A study by Cornell researchers found a close correlation between cowbird brain size and its singing ability, which attracts females. The research suggests that visual and sexual selection factors go hand-in-hand in determining mating success among male cowbirds.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that auditors tend to make more objective decisions than salespeople due to their legal liability. However, when salespeople are held accountable for their decisions, their bias is reduced. The study suggests that making decisions based on facts rather than personal biases can lead to bet...
Astronomers have obtained radar images of a giant, dog bone-shaped asteroid called 216 Kleopatra, located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The asteroid is about 217 kilometers long and 94 kilometers wide, with a shape that resembles a distorted dumbbell or dog bone.
A new Cornell University study reveals that household chores such as scrubbing, mopping, and vacuuming are still among the most tiring tasks, similar to those found in a 1937 survey. The researchers recommend redesigning these processes to reduce strain and fatigue.
The Galileo spacecraft has captured the highest-resolution images yet of three of Jupiter's four innermost moons, revealing surface features as small as 2 kilometers across. The images show a bright surface feature on Amalthea named Ida, a streak of bright material about 50 kilometers in length.
A Cornell University study reveals that younger farmers' lack of access to modern technology hinders their productivity, while older farmers continue to use technology efficiently despite declining output. The research has implications for business management decisions and federal agricultural policies.
A $4.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation is helping researchers link disparate databases and protect confidential data for economic and social scientists. The project aims to improve quality of the Census Bureau's surveys and enable better research on social issues like welfare-to-work and aging.
Researchers identify epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin-gallate as key compounds responsible for flavor changes in commercial processing, and suggest adding vitamin C to preserve their stability. This discovery could lead to improved bottled or canned green-tea taste and enhanced health benefits.
Cornell researchers are developing an enzyme-based process to convert biomass waste into auto fuel, offering a cheaper alternative to oil. The process breaks down plant fibers into fermentable sugars using thermophilic bacteria enzymes.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified and cloned a key gene in the reproductive system of male cockroaches, which could lead to the development of safe and effective birth control. The goal is to create a pesticide that specifically targets pests without harming other insects or humans.
Cornell University materials engineers have created a polyvinylalcohol (PVA) nanocomposite that can be used to deliver drugs to the human brain or bloodstream. The material, with chains of polymer molecules controlling drug flow, has potential applications in tissue engineering and enzyme carriers.
The tortoise beetle uses its own feces to create a shield that deters most predators, but one predator, the carabid beetle, can penetrate it. The larvae attach fecal strands to their bodies and repair them if damaged, creating an almost impenetrable defense mechanism.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a standard spectrum of smell to identify individuals with specific anosmia, which can distort data in sensory research labs. The new approach uses gas chromatography olfactometry to categorize people into three sensitivity levels: hyperosmic, hyposmic, and anosmic.
A study by Cornell University economists finds that stricter high school graduation requirements can result in a 3-7% increase in dropout rates, affecting 26,000 to 65,000 students nationwide. Higher course graduation requirements are associated with higher attrition rates, dropout rates, and individual probabilities of dropping out.
Researchers found that field refuges made of non-Bt plants can prevent insects from developing resistance to Bt-engineered crops. The study demonstrated the importance of carefully managing insects within these refuges to ensure their effectiveness.
American students struggle with science texts due to oversimplification, despite being unprepared for complex language and concepts. A proposed experiment aims to improve student preparation by introducing more challenging books, potentially leading to better SAT scores.
A Cornell psychologist has challenged the idea of universal music experiences across cultures by finding a Western bias in the explanation. Research suggests that expectations play a crucial role in our emotional response to music, and that this may be specific to Western musical backgrounds. The study's findings have implications for ...
Genetically engineered rice can produce essential micronutrients to combat malnutrition. Biotechnology has the potential to improve the nutritional status of millions worldwide.
A new Cornell University study reveals that childless couples working for the same employer face unique challenges, including job dissatisfaction, depression, and blurring of work-life roles. Coworking women without children are particularly vulnerable, while coworking men under 50 experience stress due to their job demands.
Global warming accelerates human disease outbreaks, malnutrition, and environmental degradation due to increased pollution and crop losses. As populations grow, crowded cities will become breeding grounds for diseases like dengue fever, while waterborne illnesses spread unchecked.
The Cornell University-led Comet Nucleus Tour mission aims to conduct close-proximity comet flybys, studying the comets' geology and composition. The spacecraft will be launched in July 2002 and explore Comets Encke, Schwassmann-Wachmann-3, and potentially others.
Scientists have mapped the structure of a protein complex believed to influence cancer cell transformation, enabling potential development of unique cancer-fighting drugs. The Cdc42/GDI complex is a key regulator in both normal and cancerous cells.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that brain neurochemicals, not gender, play a crucial role in shaping social behavior in fish. The study found that isotocin and vasotocin, equivalent to oxytocin and vasopressin in mammals, modulate electrical output of the brain establishing social behaviors typical of females.
Rheumatic fever, an immune system disease caused by streptococcal infection, is now believed to have killed Mozart, according to experts. The composer's symptoms and death were consistent with the disease, which was rare at the time due to lack of antibiotics.
