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Cornell University


Study reveals how deadly MERS virus enters human cells

Scientists discovered that a common protease enzyme furin activates MERS-CoV to fuse with cell membranes and enter host cells. Blocking this process could lead to treatment by preventing the virus from infecting cells. The study found two cleavage sites on the spike protein, allowing for more spread in animals or humans.

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

'Green wave' explains migratory bird routes

New research reveals that many North American bird species use looped migration routes, following the flush of green vegetation in spring and avoiding harsher winter conditions. By analyzing large datasets from eBird and satellite imagery, scientists have uncovered a general pattern common to many species.

Pica in pregnant teens linked to low iron

A study of 158 pregnant teenagers found nearly half engaged in pica behaviors, such as consuming ice and starches, which are also associated with lower iron levels. This can lead to anemia, premature births, and low birth weights, posing a significant risk to infant mortality rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 20, 2014

Daylight is the best medicine, for nurses

A study by Cornell researchers found that nurses exposed to natural light had lower blood pressure, communicated more with colleagues, laughed more, and served patients in better moods. Access to natural daylight and optimized electric lighting can support circadian rhythms and work performance.

SourceCornell University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateAug 4, 2014

Study cracks how the brain processes emotions

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that the human brain uses fine-grained patterns of neural activity to represent emotions in a standardized code. This code allows individuals to share similar emotional experiences, regardless of personal perspectives or cultural backgrounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 2014

Mysterious 'Magic Island' appears on Saturn moon

Scientists observe a mysterious geologic object on Ligeia Mare, the second-largest sea on Saturn's moon Titan, which may be the first observation of dynamic geological processes. The 'Magic Island' is thought to result from changing seasons and could provide insights into Titan's liquid environments.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 22, 2014

Former athletes finish first in race for top jobs

A new study by Cornell University reveals that past participation in competitive team sports confers occupationally advantageous traits that persist across a person's life. Former varsity athletes are expected to be more self-confident and demonstrate leadership skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Leadership & Organizational Studies·DateJun 17, 2014

Emotional contagion sweeps Facebook, finds new study

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that emotional contagion occurs when people are exposed to positive or negative emotions expressed by their friends on Facebook. The study showed that reducing exposure to negative content in news feeds led to an increase in positive words used by users, and vice versa.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2014

Famine fear won't sway minds on GM crops

A study found that consumers were no more likely to support genetically modified crops for disease resistance when presented with stories of the Irish Potato Famine. Preconceived views about the risks and benefits of agricultural genetic engineering played a significant role in shaping consumer opinions. The research suggests that gene...

SourceCornell University·JournalAppetite·DateJun 11, 2014

Beer foam secrets tapped in new study

A new study from Cornell University has identified LTP1 as the key to perfect beer foam. The research found that the right amount and kind of barley lipid transfer protein No. 1 is essential for creating optimal foam.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Brewing Chemists·DateMay 14, 2014

A cup of coffee a day may keep retinal damage away

A study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that chlorogenic acid in coffee may prevent retinal degeneration due to oxidative stress. Regular coffee consumption could potentially protect against eye diseases like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 6, 2014

People unwilling to swallow soda tax, size restrictions

A recent study found that US adults are unwilling to accept soda taxes and portion size restrictions, but support adding front-of-package nutrition labels in schools. The survey of 1,319 adults revealed a strong positive relationship between years of education and policy support for reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 27, 2014

Eyes are windows to the soul -- and evolution

A Cornell University neuroscientist's study finds that human facial expressions arose from universal, adaptive reactions to environmental stimuli. The findings suggest that emotional responses influence vision at the earliest moments of visual encoding, leading to contrasting eye movements that filter our reality.

SourceCornell University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 20, 2014

Service is key to winery sales

Researchers found that customer service is key to boosting tasting room sales, with staff expertise and ambience creating a more intimate experience. The study also discovered that sensory descriptions of wine flavors can be off-putting for consumers, especially tourists.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Wine Business Research·DateMar 7, 2014

New molecules doom proteins with kiss of death

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new type of antibody, called a ubiquibody, which can target specific proteins for destruction. This technology could provide a powerful way to fine-tune research on protein deletion or reduction, and may also prove useful for future drug therapies.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 5, 2014

Game-winning momentum is just an illusion

A new study from Cornell University researchers challenges the notion that momentum plays a significant role in sports performance. Despite appearances, winning streaks have little to do with momentum. Winning the first game of a weekend series does not impact the probability of winning the second, according to the study.

SourceCornell University·JournalEconomics Letters·DateFeb 17, 2014

Child abuse rises with income inequality, study shows

A nationwide study by Cornell researchers found that child abuse and neglect are associated with income inequality, affecting 3.4 million children under 18 years old each year. The study also highlighted the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment, including increased rates of unemployment and substance use.

SourceCornell University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateFeb 11, 2014