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Cornell University


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

Gene sequencing explains bioremediation 'bug'

Dehalococcoides bacteria can adapt to various environmental conditions through the use of mobile genetic elements, allowing them to degrade chlorinated pollutants. The genome sequence of Strain 195 reveals its ability to turn genes on and off in response to environmental cues.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2005

International marine survey of coral death

Marine scientists aim to fill information gaps on coral reef ecosystems to strengthen global management and policy interventions. The assessment focuses on identifying sources of new marine pathogens, reducing inputs, and developing control measures.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 8, 2004

Tiny paddle oscillator senses the mass of a virus

Researchers at Cornell University have created a device that can detect as few as six viruses using a tiny paddle oscillator. The device, which uses the natural resonant frequency of the paddles to sense changes in mass, has the potential to differentiate between various pathogens and toxic organic chemicals.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 4, 2004

Structure of new DNA enzyme family member found

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a new DNA enzyme, AIRs kinase, with a shape similar to other members of the riboside kinase family. This finding suggests that proteins may evolve using similar rules, and could lead to the design of laboratory tools for testing anticancer drugs.

SourceCornell University·JournalStructure·DateNov 3, 2004

One light beam switches another for photonic circuits

A team of researchers at Cornell University has developed a compact, all-optical switch on silicon that can control light signals in real-time. This innovation paves the way for high-speed optical routing in fiber-optic communications, eliminating the need for conversion between electrical and optical signals.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2004