Researchers at Cornell University have solved the three-dimensional structure of a protein complex involved in vertebrate vision at atomic resolution, revealing how signals from photons are amplified in the eye. The study provides insights into G-protein-coupled receptors and their role in human vision, with potential implications for ...
Reducing diesel emissions from freight trucks can lead to significant improvements in public health and the economy. By 2050, studies predict a decline in mortality rates and annual savings of $38 billion, thanks to improved air quality and technology.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a groundbreaking discovery in gallium nitride, which could transform electronics and wireless communication. The new material structure creates a high-density of mobile holes, making GaN structures almost 10 times more conductive than traditional doping methods.
A Cornell University collaboration has developed a reactive copper-nitrene catalyst that breaks C-H bonds and forms C-N bonds, crucial for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The catalyst's reactivity is due to the absence of two electrons in the nitrogen atom, making it highly reactive.
A computational model using AI identifies optimal hydropower dam sites in the Amazon basin to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis found that dams built at high elevations tend to have lower emissions per unit of power output.
A study published in the journal Science reveals that US and Canadian bird populations declined by 29% between 1970 and 2020, with losses across diverse groups of birds and habitats. The results show pervasive declines among common birds across all habitats, including backyard birds.
Shear-thickening fluids can be manipulated using ultrasonic waves to soften them, opening up new applications for materials like concrete and ceramics. The approach uses acoustic transducers to break force chains responsible for thickening, allowing for dynamic tuning of the material.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a stretchable optical lace material that enables soft robots to sense their environment through mechanosensors. The material allows robots to detect changes in stress and strain, enabling them to adjust their actions accordingly.
On Saturn's moon Titan, nitrogen explosions create craters that fill with liquid methane, forming distinctive lakes. The research suggests a pressurized explosion model as the best explanation for these geological features.
A new assay uses cell-free DNA to identify viruses and bacteria in the human body while also quantifying injuries to organs. This test is simple, fast, low-cost, and generalizable enough to identify thousands of pathogens, making it a major step towards personalizing therapy and making organ transplantation safer.
A new study suggests that chance and opinion cascades, rather than deeply rooted ideological differences, drive political polarization. The researchers found that early movers can trigger a cascade in which later partisans pile on to their party's position, leading to large political differences.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that growing up in disadvantaged neighborhoods increases the risk of obesity in adulthood, with teens facing a 29% higher chance. The research, which controlled for genes and parental stress, shows that neighborhood disadvantage can have a lasting impact on health.
Babies shape their own learning environments through babbling, influencing parents' speech to use simpler words and shorter sentences. Infants who receive more learning opportunities from their mothers are faster learners of new speech sounds.
An international team of scientists analyzed over 10,000 climate change studies and found that birds and other animals cannot adapt quickly enough to keep pace with climate change. This mismatch between the timing of biological events and the availability of food resources poses a significant threat to species survival.
Researchers at Cornell Tech developed a new clinical model to respond systematically to digital threats against victims of intimate partner violence. The model includes a technology assessment questionnaire, technograph diagram, and ISDi spyware scanning tool to help counselors pinpoint online abuse and protect victims' safety.
The NIH award supports MacCHESS, a subfacility of CHESS that attracts hundreds of biomedical researchers, enabling the study of cellular functions and molecular interactions. Researchers at MacCHESS will focus on macromolecular crystallography and high-pressure biology to develop new technology for drug design and disease understanding.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that combining proteins from two lethal viruses can enhance their pathogenic potential. The team found that a hybrid protein pair has greater fusion capability, which could be leveraged to stop viral-cell fusion and develop more effective vaccines.
Astronomers propose a new method to detect hidden life on exoplanets, utilizing biofluorescence induced by stellar UV flares. This novel approach could reveal biomarkers on planets orbiting active M stars, making them ideal targets for future searches.
Warner's project will expand her research on multigenerational planning in rural areas by adding public health as a key topic of concern for planners and regional scientists. The team aims to create an econometric model for livability that promotes economic development and public health across rural and urban communities.
A recent study found that people on both sides of the political spectrum value proportionality in achieving success, with liberals caring more about equity and conservatives valuing proportionality. The researchers aimed to understand the moral foundations behind political partisanship and how it influences policy support.
A Cornell University study reveals that spotted-wing drosophila adults and larvae eat mushroom and apple mixtures, as well as bird manure, to survive before and after the growing season. The results may help curb pest populations by encouraging growers to limit access to certain non-fruit food sources.
A Cornell University study found that foreign-born PhDs are less likely to work at startups, citing visa policies as a key obstacle. Despite applying at the same rate as US citizens, they often choose large companies with resources to sponsor visas.
A recent study has found that intense fish harvesting can cause rapid evolutionary changes, including changes in growth rates and maturity. The research, published in Science, used genomic data to analyze the effects of fishing on Atlantic silverside populations.
Astronomers have characterized a super-Earth discovered by the TESS satellite, which orbits a dwarf star every 55.7 days and may support liquid water on its surface. The planet's conditions could provide insight into Earth's heavyweight planetary cousins.
A new study reveals that water-use policies in northwestern India have led to increased air pollution due to delayed rice harvests and concentrated agricultural burnings. The study found almost 30% higher atmospheric concentrations of fine particulate matter, posing significant concerns for human health.
