-performance computing, is facing a critical moment due to slow infrastructure growth and funding cuts. The National Science Foundation's staffing cuts will slow down the process of innovation, potentially harming the country's competitive edge in research.
A Cornell University-led collaboration has designed a new method for creating metals and alloys that can resist extreme impacts and stresses. The research introduces nanometer-scale speed bumps that suppress embrittlement in metallic materials.
Researchers have identified three cell types in the median raphe nucleus that control decisions on perseverance, exploration, and disengagement. These findings may help understand neuropsychiatric conditions such as OCD, autism, and major depressive disorder.
A NIH-funded research team has engineered a medication that targets the body's cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), which shows promise in treating acute and chronic pain. The new drug, VIP36, is more 'peripherally restricted' compared to previous drugs, reducing unwanted side effects.
Researchers have discovered alarming levels of microplastics in human brain tissue, with concentrations 3-5 times higher in individuals with dementia diagnoses. The study highlights the need for large-scale human studies to determine dose-response relationships between microplastic exposure and chronic health outcomes.
Researchers from UC San Diego will present cutting-edge solutions to address global challenges such as climate change and human longevity. The event features a film premiere and thought-provoking presentations on topics like capturing carbon and democratizing health data.
Researchers discovered that TANGO2 plays a crucial role in transporting fatty acids into cells, which helps meet energy demands. Children with TANGO2 deficiency struggle to produce energy, leading to severe metabolic crises, highlighting the importance of understanding rare diseases for broader health applications.
Researchers develop a predictive model of knitting using mathematical techniques from general relativity, allowing for the creation of self-folding and shape-morphing textiles. This breakthrough enables fabrics with precise properties and opens doors to new design applications in soft robotics and medical materials.
UTA's expansion of its undergraduate research program has enabled students to present their work at major symposiums, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference. The program has strengthened students' commitment to pursuing graduate studies in various fields.
Ben Jones, a UTA physicist, has been recognized for his contributions to developing advanced instruments used in particle physics research. His work focuses on uncovering the origin of neutrino mass and sheds light on fundamental physics at extremely small scales.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a fundamental mechanism linking breathing to pupil size, which affects vision. The study shows that the pupil is smallest during inhalation and largest during exhalation, impacting visual perception.
A research team at POSTECH developed a synthesis method that precisely controls the size and shape of perovskite nanocrystals using liquid crystalline antisolvents. The method produces uniformly sized particles without additional purification processes, accelerating commercialization of optoelectronic devices.