Iowa State researchers have found a new photo-excited graphene state characterized by broadband population inversion of electrons, resulting in optical gain. This discovery could enable the development of efficient amplifiers and opto-electronics devices.
The Iowa State team has successfully delivered functional protein and DNA into plant cells using custom-built nanoparticles, opening up opportunities for targeted genome editing in crop plants. This achievement marks a significant advancement toward delivering proteins and enzymes to both animal and plant cells.
Iowa State University and Salk Institute researchers discovered the function of three plant proteins involved in regulating fatty acid accumulation and temperature stress mitigation in plants. The study's findings have major implications for sustainable food production, biorenewable chemicals, and fuels.
The new Iowa River bridge features over 100 gauges that take 100 readings a second, providing quantitative information on the bridge's performance and condition. The system also monitors security and surveillance video, with data displayed in real-time on a website.
Researchers used a 3D foam replica and wind simulation to study tornado winds far beyond the storm's path. They found that complex terrain disrupts the tornado's structure, causing winds to extend into nearby valleys.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new approach for scheduling and pricing wholesale electric power, aiming to improve reliability and reduce costs in the face of increasing renewable energy sources. The goal is to create better schedules that optimize generation levels and minimize forecast errors.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that watching mean screens can activate aggressive scripts in the brain, leading to increased aggression. The study showed that both physical and relational aggression on screen can prime the brain for aggressive behavior, which has significant implications for today's societal norms.
Researcher Xinwei Wang found that spider silk conducts heat better than most materials, including silicon and aluminum, with a rate of 416 watts per meter Kelvin. Spider silk also exhibits an abnormal increase in thermal conductivity when stretched.
A research team including Iowa State University chemists has found that genetic mutations to cellulose in plants can improve the conversion of cellulosic biomass into biofuels. The team discovered that mutated plant cell walls produce less crystalline cellulose, making it easier to break down into fermentable sugars.
Researchers at Iowa State University are organizing a symposium to explore the idea of using instant communications technology to distribute information about crops and climate change to farmers. The symposium aims to develop global systems that facilitate quick communication between farmers, researchers, and policymakers.
A four-year Iowa State University study on cover crops between corn rows reveals higher yields and improved soil health. The study shows that planting living mulch, or ground cover, can maintain soil moisture, slow erosion, and sequester carbon.
Researchers developed Meta!Blast, a 3D video game that teaches cell biology to students. The game simulates a plant crisis and requires players to shrink to microscopic size to rescue lost scientists and save the world.
Dionysios Aliprantis is working on a project to develop computer modeling technology that will show engineers how to design and shape electric motors to increase power generation. By optimizing performance in one direction of rotation, the goal is to get more power out of the same size motor or achieve the same power with a smaller motor.
Researchers have determined the 3-D structure of a TAL effector bound to DNA, allowing scientists to better understand its ability to recognize and stick to specific sequences. This discovery will improve scientists' ability to target the proteins to different locations in a genome and predict their binding to unintended sites.
Astronomers have discovered two Earth-sized planets, KOI 55.01 and KOI 55.02, that survived the red-giant expansion of their host star, KIC 05807616. The planets are extremely close to their host star and experience harsh temperatures up to 16,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers are using mini wind turbines and advanced flow measurements to understand the impact of hilly terrain on wind turbine performance. Preliminary results show that turbines on hilly terrain experience higher wind loads and recover power potential more rapidly than those on flat ground.
Researchers propose taxing food processing ingredients to reduce calories in sugary foods and make the tax more effective and less disruptive to consumers
Chimpanzees from the Fongoli research site in Senegal frequently share plant food and hunting tools with other chimps, exhibiting behavior similar to humans. The study found that females commonly receive food from males, potentially as a future mating strategy.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a genetic method to boost algae biomass by 50-80 percent, enabling the production of more efficient biofuels. The breakthrough involves expressing two genes that increase photosynthesis in the plant, leading to increased organic matter production.
A national panel led by Iowa State University engineers is researching and developing technologies that capture, use and sequester carbon while enhancing food production, ecosystems, economic development and national security. The panel aims to develop an intellectual framework for a carbon negative economy by adopting a strategy of ac...
A recent Iowa State University study analyzed data from nearly 2,700 NSLP children and found the program reduces food insecurity by 3.8%, poor general health by 29% and obesity by at least 17%. The researchers suggest that school lunches have a generally beneficial effect on children's health outcomes.
A global research team, Nutrient Network (NutNet), has grown to involve over 100 researchers worldwide in six years, using a revolutionary cooperative approach and meta-analysis of existing studies. The team's method has been recognized by Science journal, highlighting its potential for other disciplines.
Researchers at Iowa State University's Wind Energy Manufacturing Lab are working to develop new manufacturing methods that can improve the productivity of turbine blade factories by up to 35%. The lab uses advanced technologies like lasers and nondestructive evaluation to analyze and improve wind blade edges, fabric manipulation techni...
Researchers can create new materials with distinct electrical, optical, and mechanical properties using self-assembly processes. These developments have the potential to tackle challenges in catalysis, medical sensing, and other fields.
Researchers have built upon the 2009 discovery of TAL effector proteins, which enable targeted gene manipulation, leading to breakthroughs in understanding gene function and improving traits in livestock and plants. The technology has also been successfully used in model organisms such as yeast, zebrafish, and human stem cells.
