A new study will explore the connection between dopamine, a 'feel-good' brain chemical, and hearing loss. The research aims to develop better therapies for people with communication disorders, including those with Parkinson's disease. The $1.6 million grant will fund a team led by Christine Portfors at Washington State University.
A WSU researcher has developed a novel asphalt made from waste cooking oil, reducing costs by under $200 per ton. The bioasphalt is expected to be as durable as petroleum-based alternatives, with potential applications in construction of roads and highways nationwide.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a gum-like lithium battery electrolyte that works as well as liquid electrolytes but doesn't create a fire hazard. The new material, which is a hybrid of liquid and solid, contains liquid electrolyte material suspended in solid particles of wax or a similar material.
A revised provision in new hours-of-service regulations for truck drivers has been shown to combat fatigue more effectively than the previous version. After a 2-night break, drivers with two or more nighttime periods in their restart breaks reported fewer lapses of attention and less sleepiness.
A team of scientists from Washington State University has discovered a unique mechanism used by the deadly Nipah virus to infiltrate human cells. Two proteins on the surface of the virus communicate like skilled burglars, allowing it to launch full-blown disease despite being only a single, miniscule virus.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that organic milk contains more beneficial fats and a healthier fatty acid ratio than conventional milk. Organic whole milk outperformed conventional milk in improving an individual's fatty acid profile, particularly with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
A new model suggests that characteristics like phenotype and interaction mechanisms are key to understanding the chances of an invasive species succeeding. The study challenges Darwin's original theory on naturalization conundrum, indicating that ecological relationships alone are a weak predictor of invader success.
Washington State University researchers discovered a 400-fold increase in electrical conductivity of strontium titanate when exposed to light. This phenomenon, known as persistent photoconductivity, could lead to significant improvements in electronic device performance and capacity, especially with the development of holographic memory.
A WSU-led study finds that modifying a drug to target specific human proteins could lead to new treatments for cancers and immune-related diseases. Researchers discovered that simple modifications to the drug furamidine have a major impact on its ability to affect genes.
WSU researchers found that gestating rats exposed to DDT experienced increased obesity in third-generation offspring, suggesting transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This effect is believed to be related to how genes are turned on and off in the exposed animals.
Researchers at Washington State University found that organic food purchases are influenced by both personal (egoistic) and environmental (altruistic) concerns. Advertisers can effectively target this market by highlighting the benefits of organic products in relation to individual well-being and environmental impact.
A Washington State University researcher found that moderately restrictive land-use policies can significantly reduce rural wildfire risk in Flathead County. The model predicts a 10-fold increase in residential losses under increased but still moderate restrictions, while highly restrictive policies show only a nine-fold increase.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that two softballs with different properties can result in significantly different injury risks when hit at high speeds. The team developed a virtual head model using Thums, a computerized skeletal system, to simulate collisions and quantify the effects of ball-impact.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a superconductor capable of transmitting electrical current with zero resistance. By compressing carbon disulfide under high pressure and cooling it to near absolute zero, they achieved a material that exhibits properties like magnetism and superhardness.
Two university researchers argue that NASA's Planetary Protection protocols are overly restrictive and expensive, making missions to search for life on Mars unviable. They suggest revising policies to prioritize impact on planetary exploration while minimizing costs.
The DLMX enables educators to use modern pedagogical approaches, including cooperative and problem-based learning. It facilitates students' understanding of complex concepts like heat transfer and equation application through interactive experiments.
Researchers found that customers may desire both revenge and reconciliation after a double service failure, depending on perceived firm motives. Effective ways to reduce negative customer response include explanations of the failure and apologies paired with compensation.
Researchers found that interacting with shelter dogs increased joviality, positive affect, attentiveness, and serenity among teenagers. The study suggests that dog-interaction activities could be a beneficial addition to traditional treatments for teenagers struggling with drug abuse and related issues.
Researchers at Washington State University found that being confident can increase a pundit's followers by nearly 17%, while accuracy only boosts it by 3.4%. The study used over 1 billion tweets to analyze the relationship between confidence and popularity.
A WSU study found plantings of sweet alyssum attract spiders and predatory insects that prey on woolly apple aphids, reducing their populations. The discovery is a boon for both organic and conventional tree fruit growers.
A nationwide field study will quantify methane emissions throughout US natural gas distribution systems to estimate national emissions rates. The study aims to improve energy policies and management practices for a cleaner environment.
Researchers at WSU will develop climate-resilient wheat varieties to tackle rising temperatures and limited water in growing regions. The project aims to identify genes associated with heat tolerance, benefiting all wheat-growing regions worldwide.
Researchers found that mice do not need to learn to vocalize and can produce the same suite of ultrasonic sounds regardless of whether they are deaf or hearing. This discovery points the way to a genetic tool for studying speech and its disorders, shifting focus from learning to genetic mechanisms.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded Washington State University a $1.6 million grant to develop domestic quinoa production, meeting growing demand for the high-protein crop. Researchers aim to identify best varieties and breeding practices for organic production.
Researchers at WSU will study the effects of fatigue on attention and decision-making to improve 24-hour operations and safety. The study aims to develop an individualized fatigue prediction model and identify genetic markers that explain person-to-person differences in responding to fatigue.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that fishers in Hawaii's nearshore fisheries travel longer distances to catch fish due to the placement of marine protected areas. Despite this, their social and economic status remain unchanged.
