Nishi Rajakaruna, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor, has received the Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award for his innovative teaching methods that combine fieldwork, food, culture, and rigorous science. The award recognizes his dedication to improving botanical education at a regional, national, or international level.
The Pennsylvania live camera is the third installment in Project RattleCam's livestreams, allowing viewers to observe timber rattlesnakes around the clock. The camera features night-vision capabilities and captures the activities of snakes and other creatures that enter the frame after dark.
A research team used microbial ecological habitats to predict filter-feeding whale presence, achieving accuracy 53% higher than traditional methods. This approach incorporates eDNA analysis to better understand whale-bacteria connections and inform ocean health monitoring.
A new study by Cal Poly faculty found that building density, not urban trees, was the strongest predictor of home loss in Los Angeles firestorms. The study examined 15,082 structures and 52,893 tree canopies within the Eaton and Palisades fire scars.
Researchers at Cal Poly have discovered a way to create exotic quantum matter by controlling the timing of magnetic fields. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and error-free quantum technologies, including quantum computing and simulation.
The all-virtual Cal Poly Climate Solutions Now conference will address a wide range of climate topics, including energy, water, waste, business sustainability, agriculture, education, and more. Presenters from various industries will share strategies, tools, and information to help mitigate climate change.
Cal Poly biological sciences Professor Emily Taylor is co-organizing the worldwide awareness week for snakes, highlighting over 3,500 globally significant species. The event promotes peaceful coexistence between humans and snakes, educating people about their importance in food webs and disease control.
Dr. Phil Costanzo, a Cal Poly chemistry professor, has been recognized with the Jack Flack Norris Award for his contributions to chemistry education. He co-founded the Macromolecular Alliance for Community Resources & Outreach (MACRO), a joint service committee that provides freely accessible educational resources for polymer chemists.
Joni Roberts, a Cal Poly Assistant Professor, has been chosen as the first recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award for her exceptional dedication to public health education and global health advocacy. Her research addresses health disparities and promotes equity, while her teaching spans the public health curriculum.
The 'Under the Snakefluence' study surveys people in 20+ countries to understand public perceptions of snakes and assess educational efforts to promote safe coexistence. Research shows that delaying medical treatment can be fatal or cause permanent disability.
D-Glue, an eco-friendly adhesive designed to break apart at lower temperatures, will partner with Plug and Play Japan's Deeptech Program. The debondable glue aims to reduce landfill waste and energy consumption, with the potential to expand production on a mass scale.
The five-year national research study will examine the effectiveness of medically tailored meals in reducing gestational diabetes and Type 2 diabetes prevalence among pregnant and postpartum women from historically marginalized communities. Nearly 1,000 participants will be assessed for maternal health outcomes.
Researchers at Cal Poly and an international team are exploring unproven theories related to nuclear decay and the nature of matter. They aim to detect a type of decay that is currently forbidden by physics laws, which could reveal insights into the universe's origins.
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 study found that environmental conditions and the state of the ocean can lead to enhanced risk for ocean temperature extremes. Upwelling patterns on a short-term basis also initiate some of these marine heatwaves and cold spells.
Researchers at California Polytechnic State University have developed a novel method for storing biological materials such as RNA and proteins in a solid-state, resembling a pill or tablet that dissolves in water for on-demand use. This innovation overcomes current limitations in storage and handling, making it easier to access these m...
Researchers found coastal embayments experience episodic hypoxic events and increased hypoxic conditions compared to open coastline. These areas are likely to be impacted by climate change and ecosystem changes.
A new study published in the Obesity journal surveyed nearly 2,500 WeightWatchers members who lost an average of almost 58 pounds and kept it off for over 3.5 years. The study found that individuals who successfully maintained weight loss resumed efforts responsively after showing limited gains and used coping skills to get back on track.
Researchers analyzed the motivations and strategies of over 6,000 long-term weight-loss maintainers, finding that perseverance, consistently tracking food intake, and focusing on health goals were key to success. The study's findings may lead to new approaches in counseling and lifestyle interventions.
