L. Keith Woo is searching for cleaner chemical reactions by studying iron porphyrins, a type of enzyme that catalyzes oxidation and electron transfer reactions. His research aims to develop more efficient catalysts that promote reactions at lower pressures and temperatures, reducing waste and creating safer alternatives.
Research reveals invasive plant species do not become more abundant in new habitats than their native ranges, challenging long-held assumptions. Only a small percentage of introduced plants cause problems and spread widely.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a protein pathway that may hold the key to understanding and treating Parkinson's disease. By modifying the production of a specific protein, they believe it is possible to inhibit the destructive effects on dopamine-producing cells.
Iowa State researchers have identified and described two parts of the three-part system that pumps toxins from bacteria and allows them to resist antibiotics. The discoveries provide novel insights into how the transporter functions and could lead to ways to block its activity, heightening bacteria's sensitivity to antibiotics.
Research by Iowa State University economist David Frankel found that school segregation between blacks and whites has improved only slightly from 1987 to 2007. Despite increased integration among other racial groups, black-white interaction remains limited in public schools.
Researchers at Iowa State University found that innocent suspects may confess to a crime to relieve short-term distress and avoid long-term consequences. In two experiments, participants shifted their admissions to avoid immediate questions, even knowing it increased the likelihood of future consequences.
Ayman Fayed, an Iowa State assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is developing technology to improve the battery life of portable devices. He has created energy-efficient power regulators that convert a battery's uneven voltage into stable power for sensitive analog and radio frequency circuits.
A new Iowa State University study found that subjects who witnessed a criminal event and were tested about it immediately afterward were more susceptible to having misinformation instilled in their later recall of the event. This effect, known as retrieval-enhanced suggestibility, may lead to false convictions in criminal cases.
A two-year longitudinal study of Singapore youths found approximately 9% of gamers to be pathological players, associated with depression, anxiety, and social phobias. The study concludes that video game addiction is a serious behavioral problem separate from other afflictions.
A new study suggests that freshwater methane emissions impact the global balance of greenhouse gases, with a potential 25% change in net absorption rates. The research highlights the importance of including inland waters in carbon budgets, as they are more active in carbon processing than seas or land surfaces.
Researchers at Iowa State University are developing biorenewable polymers capable of healing themselves as they degrade and crack. The technology embeds catalysts and microcapsules containing a liquid healing agent within a composite, releasing the agent to form 3-D polymer chains that fill cracks.
A joint project between Iowa State University and Goodrich Corp. aims to develop advanced flow diagnostic tools for fuel nozzles in jet engines. The research uses techniques such as particle image velocimetry and molecular tagging velocimetry to analyze the uniformity, direction, temperature, and density of fuel droplets.
Researchers at Iowa State University and Ames Laboratory are developing designer optical materials that can refract light in a negative angle, enabling control over light like semiconductors control electricity. These materials have the potential to create flat superlenses with superior resolution for biomedical applications.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers demonstrates that replacing the enzyme for MPS I shortly after birth can prevent irreversible damage and clinical signs of brain, heart, and bone disease. The breakthrough opens the door to improved methods of enzyme delivery in human patients with similar genetic disorders.
The Iowa State team developed a process for producing a thin and uniform light-absorbing layer on textured substrates that improves the efficiency of polymer solar cells by increasing light absorption. Tests showed a 20% increase in power conversion efficiency and a 100% increase in light captured at the red/near infrared band edge.
Researchers have re-sequenced six elite corn varieties, discovering over 100 genes that are present in some but not others. This presence/absence variation could be crucial to understanding heterosis and producing better hybrids.
A team led by Sanjeevi Sivasankar at Iowa State University has developed a new instrument that can study individual biological molecules, advancing biomedical research, drug discovery, and cancer diagnostics. The instrument combines technologies to observe single molecules with high resolution.
Researchers Patricia Thiel and James Evans have discovered a general principle behind additive-enhanced coarsening, a process that transforms smaller objects into larger ones. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more durable nanoscale technologies and structures.
Researchers at Iowa State University and the Ames Laboratory discovered the flu virus uses a shuttle mechanism to relay protons through a channel, necessary for infection. This finding may lead to designing drugs that stop protons from moving through the channel.
Scientists have developed a new method to detect transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, progressive and fatal neurological diseases, in cattle and humans. The technique uses fluorescence technology to identify distinct differences in the fluorescence signatures of retinas from infected animals.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed Bioasphalt, a potential green replacement for asphalt derived from petroleum. The new material is created by mixing bio-oil fractions with traditional asphalt, resulting in improved hot- and cold-weather performance.
A recent Iowa State University study estimates that murder costs society approximately $17.25 million per crime, with total costs ranging from $24 million for the average murderer. The research also calculates costs for rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary.
Iowa State University researchers estimate a new fisheries system will reduce fishing costs by up to $22 million annually. The system uses tradable permits to control catch amounts, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in the fishing industry.
Researchers mapped infection-response genes in Culex quinquefasciatus to better understand its role in transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus and lymphatic filariasis. The study aims to broaden the understanding of immunity genes beyond those expected, potentially providing a new approach to controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
A research team led by Edward Yu has discovered the crystal structures of pumps that remove heavy metal toxins from bacteria, allowing them to resist antibiotics. This finding provides a better understanding of bacterial resistance and could help drug researchers develop treatments to combat it.