A new whole-genome sequencing technique is being adopted to detect salmonella in the food industry. This method provides a more reliable and precise identification of salmonella strains, enabling the origin and path of outbreaks to be determined.
A new study at Cornell University found that smaller class sizes lead to more equitable participation in STEM classrooms, particularly for women. The research highlights the importance of diverse teaching strategies and evidence-based active-learning techniques to create a small classroom climate.
A predictive model combining plant physiology, soil conditions, and weather forecasts helps make informed decisions about irrigation, conserving up to 40% of water used. The research also aims to identify the best method for each crop and determine the costs and benefits of switching to an automated system.
Researchers found a link between healthy gut flora and reduced infection risk after knee and hip replacement surgeries. The study suggests that mice with unhealthy microbiomes may have compromised immune systems, paving the way for potential microbiome-based therapies to prevent infections.
A rigged card game was used to study how people perceive inequality and fairness. The study found that winners were more likely to believe the game's outcome was fair, even when it was heavily tilted in their favor.
Four sparrow species adapt differently to control water and salt balance, with Savannah Sparrows using channel-forming genes, Swamp Sparrows evolving gene changes, Song Sparrows reinforcing cell walls, and Nelson's Sparrows curbing thirst. The adaptations are rapid and accompanied by shared traits like larger bills and darker plumage.
A new Cornell University study reveals that releasing natural enemies to combat pests is more effective in fields surrounded by forests and natural areas, resulting in fewer pests, less plant damage, and increased crop biomass. Conversely, farms with predominantly agricultural landscapes saw the opposite outcome.
Researchers have created a new tool to understand exoplanet evolution, using Earth's biosignatures as a 'cheat sheet' to detect signs of life. By analyzing the colors produced by different organisms on Earth, scientists can now look beyond vegetation and detect surface biota dating back billions of years.
A new imaging method developed at Cornell University helps remove pollutants from water by identifying optimal catalyst particle sizes and shapes. The technique, called COMPEITS, reveals previously unknown behaviors of catalysts, rendering pollutants nontoxic.
Engineered tobacco plants can produce industrial enzymes and proteins at a third of current cost, with potential to reach $300 billion market. Researchers successfully raised non-native proteins in the field, defying conventional wisdom.
Cornell University has received a $1.8 million grant from the USDA to develop active packaging materials that reduce preservatives in foods, minimizing food waste. Researchers will also explore cold processes for producing nutritious juices and beverages with reduced energy consumption.
Cornell researchers develop algorithm to visualize models of the universe, unlocking secrets of cosmology and dark matter. The algorithm uses intensive principal component analysis to extract patterns from large datasets, providing new insights into the nature of our universe.
A Cornell-led study found that education and intergenerational contact can significantly reduce ageist attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes. The interventions, particularly those combining both elements, proved to be effective in reducing ageism, especially among women, teens, and young adults.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a system of circulating liquid, called "robot blood", to store energy and power robotic applications. This synthetic vascular system enables robots to perform sophisticated tasks for longer periods, increasing energy density while maintaining mobility.
Researchers created a synthetic lubricant that mimics the natural lubricin found in joints, providing a potential cure for osteoarthritis. The synthetic lubricant is being tested in canine clinical trials and holds promise for future human use.
Scientists at Cornell University have discovered an unexpected mechanism of activation and inactivation of RNR, a crucial enzyme for DNA replication. This finding provides a potential means to shut off harmful bacteria by understanding the
Researchers from Cornell University have identified a way to unlock naturally occurring phosphorus bound in organic matter, which can be used as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers found that electric vehicles can improve air quality in Houston by reducing nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles. The study suggests that complete electrification of transportation could prevent up to 246 premature deaths annually in greater Houston by 2040.
Researchers at Cornell University and Environmental Defense Fund found that fertilizer plant emissions are 100 times higher than industry reports, exceeding EPA estimates. The study used a mobile sensing approach to measure methane emissions from six plants, finding an average emission rate of 0.34 percent.
A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that climate change-induced heat stress will have a greater impact on crop yields than drought stress in the US. The analysis projects significant yield reductions of 8-48% for major crops like maize and spring wheat, with some crops more resilient to heat stress.
A new study by Cornell University provides insight into the mode of action of hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, finding a direct correlation between lubricating properties and pain relief in patients. The research suggests that HA products should be reclassified as drugs to better regulate their treatment options.
Adding solar farms in New York state could reduce summer electricity demand by up to 9.6 percent, but winter energy demand may lead to volatile swings in the power system due to low demand and high solar production
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered engineered electroactive microbes that can borrow electrons from solar or wind power to break down carbon dioxide molecules. These microbes can then produce biofuels like isobutanol or propanol, which could be used as an alternative energy source.
Scientists at Cornell University have developed a new, genetically clean strain of the C. elegans worm, which will serve as a standardized baseline for future research studies. The new genome sequence reveals hidden genetic variations and highlights the need for accurate DNA sequencing in synthetic biology.
Blossom, a handcrafted open-source robot platform, is designed to be simple, expressive, and inexpensive, allowing users to customize it with various materials like wood and wool. The robot's mechanical design enables flexible gestures, making it suitable for teaching children about robotics and human-robot interaction.