Children are at high risk for injuries from computer use due to poor posture and ergonomics. By following guidelines such as placing feet on the floor or footrests, maintaining a flat wrist angle while typing, and using adjustable workstations, schools can create safer environments for students.
Astronomers discovered that Jupiter's massive thunderstorms closely resemble clusters of thunderstorms on Earth, but develop from the planet's core heat rather than solar heat. These mesoscale convective complexes drive Jupiter's weather system and produce huge quantities of rain.
A new study by Cornell University found that ergonomic chairs do not significantly reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome or other wrist injuries in computer users. Despite being designed for use during keyboarding, typists extended their wrists beyond recommended angles in all tested chairs.
Astronomers observe regular eruptions of hot gas every 45-90 minutes, chaotic system behaving like a giant particle collider. Researchers discover new class of flares made up of synchrotron radiation and plasma bubbles.
A survey of 2,000 US and UK HR professionals found that organizations have made progress in accommodating employees with disabilities. Training and flexible policies are common, but challenges remain, including negative attitudes and inadequate record-keeping.
Scientists can estimate ancient atmosphere mass and composition using mayfly fossils due to their consistent flight mechanism, which records air density. The study suggests the atmosphere's mass remained relatively constant over the last quarter-billion years.
A study by Cornell sociologists finds that dual-earner couples are scaling back work to care for families and have more time for themselves. Women are more likely to take on these roles, leading to a 'neotraditional' arrangement where the husband's career is the primary focus.
The Mars Descent Imager will capture a series of about 20 images of the Martian surface, from 4 miles to 30 feet altitude, using a 'nesting' technique to create a complete scale of pictures. The high-resolution images will aid in studying the layers of ice and dust covering the polar region.
Cornell University researchers have discovered a gene, called SCR, that determines a plant's ability to accept or reject its own pollen. This gene is expressed in the anther and produces pollen with a specific label that distinguishes it from self-pollen.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming dairy products rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduced the incidence and number of mammary tumors in pubescent rats. CLA was shown to decrease the proliferation rate of mammary terminal end bud cells by 30%.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully built single iron carbonyl molecules using a scanning tunneling microscope. The team used the microscope to attach carbon monoxide molecules to individual iron atoms, forming new molecules with unique properties.
Researchers found that desert bee larvae wait for rain to emerge, using a bet-hedging strategy to minimize losses in drought years. The approach allows them to thrive in arid environments.
Researchers at Cornell University developed new tests to measure the true bioavailability of aging toxins like DDT, which may overestimate the risk to living organisms. The new tests meet standards set by common earthworms and provide a more realistic reflection of potential harm.
Researchers have created biodegradable hydrogels that can deliver medications, anchor biological tissues, and even serve as gene therapy carriers. The new materials have controlled release profiles and can be tailored to suit specific medication needs.
A Cornell University study found that a vertical split keyboard lowers injury risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, with wrists in safe positions 71% and 78% of the time. The prototype keyboard design reduces strain on wrists and forearms, allowing for more efficient typing movements.
Strepsipteran insects have eyes with larger lenses and more receptors, allowing them to sample 'chunks' of the visual field instead of points. This unique structure improves their visual capabilities and is similar to that of extinct arthropods like trilobites.
Researchers at Cornell University are working on bridging the gap between human dimensions and ultrasmall microchips. They aim to develop a dense array of connections to allow information exchange between large and small components.
Scientists are working on creating new thermoelectric materials that can rival the efficiency of conventional coolants in air conditioners. The goal is to develop a small, lightweight device that can both cool and generate electricity.
Researchers at Cornell University will use acoustic monitoring to count forest elephants in Africa, providing crucial information on population numbers and health. The project aims to support conservation efforts by tracking endangered species such as gorillas and rhinos.
Cornell researchers use the Palomar High Angular Resolution Observer (PHARO) camera to take near-infrared images of Neptune, revealing a massive cloud and numerous smaller clouds. The camera's high spatial resolution allows for detailed analysis of the planet's clouds and atmospheric circulation.
A cluster of 256 Intel Pentium III microprocessors linked together has created the largest
Biologists at Cornell University and Max Planck Institute found that Daphnia crustaceans can evolve quickly to cope with polluted water. The study showed that these tiny crustaceans adapted to handle less nutritious food, becoming a natural control for toxic cyanobacteria in Lake Constance.
A Cornell University study of over 1,700 six- and seven-year-olds found that single mothers' education levels were more important than family income for their children's math, reading, and vocabulary scores. Strong links between a mother's ability level and her child's academic performance were seen in white, black, and Hispanic families.
A Cornell University research team led by Paulette Clancy is developing novel semiconducting materials using polymers, which could lead to cheaper and more portable 'throwaway electronics.' The project aims to create new materials for light-emitting diode displays and flexible laptop screens.
A recent study highlights the dangers of communications towers for migrating birds, which mistake tower lights for the moon and collide with structures. The Cornell University meeting brought together experts to discuss solutions, including co-location rules and reduced lighting in tall buildings.
A new Cornell University study suggests that without democratic population-control practices and resource-management policies, the world's 2 billion people will face a difficult life by 2100. The report predicts an optimal population of 2 billion, with a standard of living about half that of the United States in the 1990s.