A new Iowa State University study found that corn bred to contain increased levels of beta-carotene is a good source of vitamin A. The discovery validates the promise of biofortified corn being developed as an effective tool to combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a technology that can produce ethylene glycol and propylene glycol from biomass, two high-value chemicals with various industrial applications. The process uses supercritical fluids and does not require expensive reagents or harsh compounds, making it a more sustainable option.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new type of hybrid protein that can make precise double-strand DNA breaks in living cells. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient gene replacement and editing therapies, enabling modifications to plant, animal, and human genomes.
Two Iowa State University astronomers are using Spitzer Space Telescope data to study big cool-temperature stars and dusty disks. The telescope is also identifying regions within the Milky Way that are forming intermediate-mass stars.
Iowa State University researchers will develop an instrument to reveal single molecules, test food contamination technology, and design taller wind turbine towers. The grants aim to grow the state's economy through commercialization of university technologies.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a special set of sugars that helps certain pathogens evade the body's natural defenses and vaccines. The finding may lead to new research for developing vaccines or cures for diseases like tuberculosis.
A new study found that prolonged wearing of high heels can contribute to joint degeneration and knee osteoarthritis. The researchers discovered that heel height changes walking characteristics, such as slower speeds and shorter stride lengths, and increases compression on the inside of the knee.
A study by ISU researcher Diane Debinski found that drought conditions could lead to a shift from flowering plants to shrubs in montane meadows. This change could impact wildlife populations, including elk, bison, and pollinators like butterflies. Medium-moisture meadows may be particularly vulnerable to climate change.
Avello Bioenergy Inc., founded by Iowa State students Jared Brown, Cody Ellens, and Anthony Pollard, utilizes fast pyrolysis technology to produce bio-oils for various industrial applications. The company's goal is to replace petroleum-based materials with renewable alternatives.
Children who exceeded two hours of recommended screen time were 1.5 to 2 times more likely to have attention problems. The study found that both TV viewing and video games contribute to increased attention problems in youths.
The Iowa State researcher's 3D imaging technology has been used by Rock stars like U2 and featured in Radiohead's music video. The technology requires less data and memory than current tools, making it practical for the entertainment industry.
Researchers at Iowa State University have designed a new type of transmission pole that can resist extreme loads and prevent cascading failures. The hinged poles, which are cheaper and easier to install than traditional structures, can be repaired rather than replaced, providing better and more reliable power service.
Researchers have identified synaptotagmin1 as the sole trigger for neurotransmitter release in the brain, a breakthrough discovery published in the journal Science. This finding has significant implications for understanding brain malfunctions such as autism and epilepsy.
A new method for detecting and genetically identifying salmonella from contaminated foods can provide DNA sequencing-like results in hours, rather than days. This could help recognize outbreaks sooner and stop tainted food from being delivered.
Researchers Monica Lamm and Theresa Windus are studying complex molecular binding and aerosol particles in the atmosphere using Blue Waters supercomputer, which will deliver better results for their studies.
In a study of 158 Georgia centenarians, researchers found that past satisfaction with life is the key to happiness in our oldest years. For the depression study, they found that diminished cognitive problem-solving ability and living in a nursing home were significant predictors of depressive symptoms in octogenarians and centenarians.
Researchers are studying plant stress response mechanisms to improve crop productivity and survival under drought and extreme weather conditions. By understanding how plants respond to different types of stress, scientists hope to develop new breeding approaches that enhance crop resilience without sacrificing yields.
A new study from Iowa State University found that consuming at least 150 milligrams of flaxseed lignans per day can decrease cholesterol in men by just under 10 percent over three months. However, the effect was not significant for women.
A recent study led by Iowa State University's Craig Anderson analyzed over 130,000 subjects worldwide and found that exposure to violent video games is a causal risk factor for increased aggressive thoughts and behavior. The research suggests that playing violent video games increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in both short...
Kerry Whisnant, a physicist at Iowa State University, has developed a formula that predicts baseball team success by considering run consistency and slugging percentage. His study shows that more consistent teams with higher SLG tend to win more games for the same RPG.
Iowa State University researcher is developing a micro-algal platform to stack desirable traits in algae, leading to increased oil production and hydrocarbon conversion for more sustainable biofuels. The goal is to create a flexible source of biofuels with reduced environmental impact.
Researchers at Iowa State University have won a total of $16.38 million in federal grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. These grants support research projects focused on advanced biofuel production, public health intervention programs, and scientific research.
A multicenter clinical trial of 224 postmenopausal women found no significant effect of soy isoflavone tablets on lumbar spine or total hip bone mineral density. However, a small protective effect was observed at the femoral neck among those taking the highest dosage.
Researchers at Iowa State University's Ames Lab have discovered the binding site of antiviral drug amantadine on the flu virus. The study shows that amantadine blocks the flu virus by attaching to a site within a proton channel, preventing it from infecting healthy cells.
Iowa State University engineer Steve Martin is working to develop better batteries for renewable energy alternatives by studying electrochemical reactions and new materials. His research aims to improve the efficiency and safety of batteries, which are crucial for widespread adoption of wind power and other forms of clean energy.