John Staver, a K-State science education professor, argues that intelligent design cannot be considered a scientific theory due to the absence of empirical evidence and rigorous testing. He emphasizes the importance of scientific experimentation and peer review in establishing new scientific ideas.
Kansas State University professor James Stack presents a paper on the National Plant and Diagnostic Network, which uses diagnostic centers, regional labs, and expert databases to rapidly detect and diagnose potential bio threats in crops and livestock. The network has already been effective in detecting natural outbreaks like BSE and s...
The PATH program encourages interactions between children and older adults, reducing fear and increasing understanding. The program has a positive impact on both generations, with older adults feeling validated and contributing to the lives of younger participants.
Researchers at Kansas State University have been chosen to sequence the red flour beetle's genome as part of a multimillion-dollar project. This will enable new experimental approaches and strategies for controlling harmful insects.
A $899,996 National Science Foundation grant will fund a five-year study to create an infrastructure for remote monitoring of cattle health. The system aims to alert livestock producers and veterinarians to emerging disease and protect the confidentiality of herd health information.
Kansas State University has received $4.2 million from the National Science Foundation to support new science initiatives, including a project in ecological genomics that aims to understand how organisms respond to environmental changes caused by human activities. The project will use the tools of molecular genetics with ecology to inv...
Kansas State University researchers successfully transplanted umbilical cord matrix stem cells from a pig into the brain of a live rat without triggering an immune response. The recipient cells survived for over six weeks and began to differentiate into nervous system cells, suggesting a new therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have identified a phenomenon where TV viewers misremember facts from news stories, often due to stereotypical thinking. To combat this, they suggest using semantic elaboration to promote critical thinking. By displaying the wrong-doer's face before or alongside the news anchor, false memories can be corrected.
Research by Kansas State University psychology professor maps choice-making in the brain, revealing two systems: deliberative and emotional. The study demonstrates the relationship between brain activity and observed choices, with surprising results on how the brain processes risk and ambiguity.
K-State's secondary education program has undergone comprehensive changes, providing students with more classroom experience from their sophomore year. This shift enables students to make better career decisions and have a more immersive learning environment.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that using costumes with books improves children's ability to recall characters and story sequences. The study involved preschoolers retelling a story with or without a costume, with the latter showing better results in recalling details.
Researchers have discovered a new source of stem cells in the umbilical cord, which can be obtained through a non-invasive method. The cord matrix stem cells have been shown to differentiate into neurons and glia, exhibiting telomerase activity and producing nerve-cell specific traits.
A four-year field study by K-State researchers found that altering rainfall patterns in a tallgrass prairie led to decreased physiological vigor of grasses, lower plant productivity, and reduced water availability. The team discovered significant reductions in carbon cycling and below-ground activity under variable rainfall conditions.
Researchers developed a tiny, portable neutron detector using a small wafer that can detect neutron signals from hidden nuclear weapons and materials. The device operates at minimal voltage and is cost-effective, making it a potential game-changer in detecting weapons of mass destruction.
A K-State microbiologist has developed a new instrument called the PULSIFIER to detect bacteria and pathogens in food samples without breaking them down. The device shakes pathogens into the liquid instead of pulverizing the food, resulting in cleaner samples that are easier to analyze.
Conducted studies show a strong majority of consumers favor irradiated ground beef, with surveys indicating 70-80% support the process when informed. Irradiation eliminates 99.9% of pathogens without changing taste or nutritional value.
A K-State professor has found that medications used to treat other animals can be safely administered to llamas and alpacas to relieve intestinal worms. He conducted the research in the university's animal facility and discovered effective treatments using anti-parasitic drugs.
A recent study by Kansas State University researchers found that birds cheat on their mates to avoid inbreeding and increase genetic diversity. In a collaborative study of three shore bird species, the team discovered that infidelity rates are significantly lower than those observed in songbirds.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can absorb all visible light but reject invisible light, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. This technology has the potential to make solar energy dirt cheap to produce and competitive with fossil fuels.
Researchers at Kansas State University have received a $1.4 million grant to develop semiconducter ultraviolet light sources, including LEDs and laser diodes, for detecting bioagents like anthrax. The team aims to create chip-scale and remote detecting devices that can be used in portable devices.
Grasshoppers are drawn to plants with mycorrhizal symbiosis due to their increased nutrient content and tolerance to grazing. The study, conducted by Kansas State University researchers, found that grasshoppers avoid plants without this beneficial relationship, suggesting a crucial role for fungi in ecosystem health.
The Karnal bunt pathogen faces challenges in reproducing over long distances, leading to declining small populations instead of growth. Researchers found that a critical mass is needed for the population to function well and invade new areas.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed an optically-active structure with a diameter smaller than a human hair based on III-nitride wide bandgap semiconductors. The tiny structures can be used as miniature displays, detectors, sensors or hyper-bright LEDs.
Researchers found that people don't remember individual web pages as much as they do categories, leading to confusion on corporate websites. Designers should focus on organizing information in a way that is consistent with how users mentally organize it.
A new study at Kansas State University found that people with neurotic tendencies hold onto negative emotions for longer than others, leading to poor health. In contrast, extroverts tend to maintain a positive mood for longer periods.
A study by Kansas State University researchers has linked anthrax vaccination to poor health outcomes in Gulf War veterans, suggesting that the combination of vaccinations and medications may have adverse effects on susceptible individuals. The research also found that falsified or destroyed medical records made it difficult to assess ...
