Research News

Although consuming cannabis is legal in Colorado and several other states, driving while under the influence of the drug is not.

Scientists Still Seek A Reliable DUI Test For Marijuana

6:11pm August 06, 2017

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Coloradans can get arrested for driving while stoned. But with no good roadside tools, officers' determinations are more subjective than for alcohol DUIs. Scientists hope to find chemical markers.

Science

The Call-In: Genetic Engineering

7:59am August 06, 2017

Last week, a new study was released confirming that scientists had successfully modified human embryos to eliminate a genetic defect. We asked you for your questions.

Finding some change in the blood of an Alzheimer's patient that accurately reflects the damaging changes in the brain has been tough.

Scientists Aim For Better, Cheaper Tests For Alzheimer's

1:43pm August 04, 2017

by Shirley S. Wang

The goal is to find accurate, painless tests that can help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's early and track the progression of the illness and any response to treatment. A few tests seem promising.

A streetlight illuminates a rural footpath.

Artificial Light Deters Nocturnal Pollinators, Study Suggests

3:39pm August 03, 2017

by Scott Neuman

Scientists in Switzerland used mobile streetlamps to light up patches of cabbage thistle. They found that nocturnal pollinators, such as beetles and flies, mostly stayed away.

The first sign of successful in vitro fertilization, after co-injection of a gene-correcting enzyme and sperm from a donor with a genetic mutation known to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Scientists Precisely Edit DNA In Human Embryos To Fix A Disease Gene

10:33pm August 02, 2017

by Rob Stein

In experimental embryos, scientists were able to repair the gene that causes a serious heart disorder. More research is needed to confirm the method would produce healthy babies, they say.

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Indian female farmers sow paddy in a field during monsoon season near Allahabad on July 19, 2014. The monsoon rains, which usually hit India from June to September, are crucial for farmers whose crops feed hundreds of millions of people.

Carbon Dioxide May Rob Crops Of Nutrition, Leaving Millions At Risk

2:30pm August 02, 2017

by Courtney Columbus

Two new studies suggest that changing atmospheric conditions could reduce protein and iron in food, leading to more health problems for people in countries where malnutrition is already a problem.

In addition to profound exhaustion that isn't relieved with sleep, the illness now called ME/CFS includes flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, "brain fog" and various other physical symptoms, all of which typically worsen with even minor exertion.

Scientists Edge Closer To Elusive Lab Test For 'Chronic Fatigue Syndrome'

3:26pm July 31, 2017

by Miriam E. Tucker

Stanford University scientists have found an array of proteins in the blood whose levels correlate closely with the severity of symptoms of the mysterious illness that's increasingly known as ME/CFS.

For a rat, "metamemory" is about knowing whether you remember that predator in the distance, researchers say. For people, knowing what we don't know can be especially useful in navigating social interactions.

From Rats To Humans, A Brain Knows When It Can't Remember

4:40pm July 28, 2017

by Jon Hamilton

When we see a familiar face, we know instantly if we can remember that person's name. That's because the human brain has an ability called metamemory. Looks like rats may have that higher power, too.

The defensive mucus of the Arion subfuscus slug has inspired materials scientists trying to invent better medical adhesives.

Slug Slime Inspires Scientists To Invent Sticky Surgical Glue

5:10pm July 27, 2017

by Rae Ellen Bichell

The words "strong" and "inspiring" are not usually assigned to garden slugs. But slug slime inspired materials scientists to invent a new kind of adhesive that could one day help heal human wounds.

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A blue genetically engineered Taihei chrysanthemum. Scientists modified two genes to create the "true blue" flower.

PHOTOS: Japanese Scientists Turn Chrysanthemums 'True Blue'

3:31pm July 26, 2017

by Merrit Kennedy

The scientists introduced genes from two other flowers that allowed the mums to mimic the chemical process producing blue pigment. This might be applicable to other flowers, like roses and lilies.