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Cornell University


Sea fireflies synchronize their sparkle to seek soulmates

Researchers discovered that male ostracods create distinct patterns of bioluminescence to attract females, which are then mirrored by other males, creating a spectacular underwater display. The synchronized swim occurs after sunset at nautical twilight and is used to entice groups of females.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2023

Wind and solar projects can profit from bitcoin mining

A new study finds that wind and solar projects can generate millions of dollars by leveraging bitcoin mining during the precommercial phase. The research suggests strategic placement of mining farms to maximize productivity, with Texas emerging as a top state for profitability. The authors recommend policy incentives to encourage envir...

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateNov 27, 2023

Oral delivery a possibility for silica-based C’Dots

Researchers at Cornell University have found that silica-based C’Dots can be taken up by the bloodstream after oral administration, making them a potential therapeutic delivery method. The particles' ability to induce ferroptosis, a cell death program, may also provide health benefits due to their natural presence in food.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 27, 2023

Crowdsourced fact-checking fights misinformation in Taiwan

A new study from Cornell University reveals that crowdsourced fact-checking platforms like Cofacts can effectively combat misinformation online. The research found that Cofacts users responded faster than journalists to queries, with their responses often being just as accurate, and clearer in presentation.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Online Trust and Safety·DateNov 21, 2023

Pesticides from cannabinoids? New study shows promise

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that higher cannabinoid concentrations in hemp leaves led to proportionately less damage from insect larvae. The study suggests the potential for developing pesticides from cannabinoid extracts, but such uses would be limited to non-edible plants.

SourceCornell University·JournalHorticulture Research·DateNov 15, 2023

Jurassic worlds might be easier to spot than modern Earth

Researchers analyzed Earth's evolution over the past 540 million years, finding that telescopes could better detect signs of life on exoplanets with a similar atmospheric composition to ancient Earth. The study suggests that planets resembling Phanerozoic Earth would have a stronger light fingerprint, making them more promising targets...

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters·DateNov 2, 2023

New tool measures food security duration, severity

A new method, probability of food security (PFS), measures food insecurity likelihood and finds that a third of US households experienced at least temporary food insecurity. PFS identifies chronic and transitory food insecurity groups for more refined policy addressing.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateOct 26, 2023

Familiarity breeds contempt for moral failings

New Cornell University research reveals that morality plays a central role in judging individuals within one's own group more harshly than those from other groups. The study found that people are more likely to judge ingroup members who engage in morally wrong behavior, as it threatens the social glue of the community.

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateOct 17, 2023

Pandemic boosted gardening, hunting in NYS

During the pandemic, New Yorkers increased their participation in wild and backyard food activities such as gardening, hunting, and foraging. Despite a general worsening of diets, these activities may have contributed to buffering those effects, with people consuming home-produced eggs and meat, and backyard-grown fruits and vegetables.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateOct 4, 2023

Cornell fills data gap for volcanic ash effects on Earth systems

Researchers at Cornell University have characterized volcanic ash samples from 40 explosive eruptions to provide a comprehensive dataset. The study found that the composition of volcanic ash varies significantly with grain size, tectonic setting, and chemistry, particularly in finer particles where salts increase and glass and iron oxi...

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 4, 2023

Birders & AI push bird conservation to the next level

A new method using big data and AI models the interactions of entire ecological communities across continents, revealing patterns of biodiversity. The collaboration between Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell Institute for Computational Sustainability provides vital information for conservation efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2023

Organizing can give tenants power to effect change

Research by Jamila Michener shows that organized tenants can immediately resolve direct problems and advance health equity through collective action. Tenants from diverse backgrounds across the US were interviewed for the study, highlighting the potential for power-sharing in rental housing.

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 3, 2023

Targeting unsuspected protein reverses lymphedema

A Cornell-led collaboration created a 3D in-vitro model of human lymphatic vessels that revealed a surprising mechanism jamming up drainage: the protein ROCK2. Inhibiting ROCK2 reverses lymphedema effects, offering potential treatment for this condition.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2023

When needs compete, love trumps thirst

A Cornell University-led study found that the brain's dopamine reward system dynamically retunes in response to changing priorities, prioritizing love over thirst. By using advanced techniques developed by researchers, they were able to track the brain's dopamine reward system and find for the first time that it flexibly tunes toward t...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2023

Remote work can slash your carbon footprint — if done right

A study by Cornell University and Microsoft found that remote workers can have a lower carbon footprint compared to onsite workers, with hybrid workers reducing their footprint by 11-29%. Lifestyle choices and work arrangements play a crucial role in determining the environmental benefits of remote and hybrid work.

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

Light pollution threatens coastal marine systems

A new study synthesizes marine light pollution science, revealing the impact of artificial light on coastal ecosystems and species such as sea turtles. The research highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate the effects of artificial light at night on marine life.

SourceCornell University·JournalAquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 12, 2023

New research sheds light on origins of social behaviors

Fruit fly research suggests visual system is involved in regulating social behaviors, which could have implications for understanding human psychiatric conditions such as autism and schizophrenia. Altering GABA signaling in the brain affects social inhibitions, leading to increased courtship behavior in males.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 5, 2023

New audio technique used for census of California Spotted Owls in the Sierra Nevada

Researchers from Cornell University and University of Wisconsin-Madison developed a new audio technique to estimate the Spotted Owl population across the entire Sierra Nevada ecosystem. The analysis yielded an estimated 2,218 to 2,328 adult owls on federally managed lands, providing critical conservation baseline.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 28, 2023

‘Thermometer’ molecule confirmed on exoplanet WASP-31b

Researchers have confirmed the presence of chromium hydride in the atmosphere of hot Jupiter exoplanet WASP-31b using high-resolution spectral observations. This detection opens the possibility of using chromium hydride as a 'thermometer' to determine the temperature and other characteristics of exoplanets.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 28, 2023

Hummingbird beak points the way to future micro machine design

A Cornell research team has developed a new way to design complex microscale machines, one that draws inspiration from the operation of proteins and hummingbird beaks. The lead author is Itay Griniasty, who led the development of an algorithm to simplify the search for magnetic patterns that spur the desired bifurcation.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2023

Few in US recognize inequities of climate change

A national survey found that few US adults recognize climate change has a disproportionate impact on socially and economically disadvantaged groups. Despite broad scientific consensus, many people believe climate change affects all groups equally or do not perceive its impacts at all.

SourceCornell University·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 9, 2023

Novel machine-learning method produces detailed population trend maps for 550 bird species

Scientists developed a novel Double Machine Learning approach to model bird population trends, removing confounding factors caused by changing human behavior. The result is detailed trend maps for each species down to an eight-mile radius, providing valuable insights for local conservation efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2023

City-dwelling wildlife demonstrate “urban trait syndrome”

A study of 379 cities across 6 continents found that city-dwelling organisms have evolved smaller body sizes, diverse diets, and changes in reproduction and foraging strategies. The 'urban trait syndrome' affects different species groups, such as birds, beetles, and reptiles, with varying levels of mobility and dietary adaptations.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2023