A study by Washington State University researcher Soobin Seo found that people are more comfortable talking to female robots working in service roles in hotels. The preference is stronger when the robots are described as having more human features, with participants rating female robot interactions as more pleasant and satisfying.
Researchers found that adding chipotle seasoning to white sauce formulations made it difficult for older adults to differentiate between low and high levels of salt. Conversely, herbs like basil leaves and garlic powder were not as effective at masking salty flavors.
A new study by Washington State University scientists reveals that viral proteins interact with each other to disable plant defenses, allowing viruses to hijack their hosts. When some of these proteins are disabled, the virus cannot move from cell to cell, highlighting a promising approach to prevent crop losses.
A high protein diet may harm polar bears, with captive bears showing signs of kidney disease and shorter lifespans. Researchers propose adopting a diet with a fat-protein ratio similar to that found in the wild to improve bear health and longevity.
A study published in MBio found that removing the NS2 protein from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) allows the human body's immune response to destroy the virus before exaggerated inflammation begins. This discovery could lead to new therapeutics targeting this protein for other respiratory viruses like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.
A recent study found that large wildfires and severe heat events worsen air pollution across the western United States, affecting 68% of the region's population in one day. The study revealed an increasing trend in days with high levels of both particulate matter and ozone, tied to rising temperatures and wildfires.
A Washington State University study found that people's attitudes toward virtual meetings depend on their public self-consciousness. Those low in this trait tend to have more positive attitudes when their own faces are visible, while highly self-conscious individuals experience worse attitudes.
A study found concurrent heatwaves occurring simultaneously in mid- to high-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere were seven times greater in the 2010s, causing more severe societal impacts. The heat events grew hotter and larger, exhausting countries' ability to provide mutual aid during crises.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that combining gallic acid with stretching decreases inflammation markers and improves protein production in arthritic cartilage cells. This finding suggests a potential new procedure for treating osteoarthritis by growing healthy cartilage tissue.
A recent study found that polar bears in the Beaufort Sea are traveling up to 30% farther from their traditional hunting grounds, resulting in a 20% decrease in population. As sea ice recedes earlier and further, bears are being displaced from primary foraging habitats and forced to compete for food resources.
New research suggests that cannabis use can lead to harmful drug-drug interactions by interfering with two families of enzymes that metabolize a wide range of drugs. This could result in unintended side effects such as toxicity or accidental overdose, particularly for older individuals using medications.
Researchers identified epimutations in cheek cells that can predict rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility. The discovery could lead to a non-invasive diagnostic test for the disease. Biomarkers were found in both Caucasian and African-American women with rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a strong signal for the disease.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a technique to observe matter wave caustics in atom lasers, resulting in curving cusps or folds. These findings have potential applications for highly precise measurement and timing devices, including interferometers and atomic clocks.
A Washington State University research team used advanced radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient stone monoliths in southern Ethiopia's Gedeo zone. The findings push back the construction date by a millennium, shedding light on the region's culture and trade networks.
Despite making progress, genome sequencing of 1.66 million animal species remains incomplete, with vertebrates accounting for 54% of current sequences. Invertebrates, including insects and spiders, comprise only 34% despite representing 78.5% of all species.
A Washington State University study found that cannabis vapor exposure lowered sperm counts and slowed movement in male mice and their sons. The study suggests that cannabis use may be detrimental to male reproductive function, contributing to declining human sperm counts.
A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.
A new technique measures bacterial metabolic activity with an electric probe to identify antibiotic resistance in less than 90 minutes. This rapid method enables doctors to quickly determine which antibiotics will or won't work for a patient's infection, improving treatment decisions and potentially saving lives.
A new study by Washington State University researchers found that relaxing limits on take-home methadone doses during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to worse treatment outcomes. The study saw a nearly doubling of methadone take-home doses but no significant changes in emergency department visits or methadone testing.
A Washington State University study found that low- and middle-income parents increased their spending on education, clothing, recreation, and electronics for their children after receiving lump sum payments. In contrast, high-income parents showed no significant increase in child-related expenditures.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that 75% of new first-year college students experience some level of pet separation anxiety, with one in four reporting moderate to severe symptoms. Students who treated their pets like people were more likely to experience high levels of anxiety.
A new study reveals that young adults experienced significant losses during the pandemic, including missed social events and inability to say goodbye in person. Researchers collected stories from college students who reflected on their earliest and most significant losses regarding COVID-19.
A recent study found that food safety crises at smaller restaurant chains have a significant impact on consumer behavior, causing people to be hesitant to visit other restaurants even if they were not directly involved. The negative spillover effect was greater from the bottom up, with small chain crises hurting big-name brands more.
Researchers developed a new catalyst with unique atomic-sized rafts that improve the cleaning of emissions from natural gas engines. The catalyst enhances energy efficiency and reduces unburnt methane emissions, making natural gas-powered technology cleaner and more viable.
A new study by Washington State University scientists finds that people living in areas with humid-heat extremes are bearing the brunt of the impact. The researchers identify a greater increase in population exposure to humid-heat as compared to dry-heat, emphasizing the importance of understanding humidity changes in a warming world.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that sleep loss does not impact a person's ability to evaluate emotional situations, despite affecting their mood. However, sleep deprivation can make individuals less able to control their own emotional responses.
