Geetu Tuteja, an assistant professor at Iowa State University, has been selected as a Pew Scholar to study genetic networks that establish a healthy connection between embryos and their mothers. She will receive a four-year, $300,000 grant to conduct biomedical research aimed at advancing human health.
A new Iowa State University study reveals that combining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) improves food security by at least 2 percentage points.
A new blueprint for animal genomics research prioritizes improvements in efficiency, livestock welfare and production to meet the demands of a growing global population. The research focuses on using genomic technology to predict how environmental variation and management practices affect production.
Research by Sara Davis and Abby Dubisar found a stark contrast in information provided for women and men seeking elective sterilization, reinforcing gender roles and stereotypes. The study recommends improved communication strategies for doctors to better counsel patients on the procedure's benefits and risks.
Researchers found that doctors were as accurate in estimating patients' adherence as patients were in reporting their medication habits. Developing a medication routine or habit can lessen the risk of forgetting medication. The study aims to provide insights for doctors to effectively identify and address barriers to medication adherence.
A new study from Iowa State University finds that growing up in a community with limited access to banks or financial institutions can have long-term effects on financial health. Individuals who lack early exposure to banking tend to have lower credit scores and higher delinquency rates as adults.
Research from Iowa State University found that cultural values significantly limit the effectiveness of transformational leadership. The four core components of transformational leadership were tested in nearly 200 studies of over 57,000 employees from 34 countries.
A new intervention developed by Iowa State University researchers significantly improves course evaluation scores for female instructors. The study found that adding language to the evaluation form to mitigate gender bias resulted in a 0.41-point increase in teaching effectiveness ratings, as well as higher overall course evaluations.
A study analyzing 15 years of mosquito surveillance data found that Culex tarsalis is the most likely species to transmit West Nile virus in Iowa, particularly in western counties along the Missouri River. The research also identified increased risk areas and recommended preventive measures.
A team of researchers has developed a mathematical model to calculate the cost - time and energy - to complete a task based on the number of drones and recharging stations available. The model considers the energy required for each drone to complete its portion of the task and fly to a charging station as needed.
A new study published in Genome Biology identified key genomic features that may have enabled the domestication of corn and soybeans. The research found that these crops occupy a middle ground in their willingness to mutate, with higher mutation rates in modern varieties compared to their wild relatives.
A new Iowa State University study found that rurality, education, and race significantly predicted the change from Democrat to Republican in Iowa. White, rural voters without a college education were more likely to switch to Republican. The research counters the narrative that economic anxiety was the reason for this shift.
A new study from Iowa State University found that same-sex couples are less likely to be approved for mortgages, with approval rates ranging from 3-8% lower. Same-sex applicants also faced higher interest and fees, with the difference adding up to $86 million annually.
A new study identifies a particular bacterial genus, Brevibacterium, and its genetic pathways that likely govern histamine degradation. The research suggests harnessing strains that break down histamine to reduce allergy-like reactions in people who are susceptible to histamine reactions when consuming ripened cheese.
Researchers at Iowa State University are conducting a three-year experiment to gauge how quickly soil health changes after implementing prairie strips and how it reverts when the strips are removed. The study aims to answer questions about the long-term benefits and drawbacks of this farmland conservation practice.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that practicing loving-kindness and extending good wishes to others reduces anxiety, increases happiness, and fosters social connection. The study suggests that this simple strategy is effective regardless of personality type.
Researchers are analyzing hair samples to study how hormones and environmental factors influence puberty. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that trigger puberty and how personal experiences shape hormone changes.
New research suggests climate change could devastate painted turtle populations as temperature fluctuations disrupt the sex ratio, potentially leading to population collapse. The study found that warmer temperatures combined with stronger thermal fluctuations increase the risk of drastic shifts in demographics, ultimately threatening t...
A new study from Iowa State University researchers explores the biological processes by which exposure to metals can contribute to Parkinson's-like symptoms. The study found that manganese combines with a protein called alpha-synuclein, leading to misfolded proteins and a neurodegenerative response.
A recent study found that moderate muscle mass reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 32 percent. The benefits were independent of cardiorespiratory fitness, and higher levels of muscle strength did not provide additional protection. Building strength with resistance exercise may be a helpful way to prevent type 2 diabetes.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that requiring landlords to disclose recent bedbug infestations can lead to a reduction in infestations and lower costs for both landlords and tenants. This policy can create long-term savings for landlords and make life better for people affected by these pests.
Researchers developed a microfluidic model of the placenta, allowing for the study of caffeine transport from mother to fetus. The model showed that some caffeine does pass through, raising questions about maternal intake and fetal exposure. Further studies aim to personalize the technology and explore effects on individual cells.
Climate change is expected to increase the likelihood of violence through three indirect effects: increased irritability, economic instability, and eco-migration leading to intergroup conflicts. These factors can create a perfect storm for political violence, civil wars, or wars between nations.
A new study suggests that teaching classic literature can be a tool for social justice, rather than just promoting cultural literacy. Iowa State University professor Jeanne Dyches found that when students were given the tools to critically examine and question classic texts, they became more aware of messages of power and oppression.
Researchers at Iowa State University discovered a link between the satiety hormone Cholecystokinin and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, with higher levels associated with a 65% decrease in cognitive impairment. The study suggests that dietary factors may play a role in preventing or slowing disease progression.
