Articles tagged with Basic Research
F. William Studier, a senior biophysicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has won the 2024 Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology for his T7 expression technology, enabling large-scale production of RNA and proteins for biomedical research and pharmaceuticals. His work has saved millions of lives with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Researchers created a new model to study the effects of undernutrition on the microbiome, which can help identify specific microbes that impact development. The model mimics early childhood experiences and shows promise in understanding the underlying causes of stunted growth and other harmful effects of undernutrition.
Researchers analyzed genome of Oikopleura dioica, finding it has wildly different languages despite identical physical characteristics. The 'scrambling' phenomenon suggests genes are regulated differently, challenging assumptions about species identity.
Researchers developed a computational model simulating fruit fly wing development to identify mechanisms behind organ generation. The model revealed two distinct classes of chemical signaling pathways that produce curved or flat tissues.
Researchers have proposed a theoretical idea and made experiments to overcome noise limitations in quantum teleportation, enabling high-quality transfer of qubit states. Hybrid entanglement between different physical degrees of freedom allows for beneficial noise effects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have charted a molecular pathway that can lure cells down a hazardous path of duplicating their genome too many times, a hallmark of cancer cells. The findings reveal what goes wrong when a group of molecules and enzymes trigger the cell cycle, leading to cancer development.
Physicists have achieved a breakthrough by exciting thorium atomic nuclei with lasers for the first time, enabling precise tracking of their return to original energy states. This discovery has far-reaching implications for precision measurement techniques, including nuclear clocks and fundamental questions in physics.
Researchers from NTU Singapore have created a smart, reusable adhesive more than ten times stronger than a gecko's feet adhesion. The adhesive uses shape-memory polymers that can stick and detach easily when needed, making it ideal for robotic grippers and climbing robots.
Researchers developed nanodots with single ferroelectric and ferromagnetic domains using multiferroic material BFCO, enabling energy-efficient writing and reading operations. The smaller nanodot showed a single-domain structure, while the larger one exhibited multi-domain vortex structures, demonstrating strong magnetoelectric coupling.
Researchers mapped over 1,000 yeast species to understand their genetic blueprints and evolutionary history. The results suggest that internal factors are the primary drivers of variation in a yeast's ability to eat different foods.
Scientists from OIST created synthetic droplets to mimic biological processes, finding that pH gradients facilitate Marangoni effect and enabling droplets to detect and migrate towards each other. This study sheds light on the movement of simplest forms of life in primordial soup billions of years ago.
The Zhilong Bie team identified pumpkin CmoDREB2A as a key transcription factor interacting with CmoNAC1 to regulate salt tolerance in grafted cucumbers. The interaction enhances H2O2 and ABA signaling pathways, leading to increased K+/Na+ ratio.
MIT researchers demonstrate that light can break water molecules away from the surface and float them into the air, causing evaporation in the absence of heat. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding cloud formation and precipitation, as well as designing new industrial processes such as solar-powered desalination.
A team of researchers found that immune cells maintain their alertness through the JAK-STAT signalling pathway when there is no immediate threat. This discovery could lead to new approaches for enhancing the immune system's attention and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Researchers used medaka fish, CRISPR and new imaging techniques to study embryonic mitosis. They discovered unique spindles assemble in early embryos and found Ran-GTP plays a decisive role in spindle formation, which diminishes later in development. The study paves the way for further exploration of embryonic mitosis.
Researchers have developed a network model that replicates the experimental findings of how short-term history effects lead to central tendency bias in working memory. The model shows that neural circuits can give rise to both recency and central tendency biases at the same time through a single mechanism.
Researchers at MIT's EQuS group demonstrate a method to generate highly entangled states and shift between types of entanglement, including volume-law entanglement. This breakthrough offers a way to characterize a fundamental resource needed for quantum computing, enabling better understanding of information storage and processing.
A new study shines light on the properties of hexagonal boron nitride, a material used in electronic and photonics technologies. The research reveals fundamental energy excitation occurring at 285 millielectron volts, triggering single photons in harmonic electronic states.
The position paper identifies eight key areas for digital neuroscience research, including near-term, middle-term, and long-term goals. It also discusses the potential of 'digital twin' approaches, ultra-high-resolution digital atlases, and neuro-derived AI and computing innovations.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically modify kissing bugs, opening a door to controlling Chagas disease. The new method, ReMOT Control, allows efficient and targeted editing of genes in eggs.
