Soil temperatures in Alaska's permafrost regions are rising at a rate of 0.64 degrees Celsius per decade, lagging behind air temperatures but still exhibiting 'polar amplification.' The study, published in Frontiers in Climate, reveals the relationship between air and soil temperatures in the state.
A community-based approach to vaccinating dogs against rabies significantly increased vaccination coverage and reduced costs compared to traditional annual campaigns, maintaining herd immunity and protecting children from deadly infections. The study, led by WSU, suggests a cost-effective solution to prevent human infections.
Researchers found that a mutation in the OCA2 gene caused changes in pigment cells, eye formation, and dozens of other genes in zebrafish embryos. The study suggests OCA2 may play a wider role in development beyond producing melanin, which could help explain vision problems and other complications associated with albinism.
New research from Washington State University found that AI corrections are most persuasive when delivered in a tone that matches a user's level of anthropomorphism. An empathetic tone can be more effective in decreasing misperceptions, especially when the tone aligns with a user's beliefs about AI agents.
A study found that cannabis lowered some stress measures, such as cortisol levels, but others remained unaffected or increased. Subjective reports of participants showed a strong correlation with reduced stress, but physiological indicators like heart rate and heart rate variability were less affected.
A new nanotherapy has been developed to target endometriosis, reducing symptoms and disease progression in a mouse model. The treatment, using a commonly available drug delivered by a tiny nanoparticle, has shown promise in early testing.
A new study found that human activities contribute more harmful nitrogen to coastal waters than all natural sources combined, posing a threat to marine life and human health. The research identifies areas of greatest concern and suggests strategies to reduce nutrient loads, including advanced technology, improved fertilizer management,...
Researchers have discovered how hedgehog coronaviruses invade host cells, highlighting their potential risk to animals like cats. The viruses are unlikely to infect humans without multiple genetic mutations, but their ability to infect other animals, including cats, is a concern.
Researchers found changes in infants' skin microbiome before symptoms of eczema and food allergies appeared. The study suggests skin microbiome composition could help identify children at risk earlier, potentially serving as early biomarkers.
A new study suggests that cannabis ads may shape viewers' expectations about cannabis and sex, with potential implications for sexual decision making and consent. College students who interpreted ads as suggesting cannabis use were more likely to expect benefits and say they might use cannabis before sex, regardless of the ad's content.
A new electronic skin with sensing capabilities can detect pressure and temperature at a finer scale than current commercial glove sensors, mimicking real human skin. This customizable system enables prosthetics to provide tactile feedback, improving amputees' ability to perform tasks.
A new study from Washington State University found that Robinhood users prefer simple stocks with high idiosyncratic volatility, which outperformed more complex firms. The preference for simplicity persisted across all comparisons, regardless of firm size or complexity measures.
Researchers developed formulas to determine optimal subsidies for wildfire prevention efforts, finding that a certain threshold of subsidy is necessary to encourage broad participation. Early adoption by a few households can lead to widespread protection and community preparedness.
A recent WSU study suggests that working from home alone is not a sufficient condition for successful breastfeeding. The researchers analyzed the effects of working from home on breastfeeding outcomes and found no significant correlation between the two.
Researchers created a planning framework that assesses long-term investment strategies for improved resilience in the power grid. The framework maps weather events to grid impacts and quantifies cost-benefit trade-offs of possible solutions.
Scientists have found a way for the circadian clock to produce a winter version, which can suppress reproduction and alter activity patterns in fruit flies. This discovery could lead to new ways to disrupt pest populations and improve human health by better understanding seasonal influences.
Researchers mapped the habitat of army cutworm moths to protect grizzly foraging sites from growing backcountry recreation. The moths congregate in high-altitude talus fields that are difficult to access, providing a crucial food source for grizzlies.
Researchers found that hatchery-raised fall Chinook salmon exposed to noise were less likely to complete the journey to the ocean and back. However, when raised in a quiet environment, they were more likely to return than those raised with ambient or continuous white noise.
New research from Washington State University found that team initiative has no direct relationship with team performance, but is essential when paired with strong coordination. Teams performed best when members' initiative was accompanied by successful passes between players.
A WSU study explores the environmental cost of influencer PR gifts, finding that only 1% of comments mention packaging sustainability. The research suggests influencers can promote eco-friendly behaviors by discussing sustainable practices in their unboxing videos.
Research finds that food insecurity affects different racial and ethnic groups differently, with Asian adults having the highest rates of food security and some Native American groups facing severe shortages, despite overall poverty rates being similar.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis packaging design features, particularly branding elements, can attract underage consumers, raising questions about existing regulations. Participants preferred colorful logos, bold typography, and images resembling familiar foods over warning labels and nutritional information.
WSU researchers found that every 1% increase in tax burden leads to a 4.3% decrease in corruption convictions, suggesting citizens care more about government when they pay more taxes
A new study from Washington State University suggests that a father's health before conception may shape the biological environment that influences his offspring's health. The researchers found that sperm developed in the testis, rather than during epididymal transit, transmit diet-associated metabolic traits to offspring.
A new predictive model developed at Washington State University can identify the reservoirs of emerging zoonotic viruses and dangerous pathogens like Ebola. The model uses serological data and seasonal biological patterns to narrow down when viruses are most likely to be found in wildlife.
