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Cornell University


Stem cells shown to delay their own death to aid healing

Researchers have found that stem cells in planarians can postpone their own death to respond to an injury, allowing them to gather around the site of the wound and mount a response. This unique ability has implications for cancer research and therapies, particularly when examining chemotherapy and surgery options.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2020

Coronavirus structure clue to high infection rate

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a unique feature in the virus that causes COVID-19, which could explain its high transmissibility. The study identified a structural loop in the spike protein and a specific sequence of amino acids that are different from other human coronaviruses.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateMay 5, 2020

Astronomers could spot life signs orbiting long-dead stars

Cornell University astronomers have created a spectral field guide to help future scientists identify biosignatures in the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets orbiting white dwarfs. The guide provides template for possible biosignatures, including methane and ozone, which could indicate life on these distant worlds.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 30, 2020

Tiny sensors fit 30,000 to a penny, transmit data from living tissue

The team's microsensors can measure inputs like voltage and temperature in hard-to-reach environments, such as inside living tissue. They successfully embedded a sensor in brain tissue and wirelessly relayed the results, paving the way for generations of microsensors that use less power while tracking more complicated phenomena.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2020

Faster-degrading plastic could promise cleaner seas

Cornell University chemists have developed a new polymer that degrades by ultraviolet radiation, reducing persistent plastic accumulation in the environment. The material, isotactic polypropylene oxide, has mechanical properties comparable to commercial fishing gear and can break down on a realistic time scale.

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

STEM students learn as well online as in classrooms

A study by Cornell University found that STEM students learned equally well in online courses as they did in traditional classroom settings, with significant cost savings. The research, which tracked over 300 students in Russia, showed that online courses can deliver the same learning outcomes at a fraction of the cost.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020

Paired with super telescopes, model Earths guide hunt for life

Cornell University astronomers created five models representing key points in Earth's evolution to aid the search for exo-Earths. These templates enable the identification of potential biospheres on distant planets with characteristics similar to our own, using powerful telescopes like NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 26, 2020

Lack of media skepticism tied to belief in rape myths

A new study co-led by a Cornell researcher found that individuals who recognize similarities between people they know and those depicted in the media are more likely to believe common rape myths. Media literacy education could help raise awareness about sexual violence and improve prevention programs on college campuses.

SourceCornell University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateMar 24, 2020

If you're poor, poverty is an environmental issue

Research reveals demographic differences in environmental issue conceptualization by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Lower-income and racial minority groups prioritize human factors over ecological issues, suggesting a holistic approach to addressing interconnected social and environmental concerns is necessary.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Researchers sniff out AI breakthroughs in mammal brains

A new computer algorithm inspired by the mammalian olfactory system rapidly learns patterns and identifies smells even with strong sensory interference. The algorithm is applied to a neuromorphic computer chip, Loihi, which can learn to identify patterns or perform tasks a thousand times faster than traditional methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 16, 2020

Muscle stem cells compiled in 'atlas'

A team of Cornell researchers compiled a 'cell atlas' of muscle regeneration, cataloging the activity of almost every type of cell involved in muscle repair. The dataset provides a comprehensive picture of cellular interactions and may lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from muscle injuries.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 10, 2020

Researchers map protein motion

Cornell structural biologists develop a new method to capture collective protein motion, revealing subtle breathing motions that direct biochemical function. The technique adds valuable information to regular crystallography experiments.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 9, 2020

Car congestion outweighs scooter scourge on city streets

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that motor vehicles are the main cause of blocking access to other travelers on city streets, with a higher noncompliance rate (24.7%) compared to scooters and bikes (0.8%). The study suggests that cities should rethink their parking policies in response to the rise of technology-e...

SourceCornell University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·DateMar 4, 2020

Spending time in nature reduces stress, research finds

Research from Cornell University found that spending as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can improve mood and lessen physical and mental stress in college students. The study suggests that 10-50 minutes of time spent outside is most effective in improving focus, physiological markers, and overall well-being.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2020

Study finds key mechanism for how typhoid bacteria infects

Researchers have identified a crucial role for the typhoid toxin protein in delivering toxins to host immune cells and disrupting their function. The study's findings suggest that targeting specific sugars on immune cells could prevent the bacteria from entering and infecting them, paving the way for new treatment options.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 25, 2020

Newly found bacteria fights climate change, soil pollutants

Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 20, 2020

More grocery stores means less food waste -- and a big carbon cut

According to new research from Cornell University, opening more grocery stores can significantly reduce global warming by lowering food waste. The study found that even small increases in store density can have a high impact on reducing waste, with benefits comparable to converting thousands of cars to electric power.

SourceCornell University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateFeb 3, 2020

If it takes a hike, riders won't go for bike sharing

New Cornell research reveals that bike-share systems often deter users due to long distances between docking stations. The study recommends creating denser networks with smaller stations and increasing bike availability to grow ridership. Placing stations near grocery stores provides the most benefit, according to the findings.

SourceCornell University·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 30, 2020