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Cornell University


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

Study: Machine learning can predict market behavior

A new study by Cornell researchers uses machine learning to assess the effectiveness of mathematical tools in predicting financial markets. The model can also predict future market movements, a task considered extraordinarily difficult due to markets' massive amounts of information and high volatility.

SourceCornell University·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateAug 11, 2020

For solar boom, scrap silicon for this promising mineral

Researchers at Cornell University have found that photovoltaic wafers made from all-perovskite structures outperform traditional silicon-based solar panels. This breakthrough could lead to a more sustainable future for solar energy, with perovskite cells offering faster returns on investment and lower environmental impacts.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 3, 2020

Study identifies spread of bee disease via flowers

A Cornell University study found that one in eight individual bees had at least one parasite, with social bees more susceptible to infection. The researchers identified five common parasites transmitted through flowers, highlighting the importance of flower abundance and bee diversity in controlling disease spread.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 23, 2020

Electrons obey social distancing in 'strange' metals

Electrons in Planckian metals exhibit high-temperature superconductivity due to their desire for social distancing. By adjusting the ratio between kinetic energy and interaction energy, researchers created a model that captures the system's behavior down to absolute zero.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

Gender gaps in STEM college majors emerge in high school

Research by Cornell University's Kim Weeden suggests that early high school occupational plans are a key factor in determining future STEM college majors, with significant gender differences emerging at this stage. Women are less likely than men to plan for STEM careers, despite similar math abilities and academic achievements.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociology of Education·DateJul 2, 2020

Treatments tested for invasive pest on allium crops

A Cornell University-led team of researchers found that traditional chemical insecticides work best against the invasive Allium leafminer on allium crops. Synthetic insecticides like dinotefuran and cyantraniliprole reduced damage by up to 89% and eradicated the insect in some cases.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateJul 1, 2020

Researchers control elusive spin fluctuations in 2D magnets

A Cornell team created a new imaging technique that enables real-time observation of critical spin fluctuations in two-dimensional magnets. By controlling these fluctuations, researchers can switch magnetism without using a magnetic field, potentially leading to the creation of more energy-efficient magnetic storage devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2020

Acoustics put a fresh spin on electron transitions

A Cornell University team has discovered a way to control electron spin transitions using acoustic waves, eliminating the need for magnetic fields. This breakthrough enables the development of smaller, more power-efficient acoustic sensors for navigation technology and other applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 10, 2020

Armor on butterfly wings protects against heavy rain

A recent study reveals that micro-bumps on butterfly wings, combined with a nanoscale wax layer, shatter and spread raindrops to minimize damage. This natural defense mechanism reduces the impact force on delicate surfaces, protecting against physical harm and hypothermia risk.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2020