Particulate air pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was twice as high as recent games in Athens and triple that of Atlanta. Despite government efforts to reduce pollution, levels were unacceptable for most dangerous particulate matter 100% of the time, posing serious health risks to athletes and spectators.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that school-based prevention programs can significantly reduce substance abuse, violent behavior, and sexual activity in fifth graders. Participating students were about half as likely to engage in these problem behaviors compared to non-participants.
Researchers at Oregon State University have completed the largest animal study in toxicology, challenging basic concepts of carcinogen risk assessment. The findings suggest that some chemicals may be safe at levels far higher than currently believed, and traditional methods need re-evaluation.
A new study finds that abrupt changes in climate may lead to shifts in monsoon patterns, resulting in lower vegetation growth, drier tropics, and increased wildfires. The research used oxygen isotopes in air from ice cores and ancient stalagmites to support these findings.
A new study published by Oregon State University researchers found that hatchery fish significantly impair the reproductive fitness of their offspring, even if they survive and reproduce in the wild. This could be hurting efforts to sustain wild salmon runs, scientists said.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about bird physiology, finding that birds' lung structure and musculature are critical to their flight capacity. This study suggests that birds did not descend from theropod dinosaurs but instead evolved on a parallel path.
Researchers found that a five-minute self-regulation game can predict end-of-year achievement in math, literacy and vocabulary. The game was associated with the equivalent of several months of additional learning in kindergarten.
A study conducted by Oregon State University found that a specialized foster care program reduced teen pregnancy rates among juvenile justice teens. The program, which involved one-on-one care in highly supervised homes, resulted in a 26% pregnancy rate compared to 47% for teens in group care.
Scientists have shed light on the collapse of coral reefs, revealing their genetic complexity and intricate symbiotic relationship with algae. The delicate communication process between the coral and algae is also being stressed by global change, leading to coral bleaching and collapse.
Researchers have successfully measured marine phytoplankton physiology through satellite measurements of fluorescence, providing a reasonably accurate picture of the ocean's health and productivity. This will help evaluate the impact of global warming, climate change, and desertification on oceans.
A team of scientists from Oregon State University and NOAA has documented the presence of endangered North Atlantic right whales in an area off Greenland, contrary to previous belief. The discovery highlights the importance of identifying key habitats for these fragile species as shipping lanes expand.
Dr. Michael Holick, a leading vitamin D expert, has been awarded the $50,000 Linus Pauling Institute Prize for his pioneering work in disease prevention and public health. His research has shown a significant link between vitamin D deficiency and various diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease.
The analysis of a 100-million-year-old termite in amber has revealed the oldest example of mutualism between an animal and microorganism, showing that termites depend on protozoa to digest wood. The study also found new fossil flagellate species, a new species of termite, and other discoveries.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found a pattern of distrust among physicians and midwives, with doctors believing hospital births are the only safe option. The study also revealed that assisted homebirths do not contribute to lower-than-average health outcomes, but rather successful outcomes for mothers and infants.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a genetic regulator called CTIP2 that is expressed at higher levels in aggressive types of head and neck cancers. The study found a high correlation between CTIP2 expression and the aggressive nature of cancer.
Researchers confirm that major methane increases near the end of the last Ice Age were due to wetland growth and associated methane releases, not sudden bursts of seafloor methane. The study's findings provide a significant relief as they largely rule out massive seafloor hydrate deposits as a source of methane.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new way to create dye-sensitized solar cells using ancient diatoms, which can potentially triple the electrical output. The technology uses environmentally benign materials and works well in lower light conditions, offering advances in manufacturing simplicity and efficiency.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found a classroom-based intervention reduced violent TV viewing among first- through fourth-grade children by 18%. The intervention, called The REViEW Project Curriculum, also decreased students' identification with violent superheroes.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new cooling system that can improve the energy efficiency of diesel engines by using waste heat. The system has shown improved efficiencies of 20-30 percent in situations where cooling is needed, and may be used to provide air conditioning or electricity.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements can significantly reduce triglyceride levels in laboratory rats, lowering them by up to 60 percent. This natural compound may offer a new way to lower blood triglycerides and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
A new study by Oregon State University and other institutions reveals that invading diseases can accelerate their spread, posing serious concerns for human diseases and a new fungus threatening global wheat production. The research suggests that the right set of conditions could lead to significant crop losses in some parts of the world.
CTIP2 is a transcriptional factor controlling skin development and lipid biosynthesis, potentially playing a role in skin disorders and wrinkling. Understanding its mechanisms may provide a solution to these issues.
Research by Oregon State University shows that older adults who engage in less physical activity are more likely to report having difficulty walking due to increased health worry. Resolving health concern issues earlier in life may be key to avoiding walking difficulties, according to lead author Bradley Cardinal.
A recent study in Oregon found that drugs designed for severe mental illnesses are often prescribed at low doses and high expense for less serious conditions. This 'off-label' use can lead to unnecessary health risks and increased medical costs.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the gene Ctip2 as controlling tooth enamel production, a significant step towards repairing damaged enamel and preventing cavities. This discovery could lead to new approaches in dental health, including using tooth stem cells to stimulate enamel growth.
