News Archive
Thursday, March 7 2019
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Study: requiring landlords to disclose bedbugs cuts infestations, creates long-term savings
Iowa State's Chris Rehmann was part of a research team that developed a mathematical model to evaluate policies requiring landlords to disclose bedbug infestations. The model found that disclosing the pests is an effective way to reduce the prevalence of infestations. It also found disclosure policies can lead to modest, short-term costs to landlords, but ultimately result in savings to landlords and tenants. The study's findings have just been published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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ISU scientists overcome repetitive DNA to sequence the genome of devastating soybean pest
A research team managed to overcome the challenges inherent in the DNA of the soybean cyst nematode to sequence its genome. The project could lead to better management practices to combat the top pest that threatens Iowa soybeans and allows plant breeders to see both sides of the “arms race” between soybean cyst nematodes and the defense mechanisms of soybeans.
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Women’s History Month: Iowa State leaders celebrate progress, but recognize remaining challenges
March is Women’s History Month. The directors of two women’s centers at Iowa State University say it is a time to celebrate achievement, but also an opportunity to recognize challenges that still persist and how women are making history by tackling those issues.
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CYstarters businesses make progress with patents, prototypes
Maintaining momentum after CYstarters is not always easy as entrepreneurs return to class or move on to a full-time job. The progress made after the 10-week summer accelerator ends exemplifies their dedication to get their product to market.
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Engineers develop placenta-on-a-chip to study caffeine transport from mother to fetus
Iowa State's Nicole Hashemi has used her expertise in microfluidics to lead development of a device that models a human placenta. She and her research team have used the "placenta-on-a-chip" to study transport of caffeine from the mother, across the placental barrier, to the fetus. The journal Global Challenges has just published a paper describing the device and reporting on the caffeine study.
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Municipal spending outpaces population, income growth in both growing, shrinking counties
While it’s not surprising that growing counties across the U.S. are increasing total spending as well as capital spending, a new Iowa State University study shows shrinking counties are doing the same. This increased spending puts shrinking counties in an exacerbated downward cycle.
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Climate change increases potential for conflict and violence
Images of extensive flooding or fire-ravaged communities help us see how climate change is accelerating the severity of natural disasters. Iowa State researchers say what is not as clear is the indirect effect of these disasters and rapid climate change on violence and aggression. They have identified three ways climate change will increase the likelihood of violence.
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Prescription opioid overdose deaths falling in Iowa; synthetics and heroin spike new concern
Stronger regulation and efforts to prescribe fewer opioids have helped reduce overdose deaths in Iowa, but an Iowa State University researcher says another crisis is on the horizon. David Peters, associate professor of rural sociology, expects in the next two to three years the state will see an uptick in overdose deaths from heroin and synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl.
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Data mining brings new clarity to plant breeding, according to new Iowa State University study
Data mining methods that draw on computer science and statistics can bring new clarity for plant scientists trying to design better crop varieties, according to newly published research from an ISU agronomist. The study outlines several data management approaches that can help plant breeders predict the traits of potential hybrids faster and cheaper than growing and testing the plants.
Change Agent: Hugo Ramirez
Hugo Ramirez improves the nutrition of dairy cows through his research, teaching and outreach.