Researchers used the $20 million VERITAS telescope to discover pulsed gamma rays exceeding energies of 100 billion electron volts, a surprise given previous detection limits were at 25 billion eV. The findings indicate a need for new ideas about pulsars and their gamma-ray production.
Researchers at Iowa State University have produced a new method to create inexpensive sugars from biomass using fast pyrolysis. This process could potentially be the cheapest way to produce biofuels or biorenewable chemicals, offering a more sustainable alternative.
A multi-state research team will develop a blueprint for using marginal farmlands to grow perennial grasses for biomass, reducing soil erosion and increasing carbon sequestration. The study aims to create a market for perennial grass that gives farmers a solid return, promoting sustainable land use and biofuel production.
A new study published in Science journal challenges the long-held hypothesis that a relationship exists between plant biomass production and the number of coexisting plant species. The research, led by Iowa State University scientists, found no evidence to support this correlation, contrary to decades of previous studies.
Researchers discover that a dwarf galaxy may have created the Milky Way's spiral arms through a collision with our galaxy. Astronomer Curtis Struck cautions that these collisions can have significant effects on galaxy growth and evolution.
A team of Iowa State researchers has developed a new method for analyzing drinking water samples in space, using colorimetric solid phase extraction to detect iodine and silver concentrations. The innovative technology will enable astronauts to quickly assess the safety of their drinking water in real-time.
Iowa State University will lead a five-year project to build the state's research capacity in renewable energy and energy efficiency, supported by a $20 million NSF grant. The program aims to establish Iowa as a leader in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
A new study from Iowa State University found that social partners can help extend memory in middle-aged couples by filling in memory gaps. However, this collaboration is not as effective for older couples, who may struggle with unreliable partner memories.
A new analysis of plants in grassland ecosystems worldwide reveals that most species are crucial for ecosystem functioning. Researchers found that 84% of grassland species promote ecosystem functioning at some point, contradicting previous assumptions about the importance of diversity.
Researchers at Iowa State University discovered that a perennial cover crop can be used on corn fields to achieve similar yields to traditional farming methods while also improving soil quality and reducing erosion. The study found that using Kentucky bluegrass as the perennial cover crop resulted in yields of over 200 bushels per acre.
Physicist Mayly Sanchez is working on developing photodetectors for a proposed neutrino water Cherenkov detector, aiming to improve physics capabilities and detect neutrinos more efficiently. The goal is to contribute to the $900 million Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment.
Researchers are testing new technologies that detect hard and soft spots in roadbeds, allowing for more efficient and effective foundation construction. The mobile lab's work could also be applied to the construction and monitoring of earthen levees to improve stability and reduce costs.
A new national study found that parents prefer media content ratings systems that provide detailed information on content type, rather than relying solely on age-based ratings. The study, led by Douglas Gentile, suggests that existing ratings do not cover all the areas parents want and are not completely accurate.
Researchers used the Jaguar supercomputer to simulate the interactions within carbon-14 nuclei and found that strong three-nucleon forces extend its decay. This discovery helps explain why carbon-14 is a useful tool for dating ancient objects.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a fungus-based process that improves the economics of ethanol production by producing high-quality animal feed and cleaning water for recycling. The MycoMeal process has the potential to save US ethanol producers up to $800 million per year in energy costs.
A new article by Douglas Gentile highlights the complexities of video game effects on children and adolescents, citing at least five dimensions: amount of play, content, game context, structure, and mechanics. The research suggests that games can have both positive and negative effects depending on these factors
A team led by Iowa State chemist Malika Jeffries-EL has developed new polymer structures that mimic traditional semiconductors, improving properties of certain organic polymers. The research aims to create more efficient organic solar cells and light-emitting diodes.
Researchers at ISU have discovered a new pathway that allows plants to activate a response to environmental stress, leading to reduced yields. Understanding this pathway could lead to the development of crops that can tolerate stress and maintain high productivity.
Researchers have deciphered the relationships among flies, confirming episodic radiations and identifying over 400 morphological characteristics. The study sheds light on the evolutionary history of flies, which has been extensively branching out over 260 million years.
The Iowa State University team created an interactive simulator, I-BOS, which replicates real-world biorefinery operations and includes features like video clips from actual plants and emergency scenarios. This tool can help train employees to operate a biorefinery more efficiently.
ThinkSpace, a computer interface developed at Iowa State University, is helping students tackle real-world problems in the horticulture classroom. The platform leverages the classroom experience into something students can use at work, making connections between theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
Astronomers have updated the census of sun-like stars with data from NASA's Kepler Mission, detecting changes in brightness in 500 stars. This provides a much better understanding of the stars' properties and their evolution, allowing for detailed measurements of star basics such as mass and age.
Scientists at Iowa State University have introduced a starch-controlling gene into soybean plants, increasing protein content by 30-60%. This discovery holds promise for improving nutrition in areas with protein-deficient diets. The research also sheds light on genes with obscure functionalities and their potential applications.
The Kepler spacecraft provides clear views of changes in star brightness, allowing astronomers to probe a star's core and determine its density and chemistry. The mission helps understand the life cycle of red giant stars, including whether they burn hydrogen or helium in the core.
An Iowa State University engineer studied the devastating impact of a February earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand, which killed over 160 people. The research highlighted the importance of regular building shape and structure symmetry in resisting earthquakes.