Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Cornell University


Evolutionary paths vastly differ for birds, bats

Researchers found that bats' forelimbs and hindlimbs evolved together due to correlated bone shapes, unlike birds. This suggests that bats may struggle to adapt to new environments. In contrast, bird species show little correlation between wing and leg shapes, enabling them to occupy a wider range of ecological niches.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 1, 2024

How gender biases shape investor response to shareholder activism

Researchers found that female CEOs were viewed more positively when using cooperative approaches, while male CEOs were regarded more highly when adopting dominant or assertive stances. The study suggests that investors' evaluations are influenced by gender stereotypes, leading to potential biases against female CEOs who deviate from th...

SourceCornell University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateOct 14, 2024

Liquefied natural gas carbon footprint is worse than coal

A new study by Cornell University finds that liquefied natural gas (LNG) exported from the US has a one-third larger carbon footprint than coal when considering processing and shipping. LNG's extraction, processing, transportation, and storage account for approximately half of its total greenhouse gas footprint.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy Science & Engineering·DateOct 3, 2024

Bee antidote to deadly pesticides shows promise

A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 11, 2024

Bald eagles face highest lead risk of New York deer scavengers

A new study from Cornell University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reveals bald eagles are most vulnerable to lead poisoning from bullet fragments, with many species at risk due to scavenging deer carcasses. The researchers used bald eagles as a bioindicator for ongoing monitoring of lead hazards.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateSep 11, 2024

Diagnostic tool identifies puzzling inflammatory diseases in kids

A Cornell University-led collaboration has developed a machine learning model that uses cell-free molecular RNA dregs to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The diagnostic tool accurately determines the patient's condition while monitoring organ health.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024

AI can slash indoor farming energy use

Researchers at Cornell University found that integrating AI into environmental control systems can reduce energy consumption in indoor agriculture by up to 25%. By optimizing lighting and climate regulation, AI helps create an energy-efficient solution for optimal plant growth, carbon dioxide levels, and ventilation requirements.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateSep 9, 2024

Researchers find ideal place to take reptiles’ pulse rate

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered an easy-to-reach location on the back of a reptile's head to take their pulse rate, corresponding to heart rate in healthy animals. This technique allows for a more complete cardiovascular examination and can be used to treat animals under anesthesia or when they're feeling defensive.

SourceCornell University·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 5, 2024

Sleep resets neurons for new memories the next day

A Cornell University study finds that sleep resets vital brain function by silencing certain parts of the hippocampus, allowing neurons to reset and enable new learning. This mechanism could lead to breakthroughs in boosting memory and erasing negative memories in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and PTSD.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2024

Asthma emergencies spike when allergenic pollen blooms

A new Cornell University study reveals that asthma-related emergency room visits spike significantly during periods of high allergenic pollen bloom in metropolitan areas. The research highlights the importance of science-based pollen forecasts to alert vulnerable individuals and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateAug 7, 2024

When is too much knowledge a bad thing?

A new study suggests that increased knowledge can backfire when individuals prioritize their own interests over the greater good. The 'knowledge curse' concept, coined by Cornell University economists, highlights the potential for enhanced understanding to hinder cooperation and lead to worse outcomes.

SourceCornell University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 7, 2024

"Lost" birds list will aid in protecting species

A group of scientists has released a first-of-its-kind list of bird species that haven't been seen in over a decade, using public media databases. The study found 144 species, mostly threatened with extinction, with most concentrated in Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 17, 2024

Cocaine trafficking threatens critical bird habitats

A new study finds that two-thirds of critical bird habitats are at increased risk from cocaine trafficking activities. The study highlights the unexpected connection between drug trafficking and biodiversity, revealing that areas with growing levels of cocaine trafficking become more attractive to migratory birds.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 12, 2024

New research finds lake under Mars ice cap unlikely

Researchers at Cornell University found that small variations in layers of water ice can cause constructive interference between radar waves, producing bright reflections. This explanation accounts for the observed signals without requiring liquid water, casting doubt on potential microbial life on Mars.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 2024