A Washington State University study found that job ads with very wide pay ranges evoked less favorable impressions of employers. Participants viewed these ads as less trustworthy and doubted the organization would offer high salaries to employees. However, some saw the large range as a positive sign of possible 'room for growth',
Research at Washington State University found that nurse aides with more consistent schedules and co-workers had lower turnover rates. The study estimated a 1.9% reduction in turnover for each additional hour worked.
A Washington State University study reveals that high-elevation snow in the Pacific Northwest is melting earlier due to frequent and intense heatwaves. The researchers found that these heatwaves have doubled in frequency and intensity since the mid-1990s, posing a significant threat to the region's water supply.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a single strand of fiber that combines the flexibility of cotton with the electric conductivity of polyaniline. The newly created material showed good potential for wearable e-textiles, including detecting hazardous exposures and tracking human vital signs.
A Washington State University study found that WIC participants were less likely to use potentially unsafe infant feeding practices during the 2022 US infant formula shortage. They were also more likely to change formula brands or sources and adopt healthier feeding habits.
A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.
Researchers at Washington State University have created implantable metals that can kill 87% of bacteria causing staph infections in lab tests. The 3D-printed materials combine titanium with copper and tantalum, offering inherent antibacterial response and improved bone tissue integration.
A genetic study found that grizzly bears' energy production follows a daily pattern even during hibernation, with a blunted amplitude and shifted peak. This suggests that the circadian rhythm helps bears conserve energy while still maintaining some metabolic function.
A recent study found that most cannabis users (80%) have stopped using over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids and instead prefer inhaling high-THC cannabis to help with falling asleep. The study also showed that cannabis users experienced fewer headaches, nausea, and dry mouth compared to traditional sleep aids.
A meta-analysis of studies found guilt has only a small persuasive effect, making it less effective than previously thought. Existential guilt appeals better for broader issues like environmental and educational topics, while personal responsibility-based guilt is less effective in health communications.
Researchers found an epigenetic signature in cheek cells of obese twins that differs from their thinner siblings, suggesting a susceptibility to obesity may be written into molecular processes. The discovery could lead to a simple cheek swab test for an obesity biomarker and enable earlier prevention methods.
A study by Washington State University found that viewing objectified images of female fitness influencers can negatively impact mental health, especially among younger women. However, a positive message such as 'Love your body' can mitigate this harm and boost self-compassion in the short term.
A new tool has been developed to rapidly grow cancer-killing white blood cells, called T cells, which could advance the availability of immunotherapy. The bioreactor is 30% faster than current technologies and can be self-contained in a sterile cabinet.
A study at Washington State University found that implicit bias training improved police behavior toward homeless individuals, particularly in terms of offering polite greetings and de-escalating volatile situations. The trained officers also reported 50% fewer discrimination complaints overall.
Researchers at Washington State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Fischer Tropsch process, a key step in converting coal, natural gas, and biomass into liquid fuels. The team found that the process exhibits self-sustained oscillations, which can be harnessed to enhance reaction rates and product yields.
A study by Washington State University researchers found epigenetic alterations associated with elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, suggesting a systemic impact. The findings also suggest that the disease may be heritable, raising concerns about its transmission and susceptibility.
Researchers found that two common songbirds have smaller eyes than their counterparts from less bright outskirts, adapting to urban light. This study suggests that sensory pollutants like human-caused light may play a role in the decline of bird populations.
A team of researchers led by Karen Sanguinet identified a plant gene called 'BUZZ' that drives the growth of root hairs, helping plants find water and nutrients. The gene also plays a role in nitrate uptake and signaling, which could lead to more sustainable crop production.
A study found that Spanish-speaking Latino preschoolers were more generous than their English-speaking peers, while English-speaking children chose competitive options. This suggests that children from collectivist cultures prioritize group well-being over individualism even at a young age.
A Washington State University study found that faster USPS efficiency increases the likelihood of voting by 3.42% in restrictive states. Mail voting laws with universal or no-excuse options had a higher probability of voter turnout, up to 70%.
A study led by Washington State University researcher found that half a million children lived in 'doubled-up' households with grandparents during the pandemic. These arrangements were mainly driven by economic and instrumental needs, such as childcare and elder care, outweighing health concerns.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that biofiltration increased coho salmon hatchling survival by up to 87%, reducing mortality from stormwater runoff exposure. The method effectively removes contaminants, but implementation faces hurdles due to land requirements.
Researchers at Washington State University developed a 60 square-foot solar-powered test chamber to evaluate passive cooling systems. The chamber can simulate extreme conditions and is expected to reduce energy demand for mechanical air conditioning, which contributes to global warming.
A recent study found that activating astrocytes in the basal forebrain can keep mice awake for hours without affecting their sleep need or intensity. The researchers hope to develop interventions targeting these cells to improve productivity and health of shift workers and others who work long hours.
