A Cornell research team used gene chips to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis and found that the bacteria's genes are activated after being engulfed by a macrophage. The study also compared the responses of M. tuberculosis to BCG, finding that BCG may be less capable of protecting itself once inside a macrophage.
A major new study published in Science warns that global warming and acidification are triggering widespread coral disease and stifling coral growth. The researchers argue that drastic action is needed from world leaders to protect coral reefs, which support 100 million people and generate billions of dollars in tourism.
Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues discovered that implanting embryonic cardiac cells into mice with heart attacks prevented arrhythmias. The technique improved electrical connections between cells and activated transplanted cells, restoring heart function and reducing arrhythmia risk.
A Cornell researcher has developed a system that generates power for nanoscale robots based on the energy-producing mechanism of sperm cells. The technology could enable longer-lasting and task-regulated nanomedical devices, including nanoscale pumps for targeted drug delivery.
A new report from Cornell reveals that people with disabilities are underrepresented in the workforce, with only 38% employed compared to 80% of those without disabilities. Additionally, Americans with disabilities face a higher risk of living in poverty, with 25.4% facing economic hardship.
A recent study found that most college students wish they were thinner, with 90% of women wanting to be within the normal-weight range. However, many overweight individuals also desire a body weight that would keep them overweight, suggesting a disconnect between idealized and healthy weights.
A Cornell University study found that trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD or depression exhibit persistent differences in stress response, including lower cortisol levels and prolonged negative moods.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified over 300 new human genes using a comparative approach to the genome. These newly discovered genes are involved in various biological processes, including motor activity, cell adhesion, and central nervous system development.
A new Cornell University study found that even small amounts of lead in children's blood are associated with reduced IQ scores. The study examined the effect of lead exposure on cognitive function in children with BLLs below the CDC standard, and found an adverse effect on nonverbal IQ scores.
Researchers found chemical traces of caffeine and theobromine in ancient pottery shards dating back to 1100 B.C., indicating that cacao was consumed as a fermented drink before being used for chocolate. The discovery offers new insights into the earliest consumption of cacao, challenging previous assumptions about its history.
A physicist has developed a novel technique to speed up scanning tunneling microscopy, enabling it to image individual atoms on a surface at least 100 times faster. The new method uses radio frequency waves to detect changes in distance between the probe and sample surface, reducing measurement times by several orders of magnitude.
A single amino acid variation in equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) creates a different type of EHV-1 that causes neurological disorders in horses. The researchers found that altering this amino acid reduces virus levels and makes the virus more susceptible to antiviral drugs.
Researchers compared 12 closely related fruit fly species to better understand genetic adaptation, immune systems and gene regulation. The study, led by Cornell University, found evidence of evolutionary pressures on genes and regulatory elements that control diseases, development and behavior.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a hormone in human urine that can safely reduce sodium levels and treat hypertension. The discovery was made possible by a new technique developed by Frank Schroeder, which allows for the analysis of complex mixtures of small molecules.
Cornell researchers identified a natural amino acid called meta-tyrosine in fescue lawn grass that inhibits weed growth and suppresses plant development. The discovery may lead to the development of new varieties of fescue grasses with improved weed-suppressing properties.
A genetically engineered eggplant has been developed to resist the fruit and shoot borer, a highly destructive pest causing up to 40% of crop losses in India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. The Bt eggplant is expected to reduce insecticide use by 30% while doubling yield, benefiting farmers and consumers in South Asia.
A recent Cornell University study suggests that eating at healthy restaurants like Subway can lead to consuming more calories than similar meals from fast-food chains like McDonald's. Consumers tend to overestimate the calorie counts of healthier options and order more side dishes, resulting in a higher overall caloric intake.
A new study by Sarah Soule and Brayden King found that protests related to labor or consumer issues provoke a more negative reaction from investors. Protests with greater levels of media coverage also have a stronger impact on stock prices, even if the actual size of the protest is small.
A Cornell team unraveled the fundamental physics of ruthenium tris-bipyridine, a molecular semiconductor with potential for flexible light-emitting devices. The discovery reveals that an electric field is concentrated at interfaces, not in bulk materials.
A low-fat vegetarian diet is efficient in terms of land use, but adding some dairy products and limited meat may increase efficiency. The study found that a high-fat diet with a lot of meat requires more land (2.11 acres) than some higher fat vegetarian diets.
Cornell engineers develop gel scaffold that can nourish growing tissues, supplying oxygen and nutrients. The system mimics a vascular system at the cellular scale, allowing for fine-tuning of biochemical environments and desired tissue outcomes.
Researchers uncover the elusive signal that triggers plantwide resistance, found to be methyl salicylate, an aspirin-like compound.
A new $2.9 million graduate student training program at Cornell will help bridge the gap between different scientific disciplines by focusing on nanoscale surfaces and interfaces. The program aims to train interdisciplinary thinkers and equip students with essential skills in public speaking, writing, and ethics.
A new initiative aims to better understand and enhance patient participation in clinical trials. Researchers will use socio-psychological approaches to identify factors influencing patients' decisions to participate. The project has the potential to increase patient accrual rates, leading to faster development of novel treatments.
Researchers will focus on biosensors, material-biology interface, and flexible implantable electronics for medical monitoring, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The program aims to advance flexible electronics technology in biomedical devices.
