A new study from Oregon State University reveals that many low-income single mothers rely on government cash assistance around childbirth as a form of paid family leave. The study found that most participants use the program for less than a year, highlighting its potential to support vulnerable families during critical life transitions.
A study published in Environmental Challenges suggests that reducing irrigation for livestock feed crops is necessary to save the Great Salt Lake. The lake has lost over 15 billion cubic yards of water and its levels are getting shallower at a rate of 4 inches per year.
Scientists have discovered luminescent nanocrystals that can quickly toggle between light and dark states, enabling faster and more efficient computing. This breakthrough could advance artificial intelligence and information technologies by reducing energy consumption and improving data processing.
A new study suggests that increased wildfire activity was a feature of past periods of abrupt climate change, which also saw significant shifts in tropical rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations. The research analyzed ancient methane trapped in Antarctic ice and found that the spikes were likely caused by global wildfires.
The study found that less complete forms of solitude, such as reading in a café or listening to music while commuting, offer advantages over intense solitary activities. Solitude helps build connectedness, a key factor in overall health and well-being, but excessive intensity can deplete both energy and connection.
Researchers at Oregon State University have synthesized new molecules that can quickly capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. The study focused on titanium peroxides and showed varying abilities to scrub carbon dioxide, with potassium tetraperoxo titanate being the most reactive.
A new study by Oregon State University found that college students who experience loneliness are more likely to develop insomnia and have trouble sleeping. The research suggests that screen time may actually be a symptom of underlying loneliness rather than the cause of insomnia.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a way to increase the effectiveness of a chemical structure for scrubbing carbon dioxide from factory flues. The new method uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and achieves more than double the capture ability compared to traditional sorbents.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new 3D printing technique that allows for the creation of shape-changing materials with muscle-like properties. These materials can crawl, fold, and snap directly after printing, enabling their use in implantable medical devices, soft robotics, and energy storage applications.
A new analysis finds that sustainable rates of groundwater withdrawal were surpassed 20 years prior to declining groundwater levels being generally recognized. Limiting groundwater pumping rates by nearly half can stabilize groundwater conditions, eliminating drying up of non-irrigation wells and stabilizing environmental flows.
A national study led by Oregon State University found that planned home births for low-risk pregnancies are comparable to birth center births in terms of health outcomes. The study analyzed over 110,000 births from 2012 to 2019 and showed no safety difference between the two settings.
Researchers observe tiny, brilliant features in the sun's atmosphere moving at unprecedented speeds to understand solar flare creation. The study confirms a 19-year-old theory and opens doors to a deeper understanding of space weather.
Research from multiple ice cores in Greenland provides new understanding of Dansgaard-Oeschger events, which represent 'tipping points' in Earth's climate. The findings suggest interactions between the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and wintertime sea ice play a key role in these events.
A study found that western spotted skunks have a home range of up to 12 square miles, exceeding similar size mammals and even deer. The skunks' extensive range is likely due to limited food resources. Their sensitivity to winter weather also raises concerns about climate change impacts.
Researchers found that toddlers' activity levels increased in the presence of an active robot, particularly when the robot moved autonomously. The study's findings suggest that assistive robots like GoBot may be effective in promoting physical activity in young children.
The 2024 State of the Climate Report reveals a 'critical and unpredictable new phase of the climate crisis,' with many planetary vital signs at record extremes. The report highlights urgent policy changes needed in energy, pollutants, nature, food, and economy to mitigate catastrophic climate change.
A study of over 700 US counties found a link between childhood leukemia and radon gas levels, including those below the EPA's recommended mitigation threshold. Radon exposure increases the likelihood of leukemia in both boys and girls, according to the research.
Researchers used drone footage to study gray whales' foraging behaviors, finding that younger whales use forward swimming while older whales headstand. The study also revealed that bubble blasts help regulate buoyancy while feeding in shallow water.
A $2.35 million EPA grant will support a two-year OSU project studying 40 US wastewater treatment utilities to understand the impact of treatment processes on antimicrobial resistance markers.
A groundbreaking Oregon State University study found that bicycle rolling-stop laws do not increase the risk of accidents for cyclists or drivers. The study showed that education and awareness about these laws can actually improve safety, as bicyclists become more comfortable yielding at stop signs.
A new study found that pharmacies in racially and economically segregated communities are more likely to restrict buprenorphine dispensing, hindering access to treatment for opioid use disorder. This can lead to a threefold increase in overdose fatality rates among Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities.
A study published in Journal of Psychology found that loneliness is linked to increased nightmare frequency and intensity due to stress, rumination and hyperarousal. The research, conducted by Oregon State University, suggests treating loneliness may help alleviate nightmare experiences.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of two critically endangered shark species, broadnose sevengill and soupfin, in Puget Sound, highlighting changes in the Salish Sea's ecosystem. The discovery indicates potential changes in food webs and the need for continued monitoring.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a material that converts sunlight and water into hydrogen with high speed and efficiency. This process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and climate change by producing clean energy through photocatalysis.
A recent OSU-led study found that natural regeneration is cost-effective in many regions, while plantations are better suited for others. The authors suggest a mixed approach for optimal carbon sequestration.
