Researchers found wolves in Alaska replaced deer with sea otters as their main food source within a few years. The wolf pack's diet changed dramatically, with sea otters making up 57% of their diet by 2017, while deer frequency declined to 7%.
A long-term study of forest landslides in the Pacific Northwest reveals that management history has a greater impact on landslide frequency and severity than rainfall. The research, led by Oregon State University, found that decades of road building and logging practices affected flooding, landslides, and erosion patterns.
Researchers have made a key breakthrough in developing a new treatment for hereditary blindness by using lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA to the photoreceptor cells. The technology, inspired by COVID-19 vaccines, shows promise in animal models for treating blindness associated with rare genetic conditions.
Computer modeling by Oregon State University scientists shows that Douglas-fir trees are likely to experience more stress from drier air as the climate changes. This is crucial for understanding forest sensitivity to a shifting climate, given their widespread ecological, cultural and economic significance.
A study from Oregon State University found that consumers are willing to pay more for familiar cheese varieties if they have an award sticker or sensory information about the taste. The researchers identified two groups of consumers: those who prefer unfamiliar foods and those who prefer familiar ones, with different priorities for the...
Oregon State University has received $4.8 million from the National Science Foundation to support a cybersecurity workforce development program, targeting underrepresented groups in the field. The program will fund scholarships for up to 29 students and provide clinical rotations with underserved agencies across the Pacific Northwest.
Researchers discovered 13 full and fragmentary projectile points in Idaho dating back to around 15,700 years ago, providing significant details about early human life in the Pacific Northwest. The findings suggest a complex technology and potential genetic-cultural connections between ice age peoples of Northeast Asia and North America.
A new OSU study highlights the importance of understanding daily energy-use patterns at home, as utilities move toward time-of-use energy pricing models. The study found that most homes have an 'evening peak' load shape, with households exhibiting this shape before and during shelter-in-place orders.
A researcher at Oregon State University has discovered a new species of cockroach encased in Dominican amber, with the male specimen displaying well-preserved yellow stripes and spines. The finding also marks the presence of fossilized roach sperm for the first time.
A team of Oregon State University scientists used biophysical techniques to study the malfunctioning motor protein dynein, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's. The study sheds light on how dynein's transport machinery fails in these disorders, leading to the accumulation of misfolded proteins.
Researchers have developed a sensor system that can detect seizure-preventing drugs in saliva, enabling patients with epilepsy to monitor their medication levels from home. The system aims to reduce the risk of toxic side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
Ectopic pregnancies are non-viable and the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester, affecting 2% of all pregnancies worldwide. Researchers have developed a new method using light-sensitive nanoparticles to detect growing placentas and end ectopic pregnancies more effectively.
A bike box setup can help cyclists stay safe at urban, signalized intersections by providing a visible space to navigate through the intersection. The study found that among three treatments, bike boxes were the most versatile, offering a balance of safety and requiring riders to perceive potential danger.
A distinct population of oceanic manta rays was identified off the coast of Ecuador, with an estimated total population of over 22,000 individuals, making it more than 10 times larger than any other known subpopulation. The population is large and potentially healthy due to favorable conditions in the region.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed new, heat-efficient magnetic nanoparticles capable of reaching temperatures in cancer lesions of up to 50 degrees Celsius. The particles can be exposed to an alternating magnetic field, weakening or destroying cancer cells without causing harm to surrounding tissue.
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Oregon State University a grant to explore a new, high-energy-density battery that does not rely on rare elements like nickel and cobalt. Preliminary results show the battery can deliver comparable energy density using cost-effective materials.
A study reveals a consistent pairing of volcanic ash and low ocean oxygen events during times of rapid climate warming at the end of the last ice age. The research suggests that volcanic eruptions may increase as the planet warms, posing risks to populated regions.
Oregon State researchers have engineered inhalable lipid nanoparticles that effectively deliver messenger RNA to the lungs, prompting lung cells to manufacture a protein needed to thwarts the disease. The therapy shows promise in treating cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic disorder affecting 30,000 people in the US.
A report by Oregon State University and international scientists reveals that the Earth's vital signs have worsened, with 16 of 35 planetary indicators at record extremes. This includes increasing frequency of extreme heat events, rising global tree cover loss, and a greater prevalence of the mosquito-borne dengue virus.
Scientists have developed a compact, AI-powered spectrometer that can measure light at different wavelengths, enabling new applications in fields like environmental monitoring, medicine, and astronomy. The device is 100% electrically controllable regarding the colors of light it absorbs, making it scalable for widespread usability.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a proof-of-principle for a new universal COVID-19 treatment using nanotechnology and messenger RNA. The treatment prompts the production of an enzyme that blocks multiple variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering cells.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in plastics recycling by developing a technology that can convert mixed plastics into biodegradable products, reducing the need for costly separations. The process uses chemical oxidation and biological processes to break down plastics into smaller building blocks that can be consumed by microorgani...
Scientists discover that temporal signals play a crucial role in regulating multicellular information networks, allowing cells to sense and respond to environmental changes. The study's findings offer insight into how coordinated responses among cells enable multicellular organisms to survive in complex surroundings.
A study by Oregon State University found that dogs with owners who have high expectations and respond well to their behavior are more social, secure, and persistent problem solvers. The research suggests that understanding a dog's needs is crucial for raising secure and resilient dogs.
A study by Oregon State University found that warmer stream temperatures in a burned-over watershed did not result in fewer trout. The researchers discovered that steelhead, cutthroat, and rainbow trout were resilient to the increased temperatures, which rose above 22 degrees Celsius during summer 2021. However, more research is needed...
