A study by Oregon State University researcher Melissa Cheyney found that midwife-attended home births have better health outcomes, including lower cesarean section rates. Midwives construct woman-centered rituals around pregnancy and birth to put mothers in control, involving family members and downplaying technology.
A recent study found that fetal exposure to carcinogens can lead to different types of cancer later in life, with the type of cancer depending on the stage of pregnancy when the fetus is exposed. The research also showed that mice who received multiple doses of a carcinogen had a higher rate of ovarian and lung cancer.
A team of scientists from Oregon State University has discovered microbes that can thrive in cold, low-oxygen conditions similar to those on Mars. These microbes use the oxidation of iron from olivine as their energy source, a process previously undocumented.
A pilot program in Wisconsin found that forgiveness of child support debt could lead to increased payments and reduced overall debt. Low-income noncustodial parents who participated in the program paid more than similar parents who did not participate, contributing an average of $100 more per month.
A new OSU study suggests that existing biofuel policies have been costly and ineffective in reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers found that alternative energy efficiency improvements would be more effective in reducing emissions.
Oregon State University researchers have found compounds that offer new, cheap and promising options for solar energy, using the abundant element pyrite. The materials have most of the advantages of pyrite but none of its problems, making them a promising alternative.
A new study suggests that global warming from CO2 doubling may be less severe than projected, with climate sensitivity constraints implying less probability of extreme climatic change. The researchers used paleoclimatic data and a more advanced climate model to find that high sensitivity models overestimate cooling.
A new study found that 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week significantly improves sleep quality, with participants feeling less sleepy during the day. The study's results support mounting research linking regular exercise to various health benefits, including improved daytime alertness.
Scientists warn that Great Plains river basins are under threat due to aquifer pumping, which has reduced suitable habitat for native fishes. The study found that only 57% of refuge pools would remain after 35 years under current circumstances.
A recent study found that a gene influencing empathy and sociability can be detected in strangers, who rated individuals with a particular genetic variation as more caring and trustworthy. The oxytocin receptor gene was linked to prosocial behavior, with those carrying the GG genotype exhibiting higher levels of kindness and trust.
A new 19-year study from Oregon State University reveals that fatherhood leads to significant decreases in crime, tobacco, and alcohol use in men. This finding suggests that becoming a father can be a transformative experience for men engaging in high-risk behavior.
A massive shift in tree species is underway across the Western United States due to climate change, with many native species declining or disappearing and opportunistic newcomers replacing them. The research identifies areas where forests will change composition, with some regions shifting into grasslands or deserts.
Researchers have discovered that malaria and other insect-borne diseases have existed for at least 100 million years, co-evolving with birds and monkeys. The study uses preserved insects in amber to reveal the evolution of these pathogens, making it difficult to conquer them.
A decline of 60% in marten detection rates in California's Sierra Nevada mountains may be attributed to habitat fragmentation and loss due to logging. The study suggests preserving marten habitat, which benefits other species thriving in old forests at high elevations.
A comprehensive study found that biofuels produced from West Coast forests would release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than current forest management practices. The study examined various forest types and management approaches, concluding that even optimal efficiency levels would increase emissions by up to 14%.
A new study by Oregon State University found that men experiencing persistently moderate to high levels of stressful life events have a 50% higher mortality rate. The study, which documented patterns of stress over 18 years, identified protective factors such as good health and moderate drinking habits.
A new study reveals that the albedo effect plays a crucial role in the climatic significance of forest disturbances, with some cases providing cooling while others magnify concerns about warming. Forests can either act as carbon sinks or sources depending on the disturbance type and severity.
A newly identified type of astrocyte cell displays atypical behavior and causes motor neuron death, suggesting a new target for ALS therapies. The discovery offers hope for slowing or stopping the progression of this devastating disease, affecting 30,000 Americans.
A recent study found that severe droughts and changes in water tables have pushed aquatic desert ecosystems into catastrophic regime change, resulting in the loss of some species and a shift towards smaller, shorter-lived insects.
Researchers at Oregon State University propose a new model that suggests a combination of temperature influence and magma chamber geometry as a potential cause for super-eruptions. The study reveals that cracks in the roof above the magma chamber can trigger collapse and eruption, dwarfing recent volcanic eruptions.
A new study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that key phytochemicals in broccoli are poorly absorbed if taken as a supplement. Cooking broccoli can also reduce its health value. The study suggests that eating whole foods, especially lightly cooked, is necessary to retain adequate levels of essential compounds.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computer program that enables highway construction engineers to analyze soil movements caused by active landslides and erosion in real-time. This technology uses LIDAR to better assess and deal with these issues, ultimately improving construction quality and safety.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new method to describe electronegativity, a basic chemical concept that can be difficult for college students to grasp. The system, called an atomic solid state energy scale, offers simplicity of understanding and opens important new avenues in materials and chemical research.
Despite maintaining a forest's physical appearance, its ecological, economic and cultural values can still be lost due to changes in structure and biodiversity. Researchers warn that traditional forestry practices, such as clear-cutting, can lead to the disappearance of critical forest structures and stages.
