News Archive
Thursday, December 27 2018
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2018 Year in Review
As 2018 comes to an end, the Iowa State University News Service staff is looking back and sharing some of its favorite and more popular stories of the year.
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Criminal history strong indicator for future violent crime
New research shows offenders convicted of a violent crime or other serious felonies will likely commit the same crime again. For example, a prior homicide conviction increased the likelihood by 1,467 percent. Researchers say the findings illustrate the need to consider an offender's entire criminal history during sentencing or when considering parole.
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Higher average potency cannabis may increase risk for first disorder symptom
States do not regulate the potency of recreational cannabis, even though THC levels have increased significantly. Now new research shows higher average potency cannabis at first use increases the risk for the first symptom of cannabis use disorder.
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Anti-GMO sentiment has repercussions for developing world
Anti-GMO sentiment may be holding back the progress of farmers in some African countries, but an Iowa State University agronomist hopes a new study upholding the safety of Bt corn may help policymakers in Africa implement the technology to fight an emergent pest. The review included a risk assessment that found delaying the adoption of genetically modified crops such as Bt corn in the developing world presents risks to both humans and the environment.
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First-generation student finds ‘home’ at Iowa State, future in kinesiology
Soccer is a huge part of Alejandro Martinez’s culture and his family, and it was his own soccer injuries at South Tama County High School — as well as words of wisdom from the athletic trainer who helped him recover — that led him to Iowa State University’s kinesiology and health program.
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Graduating senior finds passion at intersection of art, science
When Olivia De Kok left her hometown of Sheldon for Iowa State University, she didn’t know what she wanted to do. She enjoyed her biology classes, but something was missing. That’s when she found biological and pre-medical illustration.
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Costas Soukoulis elected to National Academy of Inventors
The National Academy of Inventors has named Costas Soukoulis of Iowa State University and the Ames Laboratory one of its fellows. He joins five other inventors affiliated with the university or the laboratory who have been named academy fellows.
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Delivery demand driving pressure on urban freight capacity
More people are living and working in downtown or urban neighborhoods, which is increasing demand for urban deliveries. An Iowa State University researcher says we can expect more congestion and pollution as a result. That is why Johanna Amaya Leal and a team of researchers are looking for solutions.
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Yield tests prepare for 100th year of helping farmers decide what seeds to plant
With the publication of this year’s Iowa Crop Performance Tests results this month, the program is preparing to launch its 100th year in 2019. The Iowa Crop Performance Tests take place on ISU research farms and cooperating private farms across the state. They gauge the performance of roughly 200 varieties of corn and soybeans to help farmers make informed decisions on what seeds to plant.
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Sketchnoting pushes students to learn, retain information differently – particularly in STEM
Over the last three years, sketchnoting has been introduced to about 1,000 students, faculty and staff across a wide range of disciplines at Iowa State University. This fall, an interdisciplinary research team is studying how this alternative to traditional note-taking affects learning.
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Science association honors seven Iowa State researchers for distinguished work
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is honoring seven Iowa State researchers for their distinguished contributions to agriculture, biological sciences, chemistry and engineering. The AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the journal Science.
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Lack of sleep intensifies anger, impairs adaptation to frustrating circumstances
Losing just a couple hours of sleep at night makes you angrier, especially in frustrating situations, according to new Iowa State University research. While the results may seem intuitive, the study is one of the first to provide evidence that sleep loss causes anger. The research also provides new insight on our ability to adjust to irritating conditions when tired.