A groundbreaking study led by LSU's Mark Batzer has decoded the orangutan genome, revealing unexpected insights into its evolution and genetic diversity. The research found that two distinct orangutan species exist, with one species having limited genetic diversity due to a condensed habitat.
LSU scientists and an international team discovered the Crab Nebula is flickering due to changes in magnetic fields near its central neutron star. The anomaly has significant implications for astronomers, forcing them to find new ways to calibrate their instruments.
Researchers at LSU found that Latinos with limited English proficiency are more likely to be murdered in new destinations, where cultural and social isolation exacerbate the risk. This effect is attributed to factors such as lack of cultural subtlety understanding, limited access to formal economy, and reluctance to report crimes.
The documentary explores post-election violence in Kenya, highlighting the role of universities and students in the conflict. The film reveals how a proposed land deal between tribes sparked widespread unrest, resulting in over 1,200 deaths.
Researchers discovered toxic Pseudo-nitzschia algae producing domoic acid in vast Pacific regions, contrary to the proposed approach of adding iron to reduce global warming. This finding highlights the concern that iron enrichment can promote toxic blooms in open sea environments.
The three-year project aims to investigate blowout dynamics and their role in climate change, providing insights into how these landforms develop on other planets. The research will also improve management of coastlines and provide public outreach through posters and booklets.
A large-scale international project is analyzing the genomes of 2,500 people to understand human genetic variability and its impact on disease susceptibility. The pilot study has already revealed significant findings on human genome sequence variation.
The Louisiana Alliance for Simulation-Guided Materials Applications (LA-SiGMA) will focus on three science drivers: electronic, energy and biomolecular materials. The alliance aims to build a critical mass of researchers in computational materials and biology through collaborations, shared courses and education.
Researchers investigate a massive salt industry in Belize's Paynes Creek National Park and its submergence by sea-level rise. They aim to reconstruct the ancient landscape and explore possible inland supply routes for the Maya civilization.
The grant aims to strengthen Louisiana's biomedical research infrastructure and workforce by connecting undergraduate universities with research-intensive institutions. The program will provide research opportunities for students and faculty, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and increasing the state's research competitiveness.
Two LSU research groups investigate the impact of oil and dispersants on the Louisiana salt marsh ecosystem and genetic structure of wildlife populations. The studies aim to understand short- and long-term effects of chemicals on natural systems.
LSU's Saundra McGuire collaborated with Nobel Laureate Roald Hoffmann to develop six effective learning strategies, including taking notes by hand and using practice tests. The authors also suggest six effective teaching tactics, such as bringing real-life examples into the classroom and using surprise and humor to engage students.
Researchers at LSU and two other universities are analyzing the impact of oil on Louisiana's marshlands using water samples and advanced spectroscopic analysis. The study aims to understand the molecular-level effects of oil contamination on coastal health.
Researchers at Louisiana State University are conducting vital studies to understand the effects of the ongoing oil spill on marine ecosystems, including oyster beds and the health of naturally-occurring bacteria. Additionally, LSU faculty are exploring how people cope with major disasters through social networks, shedding light on a c...
The National Science Foundation grants LSU a nearly $2 million BIPAS grant to enhance the university's high-speed data communication network, enabling researchers to handle large amounts of data and collaborate globally. The grant will also provide on-demand increases in connectivity for future research needs.
Robert Cook investigates how pollutants like pesticides affect soil, water supplies, animals, and people. His research focuses on the role of humic matter in dispersing pollutants through soil.
Associate Professor Huiming Bao has published research in Nature about massive volcanic eruptions and their atmospheric consequences. The study used computer models and geological data to simulate the sulfur gas oxidation chemistry and atmospheric conditions of North America long before human activities impacted air quality.
A study by LSU researchers found that socioeconomic and physical disadvantages, as well as social isolation, are associated with higher rates of older adult malnutrition death rates across the US. The research highlights the importance of addressing poverty, disability, and limited access to resources in reducing malnutrition-related d...
A multidisciplinary team at LSU has developed maps showing demographics affected by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The maps highlight impoverished areas, minority populations and workers in the oil industry, helping to pinpoint areas where support infrastructure is needed.
Studies find that civic engagement is associated with lower violent crime rates and all-cause mortality rates in communities. A robust civic climate, including institutions like churches and civic associations, and mechanisms like voting, is key to understanding community social problems.
A new LSU study reveals that increased Latino employment in low-skill jobs has displaced blacks from labor markets, leading to higher murder rates in urban black communities. The research attributes this trend to US immigration policies over several decades.
A new study led by LSU researcher Mandi Lopez aims to improve treatment of broken bones in horses. Adult equine stem cells have shown promise in repairing bone injuries, but little research has been done on the best combinations of stem cells and carriers.
The Pathways to Inquiry program developed by LSU professors Yiping Lou and Pamela Blanchard has shown a significant increase in student science inquiry skills, with an average gain of 12%. The program provides teachers and students with evidence-based tools to analyze and build inquiry skills through interactive activities.
A recent survey conducted by LSU's Public Policy Research Lab found that only 30% of respondents believe the federal government has a well-developed plan for hurricane response. In contrast, 80% of residents have their own well-developed plans, indicating a recognition of the need for individual preparedness.
The LSU research team aims to identify clinical markers of children with Specific Language Impairment in non-traditional dialects, such as African American English and Southern White English. They hope to develop tools that can be used in Louisiana classrooms to assist speech language pathologists and educators.