A new study examines data from California Youth Authority and finds a strong likelihood of recidivism among offenders convicted of violent crimes. The research highlights the importance of considering an offender's entire criminal history during sentencing or parole decisions.
A new study led by an Iowa State University researcher found that higher average potency cannabis at first use increases the risk for the first symptom of cannabis use disorder within a year. Individuals who started using cannabis with 4.9% THC had 1.88 times higher risk, while those with 12.3% THC had 4.85 times higher risk.
A new study from Iowa State University found that weightlifting for less than an hour a week can reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 percent. The research suggests that strength training alone is enough to lower this risk, independent of running, walking, or other aerobic activity.
Researchers found that singing reduced physiological indicators of stress, improved mood, and enhanced motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. The therapy showed promise as a non-pharmacological approach to manage the condition.
Researchers at Iowa State University investigate how childhood emotional connections with physical activity influence adult attitudes and behaviors. They suspect the prefrontal cortex plays a significant role in regulating emotions during exercise. The study, using children aged 7-9, aims to measure brain activity, exertion, and pleasu...
Researchers found that testing students throughout a lecture enhances learning by facilitating association between old and new information. However, excessive questioning or easy questions may have detrimental effects.
New research suggests women respond positively to benevolent sexist gestures due to their ability to signal a willingness to protect and provide. Despite previous assumptions that such behaviors are undermining, women still find these men more attractive, even recognizing the potential harm.
A research team led by Iowa State University's José Rosa found that setbacks can prompt people to reassess the cost-benefits of their health-related goals, potentially leading to quitting. The study's findings suggest that targeted interventions can help patients shift their mindset from renegotiation back to implementation.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that a tax on medical devices significantly reduced R&D investment, sales revenue, and earnings. The tax, part of the Affordable Care Act, affected operating and marketing costs as well, but firms diversified their customer base and increased global market sales to offset the impact.
Researchers use ultrafast spectroscopy and terahertz pulses to uncover a new state of matter in superconducting alloys, which could enable faster, heat-free quantum computing and information storage.
A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that a mindfulness-based stress reduction program was as effective as structured exercise programs in increasing physical activity and extending life expectancy. The program involved 2.5 hours of meditation, self-awareness, and breathing exercises per week.
A six-year study by Iowa State University researchers found black doctoral students in STEM fields face structural racism, leading to unfair treatment, isolation and strain. The study highlights the need for diversity in STEM fields to broaden participation and increase representation.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a new class of low-cost and environmentally friendly semiconductors using sodium, bismuth, and sulfur. The materials exhibit ideal properties for solar cells, including a stable band gap and resistance to air and water exposure.
A new experiment by Iowa State University's Elizabeth Swanner simulated prehistoric oceans and found that much of the iron was reduced again into its dissolved form despite oxygenation by cyanobacteria. This unexpected result challenges traditional assumptions about how iron-rich sedimentary rocks are formed from ancient oceans.
A software prototype called eFeed-Hungers has been developed to divert excess food to those in need, reducing food waste in the US and India. The interactive online network allows donors to post food they have to donate and those in need to find nearby locations for pickup.
Engineers at Iowa State University created a new smart material that stiffens by up to 300% when mechanically stressed, supporting 50 times its own weight. The material is made from liquid-metal particles that break open under stress, allowing it to reconfigure and change stiffness.
Researchers tracked over 10,000 molecule trajectories to find increased reaction rates and reduced adhesion in nanowell-confined catalysis. The study could lead to the design of high-performance catalysts.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new graphene printing technology that produces electronic circuits with low cost, flexibility, and conductivity. The technology uses laser processing to create water-repelling surfaces on graphene flakes, opening up possibilities for self-cleaning wearable electronics and sensors.
Engineers at Iowa State University have developed a new type of wearable sensor for plants, using graphene technology to measure water use in crops. The sensors are made by patterning and transferring graphene-based nanomaterials onto tape, allowing for precise measurements of transpiration from leaves.
A new Iowa State University study found that dual-language learners (DLLs) outperform English-only students in cognitive and academic areas once they gain basic English proficiency. DLLs with limited English skills also made significant progress, eventually matching or outperforming English-only peers.
A study by Iowa State University researchers found that collective intelligence theory does not apply to real-world teams due to factors like leadership and communication skills. The research contradicts previous findings supporting the concept, which has been widely adopted in business and management.
Researchers demonstrate an engineering approach to combine four drugs and control parasitic worms, a major breakthrough in treating nematode infections. The technique, developed by Chih-Ming Ho, uses a feedback system to quickly identify potent drug combinations that are effective on a small-animal model organism.
A new Iowa State University study reveals that having a TV or video game system in the bedroom can lead to decreased reading time, sleep deprivation, and an increased risk of obesity. The research also found that children who watched violent programs on bedroom media were more likely to exhibit physical aggression.
A new Iowa State University study found that midlife depression is associated with tension in relationships with mothers and siblings, similar to those with spouses. The research also shows a stronger predictor of depression for daughters than sons, highlighting the importance of considering whole family dynamics.
The Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) at Iowa State University has introduced a new model for developing biorenewable technologies. By identifying 'bioprivileged molecules' with unique properties, researchers aim to create value from biomass and expand the bioproduct horizon beyond petrochemicals.