Researchers at CeMM Research Center create 'vpCells' method for simultaneous fluorescent labelling of many proteins, enabling precise tracking and exploration of protein function. The approach opens up new applications in fundamental cell biology and drug discovery.
HKU researchers created Quantum-Enhanced Diamond Molecular Tension Microscopy (QDMTM) to study cell adhesion forces, offering enhanced sensitivity and precision. The technique differentiates cells in various adhesion states, aligning with previous findings.
A comprehensive atlas of ageing human muscle reveals genetic and cellular processes behind muscle deterioration, including new cell populations that may explain age-related differences. The study also identifies compensatory mechanisms to counteract ageing, offering avenues for future therapies.
A new paper by University of Illinois researchers explores the science behind selectivity preferences of monovalent and divalent anions towards redox polymers. They found that solvation plays a role in determining selectivity, and that hydrophobic polymers prefer less solvated anions.
Research reveals specific lipids accumulate in tissues as we age and can be decreased through exercise, according to a recent study published in Nature Aging. The findings suggest that exercise may have a role in reversing age-related changes in human muscle tissue.
Researchers at NIH developed a novel AI-based method called P-GAN to improve next-generation imaging of cells in the retina. The technique reduces imaging acquisition and processing time by 100-fold, yielding greater contrast and improving image quality.
Researchers at University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence discovered that mitochondrial fusion boosts new neuron plasticity. The study found that as new neurons mature, their mitochondria fuse to acquire elongated shapes, sustaining synaptic plasticity and refining brain circuits.
Scientists at King's College London discovered that limiting damage from an asthma attack could stop the disease by blocking a process that causes epithelial cell death. The findings suggest that preventing this damage could also prevent long-term inflammation, wound healing, and infections in asthma sufferers.
Researchers at MIT have discovered a new way that neutrons can interact with materials, potentially providing insights into material properties and quantum effects. The discovery involves the binding of neutrons to nanoscale atomic clusters called quantum dots.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, enabling secure data transfer over long distances. The new method uses Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution to distribute quantum-encrypted keys via fibre optic cables, paving the way for a quantum-secure internet infrastructure.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs have a 'canine g factor' similar to humans, influencing cognitive abilities and ageing patterns. The study found a global cognitive decline in dogs over two and a half years, with poorer health affecting the rate of decline.
Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill develop a process using semiconductors and organic compounds to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, producing a less harmful greenhouse gas. The method uses artificial photosynthesis and achieves 87% efficiency in converting CO2 into carbon monoxide.
The UK has committed $58.8 million to support the development of the EIC's detector and accelerator infrastructure, a seven-year international collaboration. The EIC aims to study the building blocks of nature, including quarks and gluons, to gain insights into the universe.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a signal protein called ERK that plays an active role in causing growing lung tissue to curve. This finding reveals a previously unknown regulatory system governing the development of intricate branching patterns in mouse lungs.
Dr. Chana Sacks is the new Editor-in-Chief of NEJM Evidence, focusing on providing high-quality, practice-changing evidence for medical professionals. The journal aims to change how medical professionals think about generating evidence while making clinical learning engaging and fun.
Scientists use microprisms to track neuronal activity over multiple days with high resolution and throughput, gaining insights into how the brain adapts and changes over time.
A study published in Nature Methods found that GPT-4 can accurately interpret cell types from single-cell RNA sequencing data, matching human expert annotations in over 75% of cases. The model's robustness and speed were also demonstrated, making it a promising tool for cost-efficient and seamless cell type annotation.
The University of California, Riverside's new QuVET center aims to harness quantum mechanics in energy and time, with a focus on vibronic effects in molecular systems. The collaboration between UCR and top universities will explore ways to enhance energy transport efficiency and develop new technologies.
A new study by Duke University researchers provides fundamental insights into autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. They developed a system to test how DNA attached to nanoparticles interact with the immune system, revealing that larger nanoparticles provide more protection for DNA.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found a cell surface protein that senses odors and chemicals may be responsible for the long-known difference in blood pressure between females and males. The study, published in Science Advances, used data from mice and humans to investigate the link between an odor sensor and blood pressure.