A team of researchers from nine institutions, including LSU, will drill through the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to directly access a subglacial lake and study its physical, chemical, and geobiological interactions. The project aims to investigate novel microbial species and ecosystems in this extreme environment.
Prosta Chakrabarty, an LSU ichthyologist, has landed a major grant to reconstruct the genetic heritage of heroine cichlid fishes. He also discovered two new species of angler fishes native to Louisiana, shedding light on the planet's history and biodiversity.
Researchers found a unique layer in Antarctic sediment with high abundance of marine algae and pollen grains, indicating a sudden warming event around 15.7 million years ago. The findings provide insight into global connections and climate forcing, shedding light on Antarctica's climatic past.
LSU has been awarded a grant to establish a Superfund Research Center, exploring the health effects of toxic combustion products and their potential impact on public health. The center will investigate the role of combustion-related nanoparticles in determining their special properties and harmful effects.
The NSF grant supports a collaborative project involving 15 school districts to enhance math and science teaching and learning. The institute offers a specialized Master of Natural Sciences degree specifically designed for teachers, aiming to improve the quality of instruction and increase student access to advanced courses.
A new study by LSU professor Patrick Hesp and USGS scientist David Rubin suggests that Titan's linear dunes could be formed by single-direction winds due to cohesive sediment. This alternative hypothesis has significant implications for studying Titan's composition, origin, evolution, and surface features.
A study analyzing business return to New Orleans post-Katrina found that 65% of businesses reopened by October 2007. The main concerns cited by remaining closed businesses were levee protection and damage to physical locations, with financing becoming a primary worry later on.
Q. Jim Chen leads a research group to develop an integrated model simulating storm surge and wind waves, which can improve the understanding of complex coastal processes and enhance practical applications for hurricane protection.
Researchers found that diverse croplands lead to lower dissolved nitrogen levels in surrounding watersheds, reducing aquatic pollution. The study suggests that policy changes can mitigate the negative impacts of agriculture on water quality through crop rotation and buffer zone implementation.
LSU engineers have developed a model forecasting chemical contaminants in Katrina-flooded homes, including aerosols and gases that can cause serious health risks through inhalation. The study's findings could be applied to future flooding events, helping prepare first responders for increased exposure risks.
Research found that communities with a large number of Catholic and Mainline Protestant churches tend to have lower mortality rates due to their emphasis on community outreach and public charity. In contrast, Conservative Protestant churches often focus on individual relationships with God and may lead to higher mortality rates.
The Early Bird Project, a five-year study funded by the National Science Foundation, has collected DNA sequence data from 169 bird species. The research revealed that birds adapted to diverse environments multiple times and that distinctive lifestyles evolved independently. The study's findings will be published in Science on June 27.
A recent study by LSU professor Matthew Lee found that civic participation and local stability are crucial in preventing violent crime in rural areas. Rural communities with high levels of home ownership, stable populations, and robust middle-class economies tend to have lower rates of violence.
Researchers have completed the first analysis of platypus DNA, revealing insights into gene regulation and immune systems that may lead to advances in human disease prevention. The study's findings also provide new perspectives on mammalian evolution and conservation efforts.
Research by Louisiana State University sheds light on positive, long-lasting African American marriages, challenging the 'deficit perspective' that emphasizes problems. The study reveals four key themes: overcoming external challenges, resolving intramarital conflict, and maintaining unity through shared values.
Brent Christner's team found biological particles in precipitation, which can catalyze freezing at warmer temperatures, affecting precipitation patterns. The discovery has implications for understanding agricultural pathogens and their role in the global warming process.
LSU researchers are developing an index of coastal community resilience, incorporating economic and environmental factors to educate policymakers on ways to increase resilience in weaker areas. The study aims to provide baseline information for decision-making, using data from 1970-2000.
Researchers from LSU and University of Washington dispute claims that the Gulf's ecosystem is collapsing due to overexploitation. They found little change in fish populations over 40 years, despite the region's unique environment influenced by the Mississippi River.
A study by LSU and Yale researchers found that farming practices are responsible for the majority of increased water and carbon in the Mississippi River. The research team analyzed data on precipitation and water export to demonstrate the effects of excess water on river chemistry.
Researchers investigated the evolution of army-ant following in tropical bird species, revealing specialization categories from casual to professional dependency. The study found army-ant following has persisted for millions of years, with implications for bird populations facing threats like deforestation and global warming.
Researchers at LSU are working on improving the efficiency of ethanol fuel production using coal-derived syngas. The project aims to produce clean energy from a domestic resource, making it more easily distributed and convertible into hydrogen-rich gas for use in fuel cells.
Researchers discovered a novel magnetic material that behaves differently from regular magnets, exhibiting string order and quantum phase coherence. The findings have strong implications for designing devices and materials for quantum information processing.
Researchers at Louisiana State University studied the effects of gold-based nanoparticles on cell freezing, which could impact cancer treatment. Despite initial expectations, the study found significant damaging interaction between nanoparticles and cancer cells.
The gray, short-tailed opossum's genome reveals insights into connections between humans and other species, as well as the evolution of mobile elements. Mobile elements make up about 52% of the opossum genome, with distinct compositional differences compared to primate genomes.
An international science team led by LSU professor Robert Twilley is developing an environmental observation system for India to help reduce climate-related risks. The system will provide a scientific foundation for long-term government policies aimed at meeting international accords on greenhouse gas emissions.