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.
A recent study reviews the intricate biosynthesis and regulation of ginsenosides in Panax notoginseng, highlighting key enzymes and transcription factors. The findings support breeding superior varieties and optimization of production techniques to enhance ginsenoside quality and production.
A new method called VitelloTag has been developed at the Marine Biological Laboratory, allowing researchers to deliver miniature research tools into egg cells and embryos. The approach uses a yolk protein found in most animals to bind to the receptor on the egg cell surface, enabling efficient delivery of CRISPR-Cas9.
Researchers have proposed a novel treatment strategy for post-acute infectious syndromes (PAIS), including Long COVID. The multimodal approach combines pharmacological interventions like metformin and low-dose naltrexone with physical therapies like extracorporeal apheresis.
A recent study published in Nature questions the scientific validity of the long-held claim that 80% of the world's biodiversity is found in Indigenous Peoples' territories. The research highlights the need to correct this figure, as it oversimplifies the complex relationship between Indigenous Peoples and biodiversity.
Researchers have successfully visualized and tracked specific cells in deep brain tissue, including along the corpus callosum's nerve fibre highway. This advancement could potentially lead to better diagnostic tools for glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer.
The Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts is a leading open access journal fostering transformative research on bioresource conversion into biomaterials, biochemicals, and bioenergy. The journal's eight thematic areas focus on cutting-edge topics in sustainable energy and materials science.
Researchers unveil previously unseen properties of neutron stars through gravitational wave analysis, providing insight into internal composition and dynamic material properties. The study places observational constraints on viscosity within neutron stars.
Researchers from Medical University of Vienna discovered that TRPV1 is the primary detector of noxious heat in humans, but other molecular mechanisms contribute to protective heat avoidance. The findings have significant implications for research into heat damage prevention and potential new therapies.
A novel synthetic biology platform enables rapid and cost-effective transformation of protein binders into high-contrast nanosensors for various applications. The platform uses fluorogenic amino acids to increase fluorescence up to 100-fold, enabling the detection of specific proteins, peptides, and small molecules.
Scientists at TU Wien and JILA/NIST have successfully created the world's first nuclear clock, leveraging thorium atomic nuclei to achieve ultra-high precision measurements. The breakthrough combines a high-precision optical atomic clock with a high-energy laser system, setting the stage for future improvements in precision.
A new 'deep scanning' approach reveals that individuals with depression have a larger salience network in the frontal cortex and striatum, increasing their risk for depression. This finding suggests that people may be pre-wired for depression if they have this brain feature in childhood.
Researchers from Niigata University have developed novel glass-forming liquid electrolytes with high ion conduction and efficiency. These materials offer unique advantages in terms of efficiency and application-specific adaptability, paving the way for next-generation energy storage devices.
Scientists discovered the highest natural blood sugar levels in mammals, found in a species of bats that can survive on a diet rich in sugars. The study's findings suggest that these bats have evolved unique strategies for glucose regulation, which may hold potential for managing metabolic diseases in humans.
Researchers have found a new brain mechanism that detects prediction errors between expected and actual sensory inputs, boosting responses to unexpected information. This discovery could offer insights into the neural circuits underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs).
The LZ experiment has narrowed down possibilities for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), a leading candidate for dark matter. The new results explore weaker interactions than ever searched before and limit what WIMPs could be, finding no evidence above a mass of 9 GeV/c².
The gift will support the expansion of the Vagelos-funded institute, construction of a new biomedical research building, and innovative collaborations in cell engineering and gene therapy. This investment aims to revolutionize treatment for various diseases, representing a new paradigm in medicine.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.
A team of researchers at UC Davis Health discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that allows Salmonella bacteria to navigate the gut lining and find vulnerable entry points. The study found that Salmonella bacteria detect electric signals in FAE, which helps them move towards openings in the gut where they can enter.
Scientists at the University of Augsburg have found that macrophages, also known as scavenger cells, form in the vitreous body of the mouse eye during embryonic development. This new understanding could lead to therapies for diseases like diabetic retinopathy and prenatal vessel defects.
