Researchers at Washington State University explore green alternatives to traditional salt, sand, and chemicals for snow and ice control. The focus is on reducing the environmental impact of these substances, which can contaminate groundwater and harm wildlife.
Researchers at Washington State University have discovered a promising technology to expand the hard cider industry by mechanical harvesting of cider apples. The study found that machine harvesting can provide up to four times less labor than hand harvesting, resulting in significant cost savings and improved efficiency for orchards.
According to a WSU study, nearly one in five US adults suffer from persistent pain, with significant economic and social costs. Persistent pain affects daily life, work, family, and social interactions, increasing the risk of mental illness and addiction.
A new study found that future-oriented women are the voting bloc most strongly motivated to invest in reducing global warming. They tend to be more politically liberal, value the environment, believe in global warming, and are willing to pay more to mitigate climate change.
Researchers found that plants compartmentalize repair processes in specialized photosynthetic membranes, allowing for efficient energy conversion and protein repair. This insight could lead to the development of crops with improved repair mechanisms for hot and bright climates.
Researchers at WSU are building a comprehensive 'smart city' laboratory to test smart grid technologies. The lab will simulate various systems and components, including windmills, solar panels, fuel cells, and power substations.
Washington State University researchers develop a new catalyst using inexpensive iron and rare palladium to remove oxygen from plant-based materials, improving biofuel production. The combination increases activity, stability, and selectivity, reducing costs and increasing yields.
A Washington State University study found that consumers are willing to pay a 10 percent premium for environmentally labeled meat products, leading to significant water savings in livestock production. The research suggests that moderate price premiums can have a greater impact on water conservation than high premiums for niche products.
A Washington State University undergraduate has developed a new method for detecting water on Mars using an index called groundmass crystallinity. This method could potentially be useful for not only studying rocks on Earth but also on other planets.
Granny Smith apples contain high amounts of non-digestible compounds that promote the growth of friendly bacteria in the colon. This can help stabilize metabolic processes and reduce inflammation associated with obesity.
A mass dog vaccination program can stop agonizing rabies deaths worldwide by targeting the virus's primary source: dogs. By vaccinating 70% of dogs in high-risk areas, transmission from dogs to humans can be broken, leading to a significant decline in human cases.
Washington State University researchers have developed a unique method to use microbes in pond sediment to power waste cleanup in rural areas. The microbe-powered system reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing biological reactions from microbes to generate electricity.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method for educational research using computational modeling with video games. This approach allows computers to learn student behavior and think like students, making it possible to test multiple interventions before classroom implementation.
A surge in anonymous 'dark money' is pouring into US midterm election TV ads, with conservative groups leading the pack. According to a WSU researcher, $68 million has been spent on TV ads by special interest groups, including Americans for Prosperity and Crossroads GPS.
Researchers at Washington State University have found a key gene in wheat that can be used to transfer valuable traits from other plants, reducing crop losses and pesticide use. The discovery enables breeders to develop disease- and pest-resistant wheat varieties without the need for genetically modified organisms.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified specific genes in barley that enable the plant to live longer and become more tolerant of stress, including disease. These findings could lead to the development of crop breeding programs that slow aging and increase yields without genetic engineering.
A new study from Washington State University found that estrogen levels significantly increase tolerance to THC in female rats, making them more vulnerable to negative side effects. The research suggests that women are at higher risk of experiencing anxiety, paranoia, and addiction when using cannabis.
A recent WSU study found that participants were more likely to feel threatened by black people and take longer to shoot them than white or Hispanic suspects. The findings contradict public perception and previous studies, which suggest police are more willing to shoot black suspects.
The 2009 H1N1 outbreak at Washington State University provided valuable data for researchers to study the rapid spread of the virus. A computer model revealed that only a few initial infected individuals sparked the outbreak, with a high transmissibility rate among close-knit student communities.
Scientists at Washington State University have discovered a critical step in the DNA repair process that could lead to new therapies for hereditary diseases. They found that a specific protein must be 'unbuckled' to allow easy access for the DNA repair crew, and this discovery may lead to targeted gene therapy.
The Antarctic midge's genome is the smallest sequenced so far, with only 99 million base pairs. This compact genome may hold clues to the insect's incredible ability to survive in extreme conditions. Researchers are now eager to explore whether other sub-Antarctic organisms have similar genomes.
Researchers discovered active microbes in tiny droplets of water, revealing diverse bacteria and archaea. These microorganisms also degrade oil in asphalt, suggesting a similar process could be used to clean up oil spills.
Archaeologists at WSU document a bloody period of violence (1140-1180) in central Mesa Verde, Colorado, in contrast to nearby northern Rio Grande region. The study highlights factors like specialization and social structures that may have contributed to the differences in levels of violence.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that ancestral exposure to the pesticide methoxychlor can lead to adult-onset diseases like kidney disease and obesity in future generations. The researchers discovered epigenetic changes caused by methoxychlor exposure, which were transmitted through the female line and affected gene expression.
Researchers at Washington State University found that cinnamon oil is effective in killing several strains of E. coli, including non-O157 STEC, which causes approximately 110,000 cases of illness annually. The oil can be incorporated into films and coatings for packaging meat and produce to eliminate microorganisms.
A large-scale study found that organic foods have higher antioxidant levels and lower pesticide residues compared to conventional counterparts. The research team analyzed 343 peer-reviewed publications on the topic and discovered significant nutritional benefits from organic farming.