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new satellite tag that allows long-term tracking of whale feeding behavior. This innovation will help better understand key whale behaviors, identify important habitats, and inform conservation efforts to protect whales from human activities such as ship traffic.
A recent OSU study found that traumatic injury rates among outdoor workers in Oregon's agricultural and construction sectors are significantly higher during periods of high heat. The study examined 92,000 injury claims from 2009-2018 and found a strong association between heat index above 75 degrees and increased risk of injury.
A study led by Oregon State University found that cystic fibrosis patients who supplement their diet with vitamin C can derive greater benefits from vitamin E, resulting in reduced inflammation. The study suggests that high doses of vitamin C may be beneficial in inflammatory conditions.
A recent study found that cattle grazing with virtual fencing can create effective wildfire fuel breaks on sagebrush landscapes, reducing the risk of devastating wildfires. The technology uses collars to communicate with GPS and reception towers, forming a virtual fence to manage livestock distribution.
A recent Oregon State University study found that spent hemp biomass is a safe and nutritious alternative feed for lambs, with nutritional quality comparable to alfalfa. The findings provide evidence for the use of hemp byproducts as an animal feedstuff, potentially offering economic benefits for hemp farmers and livestock producers.
A genetically modified yeast strain can alter fermentation to create beers with intense tropical flavors and aromas. The strains increase the amounts of free thiols, which provide aromatic compounds found in hops.
Oregon State University will collaborate with partners on a five-year project to enhance soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of the Pacific Northwest potato industry. The project aims to identify climate-smart practices that increase soil organic matter, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water holding capacity.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a promising messenger RNA therapy for ovarian cancer, which also shows promise in treating cachexia, a muscle-wasting condition associated with cancer. The treatment uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA that triggers the production of the follistatin protein within cancer clusters.
A new study suggests that canopy leaves in forests cannot cool themselves below the surrounding air temperature, leading to reduced forest carbon cycling and increased mortality risk. The research challenges a prevailing theory on leaf thermoregulation, highlighting the impact of climate warming on forests.
Oregon State University is leading a five-year national polar education and arts program, Polar STEAM, funded by the National Science Foundation. The program engages educators, artists, and writers in polar science activities to increase visibility and impact of scientific work in the Arctic and Antarctic.
Research by Oregon State University finds that old-growth forests with diverse tree sizes and species can provide refuge for birds threatened by warming climate. Cooler microclimates and higher forest diversity tend to reduce negative effects on bird populations.
Oregon State University scientists suggest using federal lands in 11 states to establish a wolf habitat network, potentially triggering powerful ecological effects. Beaver restoration is also proposed to repair degraded riparian areas, providing habitat for up to 70% of wildlife species.
A new Oregon State University study found significant differences in hop aroma profiles between Oregon and Washington-grown hops, affecting beer flavor. The research suggests that regional identity, similar to terroir in wine, can be attributed to specific growing environments.
A recent Oregon State University study found that people living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods are 20% less likely to conceive compared to those in more resourceful areas. The study analyzed data from over 6,300 individuals and found a significant association between neighborhood disadvantage and lower fertility rates.
Researchers found that daily blue light exposure increases neurodegeneration and impairs mitochondrial function in Drosophila melanogaster. The study's findings suggest that chronic exposure to blue light can accelerate aging in humans, particularly with age, by adding insult to injury.
A long-term marine conservation effort in the US Virgin Islands has helped recover a key fish species, the red hind, with average fish size increasing by over 35% and population reaching sustainability. The recovery is attributed to management decisions and adherence to fishing closures.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that Christopher McCandless's ill-fated river crossing in 1992 was thwarted by an intense, short-lived runoff event. This would have allowed him to cross the river if he had tried a day earlier or later.
A study suggests three roadway treatments - better lighting, shorter crossings, and converted left-turns - can improve the safety of older pedestrians. Research by Oregon State University found that these measures could reduce exposure time for pedestrians in the roadway, increasing their safety.
A new study by Oregon State University found that Houston residents experienced a significant increase in chemical exposure after Hurricane Harvey, with 75% of chemicals detected at higher concentrations. The study used silicone wristbands to measure exposure to hazardous chemicals, including pesticides and industrial compounds.
A novel three-dimensional model of the fluid stored deep in Earth's crust along the Cascadia Subduction Zone provides new insight into how the accumulation and release of those fluids may influence seismic activity. The study's findings have applications for increasing understanding of seismic activity along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a computer model using artificial intelligence to predict whether a proposed new pesticide will harm honey bees. The model, trained on nearly 400 different pesticide molecules, can quickly screen proposed pesticides for their toxicity, helping protect the vital pollinators.
A rare fossil flower of the Euphorbiaceae family has been discovered in 30-million-year-old amber, along with a parasitic wasp. The flower, named Plukenetia minima, is notable for its small size and lengthy stalk. The wasp, Hambletonia dominicana, was found to have an egg that hatches into a fly larva within the flower's seed pods.
Researchers highlight the importance of linking carbon conservation with threatened forest primates, which could enhance climate action and biodiversity protection. The study found that 15.5 gigatonnes of irrecoverable carbon are stored in areas with high primate species richness, equivalent to 40% of current annual fossil fuel emissions.
Research by Oregon State University shows that songbirds can use social information about food shortages to adapt their behavior and physiology. By receiving advance warning of declining food resources, birds can better conserve body mass and intestinal mass during times of scarcity, leading to improved survival.
A study published by Oregon State University found that evening grosbeak numbers have declined by an average of 2.6% per year over the last four decades, with a significant decrease in migration stop-over sites on campus. The decline may be related to disease, climate change, or shifts in land use, but the exact cause is still unknown.