A Washington State University-led study found that dry lightning can cause wildfires despite up to 7.7 mm of precipitation, posing a risk for responders to detect fires earlier. The research analyzed data on over 4,600 naturally caused fires and found holdover fires, which can smolder for days before exploding into full-blown wildfires.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management suggests that restaurants can encourage customers to choose healthier food options by adjusting the font size of nutritional information on menus. By representing calorie values incongruously, businesses can effectively 'nudge' customers towards making heal...
A recent study found that young men who regularly consume sports media are more likely to accept rape myths, even after accounting for negative masculine norms. The researchers suggest that the production of sports media around athletic events contributes to this connection, portraying men as hyper-masculine aggressors and women as tro...
A study found that 41.8% of US women of reproductive age face long drives (30+ minutes) to reach an abortion facility, while 23.6% have no access within a 90-minute drive. Access is affected by state laws and geographical location.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method to extract lignin from wheat straw, producing a color-neutral, odorless, and homogenous material. This breakthrough could make lignin a more viable candidate for developing high-value products and biobased materials.
A new study reveals that bees evolved on the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana over 120 million years ago. The researchers sequenced and compared genes from more than 200 bee species, finding evidence of a parallel partnership between bees and flowering plants.
A Washington State University study found that popular health-related videos on TikTok primarily cover sexual health, diet, and exercise topics. Influencer role models and aesthetic details dominate the content, lacking attainable behavior change advice.
Researchers have developed a single-atom catalyst that efficiently removes methane from engine exhaust at low temperatures, even when the engine is starting. The catalyst uses every atom of precious metals and maintains reaction stability at higher temperatures.
A study found that Japanese beetles are likely to thrive in southeastern Washington and could spread throughout the region from Yakima to the Tri-Cities and north past Moses Lake. The beetles' potential dispersion is influenced by factors such as human activity and suitable habitat.
Hospital admissions for alcohol-related hepatitis increased dramatically during the pandemic, particularly among younger patients and women. Researchers found a 12.4% rise in cases in 2020 compared to 2019 levels.
The study found Asian clams in various habitats along the lower Columbia River, with high concentrations near warmer waters and sandy substrates. The invasive species can disrupt food webs and cause economic damage, raising concerns about potential future invasions by quagga and zebra mussels.
A recent study found that Kenyan patients who spend more than three days in hospitals are more likely to harbor antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The research team identified three risk factors associated with colonization, including hospitalization for extended periods and intubation.
Washington State University engineers have created a way to 3D-print two types of steel in the same circular layer using two welding machines. The resulting bimetallic material proved stronger than either metal alone due to pressure caused between the metals as they cool together.
A study found that harm reduction treatment reduced substance use, including cannabis and polysubstance use, among people experiencing homelessness. Participants in the treatment group used cannabis 41% fewer days than the control group. The approach led to improved quality of life and basic needs, making it a sustainable option.
Researchers found that blacklegged tick larvae are vulnerable to heat and dry conditions, while nymph and adult ticks can survive extreme temperatures with little effect. The study's findings suggest targeting interventions during the larval stage to reduce tick populations and mitigate disease transmission.
A Washington State University-led study reveals that plants can distinguish between touch and release by sending slow waves of calcium signals when touched and rapid waves when released. The researchers used specially bred plants with calcium sensors to detect these changes, providing new insights into plant sensitivity.
Washington State University researchers developed a robotic bee that can fly fully in all directions, including twisting motion. The Bee++ prototype achieves six degrees of free movement and is controlled by an artificial brain that acts like an insect's brain.
Researchers found that conveying simple, scientific facts about THC's harm to a fetus reduced intentions to use cannabis while pregnant. Short and simple communications designed to increase media literacy also had an effect.
A meta-analysis of 55 studies on grant awards found women received an average of $342,000 compared to $659,000 for men. Women were also less likely to receive second grants and faced 'discounting of women's science' despite similar funding requests.
A Washington State University-led study found that adding too much water to whisky (about 20%) can change its smell and taste, making them indistinguishable from each other. The researchers also discovered that different types of whiskies respond differently to dilution.
Research finds diclofenac's high variability in metabolism due to UGT2B17, a little-studied enzyme. The study suggests genetic testing and dose adjustments for specific populations can help minimize side effects.
A recent study found a significant rise in cannabis exposures in suspected suicide attempts, with the majority involving other substances. The data highlights the need for increased mental health services and awareness about the risks of cannabis use, particularly among youth.
Scientists at Washington State University have created a carbon-negative concrete that can sequester up to 23% of its weight in CO2 while maintaining strength comparable to regular cement. This innovation could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint, with potential applications in pavements and bridges.
Researchers at Washington State University have identified the Arrdc5 gene as a potential target for male contraception. The study found that when this gene is inactivated, it causes significant infertility in males, characterized by decreased sperm count, slowed mobility, and distorted shape.
A WSU study found that positive gossip about job-related behavior increased willingness to give a raise, while negative gossip had the opposite effect. Context-specific gossip was more influential than random gossip, suggesting that people use gossip to compete for valuable resources.
A new study reveals a protein in the nervous system regulates collagen expression, potentially extending human lifespan as temperatures rise. Mutant worms with increased collagen production lived longer and looked younger than wild-type worms under warm temperatures.