Articles tagged with Basic Research
A new study finds that disease-causing bacteria can infect a wide range of plant species, including non-flowering plants, using a common set of pathogenicity factors. The research suggests that the toxin syringomycin interferes with cell membranes across diverse plant species.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have successfully completed a phase I clinical trial of VU319, a drug that increases the efficacy of acetylcholine at the M1 receptor, showing promise as an Alzheimer's treatment. The trial demonstrated no side effects and target engagement at the highest dose tested.
New MSK research sheds light on RAD51 control, gene amplification method and tumor suppressor genes in cancer. A new study develops a method to study gene amplifications in cancer by engineering them in cells and mice using extrachromosomal DNAs.
Researchers have discovered that dextromethorphan, an FDA-approved ingredient found in many cough syrups, has potential to treat fibrotic lung disease. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, showed how dextromethorphan can impede collagen formation, reducing lung scarring and stiffness.
The quantum Hall effect produces a magnetic current in addition to the well-known electric current, allowing for more efficient devices. This breakthrough could enable the creation of new types of electronic devices without energy loss.
Renowned neuroscientist Dr. Peter Kalivas discusses his groundbreaking work on the tetrapartite synapse, a complex cellular structure influencing addictive behaviors. His research has revolutionized addiction treatment by identifying novel therapeutic targets beyond traditional neurotransmitter systems.
Researchers at MSK Cancer Center made significant advancements in understanding cancer biology, developing CAR T cells for blood cancers, and creating an AI tool to predict immune checkpoint inhibitor responses. Fasting was also explored as a strategy to reprogram natural killer immune cells and improve cancer-fighting abilities.
Joe DeRisi, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco President and UC San Francisco Professor, received the Arthur Kornberg and Paul Berg Lifetime Achievement Award in Biomedical Sciences. His work has significantly impacted pathogen discovery, disease tracking, and clinical diagnostics through metagenomic sequencing.
Researchers found that soil contains antibiotic resistance genes that can be transmitted to humans, making it a pressing public health threat. The study reveals how these genes spread through the environment and highlights the importance of understanding soil ecosystems to control antibiotic resistance.
Lauren Averett Byers, a professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, has received the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Medicine from Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST) for her fundamental discoveries in small cell lung cancer. Her work has led to personalized treatments and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers uncover human hippocampal CA3 region's unique neural connectivity and synaptic properties. The team found that the human CA3 network codes information efficiently to maximize associations and memory storage, with sparser connections and more reliable synapses compared to mouse models.
Five Texas researchers have been honored with the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Awards for their innovative breakthroughs in small cell lung cancer, lithium-ion battery technology, and galaxy discovery. Lauren Averett Byers is being recognized for her work on novel therapeutic strategies for SCLC, while Caitlin M. Casey is exploring p...
Haotian Wang, associate professor at Rice University, is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to carbon dioxide electrochemistry. His innovative research has transformed the field of carbon dioxide electrolysis, offering practical pathways to combat climate change.
The 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes were awarded to four female and six male researchers, with two working in the humanities and social sciences, four in life sciences, three in natural sciences, and one in engineering sciences. The winners received €2.5 million each to fund their research for up to seven years.
The InteReg project aims to create interactive biomaterials that instruct cells to regenerate after brain or spinal cord injuries, potentially treating MS and other neurological disorders. The project, funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, brings together experts in biology, chemistry, medicine, and polymer research.
Dr. Edo Ronald de Kloet shares insights on cortisol's dual role in protecting and damaging the brain through mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). His discovery has transformed our understanding of stress-related mental disorders and led to novel therapeutic pathways.
Three Sanford Burnham Prebys faculty members, David A. Brenner, Randal J. Kaufman, and Tariq M. Rana, are recognized for their significant scientific influence. Their publications have been cited top 1% globally by number of citations.
Three Texas A&M biologists have received NIH Maximizing Investigators’ Research Awards to support their research on type IV pili, darter fish social behaviors and bacteriophages. Drs Koch, Moran and Ramsey will explore bacterial behavior, genetic mechanisms and neural basis of paternal care in fish.
The researchers created a 'metasheet' with an elastic polymer and embedded magnetic microparticles that can move like a wave when controlled by a magnetic field. This technology has potential for use in confined spaces, allowing objects to be lifted and moved without physical contact.
A landmark photosynthesis gene discovery has been made in a poplar tree that enhances plant growth by up to 200% and increases biomass production. The gene, named Booster, has the potential to boost crop yields without requiring more land, water or fertilizer.
