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Cornell University


Policy, not tech, spurred Danish dominance in wind energy

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that government policies played a crucial role in Denmark's widespread adoption of wind energy. The study analyzed the impact of policies on small producers' decisions to shut down or upgrade aging equipment and found that well-designed policies were essential for the industry's growth.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Energy Journal·DateNov 6, 2020

Study upends understanding about joint injuries

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that lubricin, a protein that lubricates joints, increases in dogs with ACL injuries before signs of arthritis appear. The discovery has implications for human ACL and other orthopedic injuries, suggesting increased lubricin may be a biomarker for predicting future osteoarthritis.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 14, 2020

Birds risk starvation trying to "keep pace" with climate change

Birds breeding earlier due to climate change face increased risk of mortality, as chicks hatch into unpredictable weather conditions. This study examines the impact on Tree Swallows, finding that advancing breeding dates result in reduced availability of food resources, exacerbating the effects of climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2020

Subsidized cars help low-income families economically, socially

A study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that subsidized car ownership has a transformative impact on low-income families, allowing them to access better education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The research also highlighted the importance of considering the broader social benefits of car ow...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateOct 2, 2020

Metal-ion breakthrough leads to new biomaterials

Cornell engineers developed a modular process for designing elastomers with metals like iron and calcium, creating a wide range of mechanical properties. The framework allows for the creation of biodegradable and elastic materials for soft tissue reconstruction and regeneration.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 30, 2020

Researchers identify new type of superconductor

A team of Cornell researchers led by Brad Ramshaw discovered a possible third type of superconductor called g-wave. They used resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to study the material's symmetry properties and found that it is a two-component superconductor with no electrical resistance. This discovery could lead to major breakthroughs in...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 21, 2020

$2M USDA grant funds value-added grains project

A Cornell University scientist is leading a multi-institution team to develop value-added grains for staple foods, benefiting both humans and organic vegetable growers. Key findings include the development of new small grain varieties with improved nutritional quality and the creation of a supply chain for specialty markets.

Study shows difficulty in finding evidence of life on Mars

Researchers at Cornell University found that acidic fluids may have destroyed biological evidence hidden within Mars' iron-rich clays, making it difficult to search for life on the red planet. The study's lead author suggests that searching for organic compounds on Mars is a challenging task due to the degradation of biological material.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 15, 2020

Facebook anniversaries inspire reflection, nostalgia

A new study from Cornell University finds that Facebook anniversaries, like birthdays, prompt users to reflect on time and patterns in their lives. This tradition stems from newspapers' 'on this date' lists, which encourage people to put time into perspective by remembering significant events.

SourceCornell University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateSep 14, 2020

Lost frogs rediscovered with environmental DNA

Scientists have detected signs of a frog listed as extinct using environmental DNA in two regions of Brazil. The frog, Megaelosia bocainensis, was among seven total species detected, including four declining species and two that had disappeared locally for many years.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateSep 8, 2020

Study tracks human milk nutrients in infant microbiome

A new study published in Journal of Lipid Research reveals that the gut microbiomes of breastfed infants differ from those of formula-fed infants due to dietary sphinganine, a nutrient found in human milk. Researchers developed a technique to track specific nutrients as they interact with gut microbes, identifying two types of bacteria...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 1, 2020

Microscopic robots 'walk' thanks to laser tech

The new microscopic robots are controlled by flashing laser pulses and can walk thanks to a simple circuit made from silicon photovoltaics. The researchers explored ways to enhance the robots with more complicated electronics and onboard computation, potentially leading to swarms of tiny robots crawling through human tissue and blood.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

Researchers create nanoclusters that mimic biomolecules

A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020

Graphene sensors find subtleties in magnetic fields

Researchers at Cornell University developed a graphene-based Hall-effect sensor that can operate over a greater temperature range than previous sensors. The device can detect miniscule changes in magnetic fields, even within a larger magnetic background, making it ideal for various technological applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2020