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Cornell University


Mothers live longer as child mortality declines

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that declining childhood mortality has added a full year to women's lives. The study used mathematical modeling based on CDC data and estimated that the reduction in maternal bereavement adds one year, or about 6%, to life expectancy.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 20, 2024

World's largest hummingbird is actually two species

Researchers identified two distinct species of Giant Hummingbirds, differing in their migratory patterns and genomes. The northern population remains in the high Andes year-round, while the southern population migrates up to 14,000 feet for non-breeding months.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Satellite images of plants’ fluorescence can predict crop yields

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a framework to predict crop yield using satellite images of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. This approach could help farmers react to changing conditions, improve crop health, and reduce poverty. By leveraging satellite data, the method is cheaper and faster than traditional yiel...

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 1, 2024

China’s bid to decarbonize may have hidden costs

Decarbonizing China's Southern Power Grid could lead to ecological and sociological trade-offs, including reducing cropland in favor of solar and wind power, impacting river basins like the Salween and Mekong. Building dams for hydropower production would also negatively affect ecosystems and fisheries.

SourceCornell University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 30, 2024

Enjoying nature shown to lower inflammation levels

A study published by Cornell University researchers found that more frequent positive contact with nature is associated with reduced inflammation levels. The study, which analyzed data from the Midlife in the U.S. survey, suggests that enjoying nature can help prevent or manage diseases linked to chronic inflammation.

SourceCornell University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateApr 22, 2024

In search for alien life, purple may be the new green

A team of scientists has discovered that purple bacteria, which thrive in low-energy light, could be a sign of life on Earth-like planets. Using this knowledge, researchers have created models of purple worlds with varying conditions and cloud cover, revealing intense colored biosignatures from both wet and dry purple bacteria.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 16, 2024

Lyrebird synchronizes elements of its mating dance

Researchers found that Albert's Lyrebirds synchronize their footwork with the beat of their song and manipulate the environment by shaking thorny vines to create a choreographed courtship display. This behavior is thought to enhance the male's display, making him appear bigger and more vigorous.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 28, 2024

Higher bacterial counts detected in single-serving milks

Researchers at Cornell University found higher bacterial counts in single-serving milks packaged in small paperboard containers, particularly after seven and 14 days of storage. The study suggests that carton-filling machinery may contribute to these higher counts, highlighting the need for improved cleaning and sanitation protocols.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateMar 11, 2024

Ice shell thickness reveals water temperature on ocean worlds

Researchers at Cornell University have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells. This technique can be used to enhance NASA's mission findings about Europa and Enceladus, two Jovian and Saturnian moons that could potentially support life.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateFeb 29, 2024

Babies use immune system differently, but efficiently

Research from Cornell University reveals that newborn T cells are more efficient at responding to early stages of an infection and defending against unknown bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This discovery clarifies why infants respond differently to infections, paving the way for therapeutic applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2024

Low-cost microbe can speed biological discovery

Researchers at Cornell University have created a new version of the Vibrio natriegens microbe to speed up biological discovery, enabling cost-effective and scalable synthetic biology experiments. This microbe can be engineered within hours and works effectively without costly equipment, making it ideal for testing protein variants.

SourceCornell University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 13, 2024

Multiple city hubs, dispersed parks keep metro areas cooler

An analysis by Cornell University city planning scholars found that metropolitan areas with multiple city centers and dispersed green spaces are more effective at mitigating extreme heat than those with one dominant city. Polycentric development can moderate the urban heat island effect, especially in larger urban areas.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironment and Planning B Urban Analytics and City Science·DateFeb 12, 2024

Creating safe spaces with and for Black girls

A study published in the Journal of Black Psychology found that creating spaces with and for Black girls can provide psychological safety. The Black Girl Magic Crew program validated participants' experiences, opinions, and encouraged explorations of self through specific curricular activities. This model can be used to create similar ...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Black Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2024

Nanofiber bandages fight infection, speed healing

Researchers at Cornell University have developed nanofiber-coated cotton bandages that exhibit excellent antibacterial performance against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial species. The bandages, infused with lawsone, a red-orange compound found in henna leaves, also show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateFeb 8, 2024

How to elicit an authentic ‘yes’

Cornell researchers developed scripts to provide targets with a specific way to decline requests, finding that this intervention was more effective at increasing feelings of freedom to say 'no'. The study aimed to reduce pressure and resentment in responses to requests.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 26, 2024

Gene expression atlas captures where ovulation can go awry

A gene expression atlas has been developed to map the complex cellular and molecular interactions that drive ovulation in mice. The findings reveal a previously unknown layer of selection that determines which follicles will release eggs, and highlight the importance of early differentiation markers for fertility management.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2024

Online versus reality: social media influences perceptions

New Cornell University research examines how people form impressions about individuals from social media posts. The study found that viewers' ratings of Facebook users often differed significantly from the users' self-perceptions, particularly when updates included photos or links. Cultural norms also played a role in shaping these per...

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 2024

Influencers’ vulnerabilities: a double-edged sword

A Cornell University-led research finds that social media platforms and the metrics that reward content creators for revealing their innermost selves open them to identity-based harassment. Influencers use platform filtering systems and other strategies to manage vulnerabilities, but the authors caution that internet hate and harassmen...

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cultural Studies·DateJan 2, 2024

Giant bacterium uses unique processes to power itself

The giant bacterium Epulopiscium viviparus has modified its metabolism to make the most of its environment, using a rare method to produce energy and harvest nutrients from its host's gut. This unique approach allows it to thrive in extreme conditions, with similarities to how mitochondria function in more complex organisms.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2023

New method could help estimate wildlife disease spread

A new method can help estimate the prevalence of disease in free-ranging wildlife by accounting for animal clustering. This approach may reduce the number of samples needed to detect a disease. The researchers focused on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer, which tends to cluster in family groups, making this method particularly useful.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Agricultural Biological and Environmental Statistics·DateDec 18, 2023

Under-the-skin implant could treat Type I diabetes

Researchers from Cornell and University of Alberta have developed an under-the-skin implant that can secrete insulin without immunosuppression. The approach offers an easier alternative to traditional transplants or insulin injections, with the potential for long-term management of Type I diabetes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 5, 2023