A recent study at Washington State University found that viewers of primetime crime dramas are more inclined to intervene on behalf of sexual assault victims. The research suggests that prime-time television can be an effective medium for educating the public about sexual assault and encouraging bystander intervention.
A new study from Washington State University finds that mothers' eating habits at the dinner table can significantly impact their preschoolers' obesity risk. The researchers analyzed surveys of low-income African-American and Latino Head Start preschoolers and caregivers, discovering that moms who exhibit high levels of control while f...
Researchers at Washington State University have made a breakthrough in repairing damaged brain cells using the active compound of chili peppers. The discovery has potential to provide relief for concussions and other health effects seen in athletes and head-injury victims.
Researchers have discovered a link between West Nile virus in mosquitoes and birds, as well as the insects' ability to spread the virus to horses and people. Habitats with high disease prevalence in horses and birds also have more mosquitoes and certain bird species, which contribute to the transmission of the virus.
Research finds that exposure to certain plastics and hydrocarbons can cause reproductive diseases and obesity in descendants, leading to epigenetic inheritance. The study identifies nearly 200 molecular markers for exposure and disease, paving the way for diagnostic tools and new therapies.
Researchers at Washington State University have successfully printed parts using materials from the moon, marking a significant breakthrough in additive manufacturing. The team used 3D printing technology to create simple shapes from lunar regolith simulant, which they plan to tailor for stronger building materials and remote repairs.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that a simple scent is more effective in increasing retail sales than complex scents. The simple scent of orange freed customers' minds from processing tasks, leading to increased purchases and faster problem-solving.
Researchers found that antibiotic-resistant E. coli can survive in soil and recolonize in animal guts through pasture, forage or bedding. They propose potential solutions to limit the spread of resistance by isolating residual antibiotics before they interact with soil bacteria.
A WSU researcher is studying the ecological factors behind antibiotic resistance in 30 Tanzanian villages, looking at genes, landscapes, and pathways. The project aims to understand how ecological components contribute to the problem and inform policies in the US.
A WSU study found that young adults who use social media to express their political beliefs are more likely to participate in public affairs. The study analyzed over 400 undergraduate college students and found that those interested in election information were more likely to use digital sources to learn about elections.
A WSU researcher found that 10 hours of engaging science instruction improved test scores in fourth-grade students, increasing their average math percentile rank from 53.2 to 63.4 and language arts percentile from 42.8 to 60.3.
Researchers found that viruses work together to break down plant defenses, causing more severe disease. This phenomenon has important implications for controlling these viruses.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new drug candidate that improves cognitive function in rats with Alzheimer's-like mental impairment by building new brain cell connections. The compound, called Dihexa, is stable and can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing for pill-form administration.
A study by Washington State University finds that genetically modified crops have led to a 25% increase in herbicide use, driven by the emergence of glyphosate-resistant weeds. The annual herbicide usage has grown from 1.5 million pounds in 1999 to 90 million pounds in 2011.
A WSU study found that dioxin exposure to pregnant rats resulted in reproductive problems and disease in subsequent generations, including prostate disease and ovarian disease. The effects can be passed down to great-grandchildren, highlighting the potential long-term impact of environmental toxins on health.
A new study by WSU geneticist Patricia Hunt and colleagues reveals BPA can damage chromosomes, disrupt egg development, and increase the risk of miscarriages and birth defects in rhesus monkeys. The research bolsters earlier findings on reproductive effects in rodents and raises concerns about human exposure to this common chemical.
Researchers propose a new way to restore Africa's depleted soils through 'perenniation,' which combines food crops with trees and perennial plants, reducing the need for artificial inputs and improving soil health.
Cocaine withdrawal affects emotion and motivation due to the activation of CB1 cells in the brain. These cells, responsible for regulating nerve cell communication, slow down activity in the nucleus accumbens when an addict is high on cocaine, leading to a drag on emotions and motivation during withdrawal.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified a biological mechanism connecting trichomoniasis, a curable sexually transmitted disease, to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer in men. The study reveals that the parasite activates a series of proteins, with one protein acting as a key regulator in this process.
A rare but deadly infection, similar to malaria in humans, was discovered among a group of horses at the King Ranch in Texas. WSU/USDA scientist Don Knowles developed a reliable diagnostic test and treatment to kill the parasites, containing the outbreak and identifying a new tick species responsible for its spread.
A WSU researcher has identified over 40 plant-based compounds that can turn on genes that slow the spread of cancer. The study highlights the potential role of diet and nutrition in controlling cancer's spread.
Researchers at Washington State University found that dams and reservoirs emit significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The study's findings suggest that managing drawdowns could reduce methane emissions and may even make decommissioning reservoirs a net sink for carbon.
A WSU researcher finds that forest disturbances, including fires and wildfires, can help create habitats for rare plants and animals. This approach to forest management can enhance biodiversity by mimicking natural disturbances.
Scientists have discovered a developmental mechanism responsible for the excessive growth of threatening horns or come-hither tail feathers in animals. The research reveals how insulin signaling pathways influence trait size, explaining why some males grow massive horns while others have minimal development.