Researchers capture dynamic interplay between RNA polymerase and ribosome, revealing emergent behaviors and communication between the two molecular machines. The study offers new insights into how transcription and translation work together, potentially leading to new ways to fight bacterial pathogens.
A recent study published in Nature found that isoprene, a naturally occurring organic compound emitted by vegetation, significantly contributes to the formation of new particles in the upper troposphere. Isoprene oxygenated organic molecules can rapidly form new particles under certain conditions.
Convenience store owners can increase profits by offering healthy snack bundles while improving customer eating habits. The study found that customers were more likely to purchase healthy options when given the choice between healthy and unhealthy snacks.
Researchers achieved control over competing reaction outcomes by selectively manipulating charge states and specific resonances through targeted energy injection. This breakthrough has profound implications for pharmaceutical research, potentially improving efficiency and sustainability.
Research reveals deep-sea viruses play a crucial role in facilitating energy cycling and mediating gene evolution in marine ecosystems. They can promote the release of carbon or nutrients into the ocean through infection, increasing survivability of hosts via horizontal gene transfer and lysogenic infection.
A collaborative team led by Prof. Ding Pan has made significant progress in studying abiotic synthesis and stability of biomolecules in C-H-O-N fluids under deep Earth conditions. The findings suggest that these synthesized biomolecules can stably exist, potentially providing initial components for the early stages of life's origin.
Researchers discovered that sea anemones reshape their entire bodies to maintain the same overall form after injury, contrary to other regenerating animals. This process involves molecular changes across the body, including the activation of metalloproteases, to restore proportionate shape and function.
Thomas Nikolaus has received the €10,000 von Kaven Award for his groundbreaking work on homotopy theory and K-theory. His research has revolutionized the theory of topological cyclic homology and made significant advances in quadratic forms over general rings.
Researchers developed miniature, multifunctional iontronic devices using biocompatible hydrogel droplets, outperforming previous soft iontronic devices. The dropletronics devices can interface with cells and record biological signals, offering a biocompatible approach to direct ionic communication.
Researchers analyzed seismic data from southern Israel and found weak ground motions caused by Hamas forces' unusual vehicle movement. This breakthrough highlights the potential of using seismic data to provide early warnings for future terrorist activities.
Researchers have shed new light on gene expression by visualizing ribosomes in unprecedented detail. The study reveals a molecular mechanism for mRNA delivery to the ribosome, advancing our understanding of gene expression at the molecular level.
Researchers at UVA have developed a new polymer design that decouples stiffness and stretchability, allowing materials to be both strong and flexible. The 'foldable bottlebrush polymer networks' can store extra length within their structure, enabling them to elongate up to 40 times more than standard polymers without weakening.
A new study reveals that researchers in tobacco, ultra-processed food, and alcohol sectors are frequently targeted with intimidation tactics. Public discreditation is the most common method used by corporations or their proxies to undermine and discredit advocates and researchers who provide evidence to policymakers.
Seven NRL researchers received LUCI fellowships for innovative projects in materials science, including Adam Dunkelberger's work on anisotropic materials and John Lyons' research on infrared tin-germanium alloys. The fellowships support collaborative efforts between academia and the DoD to advance basic research priorities.
Researchers have discovered a critical component in the development of neural cells, revealing its role in maintaining cellular identity and early neural fate commitment. This finding provides valuable insights into neurodevelopmental syndromes and suggests new potential solutions.
Researchers on the ISS National Lab have leveraged microgravity to study fundamental physical phenomena, such as heat transfer, combustion, and fluid dynamics. These discoveries hold potential for advances in pharmaceuticals, energy production, materials manufacturing, and more.
The team used Frontier to conduct a 1,000-fold larger simulation than any previous one, calculating over 2 million correlated electrons. This achievement sets a new benchmark for exascale supercomputing and provides a blueprint for enhancing algorithms to tackle larger scientific problems.
Researchers created a spatial atlas of the developing human thymus, revealing key differences in immune cell development and function. The study's findings could inform new T cell engineering therapies for cancer treatments, autoimmune conditions, and regenerative immune therapies for older adults or those with compromised immune systems.
The Human Cell Atlas has made significant progress in mapping individual adult tissues, developing gut cell types for ulcerative colitis research, and creating comprehensive reference maps of all human cells. The initiative aims to capture all aspects of human diversity, including genetic, geographic, age, and sex, to advance diagnosti...
