Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Cornell University


Mexicans settling in upstate New York are marginalized

A recent study by Cornell University researchers reveals that Mexican immigrants settling in upstate New York communities are marginalized and often unemployed, with limited access to education and social connections. The study found that those with social ties to community members fare significantly better than those without.

Child poverty going down, due to more mothers working

A study by Cornell University researchers found that child poverty rates have decreased in recent years, particularly among children whose mothers work full-time. However, significant racial and ethnic disparities persist, with black and Hispanic children facing higher poverty rates than their white counterparts.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateDec 1, 2005

Iron-rich rice improves iron status of women

A nine-month study found that consuming biofortified, iron-rich rice improved the iron status of women, increasing it by 20% compared to traditional rice. Non-anemic women with low body iron reserves and those who consumed more rice showed the greatest improvements.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateDec 1, 2005

People in committed relationships are happier

A Cornell University study reveals that people in committed relationships experience higher levels of happiness and well-being compared to those in casual relationships. The stronger the relationship's commitment, the greater the happiness and sense of well-being among partners.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateDec 1, 2005

Two studies find ways to block the 'freshman 15'

Two studies by Cornell professor David Levitsky found that women who weighed themselves daily using the Tissue Monitoring System (TMS) gained less weight than those in a control group. Additionally, women who received lessons on estimating portion sizes in all-you-can-eat dining halls also showed no significant weight gain.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateNov 22, 2005

People eat more stale popcorn if served in a big bucket

A new Cornell University study reveals that serving stale popcorn in large buckets leads to a 34% increase in consumption compared to medium-sized containers. Fresh popcorn in large tubs also results in a significant appetite boost, with participants eating 45% more than those given fresh popcorn in medium containers.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 10, 2005

Explaining why the Millennium Bridge wobbled

The Millennium Bridge's wobble was caused by a sudden synchronization of pedestrians' footsteps, which became unstable as more people joined in. Researchers found that only around 160 people were needed to trigger this phenomenon, which could be used to inform future bridge designs.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2005

Plant wounds trigger bacteria

A recent study has discovered that plant wounds trigger the release of chemical signal molecules that attract bacteria, causing a cancer-like disease called crown gall. The discovery may lead to novel controls for gall tumors and potentially a cure for this economically significant disease.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2005

Cornell finds natural selection in humans

A study published in Nature analyzed 11,624 genes and found that around 9% have evolved too rapidly to be explained by chance. The researchers suggest that positive Darwinian natural selection is responsible for the increased rate of evolution, particularly in genes involved in immune function and sensory perception.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2005

Having inaccurate self-insights has serious consequences

A Cornell University expert warns that people's capacity to evaluate themselves is usually modest, leading to overinflated views of expertise and character. This can have far-reaching implications in various aspects of life. The expert suggests that people should be more cautious about what they know and do not know about themselves.

SourceCornell University·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateOct 7, 2005

Looks matter to female barn swallows

In a study published in Science, researchers found that female barn swallows prefer males with darker breast and belly feathers, which signal high quality and health. This dynamic and continual process allows females to assess potential mates daily, influencing the evolution of showy ornamental traits.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2005

Unwed mothers are less likely to marry, study shows

A new study by Cornell University researcher Daniel Lichter found that unwed mothers are less likely to improve their socio-economic status through marriage. Married women with children are significantly less likely to be poor than unmarried mothers, with only 6% of couples living below the poverty line.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Forces·DateSep 27, 2005

New algorithm for learning languages

A new algorithm called Automatic Distillation of Structure (ADIOS) has been developed to learn complex patterns in raw texts, including transcripts of parents' speech directed at young children. The algorithm can generate grammatical new sentences and prove useful in fields like bioinformatics.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2005

Locating crucial atoms in superconductors

Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in understanding superconductors by locating crucial atoms that increase conductivity but decrease it in localized spots. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective superconductors and unlock new materials for various applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2005

Beetle-inspired switch uses water for bonding

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a beetle-inspired switch that uses surface tension to create bonds, opening up possibilities for powerful adhesive bonding in arrays. The switch can be scaled down to the size of a micron and operates using water and electricity.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2005

Babies detect unfamiliar music rhythms easier than adults

Research suggests that babies are more flexible in perceiving musical rhythms than adults, which may be due to their developing brains being less biased by cultural norms. By 12 months old, however, infants' abilities to detect rhythmic patterns in foreign music decrease significantly.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2005

Researcher uncovers details of how cancer spreads

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that connective tissue holding a cancer cell in place degrades, allowing it to spread to other parts of the body. The researchers identified a specific pathway critical for cancer cell activity, which could lead to more effective drug therapies with reduced side effects.

SourceCornell University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 1, 2005

Ethanol and biodiesel from crops not worth the energy

A study by Cornell University researchers found that producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant biomass requires more energy than the fuel produced, leading to significant fossil energy input. The use of these fuels contributes to air, water, and soil pollution, as well as global warming.

SourceCornell University·JournalNatural Resources Research·DateJul 5, 2005

Stolen gene allows insect virus to enter cells

Researchers discovered a fruit fly gene, f, that codes for a fusion protein enabling insect viruses to infect cells. The study found that the gene was originally transferred from an insect to a virus through recombination, leading to significant changes in viral behavior and pathology.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJun 30, 2005