The WSU-led DEEP VZN project aims to detect and characterize unknown viruses that can spill over from wildlife to human populations. The project plans to collect over 800,000 samples and screen the genomes of novel viruses with high zoonotic potential.
A massive review of nearly 300 studies found strong associations between greenspaces near homes and schools and improved physical activity and mental health outcomes in kids. Exposure to nature, particularly for disadvantaged populations, offers greater health benefits by counteracting poverty's toxic effects.
A new study uses a 'systems lens' to understand the interconnected health risks from human-caused changes to the climate and environment. The research found that agricultural activities, air pollution, and climate change are closely linked and require a comprehensive approach to mitigate their impacts.
A new, low-cost 3D-printed sensor can accurately detect and measure glyphosate levels in liquids with high sensitivity and specificity. The sensor uses nano-sized tubes and technology similar to glucose tests to detect the herbicide in orange juice and rice beverages.
A US study published in Journal of Health Communication found that emphasizing individual health risks from COVID-19 leads to higher vaccine acceptance among participants. The researchers also discovered that loss framing was slightly more effective than positive gain framing, suggesting cultural and personal factors may play a role.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a sensor that can measure the electric current produced by tiny microbes in soil, allowing for real-time assessments of soil health and potential. This breakthrough could provide farmers with valuable insights into soil productivity, enabling data-driven management strategies.
A study by Washington State University found that Gen Z adults are open to apparel rental services as a way to reduce waste and extend clothing lifespan. Key factors contributing to this trend include the perceived effectiveness of making a difference and a focus on usage over ownership.
Researchers found that when a weevil eats before an aphid, it enhances plant anti-pathogen defense responses, but reduces nutritional quality. In contrast, if the aphid eats first, it reduces anti-pathogen defenses and increases virus spread.
Researchers found that over 60% of US residents infected with antibiotic-resistant salmonella Kentucky while abroad were resistant to fluoroquinolones. The bacteria is more likely to cause disease and evade antibiotics when acquired in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
Scientists at Washington State University identified a DNA region known as VNTR2-1 that drives telomerase gene activity, which helps prevent aging in certain cells. The study suggests that this 'junk DNA' sequence contributes to genetic diversity of aging and cancer development.
A Washington State University research team developed wearable wristbands to measure physiological responses to stress in real-time, providing a potential method to prevent relapses in people with Alcohol Use Disorder. The study found that the devices matched survey results and can trigger interventions when needed.
A panel of amateur beer drinkers distinguished between five barley varieties, preferring four developed at WSU over a control. The researchers hope this method can be used to test new barley varieties and reduce reliance on hops.
A new study finds that LGBTQ+ students in conservative school districts experience more bullying, leading to higher rates of psychological distress and suicidality. In contrast, students in liberal districts report lower levels of bullying and teacher intervention.
A Washington State University study found that pandemic-induced layoffs caused financial strain, depression, and social isolation among young hotel and restaurant workers. The study suggests that the younger generation may be less likely to return to the industry due to perceived instability and lack of personal control.
Research from Washington State University finds that layoffs and cost-cutting measures can affect employee morale for up to two years after the event, with investments in workers leading to lasting improvements in job attitudes. Employers can mitigate negative effects by prioritizing worker investments and company culture.
A novel study of high-potency cannabis found memory impairments related to free recall, source memory, and false memories. However, vaping high-potency concentrates showed comparable performance to smoking low-potency flower, suggesting cautious optimism for the little-studied product.
A study found that wildfires alter male red-backed fairywrens' plumage, making them less attractive to females, while also lowering circulating testosterone. This suggests an evolved response to minimize breeding during unfavorable environmental conditions.
A new computer model has been created to understand plant energy storage, with lab experiments confirming its accuracy. The findings could improve crop resilience in challenging environments and help develop new plants for climate change.
Researchers found that syrphid flies, a type of bee-impostor, were the second most common pollinators on urban and rural farms, accounting for 35% of visits. The flies' bee-like colors may help avoid predators, while their presence could also benefit plants by consuming pests like aphids.
A Washington State University study of twins found that stress and anxiety during the pandemic were associated with decreased sleep quality. The researchers linked self-reported mental health issues to changes in sleep patterns, showing a two-way relationship between disrupted sleep and poor mental health.
A Washington State University study of over 700 young adults aged 18-25 found that those casually dating drank more than those in serious relationships or not interested in dating. This contrasts with previous research showing young adults in relationships tend to drink less.
A study found that consumers prefer foods with clean labels, which include few ingredients and no additives or preservatives. The study also discovered that the name of the new technology used to make these products affects consumer valuation.
Researchers found that toxin-adapted fish passed on epigenetic mutations to their freshwater offspring, with an 80% overlap in DNA methylation regions. This study provides evidence for the long-term effects of toxic exposure on epigenetics, with implications for understanding human health and environmental adaptations.
A new study led by Washington State University researchers has identified protein kinase A (PKA) as a potential target for improving treatment outcomes after a heart attack. The research suggests that PKA plays a role in heart muscle cell necrosis, a major type of cell death that commonly occurs after reperfusion therapy.