A study at Washington State University found that boredom is increasing year after year for teens in grades 8-12, with greater increases for girls. This rise is linked to growing depressive symptoms and decreased social interaction, highlighting the need for interventions to address adolescent dissatisfaction.
Researchers have identified patterns of epigenetic molecules on sperm DNA that can indicate male infertility. A new diagnostic approach could provide doctors with a reliable method to screen men for infertility, saving couples time and effort in finding suitable treatment options.
A WSU study published in Cell Reports demonstrates that mammalian insulin activates an antiviral immunity pathway in mosquitoes, increasing their ability to suppress flavivirus infections. This discovery has the potential to inhibit the spread of West Nile virus and other diseases such as dengue and Zika.
A study by Washington State University researchers shows a decline in new cases of heart disease among American Indians over a 25-year period. Fewer Native men are dying from heart-disease-related events, while overall prevalence of heart disease has decreased more in women.
A new treatment approach for inflammatory diseases, including sepsis, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, acute lung injury, and atherosclerosis, has been discovered using nanoparticles. The technology selectively kills 'rogue' white blood cells that drive exaggerated immune responses, while leaving beneficial cells unharmed.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified a new therapeutic target for the treatment of gout, a common type of arthritis that causes episodes of painful and stiff joints. Blocking the signaling molecule TAK1 can suppress inflammation caused by gout, according to the study.
Researchers developed a targeted cancer treatment using biologically-inspired nanotubes that deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to fast-dividing lung cancer cells. The new technology reduces toxicity and effective kills cancer cells with lower doses, promising a precise approach for precision targeting.
Researchers have developed a novel way to identify previously unrecognized antibiotic-resistance genes in bacteria using machine learning and game theory. The approach determined the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes in three different types of bacteria with high accuracy.
Researchers tripled the shelf life of ready-to-eat macaroni and cheese from 12 months to 36 months using a special coating that keeps oxygen away. The technology has benefits not only for space travel but also for improving military meals (MREs) and consumer food products.
Researchers analyzed data from the Mundus Vini Challenge to identify key characteristics of award-winning wines. The study found that wines with high ethanol and sugar levels, as well as flavors associated with sweetness, tend to win top awards.
Grizzly bears express a larger number of genes than any other species studied to cope with hibernation-induced metabolic stressors. They reverse the negative effects of fat accumulation by switching genes on and off based on the season.
Researchers successfully grew Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the bacterium causing Citrus Greening Disease, in a laboratory for the first time. This breakthrough enables studies on the disease and potential treatments.
A five-year WSU study is tracking 200 Seattle-area children to measure physical activity, body mass index, sleep, and gut microbiome in two groups: Tiny Trees outdoor preschool students and traditional preschool students. The goal is to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of outdoor preschools in preventing childhood obesity.
Research from Washington State University reveals that hiring star employees alongside founders can stall product innovation efforts due to conflicting influences. The study advises start-ups to establish clear chain of command, hire experienced start-up employees, and adapt to change as the organization evolves.
Researchers relocated sage-grouse from Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada to Washington state to boost populations. However, it took about a year for the birds to settle in and reproduce effectively. The study shows that relocation can be a viable tool in conserving threatened species like sage-grouse.
Round numbers can significantly increase people's sense of accomplishment when tracking progress towards goals, according to Washington State University research. Studies show that customers feel more accomplished when their progress is expressed in round numbers, particularly at intermediate targets.
Researchers at Washington State University found that individuals who post more selfies are viewed as less likeable, more insecure, and less open to new experiences. On the other hand, those who share more posed photos are seen as higher in self-esteem, more adventurous, and having better social skills.
A WSU researcher has created a new technology that harnesses the immune system to target diseased tissues, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. The technology uses neutrophils to deliver drugs directly to inflammatory sites, showing promise in treating acute lung injury and potentially other diseases.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that women and professionals outside of university settings are underrepresented in high-impact, peer-reviewed archaeology publications. The authors suggest that structural barriers, lack of time and resources, and limited opportunities contribute to this disparity.
Researchers at Washington State University have improved the software used to track thousands of near-Earth asteroids and comets, reducing modeling time from months to just hours. This breakthrough enables scientists to better predict asteroid orbits and potential collisions with Earth.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that interacting with animals for just 10 minutes can lower cortisol levels, a major stress hormone, in college students. The study involved 249 participants divided into four groups, with the first group showing a significant reduction in cortisol levels after petting cats and dogs.
Researchers discovered that people who experience boredom often have more anxiety and depression. To cope, individuals can shift towards left brain activity, engaging themselves in activities like reading or planning meals.
Researchers found genetic divergence between ice worm populations north and west of the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and those south and east. Birds are believed to have transported eggs between glaciers, introducing new diversity to isolated ice worms.
A new drug delivery system using curcumin from turmeric inhibits osteosarcoma cell growth by 96% and promotes healthy bone cell growth, offering a gentler treatment option for young patients with bone cancer.
A new study from Washington State University found that witnessing poor customer service can prompt bystanders to punish the employee through lower tips, regardless of whether they were directly affected. However, a manager's intervention with an apology can help reestablish trust and reduce hostility.