A recent study evaluates eight widely-used solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) products to identify the most accurate tools for tracking global vegetation productivity and phenology. The research finds that Global OCO-2 SIF (GOSIF) and Contiguous Solar-Induced Fluorescence (CSIF) datasets excel in capturing spatiotemporal vari...
A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology elucidated the mechanisms of electron transfer in upconversion organic light-emitting diodes, resulting in improved efficiency. They discovered a novel donor-acceptor combination that led to the fabrication of an efficient blue UC-OLED with an extremely low turn-on voltage.
A new study published in Physical Review Letters suggests that nanohertz gravitational waves may not originate from supercool first-order phase transitions. Researchers found that such transitions would struggle to complete, shifting the frequency of the waves away from nanohertz frequencies.
A new study from UCSF finds that child-parent psychotherapy can reduce biological age acceleration in children who have experienced trauma. The treatment group showed significantly less age-related change than the comparison group, with potential implications for long-term health outcomes.
A study published in Cell reveals that Mrc1 is crucial for epigenetic inheritance, ensuring cells maintain their genetic identity and function. The discovery has significant implications for understanding diseases like cancer and aging, where epigenetic landscapes deteriorate over time.
A WVU biologist is studying how genes establish animal body plans and contribute to regenerative abilities. He has identified Hox genes as key players in planarian regeneration, suggesting their functions may differ in highly regenerative versus poorly regenerative organisms.
Guan's lab will apply accumulated experience and methods to study SLC6A14, a sodium-coupled epithelial amino acid co-transporter involved in cancer and several chronic diseases. CryoEM will be used to determine the structure of SLC6A14, providing insight into its substrate specificity and inhibitory mechanisms.
Mary Bishai, a Brookhaven physicist, has been recognized as a Distinguished Scientist Fellow by the DOE Office of Science. Her work on understanding neutrinos' properties has led to extraordinary leadership and service to the particle physics community. As a mentor, she is guiding the next generation of researchers.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University propose guidelines for using interpretable machine learning methods in computational biology to tackle complex problems. The guidelines address pitfalls such as relying on a single method and cherry-picking results, emphasizing the need for multiple approaches and human-centric considerations.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals neural circuits in the mouse brain that promote hunger-driven feeding and suppress pleasure-driven eating. The discovery of a specific group of neurons called diagonal band of Broca (DBB) Penk neurons that regulates balanced feeding is promising for developing strategies to combat obesity.
Researchers found that children's immune systems attacked their own tissues after latching onto a coronavirus protein resembling one found in multiple organs. Early intervention was crucial to prevent death in these cases, and the study has implications for understanding other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found that dopamine treatment increased neprilysin levels and reduced beta-amyloid plaques in mouse brains, improving memory function. Long-term L-DOPA treatment also showed improved cognitive performance in mice.
Researchers developed a new technique to study charge density waves in materials, revealing two previously unobserved ways electricity can manipulate their state. The method allows for the observation of nanoscale lengths and nanosecond speeds, with potential applications in energy-efficient microelectronics.
Researchers have gained new insights into the cellular reactions to a cerebral infarction, identifying specific cell types and their roles in the early phase after a stroke. The study's findings hold promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies to promote nerve tissue regeneration after a stroke.
A new microscopy method, Tempo STEM, significantly reduces radiation required by 'shutting off' the beam at peak efficiency. This approach eliminates excess damaging irradiation and avoids sample transformation or destruction.
Researchers developed a method to produce cobalt nanoparticles with controlled crystal phase, leading to higher selectivity and efficiency in hydrogenation reactions. The study showcases the potential of abundant cobalt as an alternative to noble metal catalysts.
Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered a new optical phenomenon called hyper-Raman, which can penetrate deeper into living tissue and yield images with better contrast. This effect has significant potential applications in pharmaceutical science, security, forensics, environmental science, art conservation, and medicine.
Xiao-Qing Yang, a physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has spent his career studying and improving battery materials using advanced characterization tools. His work has led to a fundamental understanding of the relationship between structure and performance in battery systems.
Viji Santhakumar, a UCR professor, has been awarded a $3.5 million NIH grant to study brain circuit function and its impact on memory formation and cognitive deficits in diseases like epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.
