News Archive
Friday, November 24 2017
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Declines in population don’t always reflect quality of life, according to ISU sociologist
A new report from an Iowa State University sociologist looks at Iowa towns that have improved quality of life while populations have dwindled. The report draws on census and survey data to identify 12 “shrink-smart” communities in Iowa.
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New ISU research details genetic resistance to sudden death syndrome in soybeans
Incorporating a combination of genes from the model plant Arabidopsis may build high levels of resistance to sudden death syndrome in soybeans, according to research from an Iowa State University agronomist. A recently published study points to one gene in particular as a likely candidate to bolster resistance.
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U.S. association honors Iowa State scientists for studies of plant viruses, computational science
Two Iowa State scientists are being honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for “their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications.”
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Cain to lead university services, finance divisions
Pam Elliott Cain, associate vice president for finance, has been named interim senior vice president for university services, effective Nov. 23, and interim chief financial officer as of Dec. 15. The appointments fill vacancies left by the resignations of Kate Gregory and Miles Lackey, respectively. Lackey will continue serving as chief of staff through Dec. 31. Cain's appointments are pending state Board of Regents approval.
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Iowa State researchers leading initiatives to improve rural health
More than a million Iowans are at an increased risk of dying from heart disease, cancer or a stroke simply because they live in a rural area. National Rural Health Day on Nov. 16 aims to reduce the gap in rural and urban health outcomes – something Iowa State University researchers are directly and indirectly doing through their research and ISU Extension and Outreach initiatives.
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Learning two languages does not limit academic potential for Head Start students
Not all dual-language learners are at risk academically, but as a group, these students are often labeled as such, despite differences in their English skills. A new Iowa State University study found as dual-language learners gained English proficiency, they had significant growth in cognitive and academic development, eventually outperforming students who only spoke English.
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$1 million cooperative agreement will help ISU veterinarians strengthen avian influenza response
A $1 million cooperate agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture will help the ISU-based Center for Food Security and Public Health prepare for future outbreaks of avian influenza, such as the one that sparked a crisis in 2015 among egg and poultry producers.
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Engineers developing data-driven ‘FactBoard’ to improve factory operations
Iowa State's Guiping Hu is leading a research team developing data-driven, real-time software technology to help improve factory floor operations, including manufacturing processes, logistics, safety and energy management. The $2.6 million project is supported, in part, by the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute and several industry collaborators.
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Consumers may not recognize costs, consequences of demand for ‘clean’ food
Eating “clean” is all about avoiding foods with additives, preservatives or other chemicals on the label, but two Iowa State University professors are warning of the consequences in terms of food waste, safety and cost.
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ISU researchers receive $1 million grant to advance organic corn genetics
A $1 million grant will help ISU researchers advance the genetics of corn varieties intended to be grown in organic settings. The project aims to improve the performance of field and sweet corn varieties in conditions unique to organic production systems.
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Ordinance reduces violent crime near late-night bars by making owners part of solution
An ordinance requiring bar owners to beef up security helped reduce violent crime in and around late-night clubs in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to a new study led by an Iowa State University researcher. Kyle Burgason says other cities tackling crime near bars and nightclubs could take similar action with the same results.
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Iowa State engineers help Black Sea countries fight cybersecurity threats
Iowa State University cybersecurity researchers recently presented two days of demonstrations and case studies to help four Black Sea countries fight off cyberattacks. Some 230,000 people in one of those countries -- Ukraine -- were left without electricity in December 2015 after a cyberattack took down dozens of power substations. The demonstrations at Iowa State were part of a study tour sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development and organized by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
In the news
Fight song
Assistant Professor Elizabeth Stegemoller's research improves the lives of those battling Parkinson's disease through music therapy.
This Thanksgiving brought to you by...
Good Housekeeping, 1926
Turkey, pumpkin pie and cranberries are a core part of the traditional Thanskgiving meal for many families. Samantha Cross, an associate professor of marketing at Iowa State University, explains how these traditions are shaped and influenced by some of our favorite brands.
Rooted Wendy Wintersteen breaks new ground at Iowa State
Wendy Wintersteen's roots run deep within Iowa State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, having worked or studied in it for nearly four decades. Now, she is ISU's 16th president, and the first woman to lead the university.
Smelly farms may succumb to subtle science
Research has found that improving the air quality of the places where pigs and other livestock are housed makes for healthier and more productive animals. The question is, how to do that cheaply? Jacek Koziel of Iowa State University reckons he has the answer: titanium dioxide and disco lights
Gold Star Hall ceremony honors fallen veterans
Four former Iowa State University students who paid the ultimate price for our country were remembered during ISU's annual Gold Star Hall ceremony.
Increasing communication, enhancing student experience goals of new Iowa State president
President-Select Wendy Wintersteen talks about improving communication, fostering diversity and inclusion on campus and facing challenges created by the university's growth as she prepares for the next phase of her career at Iowa State.