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Cornell University


Caregiving for spouse prompts women to retire earlier

A new study by Cornell University finds that women who care for spouses are more likely to retire earlier, while men who are caregivers delay their retirement. The study, which analyzed data from over 700 employees and retirees, highlights the significant impact of caregiving on retirement decisions.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateOct 4, 2002

U.S. cities have 10 more hot nights a year than 40 years ago

A study by Cornell University researchers found that urban areas in the US now have an average of 10 more very warm nights a year than rural areas, which has significant implications for heat problems. The growth was highest on the East Coast, with cities like Miami and Los Angeles showing the most extreme temperature trends.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Climate·DateSep 26, 2002

DNA separation by entropic force offers better resolution

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a DNA separation method using entropic force, which offers better resolution than traditional methods. The new technique uses a nanofabricated device to separate DNA strands of different lengths, with the potential to improve genetic analysis and gene expression studies.

SourceCornell University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 23, 2002

Examining Kenyan agriculture and poverty structure

A Cornell University project explores the complex relationship between Kenyan small farmers, their communities, and the land they depend on. The research highlights the devastating effects of soil degradation, leading to reduced crop productivity and increased poverty. Understanding social and cultural factors is crucial in addressing ...

Sex-pheromone link to insect evolution

Researchers at Cornell University discovered a previously undetected gene that regulates insect sex-pheromone production, leading to rapid evolution of chemical systems and new species emergence. The delta-14 gene allows females to change their pheromone components, attracting only one male out of 200 with the same response.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2002

Promoting marriage may not benefit all children

A recent study published in Child Development found that black children in single-parent households do as well as those in two-parent homes in terms of math scores and delinquency. The study suggests that policies promoting marriage may have little effect on black children, unlike white children

SourceCornell University·JournalChild Development·DateSep 9, 2002

Reducing side effects of retinoic acid cancer treatment

A Cornell University biochemist has developed a strategy to make tumor cells more sensitive to retinoic acid, reducing required doses and enhancing its anticancer activity. By introducing CRABP-II, a naturally occurring protein, researchers can boost RA's ability to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateAug 13, 2002

Interfacing organic semiconductors to metal

The Cornell team will study the chemistry of inorganic-organic interfaces and develop fabrication methods to overcome difficulties in connecting wires to organic transistors. Their goal is to produce testable devices with useful properties, tackling challenging problems in molecular-based electronics.

Brain tumor therapy needs longer treatment time

Cornell researchers have found that a longer infusion time of boronophenylalanine is needed to effectively target cancer cells in brain tumors. The new finding has the potential to improve the success of boron neutron capture therapy, which has shown moderate success in treating tumors but struggles with aggressive cell clusters.

SourceCornell University·JournalRadiation Research·DateAug 1, 2002

Bacterial quorum-sensing structure solved

Researchers at Cornell University and Argonne National Laboratory have solved the structure of a key bacterial quorum-sensing protein, which could lead to new treatments for biofilm-related diseases. The discovery may also enable the design of targeted therapies to prevent harmful bacteria from forming biofilms.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 26, 2002

NY Regents standards inadvertently increasing dropouts

The survey found that in half of the state's school districts, students are opting for a General Equivalency Development (GED) certification instead of passing Regents courses. This trend is serving as a pressure release on the system, with students enrolled in GED programs being reported as transfers and not high school dropouts.

New method for 'visualizing' proteins

A new technique uses ESR to measure distances between atoms in proteins, revealing the overall structure of a molecule. This method is particularly useful for studying larger protein assemblies and membrane-embedded proteins, which are challenging to study using traditional methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 19, 2002

Dog 'model' for studying inherited human blindness

Researchers have discovered genetic mutations in dogs that mirror the genetic mutations of humans with inherited blindness, providing new insights into photoreceptor cell degeneration. The study has potential implications for treating both canine and human retinal diseases, including progressive retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceCornell University·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 7, 2002

Disorder forces DNA molecules out of tight spaces

DNA molecules are pulled into a dense array of pillars by an electric field and then recoil back into the open space due to entropic forces. The researchers estimate the minimum entropic force at 5.7 femtoNewtons, suggesting this method could be used to separate molecules by length.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 2, 2002

Mastiffs could aid treatment of retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in English mastiffs that causes retinal dysfunction and degeneration, mirroring human dominant retinitis pigmentosa. The study aims to find treatments and cures for inherited forms of blindness in humans by testing therapies first in dogs.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2002

Cooking tomatoes boosts disease-fighting power

Research at Cornell University found that cooking tomatoes enhances nutritional value by increasing lycopene content, a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin C levels decrease with heat, but antioxidants in cooked tomatoes increase, potentially reducing chronic disease risk.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 19, 2002

Flexible ceramic material is a 'plumber's nightmare'

Researchers at Cornell University have created a flexible ceramic material with a cubic bicontinuous structure, which conforms to century-old mathematical predictions. The material has properties that are not just the sum of polymers and ceramic, but something new, offering promise for efficient battery electrolytes and fuel cells.

Ergonomic changes help musculoskeletal problems

A Cornell University study found that workers using proper ergonomic products and trained in their use experience a significant decline in musculoskeletal problems. The study, which involved coordinating ergonomic interventions with training, showed improvements in nearly half of the participants.

Optical tweezers show how DNA uncoils

Using optical tweezers, researchers have observed the dynamic structure of individual nucleosomes for the first time. They found that DNA in these units can be released from histones through a three-stage process, allowing enzymes like RNA polymerase to access genetic information.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2002

X-ray camera images fuel injection in action

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel X-ray camera capable of capturing microsecond images of events hidden to optical cameras. The camera successfully imaged shock waves generated by high-pressure fuel sprays, providing new insights into the distribution and atomization of diesel fuel.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 4, 2002