Scientists have developed a new method to manipulate light using synthetic dimension dynamics, enabling precise control over light propagation and confinement. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications such as mode lasing, quantum optics, and data transmission.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and the University of Toulouse discovered a link between ionophores, cellular ion balance, and inflammation. The study found that cells trigger an immune response when potassium ions fall below a certain level, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules.
The sequencing of the blue whale and Etruscan shrew genomes has provided significant insights into developmental biology, with the largest mammal showing a surprisingly slow developmental clock. The study also sheds light on metabolism, with the tiny shrew serving as a model for understanding high-energy demands.
Recent advancements in terahertz radiation reveal the physical processes involved in quantum materials. The study highlights the exploration of THz emission in topological insulators and semimetals, multiferroics, and superconductors, shedding light on their fundamental physics.
A recent study found that microbial communities thrive on inactive hydrothermal vent smokers, producing organic carbon and fixing CO2. These ecosystems are crucial for understanding the deep-sea carbon cycle and its interactions with the environment.
Researchers identified nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) as a key component of T cell receptor metabolic reprogramming, enabling rapid immune cell division. This discovery may lead to improved vaccine strategies and enhanced responses in cell-based therapies for cancer treatment.
Researchers at Duke University have determined the theoretical fundamental limit for how much electromagnetic energy a transparent material with a given thickness can absorb. This finding has practical implications for applications such as stealth technology and wireless communications.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new diagnostic platform that uses sound waves to spin an individual drop of water up to 6,000 revolutions per minute. The technique separates tiny biological particles within samples to enable new diagnostics based on exosomes.
Researchers developed ultra-thin defect-free semiconducting fibers, over 100 meters long, which can be woven into fabrics. The fibers demonstrate excellent electrical and optoelectronic performance, enabling various applications such as wearable electronics and sensors.
Researchers at Max Born Institute have successfully implemented high-resolution linear-absorption dual-comb spectroscopy in the ultraviolet spectral range. This breakthrough enables experiments under low-light conditions, paving the way for novel applications in precision spectroscopy and biomedical sensing.
Researchers at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) have made a significant advancement in optical computing by employing distributed feedback in optical fibers. This approach offers scalability to process multiple neurons simultaneously while maintaining high-speed performance and energy efficiency.
A recent study using cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy has shed light on the role of cohesin in cell division. The research revealed multiple populations of cohesin complexes, each playing a specific role in faithful genetic material segregation during cell division.
A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has demonstrated a technique to study chemical properties of lithium-ion battery cells by exploiting the Peltier effect. This allows them to experimentally measure the entropy of the lithium-ion electrolyte, which could inform lithium-ion battery design.
A new study published in npj Antimicrobials and Resistance found that pathogenic bacteria E. coli and A. baumannii employ shared and unique mechanisms to acquire resistance to antibiotics ciprofloxacin and GP6. The researchers developed a method to track the acquisition of drug resistance using whole genome sequencing, which revealed t...
The study reveals insights into topological materials by visualizing the motion of coupled pendula, reproducing behaviors of electrons in periodic systems. The researchers directly measure Bloch oscillations and Zener tunneling phenomena, previously impossible to observe in quantum systems.
Researchers found a brainstem region that regulates breathing rhythm, ensuring breathing remains dominant over speech. The circuit also involves premotor neurons in the hindbrain region called the retroambiguus nucleus (RAm), which are activated during vocalization.
Researchers at HKU discovered how DNA copying machine passes on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits. They found a chaperone complex FACT that interacts with parental histones during replication, ensuring faithful propagation of epigenetic info.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and University School of Medicine developed an algorithm, REAL-FAST, to identify high-risk precancerous lesions on the fallopian tubes. The test accurately detected cancer 95.8% of the time and correctly ruled out cancer 97.1% of the time.
A new reflex of the vagus nerve helps counteract restricted breathing, while a rare cell type detects airway closure and relays the signal. The discovery provides valuable insight into how the brain and body are connected to monitor and modulate respiration.
Researchers discovered charge fractionalisation in an iron-based metallic ferromagnet using laser ARPES spectroscopy, revealing collective excitations and quasiparticles. The study challenges fundamental quantum mechanics by showing electrons can behave as independent entities with fractionally charged pockets.