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Cornell University


Current takes a surprising path in quantum material

Researchers discovered that electrons flow through the bulk of a special type of insulator, rather than at the edges, using magnetic imaging. This finding provides new insights into electron behavior in quantum Hall insulators and informs the development of topological materials for next-generation quantum devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 3, 2023

Fact-checking can influence recommender algorithms

A Cornell University study found that encouraging fact-checking on Reddit led to a drop in story rank by an average of minus-25 spots, causing stories to be missed by readers. The research suggests that collective efforts to improve information environments can influence algorithmic recommendations.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 2, 2023

Unused renewable energy an option for powering NFT trade

Cornell University researchers found that unused solar, wind, and hydroelectric power in the US could support the exponential growth of NFT transactions. The study suggests that harnessing this excess energy could reduce carbon emissions from NFT processing, which currently reach an equivalent of 0.37 megatons of CO2 per year.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2023

Machine learning enhances X-ray imaging of nanotextures

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method that uses machine learning to visualize nanotextures in thin-film materials. This technique overcomes the challenge of preserving the sample, allowing for dynamic study of thin films and discovery of new morphologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2023

Exoplanet may reveal secrets about the edge of habitability

A newly discovered exoplanet, LP 890-9c, is providing important insights into conditions at the inner edge of a star's habitable zone. The team's models detail differences in chemical signatures generated by rocky planets near this boundary, based on variables including size, mass, and surface temperature.

SourceCornell University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 21, 2023

Wildfire smoke threatens already endangered orangutans

A new study led by Cornell University's Wendy Erb found that orangutan vocal changes can be used to assess their health, as they alter their frequency and quality of sounds in response to wildfire smoke. This innovative method could help monitor the endangered species' well-being without putting them at risk.

SourceCornell University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023

New research: Maybe crying in baseball is a good thing?

Researchers found that specialized MLB pitchers perform better in their specialty after obligatory tasks outside of their specialization, such as batting. This phenomenon is known as 'forced task inferiority,' where underperformance in non-specialist tasks frustrates specialists and generates heightened drive that they can channel into...

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganization Science·DateJun 7, 2023

Measuring greenhouse gas from ponds improves climate predictions

A Cornell University-led study found that small and shallow ponds emit significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, with variability increasing as pond size decreases. The research provides valuable insights into calibrating climate models and informs strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from inland waterbodies.

SourceCornell University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJun 6, 2023

Swarming microrobots self-organize into diverse patterns

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a method to control the behavior of swarming microrobots by varying their size. By mixing different sizes of microrobots, they can self-organize into diverse patterns that can be manipulated when a magnetic field is applied. This technique may help inform future applications such as targ...

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2023

Microbes key to sequestering carbon in soil

A recent study has found that microbes play a crucial role in storing carbon in the soil, with a four-fold greater importance than other processes. This breakthrough could lead to improved soil health and increased food security through targeted farm management practices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2023

Tetris reveals how people respond to unfair AI

A Cornell University-led study using the Tetris game found that players who receive fewer turns perceive their partner as less likable, regardless of whether a human or AI allocates the turns. The researchers also discovered that machine allocation behavior can lead to worse performance and gameplay when fairness is not guaranteed.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 15, 2023

Drug industry’s carbon impact could be cut by half

A new study from Cornell University found that the pharmaceutical industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact. The study analyzed the full life cycle of the HIV antiretroviral drug Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and found that energy usage is the biggest contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for up to 45% of t...

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 8, 2023

Neutron star’s X-rays reveal ‘photon metamorphosis’

A Cornell astrophysicist explains how the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) satellite detected polarized X-rays from a magnetar, revealing 'photon metamorphosis' – a transformation of X-ray photons. The phenomenon is a natural consequence of quantum electrodynamics under strong magnetic field conditions.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2023

Integrating STEM majors won’t end gender segregation at work

A new study by Cornell University sociologists suggests that increasing women's representation in STEM majors will reduce gender disparities in STEM occupations. However, the findings also indicate that labor market factors and policies play a significant role in perpetuating gender segregation. Integrating academic majors can help chi...

SourceCornell University·JournalDemography·DateMay 3, 2023

Woodpecker guides post-fire forest management

A new online tool predicts the potential abundance of Black-backed Woodpeckers after fire by incorporating pyrodiversity into forest management decisions. This helps balance human and wildlife needs in post-fire landscapes.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Warm-up time corrects creativity power imbalance

Researchers at Cornell University found that employees who are not in positions of power can become more creative when given time to warm up to a task by engaging in it multiple times. This challenges the idea that power boosts creativity and suggests a simple intervention to empower all employees.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 19, 2023

Organoids shown to speed glycoengineered vaccine development

Researchers have developed an organoid-based method to assess the potency of glycoconjugate vaccines, speeding up the vaccine development process. This method uses tissue from a single mouse to create hundreds of immune organoids, allowing for the assessment of dozens or even hundreds of vaccine candidates in just four days.

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 12, 2023

Migratory birds can partially offset climate change

A new study found that migratory birds, such as the American Redstart, can delay their spring migration by up to 10 days and fly faster to reach breeding grounds, partially offsetting climate change impacts. However, this strategy comes with a decline in overall survival rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2023

Teens who trust online information find it less stressful

Cornell University researchers found that teens' trust in COVID-19 news on social media is key to their well-being. Higher levels of trust are linked to a positive sense of social well-being and lower levels can lead to stress. News literacy programs are crucial for young people to discern fact-based sources from misinformation.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2023

Remember me? Gender, race may make you forgettable

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that being a woman or racial minority can help someone stand out in memory, but also increases the likelihood of confusion when others share similar attributes. The findings suggest that biases in memory may contribute to discrimination and have significant implications for career adv...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateApr 3, 2023

Study finds fish assess misinformation to avoid overreaction

Researchers found that fish in large schools are more willing to take risks and tune down their sensitivity to social cues, reducing the likelihood of responding to false alarms. This dynamic adjustment allows individuals to maintain control over their behavior, suggesting a potential evolutionary advantage in coping with misinformation.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2023