Researchers at Portland State University developed methods to measure free-base nicotine in e-cigarette liquids and vapor. The study found that JUUL products have low free-base levels but high total nicotine, making them tolerable for inhalation.
Researchers revisited a 2015 study finding e-cigarette vapor contains new forms of formaldehyde, which are bound to particulates and deposited deeper in the lungs, posing higher risks than previously known. The study found both gaseous and new formaldehyde compounds exceeding OSHA workplace limits even at lower heat settings.
A Portland State University study found that older workers face significantly higher stress levels than younger colleagues when lacking autonomy, good relationships, and respect at work. The researchers suggest that employers provide essential resources to support all employees, particularly those nearing retirement.
A new study found that men with less education are more likely to change their surname, while better-educated men prefer to keep theirs. The research suggests that societal expectations around gender roles may contribute to this trend.
Portland State University has been awarded a $275,000 NSF grant to explore the cryptography-breaking power of quantum computers and develop new computer science courses. The project aims to broaden participation in computer science among high school students and teachers.
A new study found that scientific models used to determine which species and habitats to protect lack critical information, leading to ineffective conservation efforts. The research highlights the need for more accurate species distribution models to target conservation efforts in areas with the most impact.
A Portland State University research team published an interactive diagram and web-based presentation in Frontiers in Neurology, revealing the complex nature of mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The causal-loop diagram shows how specific variables interact to influence concussion recovery.
A recent Portland State University study reveals people who engage in outdoor activities such as camping and fishing are more attuned to water quality issues than the general population. The research found that higher levels of education and socioeconomic status correlate with increased concern for water quality.
Researchers from PSU, Stanford, and USGS will investigate volcanic ash behavior to inform emergency evacuations and air traffic decisions. Using high-resolution cameras and lasers, they aim to gain a better understanding of how far volcanic particles drift and cluster.
According to a new PSU study, children from wealthier families are more likely to have an internal locus of control, meaning they feel control over their lives. This is largely due to parental discussions about school, access to resources and academic performance.
Portland State University has received a $300,000 grant to bring eight college students from across the U.S. to work on real-world projects using computational modeling and big data to improve Portland's quality of life. The program aims to provide valuable mentoring and research experience to undergraduate students.
The university aims to improve STEM transfer student success by providing academically promising, low-income community college students with opportunities for relationships with faculty, advisors, and fellow students. PSU will offer substantial course-based research experiences and individual internships or independent research projects.
A recent study by Portland State University found that companies with pro-diversity policies experience increased innovation and improved financial performance. The research showed that diverse hiring practices lead to a wider range of talent and expertise, ultimately driving creative solutions and product introductions.
A Portland State University study published in Water Resources Research found that involving residents in local water policies is key to building healthy and resilient city water systems. The research bridged the gap between residents' concerns about costs and water shortages and water managers' concerns about aging infrastructure, res...
A study by Portland State University found that rural ranchers in Mexico's Baja California peninsula faced significant challenges accessing water during a six-year drought. The study highlights a rural-urban divide, with those living closer to urban areas having better access to water deliveries.
A Portland State University study found that counties with more religious populations tend to have less risk-averse hedge fund managers, resulting in smaller and younger funds. Despite this, these funds produce returns comparable to the industry average, suggesting a link between local religiosity and organizational risk-taking.
Portland State University is part of a research center developing brain-inspired computing to enable computers to perform uniquely human tasks. The Center for Brain-inspired Computing Enabling Autonomous Intelligence aims to improve pattern and image recognition for intelligent autonomous systems.
A recent Portland State University study shows that the term middle class is too simplistic to describe economic status across different countries and cultures. The study found that increases in income did not necessarily translate to reduced structural inequality in Brazil.
Portland State University biologist Ken Stedman and colleagues advocate for virus research beyond Earth, proposing NASA investigate viruses on Saturn's moons, Mars, and ancient deposits. They suggest Earth viruses could survive in space and potentially be spread extraterrestrially.
A new study by Portland State University geographer Andrés Holz tracked ecosystem changes over 10,000 years, finding that climate and frequent forest fires were the primary drivers of change in west-central Patagonia.
A PSU researcher has discovered that small inland ponds account for a significant portion of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from inland waters. Her study, published in Nature Geoscience, revealed that these small ponds, despite being only 9% of the total surface area, contribute 15% of CO2 emissions and 41% of methane emissions.
