News Archive
Monday, November 28 2016
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Gene mutation linked to early onset of Parkinson’s disease in Caucasians
A defect in a gene that produces dopamine in the brain appears to accelerate the onset of Parkinson’s disease, according to new research from Iowa State University. The effect is particularly dramatic for young-to-middle-age adults.
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Iowa State University scientists explore environmental advantages of horticultural bioplastics
Bioplastic may offer gardeners a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based pots and flats, according to Iowa State University research. Although more expensive to manufacture than conventional plastics, bioplastics someday may grow beyond a niche market, said ISU experts.
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AAAS honors six Iowa State researchers for distinguished work advancing science
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is honoring six Iowa State University researchers for their distinguished work advancing science or its applications. The researchers are part of this year's class of 391 AAAS fellows.
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‘Good Girls Revolt’ author to discuss political and workplace environment for women
A former news magazine editor who helped change the role of women in journalism will visit Iowa State University as the fall 2016 Mary Louise Smith Chair in Women and Politics. Lynn Povich, the first female senior editor at Newsweek magazine and former editor-in-chief of Working Woman magazine, will present “The Good Girls Revolt: Women, Work and Politics” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Memorial Union Great Hall.
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ISU scientist receives NSF grant to study origins and functions of orphan genes in corn and other crops
An ISU scientist is leading an effort to study orphan genes in crop species. The research, supported by a National Science Foundation grant, could lead to breeding and engineering crop varieties that better meet the nutritional needs of humans and are more resistant to stress.
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ISU researchers want to break down language barriers with math and text messages
Getting parents engaged in their child’s classroom isn’t easy when mom and dad don’t speak English. That’s why two researchers in Iowa State University’s School of Education are working to overcome language barriers with text messages that kindergarten teachers can send home to parents.
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Iowa State engineers study glass in batteries as a way to increase performance and safety
Iowa State University's Steve Martin has researched battery materials for 30-plus years. He has a new grant that will allow him to expand his fundamental materials studies into research and development of new, all-solid-state technology for actual batteries. He calls it a "dream-come-true" project.
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Free online course on perennial grasses and energy production is now available
A new massive open online course, or MOOC, allows those who enroll to work through a range of multimedia materials focused on the vast possibilities perennial grasses have to drive sustainable energy production. The course arose from the efforts of CenUSA Bioenergy, a research project led by Iowa State and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
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Competence matters more than gender for women running for office
The nomination of the first woman presidential candidate by a major party has shattered some gender barriers, while at the same time reinforced certain stereotypes and double standards that still exist for women. New research by an Iowa State University political scientist found that gender plays a significant role in how much voters care about a candidate’s perceived competence.