Articles tagged with Basic Research
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 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.
Recent studies by MSK researchers show that the innate immune system helps maintain genome stability during DNA replication, and chronic activation can contribute to tumor development. The findings also suggest that problems with a protein complex called Mre11 can create an environment where cancer is more likely to occur.
Dr. Reichlin's groundbreaking work on brain-hormone interactions and his influence on generations of endocrinologists are being celebrated through a Festschrift series in Brain Medicine. The series explores multiple facets of his contributions, including pioneering work on hypothalamic control of pituitary function and early recognitio...
Hoda Eldardiry receives $349,360 grant from NSF to develop practical competencies for students to apply ethical principles in AI system design. Her team aims to engage industry professionals to translate AI ethics into concrete decision-making.
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.
A new study led by Arizona State University researcher Michael Lynch explores the substantial energy demands required to maintain and evolve multicellular life. Multicellular organisms require a tenfold increase in energy compared to protists, highlighting how respiration and metabolic processes are crucial for advanced life forms.
Researchers have developed a new ultrafast laser platform that generates ultra-broadband ultraviolet (UV) frequency combs with an unprecedented one million comb lines. This achievement provides exceptional spectral resolution and could enhance high-resolution atomic and molecular spectroscopy. The new approach also produces extremely a...
Researchers from Texas A&M University synthesized research findings to improve medical devices and therapy success rates. The review emphasizes the need to understand macrophage cell behavior to develop targeted immunotherapy treatments.
A new study led by the University of Michigan suggests that polyphosphate may play a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers discovered that polyphosphate is present in fibrils found in patients' brains, which could help explain their devastating effects.
The TTUHSC team will conduct a needs assessment and create an action plan to strengthen clinical and community-based research, guided by strategic translational research themes. The goal is to address health disparities in the region through community-based participatory research.
Researchers create genetic barcoding approach to record cellular events and clonality in vivo, revealing that colorectal cancer originates from multiple healthy cells. This work provides a new understanding of the transition from polyclonal to monoclonal composition in advanced stages.
Researchers tracked the long-term dynamics of transplanted stem cells in patients' bodies up to three decades post-transplant. They found that younger donors produce more vital stem cells, while older donors experience reduced immunity and higher relapse risk. The study provides new insights into donor selection and transplant success.
Researchers investigate universe expansion, Big Bang, black holes, and dark energy using a time-reversal model. They propose an explanation for the Big Bang and explore interior structure of black holes.
The Berlin Declaration aims to achieve carbon neutrality through basic research and international cooperation. The declaration highlights the importance of developing effective measures to reduce CO2 emissions in all sectors, including energy and industry.
Professor Vicki Clifton's team has identified a sex-specific variant of the glucocorticoid receptor isoform that enhances inflammation in the placenta during maternal stress. This finding could transform how clinicians approach pregnancy complications and neonatal care, leading to targeted interventions based on placental function.
Dr. Andero Galí's groundbreaking research connects mouse and human fear responses, using techniques like in vivo calcium imaging in mice and human fear response studies. His approach aims to create a more comprehensive understanding of the human brain by breaking down traditional barriers between animal and human studies.
Researchers develop a novel edge-highlighting visualization technique to improve the clarity of complex 3D structures, revealing sharp edges and intricate details. The technique, tested on real 3D point cloud data, offers interactive rendering speeds and enhances depth perception.
The Atlantic Marine Energy Center (AMEC) will develop new research projects, infrastructure, and educational programs using the funding. Lehigh University will lead two research projects focused on tidal turbine blades and real-time stable marine energy microgrid power management.
Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict dielectric function of materials, facilitating novel dielectric material development. The model speeds up calculations by using chemical bonds between atoms and achieving accuracy close to first-principle calculations.
The new fringe photometric stereo technique reduces scanning time by over two-thirds while achieving micrometer-level accuracy, ideal for real-time scanning applications such as industrial inspection and medical procedures. The approach 'feels' the surface by projecting light patterns, improving precision measurements.
Dr. Kevin J. Kelly, an assistant professor at Texas A&M University, has received the Henry Primakoff Award for Early-Career Particle Physics for his significant contributions to neutrino physics and proposing novel directions for dark matter research. He will deliver an invited lecture on his research at a future APS meeting.
Researchers at Aarhus University have decoded part of the bacterial defense mechanism against antibiotics, providing a crucial step towards treating resistant MRSA infections. Understanding the molecular composition of the biofilm-forming protein PSMα1 could lead to new strategies and treatments to prevent biofilm formation.
Researchers developed an advanced system integrating GNSS, IMU, and LiDAR Odometry to overcome urban navigation challenges. The new approach improves positioning accuracy by 35.9% and boosts 3D positioning by 50%, enabling smarter transport solutions.
A new special issue of JCOM explores the challenges and opportunities of communicating basic science, highlighting its relevance in everyday life. The issue emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the need to convey the impact of scientific discoveries on individuals.