The Kansas State University-led consortium aims to develop carbon sequestration strategies for U.S. agriculture, reducing greenhouse gas accumulation. The project will provide tools and information for farmers to implement soil carbon sequestration programs, improving the nation's farmlands and agricultural economy.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a new protective process using phosphates to bond with metal surfaces, preventing corrosion and improving safety. The technology has potential applications in industries such as healthcare, where it could be used to create safer implants.
Physicists at Kansas State University are studying the top quark, the heaviest quark known, which is 40 times heavier than any other quark. They aim to understand its properties and relationship with other quarks to uncover why it doesn't exist naturally.
Researchers Kun Yan Zhu and Jian-Rong Gao found that greenbugs with resistance develop a higher rate of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme, requiring more insecticide to kill. This breakthrough may lead to better pest control methods by monitoring resistance in individual fields.
A new five-dimension scale assesses consumers' perceptions of Internet retail service quality, highlighting factors such as performance, information, security, sensation, and access. The scale helps online retailers identify areas for improvement to increase customer satisfaction and drive sales.
Researchers are studying abnormal beta cell function to better understand canine and feline diabetes. They found that certain proteins play a crucial role in insulin secretion, which may contribute to the development of diabetes.
Research reveals wheat contains antioxidants that combat free-radicals, potentially fighting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Modified wheat strains with high levels of these antioxidants could be created to fight cancer through dietary inclusion.
A study by Kansas State University professor Marsha Dickson found that only 16% of consumers prioritize no sweat labels, which guarantee fair labor practices. Most consumers make purchasing decisions based on their own needs and budget before considering the impact on workers in other countries.
Researchers found that an egg phospholipid interferes with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, lowering its uptake by the intestine. This may explain why some studies have found no association between egg intake and blood cholesterol levels.
Kansas State University researchers have created blue micro LEDs that can be used in smaller items like cell phone displays. The new technology increases efficiency by 60 percent compared to conventional LEDs, which can lead to significant energy savings worldwide.
A recent study published in Science found that tallgrass prairies have more variable plant growth than deserts, despite having less rainfall variability. This suggests that these ecosystems can respond to changes in precipitation patterns and may serve as an early warning system for climate change.
David Wetzel's new technique uses infrared microspectroscopy to analyze small specimens without grinding or staining, revealing localized chemical content and spatial resolution. The technology has increasing applications in biological and other research, including rare blood disorders and hit-and-run cases.
Infrared microspectroscopy enables the analysis of localized chemical content in extremely small specimens. Kansas State University chemist David Wetzel and co-author Steven LeVine have pushed the technology's applications to the forefront of biological research.
A Kansas State University food microbiologist has developed a method to kill E. coli bacteria on meat using microwave and acid treatments. The approach involves dipping the meat in an 80 degrees Celsius solution of lactic acid for a few seconds, followed by short pulses of microwave treatment.
Researchers at Kansas State University found that bug zappers can spread microorganisms including viruses, potentially causing harm to humans. The devices may not be effective in controlling insect populations, as they indiscriminately kill beneficial insects and only kill a small percentage of damaging insects.
Researchers at Kansas State University conducted a genetic study on corn borer resistance to Bt toxins, finding that the European corn borer's resistance appears to be inherited as an incompletely dominant trait. The team emphasizes the importance of developing effective resistance management plans to mitigate potential losses.
Kansas State University has expanded its Experimental Engineering Model with an $800,000 NSF grant, providing college-level engineering students with real-world experience and skills in a manufacturing environment. The program aims to equip graduates with industry-relevant traits, such as communication and teamwork.
KSU civil engineer Steven K. Starrett developed the KTURF program to predict pesticide and nitrogen leaching, which is within 4% of testing case values. The tool helps golf course turf managers screen chemicals and reduce groundwater contamination.
Kansas State University researcher Xiuzhi Susan Sun has developed a new soy protein adhesive that is water resistant, strong, and non-toxic. The modified soy protein molecule unfolds to promote water resistance and increases adhesive strength. This adhesive performed well in various tests, including ASTM standard tests for adhesives.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a protein called PR-39 that can suppress the production of toxic oxygen metabolites involved in reperfusion injury. The substance may hold promise as an anti-inflammatory fighter, potentially preventing tissue damage associated with blocked blood vessels.
Research findings suggest that ferrets may be observed for a period of 10 days after biting humans, allowing for potential quarantine rather than euthanasia. The change in regulations has significant implications for the ferret community and public health veterinarians.
A Kansas State University researcher has invented a method for preparing a pre-formed emulsifier that reduces the calorie count of cakes by up to 50%. The emulsifier allows bakers to create low-calorie cake batter with high-quality cakes. By controlling ingredient proportions, bakers can achieve a desired structure and texture.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a plant-based bioremediation process that uses vegetation to clean up hazardous chemicals from contaminated sites. This method is cheaper than traditional methods, with estimated annual costs of $15,000 compared to $4 million, and can remove up to 10 pounds per acre daily.
A US chemist, Cliff Meloan, has developed a comprehensive training manual to help Central American food inspectors detect pesticide residues using advanced analytical methods. The manual, published in 1996, covers procedures for handling raw and processed foods, identifying chemical compounds, and quality control and assurance.