Researchers at Cornell University found that ion channels in membrane-bound vesicles do not carry charged neurotransmitters out of the cell. Instead, positive sodium ions from the outside compensate for the charge, a process known as electrodiffusion.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a mathematical model to describe the internal clock in living beings, which regulates sleeping and waking patterns. The study proposes that an extra protein may be necessary for the circadian cycle to extend over 24 hours.
Researchers have cloned a novel aluminum-tolerant gene in sorghum, providing insights into how specialized proteins can boost aluminum tolerance in crops. The new genetically-engineered sorghum lines are expected to increase food production on marginal soils in developing countries.
Researchers have linked unpredictable rainfall to cooperative breeding in birds, particularly among African starlings living in savannas. This evolutionary adaptation allows more chicks to survive over long periods of uncertain environmental conditions.
Researchers found that 97.9% of white rice is derived from a single gene mutation in the Japonica subspecies, while the remaining 2.1% comes from independent mutations in other subspecies. The mutation affects grain color by activating the molecular pathway for rice seed development.
Cornell researchers demonstrate a new way to make nanoresonators vibrate 'in the plane' – side to side. This technique shakes off extraneous materials, allowing only tightly bound pathogens to be detected. The ability to excite in-plane motion also has applications in making nanoscale gyroscopes and nano optics.
A study by Cornell University finds that pollution from water, air and soil is responsible for 40% of global deaths, with malnutrition and disease susceptibility affecting 3.7 billion people worldwide. The researchers warn that the growing world population, combined with environmental degradation, are major causes behind human diseases.
A recent study published in The ISME Journal reveals that a specific group of E. coli bacteria is associated with chronic intestinal inflammation in patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers found an increased level of invasive E. coli bacteria in inflamed areas of the small intestine, suggesting a potential causal link to the disease.
A nutritional supplement called Sprinkles has been shown to reduce anemia in poor children by more than half, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition. Children aged 6-24 months are most vulnerable to iron-deficiency anemia.
A new study from Cornell University found that exposure to smoking-cessation product ads increases the likelihood of quitting, even without purchasing products. The study suggests that 'spillover effects' from advertising may play a significant role in this phenomenon.
A team of Cornell researchers has identified a previously unknown gene in fruit flies that appears to have been created from scratch around 13 million years ago. The new gene, called hydra, is functional and likely plays a role in late-stage sperm cell development.
A study by Cornell scientists found that genetically diverse honeybee colonies produced 30% more comb, stored 39% more food, and maintained foraging levels 27-78% higher than genetically uniform colonies. These colonies also gained weight due to sophisticated communication mechanisms like waggle dancing.
Researchers describe a single bacterial protein, AvrPtoB, that can overcome plant defenses and evade immune response. The study suggests that the evolution of this protein is an example of the 'arms race' between pathogens and plants.
Researchers suggest assessing levies for by-catch to fund conservation measures. This approach would give fishermen financial incentives to avoid catching noncommercial species while providing funds to address more hazardous threats to seabirds and turtles.
A Cornell study found evidence of recent human adaptation, with 101 regions of the human genome showing strong selection signs. These include genes related to skin pigmentation, muscle attachment, and immune system function.
Cornell researchers have solved a fundamental question about DNA strand separation by demonstrating the active role of an enzyme called helicase. The study found that helicase exerts a force onto the fork and separates the two strands, contradicting earlier passive unwinding mechanisms.
Scientists from leading institutions worldwide issue a statement highlighting the critical importance of synthetic biology, citing its potential to solve eco-safe energy issues, outbreaks of malaria, and more. The Ilulissat Statement emphasizes the need for an international effort to advance research while developing protective measures.
Researchers discovered that African electric fish engage in 'electric duets' during aquatic courtship, using specific signals and motor displays. The study provides insight into the electrical and behavioral patterns of mating in these fish.
A Cornell University research project has found that on-farm trials have shown farmers can successfully reduce fertilizer applications without impacting yield and quality. By monitoring soil nitrogen levels, corn growers can optimize their application rates, resulting in cost savings of up to $10-$12 per acre.
Cornell researchers partner with Gene Network Sciences to create computer models of Dehalococcoides ethenogenes, a key player in cleaning toxic waste. The team aims to improve conditions for the bacteria, which sometimes struggle at cleanup sites.
A community intervention campaign in Herkimer County increased comfort with breastfeeding in public, from 54% to 69% among men and 35% to 46% among women. The project aims to reduce obesity risk in infants through improved cultural acceptance of breastfeeding.
Cornell researchers identified a dozen triterpenoids in apple peel with potent anti-proliferative activities against human liver, colon, and breast cancer cells. The compounds may be responsible for the anti-cancer properties of whole apples.
Cornell researchers identified a genetic mutation in orange cauliflower that allows it to hold more beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. This finding may lead to more nutritious staple crops by increasing their ability to store beta-carotene.
A recent study by Cornell University found that most US call centers are operated within the United States, not in India or other overseas locations. The report also highlights high staff turnover rates and costs, as well as the importance of collective representation in managing call centers.
A new study reveals how a fungus uses its circadian clock to control carotenoid production, protecting against sun damage. The discovery may also shed light on the regulation of human sleep cycles.