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Cornell University


Saving oysters by digging up their past

A new Cornell University study suggests that examining centuries-old oyster reefs can help restore these vital marine ecosystems. By analyzing fossils and sediment records, scientists can gain insights into how oysters have grown, lived, and interacted with their environments over time.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Shellfish Research·DateSep 1, 2015

Waiting to harvest after a rain enhances food safety

New research from Cornell University suggests that farmers should wait 24 hours after a rain or irrigation to harvest crops, as this reduces the risk of exposure to the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. By doing so, farmers can minimize the presence of Listeria on fresh produce and ensure consumer safety.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 3, 2015

Extra DNA creates cucumber with all female flowers

A new study at Cornell University identifies a gene duplication causing cucumbers to produce only female flowers, leading to increased yields in greenhouse production. The research builds on previous work and shows that the genetic variation affects over 1,600 genes in the cucumber genome.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 4, 2015

New website can identify birds using photos

The Merlin Bird Photo ID system can identify 400 bird species in the US and Canada with accuracy of 90% and is designed to improve with user input. The system combines AI techniques with millions of data points from humans to present the most likely species, including photos and sounds.

Milky Way's center unveils supernova 'dust factory'

Researchers made direct observations of cosmic dust resulting from an ancient supernova at the Milky Way's center, supporting the theory that supernovae produce dust in galaxies of the early universe. The study provides new insights into the origins of dust, a crucial component in star and planet formation.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Colorful life-form catalog will help discern if we're alone

A team of international scientists has created a colorful catalog of reflection signatures from various Earth life forms to aid in the search for extraterrestrial life. The database features 137 diverse life forms, including extremophiles from extreme environments, which can help astronomers spot potential biosignatures on exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Hunting, birdwatching boosts conservation action

A study by Cornell University researchers found that rural landowners who hunt and bird watch are more likely to engage in conservation efforts. These individuals, often referred to as 'hunter/bird watchers,' were found to be eight times more likely to participate in conservation actions than non-recreationists.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 10, 2015

Life 'not as we know it' possible on Saturn's moon Titan

Researchers at Cornell University have modeled a methane-based, oxygen-free life form that can metabolize and reproduce like life on Earth. The theorized cell membrane, called an azotosome, is composed of small organic nitrogen compounds and shows stability and flexibility similar to Earth's phospholipid membranes.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 27, 2015

Study: Global rainfall satellites require massive overhaul

A new study by Cornell University warns that the existing system of space-based rainfall observation satellites requires a serious overhaul due to aging technology and lack of international coordination. Replacing just two of the four outdated satellites could help close gaps in data coverage, but broader collaboration is still needed.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 12, 2015

New computation method helps identify functional DNA

A new computational method can identify positions in the human genome that play a role in cell function, revealing insights into genetic regulation and potential applications in personalized medicine. The study found that 4.2 to 7.5 percent of nucleotides in the human genome have influenced fitness since humans diverged from chimpanzees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 21, 2015

Densovirus named top suspect in devastating sea star wasting disease

A genomic analysis of a newly discovered virus prevalent in symptomatic sea stars has linked Sea Star Associated Densovirus to the devastating wasting disease, potentially triggering an unprecedented ecological upheaval. The research lays the groundwork for understanding how the virus kills sea stars and what triggers outbreaks.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2014

Symbiotic plants are more diverse, finds new study

A recent study by Cornell University research found that symbiotic plants develop nectar glands to attract and feed protective animals like ants, leading to increased diversity in plant species over time. This mutualistic relationship allows plants to allocate energy resources to new traits and adapt to new environments.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2014