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Cornell University


Tracking path of virulent bacteria via the web

Cornell students developed a web-based software and database to track bacterial strain characteristics and visualize molecular subtypes, allowing researchers to quickly analyze outbreaks and epidemics. The new tool reduces manual comparisons from days to minutes, aiding scientists in tracking virulent bacteria.

Living amid green space is highly beneficial to children

A Cornell University study found that living in housing with more green spaces boosts a child's attention capabilities and improves their mental health. The research suggests that the natural environment plays a significant role in a child's well-being, and simple interventions like preserving trees or planting new ones could have a po...

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Psychology and Nonverbal Behavior·DateDec 4, 2001

Poor or immobile elderly may not eat well this holiday

A study by Cornell University researchers found that factors like poverty, low education, and social isolation are linked to inadequate purchasing power for a nutritious diet. The research also reveals that functional impairments significantly increase the risk of food insecurity among elderly individuals.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 28, 2001

Fusion spin-off makes high-res images of tiny objects

Researchers at Cornell University's Laboratory of Plasma Studies have developed a new X-pinch imaging technique that produces extremely high-resolution images of minute objects. The technique, which uses powerful electrical currents to create plasma, has been used to image objects as small as house fly hairs and even living ants.

Medical FSAs used mostly by higher-end workers

A study by Cornell University researchers found that only 19% of single employees used Medical FSAs, while 33% of those with dependents participated. Higher education significantly boosted FSA participation among singles and families alike. Tax rates were also predictive of participation.

SourceCornell University·JournalMedical Care·DateOct 15, 2001

Cell-cell communication in the flower is unlocked

Researchers have discovered how plants' self-incompatibility works on a molecular level, revealing highly specific lock-and-key interactions between pollen and stigma. This breakthrough could enable genetic engineers to short-circuit reproduction and increase genetic variability in crops like tomatoes and rice.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2001

Welfare benefits may not keep people healthy

An international study found that unemployed individuals who received welfare-type benefits reported negative health effects, while those with unemployment insurance payments did not. This study suggests that need-based benefits like welfare are ineffective in maintaining the health of the unemployed.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 4, 2001

DOE contract to study combustion chemistry

Professor Terrill Cool's research uses flame-sampling photoionization mass spectrometry to detect key-reaction intermediates in laboratory flames. The new facility will produce average photon fluxes 100 times larger than current sources, enabling more accurate predictive models of combustion kinetics.

Impact of China trade on jobs, investment

A federally funded study reveals that China trade has led to massive job shifts, with over 34,900 jobs lost in the US and stagnating wages. The study also shows that large companies are targeting low-cost markets in China and abroad, contrary to expectations of rising wages and living standards.

Exploring the frontier of ultra-small electronics

Two Cornell University researchers are working on separate projects to develop new devices that could lead to huge increases in data storage and processing speed. George Malliaras is investigating the electrical properties of individual molecules, while Robert Buhrman is studying spin manipulation and quantum manipulation.

Chemists predict silver-flourine superconductivity

Researchers at Cornell University propose that silver-flourine compounds could exhibit high-temperature superconductivity, building on similarities to oxocuprates. Theoretical predictions are supported by detailed calculations and chemical reasoning, but experimental production will be challenging.

SourceCornell University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 3, 2001

Brain-development timeline for mammalian species

A new mathematical model developed by Cornell University researchers predicts brain development milestones in mammals, including humans. The model accurately predicted post-conception time of neural events in rats, mice, and monkeys, but revealed discrepancies for human infants and primates.

SourceCornell University·JournalNeuroscience·DateJul 10, 2001

Americans, Chinese have different childhood memories

A Cornell University developmental psychologist found that American adults and preschool children remember experiences differently from indigenous Chinese. Americans report lengthy, emotionally elaborate memories focusing on the self, whereas Chinese tend to give brief accounts of general routine events centered on collective activitie...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 26, 2001

Computer generates comparative gene maps

A new method developed by Cornell researchers allows for fast comparison of genomes, tracing evolutionary paths and identifying genes. This enables practical applications in plant breeding, medicine, and disease research, with potential breakthroughs in disease resistance and nutritional value.

Ancient origins found in arabidopsis genome

The Arabidopsis thaliana plant's genetic evidence suggests it emerged between 50 and 200 million years ago. Researchers used computational tools to analyze its genome, finding duplicated chromosome segments that date back to ancient polyploid events, providing insights into the evolution of agricultural crops.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateDec 14, 2000

Game of life allows all mating strategies

A study by Cornell University researchers found that each mating strategy in side-blotched lizards has its advantages and vulnerabilities, allowing them to coexist and perpetuate. The aggressive orange-throated males, loyal blue-throated males, and sneaky yellow-throated males all have a reasonable chance of reproductive success.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2000

Female birds choose best singers to have smarter offspring

A recent study by Cornell University neurobiologists found that female birds prefer males with the most elaborate courtship songs, which are associated with larger brain structures and improved learning abilities. This choice is thought to be driven by sexual selection, where females aim to pass on desirable traits to their offspring.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateNov 15, 2000

New center seeks environment-friendly growth

The National Center for Eco-Industrial Development aims to facilitate job growth and sustainable industrial expansion in economically distressed communities. The new center will encourage industrial ecology, establish eco-industrial parks and expand the use of processes to maximize communities' development potential.

One release of wasps can halve corn borer damage

Researchers at Cornell University have found that releasing an early army of beneficial Trichogramma ostriniae wasps can halve European corn borer damage. The study suggests that growers only need to release around 30,000 wasps per acre and that subsequent releases may not be necessary.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Biological Control·DateNov 13, 2000

'Six degrees' method samples hidden populations

A new sociological sampling method, called respondent-driven sampling, can identify hard-to-reach groups. By analyzing the connections between individuals in a group, researchers can gather information and correct for biases to obtain a representative sample of populations such as drug users, jazz musicians, and other marginalized groups.

SourceCornell University·JournalPoetics·DateNov 6, 2000

New understanding of hydrogen combustion reaction

A Cornell University research team studied the fundamental step in hydrogen combustion, finding that energy is released when newly formed water molecules are produced in excited vibrational and rotational levels. The study's results support new theoretical predictions, providing a breakthrough in understanding chemical reactions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2000