Two prominent entomologists warn that recent studies on genetically engineered crops have distorted the debate, potentially having profound consequences for science and public policy. The experts question the methodology used in these studies, particularly one claiming Bt corn kills monarch butterfly larvae in laboratory tests.
Biologists predict that global warming and pollution will lead to more frequent die-offs of sea life, with diseases such as distemper and herpes virus spreading among marine organisms. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to understand the impacts of climate change on ocean epidemics.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to switch the orientation of magnetic domains in thin layers, allowing for the creation of high-density computer memory chips. The effect works by passing an electric current through a 'sandwich' of cobalt and copper layers, resulting in non-parallel magnetic moments.
A new study by Cornell University found that retired men who continue to work experience higher morale and lower levels of depression compared to those who remain permanently retired. In contrast, women's well-being is linked more strongly to the quality of their marriages, regardless of whether they are working or retired.
The article explains that 'hard' NP-complete problems are difficult due to discontinuous phase transitions, making them impractical to solve even with moderate-sized inputs. The research suggests exploiting certain properties of these abrupt transitions to make the problems easier by nailing down critical variables.
Despite having only a dozen mammary glands, naked mole-rat mothers produce up to 28 pups per litter and share nursing duties among the young. The colony's cooperative society allows for sufficient milk supply, eliminating competition among females.
A Cornell University study found that senior volunteers enjoy significantly higher levels of psychological and physical well-being than non-volunteers. The research suggests that volunteering provides retirees with social connections, routines, and a sense of purpose, leading to improved overall well-being.
Researchers at Cornell University's Boyce Thompson Institute have developed a novel approach to genetically modifying plants by using chimeraplasty, a method that coats gold particles with short chimeric DNA/RNA molecules. This technique has the potential to improve crop yields and nutritional value without involving foreign DNA.
The first 3D topographic images of the lunar polar regions have been revealed by Cornell University researchers, indicating potential sites for water ice deposits. The new images obtained through radar interferometry show five large craters in the south polar region that could contain significant amounts of water ice.
CHESS is building a major addition dubbed G-Line, which will produce X-rays at intensity levels five to 50 times greater than existing lines. The new facility will support 80 percent of research time for Cornell personnel.
Research by Cornell University reveals that genetically engineered corn, designed to protect against pests, can kill monarch butterfly larvae when they come into contact with its pollen. This has significant implications for the long-term survival of the monarch species, which is already facing habitat disruption and other threats.
A male rattlebox moth donates a plant-derived chemical to his female, protecting her against spiders and her eggs. The female can also benefit from this nuptial gift, with the Cornell study proving that she profits from the male's alkaloidal gift.
Researchers found that suppressing natural fires harms Northern Idaho ground squirrels, isolating them into shrinking groups where non-native plants overtake fire-resistant seed-laden grasses. The biologists propose two solutions: restoring habitat and reintroducing controlled fires to restore native vegetational structure.
A new study by Cornell University's Randall Peterson suggests that all small groups can function more efficiently by limiting free speech. When members have the opportunity to express their opinions, they are more likely to feel the decision-making process is fair, but excessive voice can stymie progress.
Jon Kleinberg, a computer scientist at Cornell University, is working on making the Internet more efficient by studying how information moves through networks. He aims to develop better routing algorithms that can handle congestion and optimize network capacity.
A two-year study of 350 pregnant women in Tanzania is being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple fortified drink in improving iron and general nutritional status. The drink, made with 11 vitamins and minerals, has shown promising results in improving anemia and other nutritional deficiencies in Tanzanian children.
Cornell University researcher Carla Gomes has received $700,706 in grants to develop faster methods for tackling combinatorial problems. She plans to use a high-performance computing facility with 32 linked desktop computers to test new ideas.
The sundial is designed to track the passage of hours and seasons on Mars, with calibration targets to adjust camera brightness and tint. The instrument carries a message from Earth to future Martian explorers, wishing them a safe journey and joy of discovery.
The National Science Foundation awards Cornell University $88 million to operate the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) accelerator for 54 months. The funding enables continued improvement of the facility for high-energy physics and X-ray research in various fields.
A recent survey by Cornell University's Program on Employment and Disability found that companies' health, life, and disability insurance costs rarely rise due to hiring employees with disabilities. However, attitudinal stereotypes about people with disabilities persist in the workplace, leading to fewer job offers and firings. Many HR...
A new neuroactive chemical, HF-7, isolated from spider venom may block overproduction of neurotransmitters causing brain damage after oxygen deprivation. Theoretical studies suggest HF-7 could stave off severe brain damage during short bouts of oxygen loss.
Researchers at Cornell University are studying turbulent flows by releasing tiny polystyrene spheres into a water flow, tracking their movement through a laser beam. The goal is to gain a fundamental understanding of turbulence, which could lead to practical applications in weather modeling and fuel efficiency.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to scavenge heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, zinc, nickel, or manganese from very dilute solutions, reducing contamination to the lowest detectable level
A recycling plan devised by Cornell University students aims to save restaurant scraps from landfills and send them to compost piles, boosting community greenhouse-gardens. Seven restaurants have expressed interest in composting their food scraps, and a pilot study is underway.
A Cornell University chemist has developed a zinc-based catalyst to produce polycarbonates, a class of materials with potential as biodegradable materials. The breakthrough could lead to more economical and commercial possibilities for producing plastics from CO2.