College students who viewed objectified women in alcohol ads had lower intentions to intervene in sexual assault situations. Exposure to these ads and perceptions of women's powerlessness contributed to negative treatment of women.
A new study by WSU researchers found surprisingly high levels of indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and possibly mercury, in carefully monitored homes. Temperature fluctuations inside the homes led to increased pollution levels, which varied throughout the day.
Researchers have discovered a method to convert plastic waste into jet fuel using activated carbon as a catalyst. The process produces high-quality fuel with minimal environmental impact, offering a promising solution to the global plastic crisis.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method to analyze the genetic characteristics of cannabis strains, providing a powerful tool for addressing industry claims and concerns. The analysis reveals distinct gene networks orchestrating each strain's production of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Scientists at Washington State University and Ohio State University have developed a novel method for creating custom lenses using magnetic liquid droplets. This breakthrough process eliminates the need for expensive metal molds, enabling mass production of high-quality lenses in various shapes and sizes.
Washington State University researchers have developed an environmentally friendly material that surpasses Styrofoam in insulation capabilities. The plant-based material is made from cellulose nanocrystals and has a uniform cellular structure, making it a good insulator.
Researchers at Washington State University found that an electronic tongue is more accurate and effective than human taste buds in tasting spicy foods. The e-tongue can handle high concentrations of heat without losing accuracy, allowing for faster and more precise testing of new products.
A Washington State University study found that using child-centered nutrition phrases can increase healthy food intake in children. Kids ate twice as much of the nutritious foods when they were told how it would benefit them in terms they could understand.
Researchers developed a sensor that can detect spoiled milk by reacting to gas produced by bacterial growth, changing color in the process. The breakthrough aims to improve food safety and shelf life by providing a more accurate expiration date system.
Researchers found large numbers of errors in publicly available genomic data, including mistakes in gene annotation that resulted in truncated or missing sequences. The errors are due to human and technological factors, such as imperfect DNA sequencing technology and confusion about protein function.
A recent study published in eLife has identified the gene SHANK3 as a key player in sleep problems associated with autism spectrum disorder. The research found that individuals with autism have trouble falling asleep due to difficulty regulating their body's circadian clock, which regulates the 24-hour day and night cycle.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that college men who frequently attend parties or go to bars are more likely to be sexually aggressive compared to those who don't. The combination of alcohol and the setting where drinking takes place had a major impact on reported aggressive tactics used.
Researchers found that rats exposed to glyphosate during pregnancy developed prostate, kidney, and ovarian diseases, as well as obesity and birth abnormalities in subsequent generations. The study's findings suggest a potential link between glyphosate exposure and increased risk of certain health problems across multiple generations.
Researchers created salt blends using calcium and potassium chloride to reduce sodium chloride content without compromising flavor. The optimal blend achieved a balance of 96.4% sodium chloride and 3.6% replacement salts, increasing the possibility of gradual reductions in salt consumption.
Researchers found that magnesium chloride deicers can cause significant degradation of concrete strength and micro-hardness, even without visible signs of damage. The study's findings have important implications for transportation officials and the use of magnesium chloride as a winter road treatment.
A special journal issue highlights the science and solutions behind shift work, addressing health and safety risks, sleep deprivation, and more. The issue provides practical guidance for employers and workers, and will inform policy makers and researchers.
A Washington State University researcher finds that attractive businesswomen are perceived as less truthful and more deserving of termination than less attractive women. The study suggests that this phenomenon taps into primal feelings of sexual insecurity and jealousy, affecting both men and women.
Researchers developed a catalyst that can remove pollutants at low temperatures, outperforming current technology and reducing platinum required. The breakthrough could have significant impact on exhaust emission control, directly addressing the 150-degree challenge.
A new study found that children with Duarte galactosemia are at no greater risk of long-term developmental abnormalities than their unaffected siblings, regardless of their exposure to milk as infants. The research team studied 350 children between the ages of 6 and 12 in 13 US states.
A recent study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that teen marijuana use decreased significantly after legalization in Washington state. High school seniors who work more than 11 hours per week were more likely to report using marijuana, highlighting the need for employers to enforce zero-tolerance policies and ensure...
Researchers at Washington State University captured heat-loving bacteria that can 'eat' pollution by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances and generating electricity. The discovery was made possible by a cheap portable potentiostat invented by graduate student Abdelrhman Mohamed, who worked with Professor Haluk Beyenal.
Researchers created a 3D model of a Spokane neighborhood to analyze burglaries and natural surveillance. The study found that low visibility entry points were more likely to be targeted by burglars.
A Washington State University team is developing an ultra-high performance cementitious composite grout to encapsulate solid secondary waste at the Hanford Site. The grout uses industrial byproducts like coal ash and steel slag to reduce costs and environmental impact.
A WSU sociologist's analysis of over 20,000 people's opinions reveals that environmental support declines with age and has minimal impact from cohort, but is significantly affected by presidential politics. Republican voters tend to oppose Democratic environmental policies, while supporting them when a Democrat is in office.
The Robot Activity Support System (RAS) uses sensors in a WSU smart home to detect elderly residents' needs and provide assistance with daily activities. RAS can navigate, offer video instructions and lead owners to objects needed.