Researchers captured a unique opportunity to study the impact of vessel strikes on large marine animals. The basking shark was struck while feeding on the surface, causing visible damage and increasing its frequency of tailbeat as it headed to the seafloor.
A new study found that urban moss in older Portland neighborhoods has up to 600 times higher lead levels than rural areas, with concentrations linked to old telecommunications cables. The findings raise concerns about lead exposure and recommend avoiding soil disturbance in affected areas.
A newly enhanced database is expected to help wildfire managers predict where and when wildfires will occur by incorporating hundreds of additional factors. The revised Fire Program Analysis Fire-Occurrence Database now includes information on 2.3 million fires in the United States from 1992 to 2020, providing a deeper understanding of...
Researchers at Oregon State University found that wildfire smoke can reduce temperature stress on young seedlings, making them more resilient to extreme heat events. The study showed a significant cooling effect of wildfire smoke, similar to an increase in canopy cover, which can provide benefits for tree regeneration.
Researchers have discovered compounds that convert the Bcl-2 protein, which protects cancer cells, into a tumor killer. The findings open the door to promising therapies for breast cancer and other malignancies that rely on Bcl-2 to evade treatment and develop drug resistance.
A new Oregon State University study found that young Pacific cod in near shore safe havens were severely affected by recent marine heat waves in the Gulf of Alaska. The researchers estimated that only the largest 15-25% of the island's cod population survived, leading to significant changes in abundance, growth rates and diet.
Researchers developed FairDeDup, a cost-effective method to reduce social biases in AI systems by removing redundant data and incorporating controllable diversity dimensions. The approach enables accurate and fair AI training with fewer resources.
A new artificial intelligence chip has been developed to improve energy efficiency, with the potential to reduce global energy consumption by half a percent by 2027. The chip uses a novel material platform that mimics biological neural networks, allowing for efficient data processing and storage.
A recent study by Oregon State University found that US adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less so for hurricanes, flooding, or tornadoes. The survey also revealed significant differences in responses based on politics, personal experience, and demographics.
Researchers found that Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, a subset of the Eastern North Pacific population, have been getting smaller since around 2000. This decline could have major consequences for their health and reproductive success, and also raises alarm bells about the state of the food web.
Scientists have found nematodes embedded in the outer layer of pseudoscorpions preserved in Baltic amber, revealing a new parasitic relationship. The discovery provides insight into the biology and ecology of ancient organisms.
Researchers found that sessile invertebrates like mussels and barnacles became more abundant during the study period, while seaweed species like kelps declined. The rocky shore communities did not return to their baseline conditions after the epidemic ended, suggesting low resilience to changes in temperature and predator numbers.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new cathode material for lithium-ion batteries using iron, which could lead to lower costs and increased sustainability. The iron-based cathode offers higher energy density than current materials and uses iron as the cheapest metal commodity.
An OSU study found evidence of intentional camas harvesting dating back 3,500 years, contributing to Traditional Ecological Knowledge research. Indigenous groups selectively harvested camas bulbs when plants were four or five years old and had reached sexual maturity, likely to maintain sustainable populations.
A recent study by Oregon State University reveals that a surge in purple sea urchins is devastating kelp forests, reducing zooplankton populations and impacting the primary prey of gray whales. This cascading effect affects the top predator, causing them to spend less time foraging in the affected area.
Researchers developed a new theory on how market dynamics can lead consumers to make risky purchases despite being cautious. The study found that social information and the desire for low prices can create collective ignorance of risks, leading to spiraling risk and poor decision-making.
A team of researchers found that the current rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide increase is 10 times faster than at any other point in the past 50,000 years. The study provides new insight into abrupt climate change periods and potential impacts of climate change today.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that the shape and surface chemistry of silver nanoparticles significantly impact their environmental toxicity. The study, published in Nanomaterials, found that certain formats can preserve beneficial properties while limiting negative effects.
The study analyzed the 100 biggest marine protected areas, finding that slow implementation of management strategies and lack of restriction on human activities hinder their effectiveness. The authors highlight the need for improved quality of marine protected areas to achieve the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a novel device that can improve the delivery of gene therapy for patients with inherited lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The device uses aerosolization technology to carry messenger RNA to patients' lungs, reducing shear stress and improving precision.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to analyze acoustic recordings of marbled murrelets, determining a high accuracy rate exceeding 90% in detecting the species. This method offers a more efficient and labor-intensive way to monitor rare species like the threatened marbled murrelet.
A new computer simulation model highlights the importance of cultural burning in maintaining forest ecosystem health. Researchers found that Indigenous fire stewardship was extensive across a landscape in northern California before European colonization, with an estimated 6,972 cultural ignitions occurring annually.
Oregon State University researchers have developed a new pigment based on divalent chromium, which could be used as energy-efficient coatings for vehicles and buildings. The pigments are stable and reflective of heat from the sun, leading to potential energy savings.
Researchers found that first-generation, wild-born descendants of hatchery-origin Chinook salmon produced more adult offspring than hatchery-origin salmon, improving reproductive success. This study offers hope for recovering endangered populations using hatchery-origin salmon.
Children with developmental disabilities increased their moderate to vigorous physical activity by 17 minutes per day, while reducing sedentary time by nearly an hour per day through the 'Do As I Do' training intervention. The program also helped build responsibility, independence, and awareness of nonverbal cues.