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Purdue University


New Madrid fault system may be shutting down

A new study from Purdue and Northwestern universities suggests the New Madrid fault system is less active than expected, with reduced surface movement indicating a possible shutdown. The team analyzed GPS data for eight years, finding the ground surrounding the fault system is moving at a rate of less than 0.2 millimeters per year.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2009

Researchers identify a process that regulates seed germination

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a process called sumoylation that regulates gene activity involved in seed germination and seedling development. The study found that sumoylation is essential for controlling significant plant characteristics, including freeze tolerance and phosphate absorption.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2009

Danger lurks underground for oak seedlings

A study by Purdue University researcher Robert Swihart found that pine voles prefer oak roots over other tree roots, causing high mortality rates among oak seedlings. The rodents cause more damage to white oak roots than other trees, potentially leading to a decline in oak availability.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology·DateMar 3, 2009

Purdue study projects weakened monsoon season in South Asia

A Purdue University study projects a weakened summer monsoon season in South Asia, potentially causing delayed onset and reduced precipitation. The research suggests that climate change could exacerbate seasonal flood risks and impact agricultural production, water availability, and hydroelectric power generation.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 27, 2009

Gene's past could improve the future of rice

A Purdue University researcher used a process focusing on one gene to trace the evolutionary history of domesticated rice, discovering genetic variation over millions of years. By comparing domesticated plants to wild rice species, scientists can identify valuable genes for desirable traits like branching and increased plant size.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2009

Nano-tetherball biosensor precisely detects glucose

A team of researchers from Purdue University has developed a precise biosensor for detecting blood glucose and potentially many other biological molecules. The device, resembling a tiny cube-shaped tetherball, uses single-wall carbon nanotubes anchored to gold-coated nanocubes to conduct electrical signals.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 22, 2009

Researchers cooking up new gelled rocket fuels

A team of engineers and food scientists is working on a five-year project to create gelled rocket fuels that can improve the safety, performance, and range of rockets. The gels are designed to have a consistency similar to orange marmalade and can be throttled up and down for more precise control.

Purdue researcher invents molecule that stops SARS

A Purdue University researcher has created a compound that prevents replication of the SARS virus, which could lead to a treatment for the disease. The molecular inhibitor was developed through structure-based design and has been tested in laboratory settings.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2008

Native birds might restock poultry industry's genetic stock

A recent study by Purdue University researchers found that commercial chicken breeds have lost up to 90% of their native genetic diversity, leaving them vulnerable to new diseases. Interbreeding with native or non-commercial bird species may help restore genetic diversity and improve disease resistance.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2008

Expanding cell girth indicates seriousness of breast cancer

Researchers have created a rapid cell inspection technique that can identify metastatic breast cancer cells, which have compromised the cell's structure and compromise deformation. The technique uses an electrical field within a microscopic fluid-filled channel and has been shown to expand cells by 75% in metastatic cases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 18, 2008

Study: verbal aggression may affect children's behavior

A new study by Purdue University researchers found that mothers who use verbally aggressive language with their children tend to direct them less and more negatively. The study, which observed 40 mothers playing with their children aged 3-8, revealed that verbally aggressive mothers were less cooperative and undermined their child's se...

SourcePurdue University·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateAug 4, 2008