A recent study found that recycling mulch film can produce high-quality materials, but proper cleaning is crucial to remove contaminants. Researchers evaluated films from four states and discovered significant differences in soil contamination and structural characteristics across regions.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key cluster of genes that can be transferred from rhizobia bacteria, allowing non-nitrogen-fixing bacteria to colonize host plants and harvest nitrogen. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce fertilizer use and improve crop yields.
Research from Washington State University found that graphic anti-smoking ads can lead smokers to vape instead of quit due to the lack of comparable health warnings on e-cigarettes. The study suggests that consumers may perceive e-cigarettes as a safer option when exposed to vivid images of smoking's health consequences.
The study offers a detailed look at the nation's sustainable aviation fuel industry and found that domestic production is expanding quickly but unlikely to meet its goal without additional support. The most optimistic scenario projects 2.1 billion gallons of SAF production annually by 2030, roughly two-thirds of the federal target.
A recent study by WSU researchers reveals nearly 30% of rodents in the Palouse region showed evidence of past infection with Sin Nombre virus, a deadly respiratory disease. The study also produced the first full genome sequences of SNV strains from the Northwest, highlighting high genetic diversity and viral reassortment.
Researchers at Washington State University and Google developed an AI system that can process hundreds of thousands to millions of camera trap images in just a few days, reducing analysis time from months to days. The results aligned with human experts' models in roughly 85-90% of cases, making it a significant breakthrough for conserv...
A new physics-based simulation framework predicts the likelihood of failure for different transmission tower designs across entire networks with 96% accuracy. The model accounts for various factors, including wind speed and direction, and rainfall intensity, to help power companies identify vulnerable towers and reduce power outage risks.
Researchers have identified a signaling pathway that prompts plant cells to form walls, revealing the process of how cell walls create plants' shapes and structure. This discovery sheds light on how plant life evolved and sustained human civilization.
A new method for treating sewage sludge efficiently creates renewable natural gas while reducing treatment costs by nearly 50%. The process produces pipeline-quality renewable natural gas with minimal CO2 content.
A new Washington State University study shows that recurring inflammation linked to endometriosis can sensitize the nervous system, driving lasting pain. This finding helps explain why pain persists even after lesions are removed.
Researchers developed a simple, 15-minute test to measure melatonin levels using fluorescent nanoparticles and smartphone-based readers. This technology can aid in monitoring circadian rhythms, crucial for shift workers and space operations.
Researchers found that an extract of turmeric and ginger helps bone implants bond strongly while killing bacteria and cancer cells. The extract roughly doubled bone bonding within six weeks around the implant site, killed more than 90% of bacteria on implant surfaces, and sharply reduced cancer-causing cells.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that the torpedo bat and traditional bat perform equally well in hitting power, with only a slight difference in sweet spot location. The researchers discovered that the ideal spot to hit the ball is closer on a torpedo bat, resulting in slower ball speed and distance.
New research suggests that discussing politicized news with coworkers can help employees manage stress and improve well-being. However, most people only discuss these events when they expect a supportive response. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing how social and political events shape employee emotions at work.
A new catalyst developed by Washington State University researchers efficiently converts abundant renewable ethanol into valuable molecules needed for production of plastics, fuels, and everyday products. The advance could someday make it easier to use renewables rather than petrochemicals to make common products.
A new study from Washington State University sheds light on the formation of mineral deposits in Idaho's Silver Valley and the Idaho Cobalt Belt. Ancient brines helped concentrate metals and transport them to the surface, where they formed rich veins of ore.
Researchers tested ChatGPT with over 700 hypotheses, finding the AI was accurate 76.5% of the time, but struggled to identify false statements and was inconsistent in its answers. The study highlights the need for skepticism and caution when using AI for critical tasks, particularly those involving nuance or complex reasoning.
A recent study on sheep genome sheds light on regulatory elements that influence gene expression, providing tools for breeders to select beneficial traits and avoid disease. The study mapped gene promoters and enhancers in various tissues, offering a platform for exploring future research across multiple animal species.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered the microscopic landscape of proteins in plant leaf cells, revealing how they convert sunlight into bioenergy. The study provides a new view of the molecular engine of photosynthesis and its potential for future fine-tuning of crops.
A new study found that cannabis intoxication disrupts many types of memory, including verbal, visuospatial, and episodic content memory. Participants who consumed cannabis performed significantly worse than the placebo group on most measures, with significant differences appearing in 15 of the 21 tests.
The researchers created a 3D-printed model of the left side of the heart that contracts and beats, allowing for rehearsing of important heart surgeries on a model that acts like the real thing. The model was successfully used to repair a defective mitral valve and demonstrate reduced regurgitation.
Washington State University researchers identified a critical region in the leiomodin protein that regulates filament length, essential for maintaining a healthy heartbeat. The discovery may hold clues to future treatments of cardiomyopathies and other heart conditions.
Research from Washington State University found that women are willing to pay higher prices for wines made by female winemakers, particularly those featuring feminine gender cues. The study suggests that promoting women's ownership in wineries can increase sales among the largest group of U.S. wine consumers, who happen to be women.
A new study found that the US EPA's criminal prosecutions for environmental crimes correlate strongly with a county's socioeconomic status, rather than its level of pollution. Wealthier counties receive 24% more enforcement actions on average, while poorer counties are less likely to be targeted.
A new study found that a single toxic fungicide exposure during pregnancy can increase the risk of disease for 20 subsequent generations, with inherited health problems worsening over time. The study suggests that epigenetic disease inheritance could help explain rising chronic disease rates in humans.