Yam researchers reviewed the current state of genomic research on the Dioscorea genus to facilitate more in-depth studies. The study highlights advances in yam genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, with a focus on expanding whole-genome sequencing and applying multi-omics technologies.
Researchers propose a transformative approach to cassava breeding, leveraging self-compatibility, flower-inducing technology, and genomics advancements. This innovative strategy aims to purge deleterious mutations, utilize heterosis, and create heterotic pools, enhancing adaptability and resilience in cassava production.
Researchers successfully applied atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis at X-ray free-electron laser facilities to study ultrafast material transitions. They discovered a new material phase, resolving years-long scientific debate and paving the way for designing novel transitioning materials with commercial applications.
Dr. Wencai Liu, an associate professor at Texas A&M University, has been selected for the 2024 IUPAP Early Career Scientist Prize in Mathematical Physics. His research focuses on linear and nonlinear Schrodinger equations, contributing to our understanding of quantum mechanics and its applications.
A groundbreaking quantum sensor capable of detecting minute magnetic fields has been developed through international scientific collaboration. The sensor utilizes a single molecule to sense electric and magnetic properties of atoms, offering spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an angstrom.
A recent study has identified a blood protein called fibrin as the root cause of developmental delays and brain damage in preterm infants. The researchers found that fibrin interferes with a cell-signaling pathway essential for neuron creation, particularly in the cerebellum.
Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.
Physicists and engineers are exploring magnetrons as drivers of high-performance particle accelerators to reduce their carbon footprint and enable future industrial applications. Magnetrons, originally designed for microwave ovens, have the potential to lower production costs and improve efficiency in various industries.
Two studies shed light on alcohol consumption and its negative impact on heart function in women taking estrogen replacement therapy. Researchers found that abstinence from alcohol can prevent most alcohol-associated risks of atrial fibrillation, highlighting the potential for new anti-AFib strategies.
Researchers have developed a smart RNA capable of regulating gene expression in response to various signals, enabling the precise design of gene therapies and advanced personalized treatments for diseases.
Researchers discuss HER2 in breast cancer, highlighting the prognostic and predictive factors. They found an independent positive prognostic effect of HER2-low compared to HER2-zero in early breast cancer, challenging the long-held view that HER2-negative tumors do not benefit from trastuzumab-based therapy.
A team of international scientists has demonstrated the existence of a lunar lava tube cave, with radar reflections indicating an underground conduit in Mare Tranquillitatis. This discovery provides crucial evidence for safe site selection on the Moon and supports future exploration missions.
Researchers grew crystals containing actinium and studied its atomic structure, revealing how it interacts with surrounding atoms. The study could help design better targeted alpha therapy for cancer treatment.
Researchers propose that simple forms of ultra-light scalar field matter could generate detectable gravitational wave backgrounds soon after the Big Bang. This discovery could shed light on dark matter and its role in the universe's mass, offering a new avenue for fundamental physics research.
Researchers investigate chemical modifications to genetic regulation mechanisms, finding that Set8 controls gene activity through a mechanism other than histone modification. This study refines our understanding of genetic regulation relevant to human diseases like cancer.
Researchers identified a fundamental imbalance in immune responses that patients with lupus make, leading to insufficient activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. This imbalance can be corrected by reprogramming disease-causing cells into Th22 cells promoting wound healing, offering a potential cure for lupus.
A new study introduces a novel hypothesis that digital technologies affect human sociality and mental health, particularly among youth. The Disembodied Disconnect Hypothesis suggests cultivating rich personal relationships in face-to-face communities to counterbalance disembodied digital interactions.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
The Antarctic ice sheet formed around 34 million years ago in the eastern region of the continent, rather than the entire continent as previously thought. The study reveals that different regions of the ice sheet react differently to external influences and climatic changes.
Researchers at Arizona State University created a detailed map of the 3'UTR regions of RNA in C. elegans, revealing crucial elements for gene regulation and protein production. The study provides valuable insights into the machinery of gene control, shedding light on fundamental biological processes essential to human health and disease.
A new SCAG algorithm achieves high accuracy in branch detection and angle calculation, identifying novel traits for evaluating soybean density tolerance. The open-source algorithm has potential to enhance crop development and agricultural productivity.