News Archive
Thursday, December 7 2017
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Chemist studying electric fields, microfluidics to improve dialysis technology
Iowa State University's Robbyn Annand is studying how a hybrid of electrochemical and microfluidic technologies could be used to improve the dialysis equipment that cleans salt, waste and water from blood. That technology could enable a wearable, artificial kidney. And that could benefit her brother, who depends on today's big and heavy dialysis equipment.
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Helping young adults talk about decision to abstain, delay sex
A new Iowa State University study looks at how students initiate conversations about abstaining from or delaying sex and the strategies they use to explain their decision. At a time of greater awareness about sexual assault, Tina Coffelt, an assistant professor of English and communication studies, says it is important to help students navigate these conversations.
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New study finds timing is key in keeping organic matter in wet soils
Timing is key regarding the retention of organic matter in soils that get wet periodically for relatively short intervals of time. Findings in a new study from an ISU scientist show periodically wet soils don’t always protect organic matter from decomposition, as previously thought.
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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.
Postcard from Campus: Dead Week
Most of Iowa State's campus is quiet during Dead Week, but a few spots are busier than ever.