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Cornell University


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

Mental processing is continuous, not like a computer

Researchers found that language comprehension involves continuous processing and competition between representations, contradicting traditional discrete models. The study used mouse movements to track students' processing of words, revealing curved trajectories indicating gradual ambiguity resolution.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2005

Insects develop resistance to engineered crops

Researchers found that concurrent use of single- and dual-gene Bt plants can put dual-gene plants at risk if single-gene plants are deployed in the same area. Dual-gene plants expressing two insecticidal proteins offer improved resistance to insects, but may be more vulnerable to resistance development.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2005

The bigger the serving, the more young children will eat

A recent study published in Appetite found that preschool children aged 4-6 consume more food when served larger portions, regardless of their previous meal size. The researchers monitored the food intake of 16 children over five days and discovered that increased snack offerings also contributed to higher total daily calorie consumption.

SourceCornell University·JournalAppetite·DateJun 15, 2005

Tagging pathogens with synthetic DNA 'barcodes'

The researchers created 'nanobarcodes' that can be read by computer scanners or observed under fluorescent light microscopes, allowing for the simultaneous identification of multiple pathogens. The technology has potential applications in genomic research, clinical diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 13, 2005

Astronomers find evidence supporting theory of quasars

Researchers at Cornell University have found clear bumps in infrared emissions at 10 and 18 microns in five type 1 AGNs, confirming the existence of silicate dust and supporting the unified theory. This evidence may provide insights into the inner temperature of dusty tori and shed light on the structure of active galactic nuclei.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 6, 2005

Nanoscale switch links electronics to photonics

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a silicon device that can modulate light on a micrometer scale, enabling the integration of electronics and photonics. The device uses a ring resonator to filter out specific wavelengths of light, allowing for efficient switching between states.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2005

Mother birds increase progesterone to hatch females

Researchers at Cornell University found that higher-than-normal progesterone levels in female chickens during the first meiosis significantly produce more females. The study suggests that female birds manipulate sex ratios to adapt to their environment and ensure the next generation has enough females to care for.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiology Letters·DateMay 17, 2005

Man, chimp difference may have made us prone to cancer

A comparative genetic study by Cornell University researchers found that some genetic mutations in human sperm cells may allow them to avoid early death and reproduce, but also increase the risk of cancer. The study suggests that these mutations could have led to a positive selection advantage, making humans more prone to cancer.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 13, 2005

Simple but seminal: Building a robot that can reproduce

Cornell University researchers have developed a robot composed of modular cubes, called molecubes, that can self-replicate by bending and attaching to other cubes. This technology has potential applications for space exploration and hazardous work environments, where robots could repair or rebuild themselves with spare modules.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMay 11, 2005

Grandparent at home buffers single-parenthood

Children living with single mothers and grandparents in the household show similar test scores to those in married-couple families. Research highlights the importance of grandparents' role in supporting children during adolescence. Grandparents can serve as a source of strength for youth navigating this critical period.

Why are coyotes getting more aggressive?

A five-year study aims to investigate why coyotes are becoming more aggressive in urban and suburban areas of New York state, with researchers seeking ways to prevent conflicts with humans. The study will also survey public attitudes and behaviors relating to coyotes, as well as develop methods to induce fear without harm.

Third-person perspective is helpful in meeting goals

Researchers found that viewing past events from a third-person perspective can accentuate changes made, increasing motivation to pursue personal goals. This shift in perspective also influences behavior, with individuals who recall awkward social situations from a third-person view exhibiting improved social skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 14, 2005

NSF launches computer security center

The TRUST consortium, funded by NSF's Science and Technology Centers program, aims to create new technologies that make computer software and networks inherently secure. Researchers will focus on protecting against attacks, ensuring data integrity, and developing tools for building trustworthy systems.

NSF renews Cornell's Arecibo contract

The National Science Board has awarded Cornell University a $70 million contract to manage the Arecibo Observatory until March 31, 2010. This renewal will enable further scientific research capabilities at the observatory, with plans to develop new instruments and expand user access.

Spitzer Space Telescope finds bright infrared galaxies

A Cornell University-led team has discovered a mysterious population of distant galaxies radiating in the infrared spectrum with hundreds of times more power than our Milky Way galaxy. The galaxies are thought to be ultraluminous infrared galaxies powered by massive starbursts or active galactic nuclei, and their discovery is published...

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 1, 2005

Multimedia teaching tools for neuroscience

Cornell University researchers have developed multimedia teaching tools for neuroscience, including Koé, a CD-ROM that explores sound, and Fruitfly, which delves into neurogenetics. These interactive tools aim to make complex concepts more engaging and accessible for students of all levels.

Robots walk with close-to-human efficiency

Researchers at Cornell University and their colleagues have built robots that mimic the human gait, consuming energy comparable to a human walker. The robots use simple control programs, suggesting that steady-state human walking might require only simple control as well.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateFeb 17, 2005

Making plastics from oranges

Scientists create a novel polymer, polylimonene carbonate, using limonene oxide and CO2, offering an alternative to petroleum-based plastics. The biodegradable material has characteristics similar to polystyrene, a commonly used plastic.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 17, 2005