A new study using radiocarbon dating found that the Northeast Pacific was not an important reservoir of carbon during glacial times, contradicting previous assumptions. The researchers suggest that other potential sources of CO2 during glacial periods need to be explored.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to produce 'skutterudites' using microwave technology, cutting production time from days to minutes and opening doors to efficient thermoelectric energy generation. This breakthrough has huge potential for applications in industries and devices that waste heat.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that increased species richness decreases the prevalence and severity of infection caused by the deadly chytrid fungus in amphibians. This study provides evidence for the importance of biodiversity in protecting ecosystem function and reducing disease transmission.
Scientists suggest that wolves may play an important role in helping to save the threatened Canada lynx by controlling coyote populations, which are a major food source for the lynx. This 'trophic cascade' of impacts has contributed to the decline of the species due to habitat alteration and climate change.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered a freshwater species of zooplankton, Daphnia magna, that can eat the B. dendrobatidis fungus devastating amphibian populations worldwide. The finding offers a promising biological control method to combat this deadly disease.
A new study combining short-term and long-term data found that rapid evolution does not always persist, and major changes tend to take around 1 million years to occur. The research supports the concept of 'punctuated equilibrium' and suggests that natural selection forces must be widespread for changes to accumulate.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new system that combines computer vision, machine learning, and automated planning to improve operations in various industries. The system is based on analyzing football plays and can be applied to tasks such as factory efficiency, airport operation, and nursing care.
A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that college students are not meeting the daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables, with many consuming less than one serving per day. The research highlights the importance of teaching essential life skills such as meal planning and cooking to foster healthy eating habits.
A recent Oregon State University study suggests that parasites in fish can have profound impacts on fish health and contribute to salmon mortality. The research found that heavy parasite loads can affect salmon growth, immune function, and other issues, and are linked to land use changes such as logging and agriculture.
A team of scientists successfully forecast the eruption of Axial Seamount, an undersea volcano located off the Oregon coast. The eruption, which began in April, is believed to be at least three times larger than the previous 1998 eruption.
Researchers urge more stringent building standards to reduce property damage and loss of life in tornado and hurricane-prone areas. The new report highlights the need for tailored construction practices that consider local risks and specific storm events.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that small amounts of subsurface warming can trigger a rapid collapse of ice shelves. The research provides historical evidence that warming water by 3-4 degrees was enough to cause mass discharges of icebergs into the North Atlantic Ocean.
Researchers found that ancient tides on the East Coast of the US were 3-6 times higher than today, while those in the Bay of Fundy were much lower, with a range up to 55 feet, indicating significant variability over time
Researchers found that antioxidants may have significant value in addressing infertility issues, including erectile dysfunction. Antioxidants can help control free radicals that destroy nitric oxide, an agent that relaxes and dilates blood vessels.
Researchers have discovered a range of new colors by tweaking the chemical structure of the existing blue pigment, which could lead to safer and more durable pigments. The new orange pigment is already being explored for commercial use.
Researchers found that Pacific Northwest conifers face significant water stress during winter due to freeze-thaw cycles, which disrupts water flow. This challenges the conventional view of summer as the most stressful season for these trees.
Researchers found that reduced forest harvest levels led to increased carbon sequestration, making public lands a significant carbon sink. This discovery highlights the importance of forests in addressing global warming concerns.
A study found that preschool-age children who played a self-regulation game improved math and early literacy scores. The game, which emphasizes careful listening and following instructions, was effective in countries with stronger self-regulation than the US.
The decline of apex predators has severe impacts on ecosystems, causing trophic cascades that affect habitat loss, pollution, wildfire, climate change, invasive species, and disease spread. This loss is driving the sixth mass extinction event, threatening human health and well-being.
A recent study found that people in neighborhoods adjacent to public forest lands trust natural resource managers due to the severity of wildfire risks. Local, personal relationships play a crucial role in coming to agreement on management plans and policies.
Researchers at Oregon State University have successfully created CIGS solar devices using inkjet printing, reducing raw material waste by 90% and potentially lowering production costs. The new technology has the potential to produce high-performing, rapidly produced, and ultra-low-cost thin film solar electronics.
A new study shows that southern right whales from remote sub-Antarctic islands have found their way back to New Zealand's mainland, indicating a potential return of this endangered species. The whales' strong 'maternal fidelity' helped them remember ancestral calving grounds, enabling them to migrate and breed in their former habitat.
A 100-million-year-old mayfly fossil has provided valuable insights into the ecology of ancient ecosystems. The discovery of a rare ovipositor and long antennae sheds light on the life cycle and adaptations of this ancient species.
A decade-long study of apex predators in the Pacific Ocean has found that biological 'hotspots' are essential for the survival of many species. Upwelling areas, triggered by wind-driven mixing, create nutrient-rich waters that support a wide range of marine life.
A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that small companies in the US stock market are often disproportionately affected during international financial crises. Investors tend to flee from smaller stocks and shift their holdings towards larger, safer corporations, resulting in significant losses for smaller companies.
Researchers at Oregon State University have confirmed that ultrawideband technology could enable the development of body-area networks for continuous health monitoring. The technology has the potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve medical care by providing non-invasive, low-cost solutions for real-time health diagnosis.