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Washington State University


Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2026

Toxic exposure creates epigenetic disease risk over 20 generations

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.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2026

‘The munchies’ are real and could benefit those with no appetite

A study by Washington State University and the University of Calgary found that cannabis use increases appetite in humans and rodents alike, regardless of food consumption or body mass index. The researchers discovered that the brain's cannabinoid receptors play a key role in stimulating hunger, paving the way for future treatments.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2026

Augmented reality menus may help restaurants attract more customers, improve brand perceptions

A new study found that augmented reality (AR) menus can significantly increase customer interest in visiting a restaurant and result in positive word-of-mouth marketing. The effectiveness of AR menus also depends on how well the technology aligns with a restaurant's overall brand image.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Study suggests pathway for life-sustaining conditions in Europa’s ocean

Researchers propose that dense, nutrient-rich ice can separate from surrounding ice and descend into the ocean, addressing a longstanding habitability problem on Europa. The study suggests a novel idea inspired by crustal delamination, which could be a consistent means of recycling ice and providing nutrients to the ocean.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2026

Rats may seek cannabis to cope with stress

A recent study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that rats with higher natural stress levels are more likely to self-administer cannabis. The study also identified links between stress hormone levels and cognitive flexibility, suggesting potential early markers for problematic drug use patterns.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2025

During times of market volatility, investors should track insider trades

Researchers found that corporate insiders' trading patterns provided excellent forecasts of future stock performance during the Covid-19 pandemic. Insiders bought undervalued stocks and sold overvalued ones, which predicted market activity. This study highlights the importance of insider trading in times of unprecedented uncertainty.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPacific-Basin Finance Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2025

Sensors could help reduce fatal racehorse injuries by 20%

Researchers developed a wearable sensor to track thoroughbred horse movements and identify risk factors for catastrophic injury. The study found that horses with high risk scores were 44 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries, and implementing the technology could reduce fatal injury rates by nearly 20%.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2025

Study questions water safety beliefs

A Washington State University-led study in Guatemala found that community perceptions of water safety often do not align with actual water quality. Bottled water was found to be the most frequently contaminated source, with only 17% meeting World Health Organization standards.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Water and Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 19, 2025

Helping farmers, boosting biofuels

A WSU-led study has discovered two promising cover crops that can be sold as a biofuel source and won't harm the soil. Triticale and hairy vetch showed promising results in Western and Central Washington fields, providing stable yields at low costs while adding nitrogen to the soil.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiomass and Bioenergy·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2025

Early planting to avoid heat doesn’t match current spring wheat production

Researchers at Washington State University found that early planting to avoid heat damage may actually hinder spring wheat productivity due to other growth issues. The study used computer modeling to show that moving crop plantings earlier in the season can expose crops to elevated heat or cold stress in later growth stages.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2025

When politics drives entrepreneurial innovation

A new WSU study found that in India's Great Indian Demonetization, political identity played a significant role in shaping entrepreneurial responses. Lower-income entrepreneurs often adopted out of necessity, while those aligned with the ruling party quickly embraced digital payments due to perceived credibility and consistency with th...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing Insights·TypeCase study·DateSep 16, 2025

Researchers design robot that can find, pick hidden strawberries

A Washington State University-led team has designed a robotic harvester that can detect and classify hidden strawberries 80% of the time. The harvester uses a combination of artificial-intelligence vision system, soft silicone grippers, and a fan to gently move leaves out of the way, improving picking efficiency.

SourceWashington State University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025

Study finds gaps in books on consent education for children

A study by Washington State University researchers analyzed over 100 picture books for children ages 3-8 and found gaps in teaching concepts of consent. While many books conveyed important messages like bodily autonomy and boundary-setting, they fell short on specific anatomical terms, trusted adults, and empowering language.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Children and Media·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 4, 2025

WSU study provides detailed look at the declining groundwater in regional aquifer system

A new study by Washington State University researchers reveals declining groundwater levels across Eastern Washington's complex aquifer system, threatening its sustainability. The study measures the water accessible to current wells and highlights areas of greatest concern, such as the Odessa region and Yakima Basin.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGroundwater for Sustainable Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2025

Bacteria hijack tick cell defenses to spread disease

Researchers at Washington State University discovered how bacteria hijack cellular processes in ticks to ensure their survival and spread to new hosts, including humans. By manipulating the ATF6 protein, the bacteria exploit the tick's natural process of producing cholesterol, which is essential for bacterial growth and survival.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025