Researchers at California Polytechnic State University found that seagrass loss in Morro Bay led to changes in fish species, with increasing numbers of flatfish like speckled sanddab and staghorn sculpin. The study highlights the importance of protecting remaining seagrass habitats to maintain biodiversity.
A new Cal Poly study suggests rattlesnakes will thrive in a warming climate, with preferred body temperatures ranging from 86-89 degrees Fahrenheit. This could lead to longer hunting seasons and reduced energy needs for survival.
A new study found that young Weddell seals prioritize learning to swim and navigate over foraging while still dependent on their mothers. This behavior is crucial for survival, as these seals need to find breathing holes in icy waters.
A new study found that birds across the continental US tend to avoid backyard feeders in louder areas, while even more species stay away when both light and noise pollution are present. Common bird species such as American goldfinches and cedar waxwings avoid areas with excessive noise.
Birds and bats avoid habitat swamped with loud whitewater river noise, with overlap between background noise and song frequency predicting bird declines. The study found that increased noise levels lead to decreased bird foraging efficiency and a shift in bat hunting behavior.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that human noise pollution has a lasting impact on plant communities, with decreased seedlings and saplings years after noise removal. The effects persist even after noise is removed from the landscape.
A recent study by California Polytechnic State University found that exposure to recorded birdsong can significantly improve humans' sense of well-being, especially in protected areas. The researchers discovered that even short periods of time spent listening to birdsong can have a positive impact on mental health.
Researchers found that most parrotfish predation scars on Caribbean coral heal within weeks, while larger scars have minimal healing. The study suggests that managing parrotfish populations may be crucial to maintaining resilient reefs.
A new study found that noise and light pollution alter bird nesting habits and success in North America. Birds responding to increased light may track climate change better than those in darker habitats. Noise pollution affects birds differently, with forested environments being more sensitive to noise.
A study from California Polytechnic State University finds that offshore winds in the Central Coast increase when demand is greatest, making them an ideal candidate to fill the gap left by solar and on-shore wind energy production. The study suggests that offshore wind energy could play a crucial role in meeting California's ambitious ...
Researchers create a classroom kit containing cell-free protein synthesis technology to teach transcription and translation in a hands-on manner. The Genetic Code Kit significantly improves student learning gains and increases comfort with biotechnology lab techniques, preparing students for graduate programs and careers.
Seagrass die-off in Morro Bay has caused extensive erosion, altering sedimentation patterns and habitat changes. Restoration efforts have shown mixed success, with some regions experiencing partial recovery.
A recent study reveals that natural climate cycles significantly influence the base of the food web along the California coast. Climate changes can alter the timing and prevalence of phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms, which are crucial for understanding ecosystem responses to ocean warming.
Researchers developed a low-cost preservative that extends the shelf life of freeze-dried cellular machinery to two weeks at room temperature. This breakthrough enables cell-free biotechnology applications in bio-manufacturing, point-of-care diagnostics, and educational platforms.
A new Cal Poly study found that building healthy dietary, self-monitoring and psychological coping strategies are key to maintaining weight loss. People who reported losing an average of 50 pounds and keeping it off for over three years used more frequent strategies like setting daily food intake goals and recording what was eaten each...
A new study suggests that California could more than triple its southern sea otter population by repopulating the largest estuary on the coast, the San Francisco Bay. This would be a huge boost to conservation efforts, potentially lifting the species out of endangered status.
Using anesthetics to study fish colors can be misleading due to altered coloration. Researchers studying colorful patterns in small fish species found that common anesthetics affected hue, saturation, and brightness.
Researchers found that background noise inhibits parasitoid flies' ability to locate cricket calls, suggesting a potential fitness cost for males trying to find mates. This altered soundscapes may influence the evolution of host-parasitoid relationships.
Researchers have developed a computational model for human MEK1, a protein with potential as a drug target for various human cancers. The model provides insights into the structure and function of MEK1, which can help develop new classes of inhibitors for cancer therapeutics.
Researchers have developed a simplified method for cell-free protein synthesis, allowing for faster, cheaper, and more flexible production of proteins in a test tube. This technique enables researchers to harness the genetic code directly, providing new opportunities for pharmaceutical and genetic research.