News Archive
Monday, June 1 2015
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ISU entomologist: Mosquito season about to get underway – when it’s wet and hot enough
The beginning of June often marks the unofficial start to mosquito season in Iowa, with clouds of adult bugs invading ball games, barbecues and other outdoor activities in the wake of major rainfall and rising temperatures. Mosquito numbers are low right now, but it’s likely only a matter of time before warm and wet summer conditions cause a spike in mosquito activity, according to an ISU entomologist.
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Three ISU architecture student projects are among 10 winners in national AIA competition
Projects by three teams of Iowa State architecture graduate students were selected winners in the AIA COTE Top 10 for Students. More than 400 students from 38 schools participated in the national competition sponsored by the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and ViewGlass. The 10 winning projects were displayed at the 2015 AIA National Convention in Atlanta.
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Iowa State University researchers discover surprisingly wide variation across species in genetic systems that influence aging
A new Iowa State University study focusing on insulin signaling uncovered surprising genetic diversity across reptiles, birds and mammals. Scientists previously assumed the process remained much the same throughout the animal kingdom, but the new research shows that the genetic pathways in reptiles evolved to include protein forms not observed in mammals.
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Sense of community slipping in small town Iowa
A new survey of residents in 99 Iowa towns offers a snapshot of how these communities have changed over the past 20 years. While a majority of residents describe their community as safe and friendly, Iowa State University researchers found attitudes about certain amenities and the level of community involvement have declined.
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Iowa State to be home to a new, $20 million national center for forensic science
Iowa State University will be the home of a national Forensic Science Center of Excellence. The National Institute of Standards and Technology just awarded a five-year, up to $20 million grant to establish the center. Alicia Carriquiry, an Iowa State statistician and Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts and Sciences, will lead the center. The center will also include researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the University of California, Irvine and the University of Virginia.
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Proteins may slow memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s
Certain proteins may slow the devastating memory loss caused by Alzheimer’s disease, according to a groundbreaking Iowa State University study. Auriel Willette, a researcher in food science and human nutrition, found evidence that an elevated presence of a protein called neuronal pentraxin-2 may slow cognitive decline and reduce brain atrophy in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Estrangement likely when adult child does not share mother’s values, Iowa State study finds
There is a strong bond between mothers and children that when severed is often the result of a difference in values. That is the finding of a new Iowa State University study published online in the Journal of Marriage and Family. Megan Gilligan, lead author and an assistant professor of human development and family studies, says mother and adult child estrangement is more common than most people might think.
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Cyclone Space Mining pushing to remain a leader at NASA competition
These are all-out days and nights for the student-engineers of Cyclone Space Mining. They're preparing for NASA's May 18-22 contest for student-designed and student-built mining robots. They've had a good run at the Kennedy Space Center the past three years and are looking to continue that success and innovation.
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Cyclone Power Pullers create tractor that makes life easier for operators
The Cyclone Power Pullers emphasized operator convenience in the quarter-scale tractor they designed and built to enter into a competition this month.
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Iowa State researchers expand SWITCH to build comprehensive approach to school wellness
An Iowa State University research team is working with elementary schools to improve academic outcomes through SWITCH – a program aimed at getting children to “switch what they do, view and chew.” The team received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop and test school-based components designed specifically for physical education classes, lunchroom nutrition and the regular classroom.
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Iowa State’s Baja racing team slowed in first race, ready to regain off-road speed
The student-engineers of the Iowa State Baja SAE Team are working to build on a top-20 finish at a recent competition in Alabama. They're confident they have a car that's durable and fast enough to move up the rankings. They'll race again May 27-30 in Oregon.
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Prairie STRIPS program expands with new grant
A new USDA grant will allow the innovative STRIPS program at Iowa State University to widen its scope and test its methods in new geographic areas and agricultural practices.
Postcard from Campus: Hidden Gems
Some of the prettiest spots on campus can sometimes be the least visited. So make plans to take your lunch outside this summer at a few of Iowa State's "hidden gems."Change Agent: Dave Swenson
Finishing a marathon is a goal that once accomplished is enough for most runners. Others see it as just the beginning. Dave Swenson is one of the others.