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a new method to break down PFAS, a group of human-made 'forever' chemicals. The system uses an LED light-based photocatalytic approach that can be used at room temperature, offering a more sustainable and efficient solution than traditional chemical manufacturing processes.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a way to accelerate ions in mixed organic ion-electronic conductors, setting a new world record for ion speed. This breakthrough could lead to improved battery charging, biosensing, and neuromorphic computing.
The new book provides technical guidelines for developing qualitative questions, sampling and participant recruitment, and presenting findings. It also addresses ethical considerations and offers practical examples of successful research studies.
The Einstein Foundation Berlin presents the €500,000 award to recognize institutions and researchers who improve research quality and robustness. Researchers like Elisabeth Bik, PubPeer, and PixelQuality are honored for their work on promoting quality and accountability in research.
Researchers found that confined environments influence sense of smell, while VR simulations evoke stronger emotions and aroma perceptions. The study aims to improve diets for isolated individuals by personalizing aromas.
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a mathematical model to understand how seabird species coexist on isolated islands. The model shows that different species use distinct fishing zones, maximizing energy intake based on traits like wing length and diving depth.
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have identified S-adenosyl-L-methionine as the unexpected donor of methyl groups in mercury transformation. The discovery could aid in developing effective environmental remediation strategies to address methylmercury poisoning, which can cause severe neurological damage.
Researchers at Tufts University discovered that TB bacteria maintain a consistent growth rate throughout their life cycle, defying expectations. The study also reveals new growth behaviors of TB bacteria, including the ability to grow from either end after division.
Dr. Philip Gold's landmark paper reveals depression's full-body impact, documenting structural brain changes and disruptions in hormone systems. His analysis highlights interconnected mechanisms underlying the disease, opening new therapeutic possibilities for innovative treatments targeting neuroendocrine dysfunction.
Researchers identified 2,586 orphan genes (OGs) in Rosa chinensis, which are involved in stress resistance, flower development, and reproductive processes. The study reveals the unique genetic features that enable roses to adapt and thrive under environmental challenges.
Researchers used high-resolution IR spectroscopy in superfluid helium nanodroplets to investigate hydrogen sulphide molecules. The study found that the binding between H2S molecules is more floppy in the ground state, but becomes similar to water upon excitation.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals the fundamental genetic pathways and biological mechanisms behind the corpse flower's heat production and odorous chemicals. The researchers identify a new component of the corpse flower's odor, an organic chemical called putrescine, which is released when the plant blooms.
Researchers at the University of Kansas have developed atomically tunable memory resistors, dubbed 'memristors,' to enable brain-inspired advanced computing. The innovation enables precise atomic-scale tuning of oxide semiconductor memristors for high-speed and high-energy efficiency.
Researchers developed a high-fidelity computational model to capture octopus arm muscular architecture and its complex movements. The model uses topology, dynamics, and control to simplify muscle contraction patterns and replicate octopus arm capabilities.
AI models trained on limited data may misdiagnose certain populations, particularly those in underserved communities. Researchers propose six key strategies to develop fair AI models, including using diverse datasets and transparent decision-making processes.
Junior Professor Johannes Walker at the University of Göttingen has been awarded an Exploration Grant to develop new strategies for synthesizing saturated polycyclic molecules, potentially leading to new medicines. The award will enable his team to explore new lines of research and contribute to the development of new drugs.
Dr. Volkow emphasizes the importance of prevention strategies and research on stress, trauma, and social determinants in substance use disorders. She also highlights promising new directions in treatment, including GLP1 medications, to address the treatment gap in addiction.
Researchers discovered brain cells that map an animal's position in behavioural coordinates, helping understand how the brain generates complex behaviors. The findings may be useful in understanding psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have identified a potential therapeutic approach to treat RAS-driven cancers using artificial intelligence. Additionally, they developed a new model for investigating lung cancer metastasis and uncovered how changes to helper proteins drive cancer cell survival.
The ERC Synergy Grants have selected 57 projects involving 201 researchers from 24 countries across Europe and beyond. These projects will focus on pressing scientific challenges such as eco-efficient infrastructure, ocean nitrogen cycles, and digital technology for community building.
The University of Tennessee and Lockheed Martin have expanded their master research agreement to address national security challenges. The partnership will support advanced technologies such as hypersonics, materials, and energy systems, while also providing experiential learning opportunities for students.