A new study from the University of Oregon shows how one kind of bacteria, Vibrio cholerae, triggers painful intestinal contractions by activating the immune system. The research also finds a more general explanation for how the gut rids itself of unwanted intruders, which could also help scientists better understand chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

Penn Engineers have modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) — the revolutionary technology behind the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines — to not only cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) but also to target specific types of cells, including neurons. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward potential next-generation treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Researchers analyzed radioisotopes in layers of fossilized volcanic ash. Decay of uranium to lead within tiny crystals enabled scientists to precisely pinpoint dates for certain events. They determined this event occurred 119.5 million years ago — coincident with evidence for massive volcanic eruptions — and lasted for 1.1 million years. Study results help scientists better understand links between atmospheric CO₂ levels, climate changes and conditions in the oceans.

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis shows that more than half of the weedy rice sampled in the rice-growing region of the southeastern U.S. has become herbicide resistant.

Thanks to a new University of Texas at Arlington study published in the Journal of Heredity, scientists now have a better genetic understanding of the insect. The research offers an updated genome analysis of the common bedbug Cimex lectularius, providing new insight for those working to prevent bedbug infestation, develop remediation strategies and track pesticide resistance.

On February 2, 1887, residents of Punxsutawney Pennsylvania consulted a large rodent regarding the arrival of spring, marking the first official celebration of Groundhog Day. Our ability to predict the timing of seasons hasn’t improved much since then, but a new study is set to make seasonal forecasting a lot more reliable.

Engineers can design the print path used by the 3D printer to program the plastic’s physical properties so that a device can stretch and flex repeatedly in one direction while remaining rigid in another. Lead researcher Emily Davidson said this approach to engineering soft architected materials could have many uses, such as soft robots, medical devices and prosthetics, strong lightweight helmets, and custom high-performance shoe soles.

An undergraduate student in physics at The University of Texas at Arlington earned a top award from the Texas Section of the American Physical Society (APS) for his research using positrons—the antiparticle of the electron—to study the electronic properties of graphene. Notable for being extraordinarily thin and strong, graphene is being researched for a wide range of applications, from solar cells and battery storage to cancer treatments and bone growth.