Researchers have ruled out the 'Production-Line Hypothesis', which suggested that faulty chromosomes are more common in eggs produced later in a woman's reproductive life. The study found no relationship between a woman's age and chromosome crossovers, suggesting other factors may be involved.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a wireless network on a computer chip that can reduce energy consumption in data farms. The technology allows for wireless links between cores, resulting in less energy loss and higher data transfer speed.
Researchers charted an ancient baby boom in the southwestern US among Native Americans between 500 to 1300 A.D. Birth rates likely exceeded the highest in the world today, driven by early features of civilization such as farming and food storage. However, a crash followed, offering a warning sign about the dangers of overpopulation.
A recent survey conducted at Washington State University found that half of Native American veterans say standard PTSD treatments don't work. Instead, many turn to traditional healing therapies like the Sweat Lodge ceremony, which helps dispel chronic 'ghost sickness' and provides a sense of community and spirituality.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed the first fuel cell capable of directly converting fuels like jet fuel and gasoline to electricity. This innovation offers a significantly more energy-efficient way to generate electric power for planes or cars.
Researchers at Washington State University have confirmed a 60-year-old prediction of atomic behavior using a super-cold cloud of atoms. This discovery opens a new experimental path to potentially powerful quantum computing by inducing coherent 'superradiant' behavior predicted by Robert Dicke in 1954.
A 12,000-year-old girl's DNA has revealed a significant genetic connection to modern Native Americans. The study found that Naia's skull shape was distinct from modern Native American populations, but her mitochondrial DNA showed a strong link. Researchers hope to sequence the full genome of this ancient girl in future studies.
People with exploding head syndrome typically hear abrupt noises like door slams or gunshots as they fall asleep. The episodes can be frightening and are often accompanied by anxiety and daytime sleepiness.
Researchers pinpointed five subgroups of adolescents most susceptible to specific risk factors for delinquency. The largest subgroup, accounting for 60%, was influenced by peer pressure, while the smallest, at 1%, had no identifiable risk factors despite committing high numbers of acts of delinquency.
A recent study from Washington State University challenges conventional wisdom on wine flavor finish. Researchers found that fruity flavors disappear from the palate earlier than oaky, floral, and earth flavors perception. This discovery sheds new light on the complex relationship between taste, aroma, and flavor in wine.
Research from Washington State University found that children who participate in horse-riding programs have lower stress hormone levels. The study, which measured cortisol levels in saliva samples, suggests a potential prevention strategy for young adolescents at risk of developing physical and mental health problems.
Researchers at WSU Spokane developed a new way to detect drivers about to nod off, using steering wheel movements. The technology offers an inexpensive alternative to video-based systems, providing a more reliable solution for detecting fatigue.
Researchers at WSU have developed a scale to measure spitefulness, a behavior that involves hurting an opponent even when it comes at a cost to oneself. The study found that spitefulness is closely linked to other negative traits such as psychopathy and narcissism, and that people with guilt tend to score lower on the scale.
Researchers have sequenced the rainbow trout genome, revealing that roughly half of protein coding genes have been deleted since a genetic doubling event 100 million years ago. The study also shows retention of microRNA genes and original genes involved in embryonic development.
Research by Timothy Church at Washington State University found that extroverted behavior leads to more positive feelings and upbeat behavior in people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The study also showed that individuals feel more extroverted when given the freedom to choose their own behavior.
Researchers create statistical portraits of firms and top executives involved in fraud to identify antecedent conditions and risk factors. The project aims to provide policymakers and stakeholders with a rich database for analyzing public companies and executive involvement in severe financial crime.
Researchers found that arid ecosystems, which cover nearly half the earth's land surface, can take up a significant amount of carbon as CO2 levels rise. The study suggests that these ecosystems could account for 15-28% of current carbon absorption, potentially offsetting 4-8% of current emissions by 2050.
A team of researchers from Washington State University developed a novel approach to teaching computers new skills, mimicking the interaction between a human teacher and student. The method involves giving action advice to help students learn complex games like Pac-Man and StarCraft.
A new clinical trial will assess whether multi-family group treatment can help individuals with spinal cord injuries and their caregivers cope better. The two-year project focuses on providing psychological support and coping strategies to improve patients' quality of life.
Researchers at Washington State University have found that peach extracts can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and their ability to spread. The study suggests that these compounds could be a novel addition to therapies reducing metastasis risk in various cancers, potentially available as an extract or dietary supplement.
Researchers have developed controllable chemical compounds that can deliver protective effects of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, reducing heart attack injury by up to 70%. The technology aims to unlock the gas's therapeutic potential in treating conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers documented dramatic differences in swimming ability between domesticated and wild trout, calling into question the effectiveness of hatcheries in conserving native populations. The study found that domesticated trout tend to grow faster but are slower sprinters than their wild relatives.
Chronic methamphetamine use is linked to excessive glucose utilization in the brain, paired with daytime sleepiness. The paradox of these symptoms can be explained by a biochemical process that occurs during sleep, cleaning up unnecessary connections between brain cells.
WSU researchers Ioannis Kareklas and Darrel Muehling found that young drivers who view PSAs featuring graphic images of death experience lower attitudes towards texting while driving. The study suggests using emotional appeals, such as the fear of death, to persuade drivers to stop texting and driving.