Researchers found a significant correlation between low absolute humidity and increased influenza virus survival and transmission. The study, published in PNAS, suggests that absolute humidity is the key control for seasonal flu outbreaks.
A new study published in Science suggests that a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could lead to significantly higher sea level rise than currently projected, with devastating effects on coastal areas and global sea levels. The research takes into account various forces, including gravity, changes in the Earth's rotation, and la...
A new report by Oregon State University finds that warmer climate and drought stress are causing a rapid increase in tree mortality across the West, with the Pacific Northwest hardest hit. This could lead to significant shifts in forest structure and function, including a 50% reduction in average tree age and size.
Researchers found that grazing animals like deer and rabbits increase the prevalence of a viral plant disease by promoting the growth of aphid-preferred annual grasses. This study challenges previous theories suggesting that herbivores help contain or reduce disease, highlighting the complexity of natural ecosystems.
New report reveals rapid changes at Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, exceeding previous projections for sea level rise. Subtropical areas like the American West are likely to become more arid due to global warming, increasing the likelihood of severe droughts.
Researchers discovered that serious gram-negative bacterial infections increase by up to 46% in summer compared to winter. The study found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii are the most affected bacteria.
Researchers have discovered a peptide that converts the Bcl-2 protein from a cancer cell's friend to a foe, allowing it to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new cancer-fighting drugs targeting Bcl-2.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that overweight women are more likely to report having sex with men than their normal-weight counterparts. The research suggests that physicians should not make assumptions about a woman's sexual behavior based on her weight.
A new study found that salmon smolts survive at similar rates of 70-80% in both the Columbia and Fraser rivers, with differences attributed to stressors such as dams, water temperature, and contaminants. The research used acoustic and transponder tags to track survival rates over a four-year period.
Researchers discovered that spinner dolphins engage in a choreographed 'dance' to enclose prey, before darting in organized pairs to feed. The study's findings expand knowledge of spinner dolphin behavior and open new avenues for scientific inquiry into underwater ecosystems.
A new study reveals that the decline of sea otters in Alaska's Aleutian Islands has led to a shift in bald eagle diet, from fish to seabirds. This change highlights the extraordinary complexity of marine ecosystems and the far-reaching impacts of population shifts in keystone species.
A new technology developed by Oregon State University can detect toxic behavior of contaminating bacteria, improving food protection while reducing costly recalls and waste. The approach uses pigment-bearing cells from Siamese fighting fish to assess toxicity in minutes.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified the biological clock genes responsible for plant growth spurts, which occur at night. The study uses DNA microarrays and bioinformatics to analyze thousands of genes in a short period, revealing that most plant genes are expressed only at a particular time of day.
A new study identified five counties in Oregon with the most meth-linked incidents per capita, including sparsely populated Umatilla County. The analysis found that every lab or dump site was 11.5 times more likely to be in Umatilla County than anywhere else in the state.
Researchers analyzed carbon dioxide levels and found a remarkable correlation with climate fluctuations over 70,000 years. The study confirms the validity of computer models projecting a warmer climate due to human activities.
A new analysis suggests that old growth forests, often considered irrelevant to climate change mitigation, may account for up to 10% of global net carbon uptake. These forests continue to absorb carbon dioxide and store it in woody tissues, storing more than they release for centuries.
Researchers use wave energy to pump cold, nutrient-rich water from deep ocean to surface waters near Hawaii, aiming to control plankton growth. They believe this can help mitigate global greenhouse buildup by understanding large-scale interactions between the atmosphere and ocean.
A new study has resolved a 50-year-old debate on cell division, finding that both polar relaxation and equatorial stimulation mechanisms exist in cells. This discovery may aid cancer research and provide insights into genetic diseases.
The Blanco Transform Fault Zone has experienced over 1,500 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater in the past 40 years, with many thousands of smaller quakes. The region's tectonic stress may affect the Cascadia Subduction Zone, potentially leading to a major earthquake.
Researchers discovered that the Douglas-fir tree's wood structure prevents water from being pulled any higher than 350 feet due to air bubble formation. At this height, trees experience drought-like conditions and struggle to transport water, limiting their growth.
A new study found that lionfish can slash the survival of other reef fishes by 80 percent within a short period. The invasive species disrupts the ecological balance of coral reefs, allowing seaweeds to overwhelm them. This is another major threat to coral reefs, following overfishing and pollution.
Forests provide natural filtration and storage systems that process nearly two-thirds of the U.S. water supply. Preserving and managing forests may help sustain water supplies, but forest management is unlikely to increase water yields.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that paying rural landowners in Oregon to protect at-risk animals may not lead to increased carbon sequestration. In fact, conservation efforts may even harm species if they prioritize tree and plant growth over animal protection.
Scientists have developed a new technique to identify organic matter in Martian soils using ultraviolet light. The method, which uses polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), has the potential to detect signs of life on Mars and could be used on future missions.
Researchers found that migratory songbirds can learn from the songs of successful birds, leading them to choose habitats with high reproductive potential. This complex communication ability suggests that songbirds may be more than just visually selecting habitats.