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Cornell University


Despite a great grip, geckos sometimes slip

Researchers found that geckos don't always have enough adhesive ability to save themselves, especially when encountering unexpected falls. The study's results could lead to a better understanding of how geckos stick to surfaces and potentially inspire new technologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalInterface·DateJul 19, 2017

Bringing bacteria's defense into focus

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School have observed the bacterial defense mechanism against invaders, revealing how CRISPR sites store molecular memories of invaders. The study provides structural data to improve CRISPR operations' efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2017

E. coli bacteria's defense secret revealed

E. coli bacteria defend themselves against toxins by forming dynamic tunnels through their cell wall, allowing them to expel intruders. This mechanism may also contribute to antibiotic resistance, prompting researchers to explore new strategies for combating resistant bacteria.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2017

Healthy diet? That depends on your genes

A Cornell University study reveals genetic adaptations to plant-heavy diets led to increased frequency of FADS1 gene variants, crucial for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid production. This discovery has implications for personalized dietary recommendations based on individual genetic backgrounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 12, 2017

Obesity is in the eye of the beholder

A Cornell University study found that white women are penalized for being overweight, while white men face penalties for both underweight and overweight status. In contrast, African Americans have become more accepting of larger bodies.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociological Science·DateMay 18, 2017

Cornell researches black bear boom in New York

A new study by Cornell University researchers estimates the densities of black bears in southern New York, finding an average density of about 13 bears per 38.6 square miles. The findings provide clues for how bears might continue to use landscapes farther north as their ranges expand.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 11, 2017

Stabilizing molecule could pave way for lithium-air fuel cell

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new stabilizing molecule that could improve the efficiency of lithium-air fuel cells, addressing issues such as poor rechargeability and high overpotentials. The molecule protects electrodes from degradation and promotes ion transport, paving the way for more sustainable energy solutions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2017

New data unearths pesticide peril in beehives

A study by Cornell University found that pesticides pose a significant risk to honeybees, with over 60% of found pesticides attributed to non-sprayed orchards and surrounding farmland. The research analyzed the bees' food stores and revealed high levels of pesticide exposure in 17% of colonies.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 20, 2017

Set strawberry alarm clock for post-apple bloom

Researchers found that timing strawberry blooms directly after neighboring apple blossoms results in higher yields due to increased pollinator activity. This strategy allows growers to capitalize on the services of pollinators without relying on external inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2017

Pope spurs Republicans to shift climate views

A new study led by Cornell University researchers found that exposure to Pope Francis' image heightened moral beliefs about climate change in wide segments of the public, particularly Republicans. For Republicans who saw the pontiff's photo prior to answering questions, 39% agreed that climate change is a moral issue, up from just 30%.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateJan 24, 2017

Engineers eat away at Ms. Pac-Man score with artificial player

Researchers at Cornell University developed an artificial Ms. Pac-Man player that achieved a laboratory score of 43,720, surpassing the existing high score for computerized play. The player uses a decision-tree approach and demonstrates accuracy in predicting ghost movements with 94.6-percent accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computational Intelligence and AI in Games·DateJan 23, 2017

Childhood poverty can rob adults of psychological health

A study by Cornell University researcher Gary Evans found that children from poor backgrounds are more likely to develop antisocial behavior, helplessness, and chronic physiological stress as adults. Early intervention and increasing poor families' incomes can help mitigate these issues.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2017

New robot has a human touch

A team of researchers at Cornell University has created a soft robotic hand that can sense its surroundings through internal curvature, elongation, and force sensors. The hand uses stretchable optical waveguides to detect changes in light transmission, allowing it to grasp and probe objects with human-like sensitivity.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 12, 2016

Bacterial mechanism converts nitrogen to greenhouse gas

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a biological mechanism that converts nitrogen-based fertilizer into nitrous oxide, increasing atmospheric levels by 120%. The enzyme cytochrome P460 produced in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria leads to nitrous oxide production as a chemical coping strategy.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2016