Researchers at Portland State University developed a survey to tap into students' motivation in STEM classes, highlighting the importance of feelings of belonging and positive identity. The survey findings aim to provide educators with tools to address motivational factors and improve teaching strategies.
The Transwomen Connected app aims to cater to the physical, mental and emotional needs of transgender women. The project will build a mobile app with HIV prevention tools and resources tailored specifically with their needs in mind.
The study advocates for a holistic approach to understanding concussion, analyzing complex problems as whole systems and integrating research findings. Researchers hope this new method will lead to better diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of TBI.
A new PSU study finds that Prozac in ocean water can cause Oregon shore crabs to exhibit risky behavior, increasing their vulnerability to predators. The research highlights the potential risks of pharmaceuticals in the environment on animal survival.
A PSU study reveals nearly 300 aquatic species have landed on American shores since the 2011 Japanese tsunami, posing an environmental threat. The research highlights the importance of addressing human activities that contribute to marine pollution and invasive species.
Researchers at Portland State University found benzene and other carcinogenic chemicals in butane hash oil vapor, raising health concerns about dabbing. The study highlights the need for further toxicology research to guide future policy on marijuana consumption.
Researchers at Portland State University found a correlation between wildfires and warm weather fluctuations, known as the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), in fire-scarred trees dating back to 990 A.D. This study, published in PNAS, indicates that wildfires have become more frequent due to climate change.
Researchers create high-resolution maps of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, showing rapid erosion and glacier thinning due to climate change. The study provides insights into the region's vulnerability to future warming and its potential impact on global sea levels.
Portland State University will study Deep Direct-Use geothermal technology, a new method of harnessing geothermal energy for passive heating and cooling. The study aims to analyze Portland's underlying geology and potential storage capacity for this renewable energy source.
A recent $540,000 NASA grant will fund a team of researchers at Portland State University to study the nature of a hybrid virus discovered by Ken Stedman in a hot spring. The study aims to shed light on the evolutionary history of viruses and their ability to adapt and infect hosts.
A new species of South American rabbit has been discovered by Portland State University researcher Luis Ruedas, who found the creature to be larger and shaped differently from its cousins. The discovery is significant as it will require renaming other rabbit species in the region, potentially affecting conservation efforts.
A Portland State University study found that affluent neighborhoods with lawns use up to 10 times more water than densely populated areas. The research highlights the importance of water-saving measures in urban planning, suggesting that hardscaping and native plants can reduce water usage.
Researchers at Portland State University have found that only half of a virus's genes are necessary for infection, highlighting the resilience of these pathogens. The study's findings also shed light on the molecular basis of survivability under extreme conditions and potential origins of life.
Researchers from Portland State University found significant levels of benzene in e-cigarette vapors, thousands of times higher than ambient air when devices are used at high power. Benzene has been linked to diseases like leukemia and bone marrow failure.
A PSU researcher is using a $877,836 NSF grant to investigate how race, poverty, and disabilities affect students' success in STEM fields. The goal is to identify school and teacher factors that facilitate student success and offer policy recommendations to improve classroom outcomes.
Dora Raymaker, an autistic researcher at Portland State University, is leading a study to determine what helps autistic people succeed professionally and develop a plan to improve their outcomes. Her research aims to address the lack of research on this topic, despite autism affecting an estimated 1% of the population.
The Transportation Research and Education Center at Portland State University has secured a five-year, $15.6 million federal grant to focus on mobility and access to opportunity. The program will expand research areas such as walkability, smart cities, and data-driven tools.
Research by Larry Martinez at Portland State University found that transgender employees' feelings of job satisfaction and alignment with their organizations increased as they transitioned further. Supportive coworkers who validated their preferred gender identity were key to more positive attitudes.
The $250,000 award from Meyer Memorial Trust supports BREATHE Oregon's efforts to provide scientific data, legal analysis and community outreach to inform policy decisions on air quality in Portland and Oregon.
Portland State University has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a new method for stabilizing stool samples. This technology could improve diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites in developing countries.
Researchers will develop a situation-based prevention approach to address campus sexual assault, identifying and addressing risk factors. The project aims to provide culturally responsive practices and policies for survivors of domestic violence.
New research reveals how a single warming event in Antarctica may indicate future ecosystem changes, with cascading ecological consequences observed over the last 15 years. The study found that massive flooding caused by melting glaciers led to dramatic changes in the environment, including erosion of streams and lake levels rising.