Researchers discover a molecular mechanism controlling PAX5, key regulator of B-cell maturation. Increasing SIRT7 activity may boost PAX5 levels in leukemic cells, inducing cell death.
A new study suggests that Betelgeuse's pulsing is due to an orbiting companion star known as the 'Betelbuddy'. The star acts like a snowplow, pushing light-blocking dust out of the way and making Betelgeuse appear brighter. Researchers used computer simulations to confirm this hypothesis, ruling out other possible causes.
High-performance manufacturing (HPM) is a solution to meet the challenges of loading, transmission, conduction, energy conversion and stealth requirements in critical sectors. HPM advocates for a design and manufacturing approach based on scientific modeling and precise control.
Researchers from UT Arlington sequenced RNA genes of pythons, discovering conserved pathways in humans that are activated uniquely by these snakes. This knowledge helps explain intestinal regeneration and metabolism changes, offering potential therapeutic targets.
The EAT2 study, led by Dr. Ursula White, investigates the lasting health effects of short-term weight gain and loss on fat tissue and overall health. Participants will undergo a dietary intervention program followed by an eight-week weight loss treatment.
Researchers have successfully used adenine base editors to correct disease-causing mutations in stem cells from patients with X-CGD, a rare genetic disorder. The approach has shown high efficiency and minimal off-target effects, paving the way for a first-in-human clinical trial.
A new study reveals how three species of bacteria coexist in biofilms by playing a game of 'nice' and then moving out when the surface becomes too crowded. The dominant species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, disperses to allow other species to thrive.
Researchers created a single cell atlas of prenatal human skin, providing a molecular recipe for building skin. The study also led to the creation of a mini organ model that grows hair, offering insights into scarless skin repair and potential clinical applications in regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified an alternate method to study changes during the DNA replication process in lab settings using genetically modified yeast. This new approach provides a less toxic and quickly reversible alternative to hydroxyurea, allowing for better insight into cell cycle arrest mechanisms.
Computer simulations point the way towards better solar cells by gaining crucial insights into what influences properties of 2D perovskite materials. Researchers have discovered that the choice of organic linkers can directly control how atoms in surface layers move, affecting optical properties.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University develop a novel method for broadband frequency conversion using X-cut thin film lithium niobate, achieving a bandwidth of up to 13 nanometers. This breakthrough enables on-chip tunable frequency conversion, opening the door to enhanced quantum light sources and larger capacity multiplexing.
Grain boundaries, common defects in polycrystalline materials, can migrate unidirectionally without a net driving force, exhibiting directionality. This phenomenon, similar to the unidirectional rotation of a Brownian ratchet, challenges traditional views on grain boundary mobility.
In a 30-year experiment, scientists witnessed rapid evolution of marine snails in response to pollution and climate change. The snails' adaptation was driven by genetic diversity and gene flow from neighboring populations, allowing them to rapidly adapt to their new environment.
Carl-Philipp Heisenberg, a developmental biologist, has received a five-year €1M NOMIS grant to investigate the role of cytokinesis in early embryo development. His research aims to challenge the current understanding and uncover the mechanisms that shape complex life forms.
A new supplement celebrating the 100th volume of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease presents insights into the state of art in AD research. Recent advancements in geroscience have led to the development of preventive medical strategies targeting aging, holding promise for reducing disease risk.
Astronomers used the combined perspective of Hubble and New Horizons to study the atmosphere of Uranus, a proxy for similar planets beyond our solar system. The results suggest that exoplanets may be dimmer than predicted at partial phases, offering new clues to their potential habitability.
Four Jefferson Lab staff members have been named APS Fellows for their exceptional contributions to physics, including innovative particle accelerator design and world-leading research on quarks. The American Physical Society recognizes fellows who have made significant impacts on the field of physics.
KiNet is an interactive web portal that enables researchers to visualize and study kinase-substrate interactions in systemwide contexts. This facilitates the understanding of kinase functions and their implications in diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers have created the largest and most complete map of the fruit fly brain, detailing over 50 million connections between neurons. The study provides critical information about brain wiring and underlying signals, paving the way for future studies on larger-brained animals.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected Kate Petersen Mace as the project director for the High Performance Data Facility (HPDF), a first-of-its-kind project providing resources for data-intensive science. Mace will lead the team in developing transformational capabilities to serve the DOE community.
A new microscope-integrated OCT system has been developed to identify tumor margins during brain surgery, providing high-resolution images of subsurface anatomy. The system has shown promising results in clinical studies, with the potential to improve outcomes for neurosurgery procedures.
A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals that 27% of respondents withhold inventions due to reasons such as emotional attachment, fear of credit, or lack of trust in management. The study aims to shed light on this phenomenon and develop effective management tools to increase employees' willingness to disclose their inventions.
Researchers induced fast switching between electrically neutral and charged luminescent particles in an ultra-thin, two-dimensional material. The result opens up new perspectives for optical data processing and flexible detectors.