News Archive
Friday, June 19 2015
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Iowa State engineers develop micro-tentacles so tiny robots can handle delicate objects
Jaeyoun (Jay) Kim and his research group have developed microrobotic tentacles that can be the hands and fingers of small robots designed to safely handle delicate objects. The engineers describe their micro-tentacles in the journal Scientific Reports.
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Injured bald eagle that underwent surgery at Iowa State successfully released into wild
A rehabilitated bald eagle that underwent surgery earlier this year at Iowa State University to repair a broken wing has made a successful recovery and was released back into the wild this week.
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ISU's Grevstad-Nordbrock is building the state's first historic preservation degree program
When the state historic preservation annual conference convenes in Winterset June 25, there will be a new kid on the block. And Ted Grevstad-Nordbrock, who opened up shop at Iowa State in January, is eager to hang out his shingle statewide. Although Grevstad-Nordbrock may be new to the state, he's been involved in historic preservation for years. Now, as an assistant professor of community and regional planning, he is tasked with developing a new, multidisciplinary program in historic preservation within ISU's College of Design.
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Iowa State University expands sports turf research
A four-acre stretch of land at the ISU Horticulture Research Station north of Ames will allow ISU researchers to experiment with soil content and management practices to improve sports turf across the Midwest.
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Iowa State researchers find little evidence to support skills gap claims
A shortage of skilled workers is often the reason many employers say they struggle to find qualified employees to fill vacancies or expand their business. It’s become such a concern that public officials in many states are looking for solutions to grow a skilled workforce to meet these needs. However, an Iowa State University economic analysis of national and statewide employment, education and population data finds that some of the evidence used to support the skills gap debate is weak.
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Cyclone Racing adds wings to formula racer, looks for quicker laps on track
The student-engineers of Cyclone Racing have been busy designing and building wings for their mini open-wheel racing car. Computer simulations say the wings should increase cornering speeds and cut lap times. The students will see what happens on actual race tracks during competitions this month in Canada and Nebraska.
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Iowa State, Northern Iowa to cooperate on protecting, managing some UNI inventions
A new agreement gives the University of Northern Iowa and its intellectual property office access to Iowa State's expertise in protecting and commercializing campus inventions. Officials on both campuses say the agreement is an example of two Regents universities working together to share resources, expertise and revenue.
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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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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.
Postcard from Campus: Art on Campus
Enjoy just a sample of some of Iowa State’s more than 2,000 public works of art.
Change agent: Amy Popillion
Amy Popillion knows the impact a teacher can have on a child's life, which is why strives to be a positive influence for her students. Popillion's personal and professional philsophy is a testament to the challenges she has overcome as well as a tribute to those who have made a difference in her life.