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Cornell University


Southern Ocean warming will mean a wetter West Coast

A Cornell University-led study predicts long-term increases in precipitation over East Asia and the Western U.S. as the Southern Ocean warms, regardless of climate mitigation efforts. The research suggests that accounting for cloud feedbacks in climate models can help explain uncertainties and improve predictions.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 2, 2025

New tool enables remote hardware troubleshooting

A new tool called SplatOverflow enables remote hardware troubleshooting using 3D phone scans, creating a scalable and structured approach to support users. This innovation addresses the current gap in hardware maintenance by connecting design information, documentation, and end-user discussions to actual hardware.

Dramatic increase in research funding needed to counter productivity slowdown in farming

A new study estimates that US agriculture needs a 5-8% per year growth in research investment or $2.2 billion to $3.8 billion in additional funding to maintain productivity through 2050. The urgency is driven by the impact of climate change, which takes time to be addressed through publicly funded research and development.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2025

Dynamic acoustics of hand clapping, elucidated

A study published in Physical Review Research reveals the intricate physical mechanisms involved in handclapping, including air flow, sound production, and resonance. The researchers found that the size and shape of the hand cavity affect the frequency of the clap, with cupped hands producing lower frequencies.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMar 12, 2025

Acoustic monitoring network for birds enhances forest management

Researchers at Cornell Lab of Ornithology use acoustic monitoring to track forest bird species and inform forest management decisions. The study creates detailed maps showing where different birds are likely to live, helping managers make better-informed decisions about thinning forests or conducting controlled burns.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2025

Better poverty mapping: New machine-learning approach targets aid more effectively

A new machine-learning approach to mapping poverty has been developed by Cornell University researchers, aiming to help policymakers and NGOs better identify the poorest populations in poor countries. The approach uses national surveys and Earth observation data to create actionable terms for policymakers, outperforming previous methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2025

Do starchy carbs cause cavities?

A new study published in Microorganisms explores the impact of starch on oral health and finds that high AMY1 copy numbers alter the oral microbiome, increasing disease risk. The researchers discovered that populations with a history of agriculture and starch consumption have more copies of the gene, which provides a survival advantage.

SourceCornell University·JournalMicroorganisms·DateFeb 26, 2025

Underwater mics and machine learning aid right whale conservation

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new method using underwater microphones and machine learning to estimate the population of North Atlantic right whales. The study demonstrates how this method can aid in the conservation of these critically endangered species by providing real-time monitoring capabilities. By analyzing...

SourceCornell University·JournalEndangered Species Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2025

Illegal market would dampen effects of menthol cigarette ban

A new study suggests that a menthol cigarette ban could be less effective due to the emergence of an illegal market. The research found that demand for menthol cigarettes would remain high even with limited access to e-cigarettes, leading to a significant black market. This could blunt the intended public health benefits of the ban.

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Economics·DateFeb 19, 2025

Babies’ babbling elicits learnable language from caregivers

A new study by Cornell researchers discovered that caregivers simplify their speech in response to babies' babbling, creating a feedback loop that drives learning. This effect is observed across multiple languages and cultures, suggesting that babies actively shape the conditions for language development.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2025

Researchers put the shine on digitally rendered feathers

Researchers created digital images of iridescent bird feathers that change colors at different angles, incorporating tiny variations for a glittery appearance. The new method uses specimens from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a reference and has potential applications in video games and animation.

SourceCornell University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeCase study·DateJan 22, 2025

New method turns e-waste to gold

Researchers at Cornell University developed a method to extract gold from e-waste using vinyl-linked covalent organic frameworks (VCOFs), capturing 99.9% of the precious metal while minimizing other metals. This approach converts CO2 into useful chemicals, reducing waste disposal demands and providing environmental benefits.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 2, 2025

MouseGoggles offer immersive look into neural activity

Researchers at Cornell University have created mini virtual reality (VR) headsets called MouseGoggles, which allow mice to navigate virtual environments with greater immersion and accuracy. The technology has the potential to reveal insights into spatial navigation and memory function, shedding light on disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 18, 2024

New study details why aging cells struggle to heal

A new study published in Nature Aging details the changes in muscle regeneration over time, finding that immune cells exhibit differences in abundance and reaction time between age groups. The research also identifies altered stem cell states, leading to discoordination in the process of muscle repair in older mice.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Aging·DateDec 2, 2024

Smallest walking robot makes microscale measurements

The team's achievement marks a significant advance in robotics, allowing for maneuverable robots that can perform up-close imaging and measure forces at the scale of some body's smallest structures. The new diffractive robots are tiny, measuring 5 microns to 2 microns, and can be controlled by magnetic fields to move independently.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateDec 2, 2024