Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Cornell University


New batteries give jolt to renewables, energy storage

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new type of battery that uses aluminum, offering up to 10,000 error-free cycles and potentially replacing lithium-ion batteries. This innovative technology could provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for energy storage, addressing the challenges of intermittent solar energy.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 5, 2021

Study exposes global ripple effects of regional water scarcity

A recent study from Cornell and Tufts universities reveals that water scarcity is a globally connected phenomenon, with local conditions having reverberations across the globe. The research found that global trade dynamics and market adaptations to regional water scarcity result in positive and negative economic outcomes for every regi...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2021

Pandemic lockdowns boost, democratize online education

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 38% increase in new users and a 6% increase in engagement among existing users of DataCamp's platform. This shift in behavior was observed across all demographic groups, suggesting that online learning can provide an accessible environment for learning new skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 22, 2021

Ancient light illuminates matter that fuels galaxy formation

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries about the formation of galaxies and stars using data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. By analyzing microwave observations, they found that only a small percentage of gas in galaxies (about 10%) is turned into stars, shedding light on why galaxy formation remains inefficient.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review D·DateMar 15, 2021

Women veterinarians earn $100K less than men annually

A new study by Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine has found that women veterinarians earn an average of $100,000 less than their male counterparts annually. The disparity affects recent graduates and the top half of earners, with partnerships proving more beneficial for women's income earning potential.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateMar 15, 2021

Yeast epigenome map reveals details of gene regulation

A high-resolution protein architecture of the budding yeast genome was mapped using ChIP-exo, revealing two distinct gene regulatory architectures. The study identifies a surprisingly small number of unique protein assemblages used repeatedly across the yeast genome, expanding the traditional model of gene regulation.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2021

Building networks not enough to expand rural broadband

Rural broadband cooperatives face high operation and maintenance costs, low population density, and prohibitively high service fees. Policymakers should consider eliminating property taxes on broadband infrastructure and payments to rent space on poles to make high-speed internet more affordable.

SourceCornell University·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateMar 5, 2021

Latinos, Blacks less swayed by college-bound friends

Research by Steven Alvarado found that having college-bound friends increases the likelihood of enrolling in college, but this effect is weaker for Black and Latino students. Structural and cultural processes may mitigate the influence of friendship on these groups' college enrollment rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMar 4, 2021

Neuroimaging reveals how ideology affects race perception

Research using neuroimaging found that white conservatives exhibit higher sensitivity to racial ambiguity in the anterior insula, leading them to overcategorize mixed-race faces as Black. This effect is linked to an affective reaction to racial mixing rather than a sensitivity to Blackness.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 3, 2021

Reinforced by policies, charters segregate schools

Research from Cornell University finds that charter schools have contributed to increased school segregation and a decline in residential segregation. The study analyzed over 1,500 metropolitan school districts and found a link between charter school enrollment and racial sorting among families.

SourceCornell University·JournalDemography·DateMar 1, 2021

European unions' support varies for precarious workers

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that European unions have been practicing solidarity in many cases, improving working conditions for peripheral workers. In contrast, some unions have adopted a dualist approach, prioritizing their own members' interests over those of non-unionized workers.

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Journal of Industrial Relations·DateFeb 25, 2021

To reduce stunting in India, space out births

Adequate birth spacing may help alleviate stunting in Indian children, according to a Cornell University study. The study found that when children are born at least three years after their older siblings, the height gap between them disappears.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2021

Star employees get most of the credit - and blame

Research by Cornell University's ILR School found that collaborating with a star employee reduces non-star employees' credit and gains in professional status during successful collaborations. However, it can mitigate or outweigh the loss of professional status associated with collaborative failure.

SourceCornell University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateFeb 16, 2021

Slow motion precursors give earthquakes the fast slip

Scientists at Cornell University have discovered a connection between slow-motion fault slips and fast earthquakes, finding that 'slow slips' precede dozens of large magnitude 7 earthquakes. These precursory slips are directly involved in starting the earthquake and migrate towards where the fast slip begins.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2021

Leaders valued over managers, regardless of fit

A recent study from Cornell University-led research highlights the risk of overvaluing prototypical leaders and undervaluing management skills. Participants preferred to hire a CEO with strong leadership qualities over those with more managerial expertise, despite the organization's need for management skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateFeb 16, 2021

Want to hire more women? Expand your short list

A Cornell University study reveals that increasing the length of an initial job candidate shortlist can help hiring managers consider female candidates more, supporting gender equity efforts. By extending this list, it can increase the consideration of female candidates in male-dominant domains.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 11, 2021

Starling success traced to rapid adaptation

A new study reveals that European Starlings in North America underwent rapid local adaptation, adjusting to temperature and rainfall variations through subtle genetic changes. The species' massive population size enabled the spread of beneficial gene variants across generations.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 9, 2021

When rhinos fly: Upside down the right way for transport

Researchers find that hanging black rhinoceroses upside down improves ventilation to a small degree, enhancing the safety of these animals during capture and anesthesia. The study's findings have significant implications for conservation efforts in remote areas where helicopter-assisted aerial transport is often used.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Diseases·DateFeb 1, 2021

Rethink immigration policy for STEM doctorates

A new study from Cornell University and UC San Diego finds that international STEM doctoral students graduating from US universities face a complex and inefficient path to permanent residency, with most following a guest worker visa before obtaining a green card. The researchers argue that this process should be treated differently due...

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJan 21, 2021

DNA in water used to uncover genes of invasive fish

A new technique using environmental DNA analysis reveals nuanced information about invasive round goby fish populations, allowing for population estimates and origin prediction. The method has the potential to overcome logistical challenges in studying elusive species, improving conservation outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJan 12, 2021

In changing oceans, sea stars may be 'drowning'

A new study suggests that sea star wasting disease is caused by a lack of oxygen, as elevated microbial activity depletes the water's oxygen levels. This creates a hypoxic environment that surrounds the starfish, leading to respiratory distress and ultimately, their death.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJan 6, 2021

Astronomers agree: Universe is nearly 14 billion years old

Astronomers have estimated the universe's age to be nearly 14 billion years old using data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the European Space Agency's Planck satellite. The findings match the predictions of the standard model of the universe, resolving a discrepancy that had sparked debate in the astrophysics community.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateJan 4, 2021

Study examines attitudes toward non-native birds

A new study from Cornell University examines public attitudes towards non-native birds and whether people are willing to manage them to protect native cavity-nesting birds. Researchers found that citizen-science project participants were more likely to have negative views of non-native species and undertake management practices.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateDec 21, 2020

Engineers go microbial to store energy, sequester CO2

Bioengineers at Cornell University have created theoretical solutions for efficiently absorbing and storing large-scale renewable energy from the sun while sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. The developed microbes can store energy and absorb CO2, potentially creating low-carbon fuel with net-zero emissions.

SourceCornell University·JournalJoule·DateDec 15, 2020

Less light, more trees assist migrating birds

A study found that urban tree canopy cover and reduced light pollution during migration seasons contribute to higher species richness. Conversely, higher levels of artificial light at night were associated with lower species counts, particularly during winter and summer.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateDec 9, 2020