A new cleanup system called Anodic Fenton Treatment (AFT) can clean up waste water from pesticides and textile processing on-site in just two to three minutes. The AFT process uses two electrochemical half-cells to produce hydroxyl radicals that break down unwanted chemicals, producing safe water for disposal.
Researchers at Cornell University are working on an artificial gel made of silicon that could lead to faster and cheaper methods for DNA sequencing. The biochip is designed to identify DNA fragments by measuring their movement through uniform-sized passages, allowing for more precise control and comparison with theoretical predictions.
Researchers created a wax experiment that replicates ocean floor spreading, allowing them to study millions of years of geological time. The experiments revealed the formation of microplates, tiny chunks of solid wax that roll up and rotate in a spiral shape, mirroring the Earth's natural phenomenon.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanomagnets that can store data, with the potential to gather up to 100 times more information in the same space as present-day magnetic data disks. The devices are tiny bar magnets as small as 25 nanometers long and require new physics to make a system work.
Researchers at Cornell University have created a nanoharp to study the physics of very small vibrating systems. The device consists of silicon rods suspended above a substrate and measures vibrations using laser light, detecting frequencies up to 380 MHz.
The Geographic Information System Interactive Map Server allows users to view maps of major geographic features, including location of earthquake faults and technical data. The site draws on databases created at Cornell over the past six years, making geological data accessible to researchers and educators worldwide.
The Cornell team will monitor seismic waves produced by local and distant earthquakes using temporary recording stations set up in eastern Turkey. They aim to determine how the Arabian plate is being supported and what specific earthquake hazards exist in the region, shedding light on the early stages of continental collision.
A Cornell University study found that middle school students who used an adjustable computer tray improved their posture and reduced their risk of musculoskeletal problems. The improvements were statistically significant for the forearm, neck, wrist, and trunk, but only modestly beneficial.
A Cornell University study suggests that chelation therapy used to treat lead poisoning in children may have adverse effects on the developing immune system. The therapy, DMSA, was found to impair immune function in offspring of pregnant rats who received the treatment during pregnancy.
Researchers identify smaller, bright sand dunes formed of sulfates possibly gypsum, while larger dark dune fields are made of grains eroded from lava flows. The winds on Mars create landforms remarkably similar to those in some deserts on Earth.
A new research center at Cornell University is receiving a $3.5 million grant to investigate the challenges of employing people with disabilities and develop more effective policies to support them. The center will analyze data on workers with disabilities, measure their employment and earnings, and provide information for policy-makers.
A new Cornell University study suggests that cohabitation is driven by economic factors rather than weak family values. Women who cohabit tend to earn more than single or married women, while men who cohabit have lower earning potential and less stable job histories.
A Cornell University study found that almost 40 percent of third-to-fifth graders used computer workstations with heights, keyboards, and monitors that put their musculoskeletal development at risk. The research highlights the need for ergonomic considerations in elementary school settings to prevent health problems.
A new study suggests that crowded urban buses in Buenos Aires could be responsible for 30% of new tuberculosis cases. Researchers found that bus travel increases the risk of infection due to overcrowding and poor ventilation, posing a significant public health threat.
Cornell undergraduate students are using ethnobotany techniques to query Indian informants about plants with antibacterial properties, performing chemical extractions and bioassays. The research efforts have implications for discovering new drugs and preserving ancient lands.
A study by Cornell University ecologists estimates that non-indigenous species in the US cost $123 billion annually. These invasive species, including weeds, insects, and mammals, cause significant economic damage and threaten native ecosystems.
The National Water Initiative aims to address the US water crisis through collaboration among universities, states, and federal agencies. The initiative proposes decentralized research work at the state level, with $250 million in new funding for results-oriented research.
Cornell researchers have used genetic mapping to identify genes that boost rice yield and disease resistance in poor farmers. By introgressing genes from wild rice varieties into domesticated rice, they have increased crop production in unfavorable conditions.
A recent study by Cornell University sociologist Marin Clarkberg found that only 10 percent of couples prefer the traditional breadwinner/full-time housewife family model, yet 25 percent end up fitting this mold. Women are particularly affected, with many wanting to work part-time but unable to find opportunities due to the all-or-noth...
A Cornell University study finds that working couples with long work hours report the lowest quality of life due to increased conflict between work and personal life, stress, and feelings of overload. Couples with demanding jobs are at the highest risk for low life quality.
Hundred-year-old corals are succumbing to diseases they previously survived, highlighting the impact of rising ocean temperatures and worsening pollution on ecosystems. Researchers warn that as oceans become degraded, disease outbreaks and new pathogens may emerge, posing a significant threat to marine life.
The new genomics center will be linked to several institutions, including the New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and will strengthen existing databases for grain and plant genetics. This partnership aims to provide an internationally valuable resource for research storage and analysis of genetic data.
A lifetime of poor health can start with conditions in the womb, according to Cornell University researcher Peter W. Nathanielsz. He argues that adults may suffer diseases due to incompletely formed organs during vulnerable periods of development. The book emphasizes the importance of prenatal care and nutrition for future generations.
A team of Cornell University mission engineers created a last-minute fix to send commands to the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft, allowing it to capture hundreds of new images of asteroid 433 Eros. The fix was completed in just 12 hours and was tested for errors before being sent to the craft.
Children living in crowded homes exhibit poorer school performance and more frequent conflicts with parents compared to those from less crowded environments. Additionally, boys in crowded conditions show higher blood pressure, while girls feel more helpless than their male counterparts.