News Archive
Tuesday, March 12 2019
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Graduate program in agricultural and biosystems engineering back to No. 1
The latest rankings of graduate programs by U.S. News and World Report magazine has Iowa State's program in agricultural and biosystems engineering back at the top of the list. Iowa State also has 10 engineering programs ranked among the top 25 of public schools and the business program has made a jump into the top 50 overall.
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Researchers explore link between metal exposure and Parkinson’s symptoms
A new study from an ISU biomedical researcher describes the biological process that causes Parkinson’s-like symptoms to develop following exposure to the metal manganese. The new research, published in the journal Science Signaling, could lead to earlier detection of Parkinson’s disease and better outcomes for patients.
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Climate change could devastate painted turtles, according to new study
Climate change could contribute to the demographic collapse of the painted turtle, a species that has temperature-dependent sex determination. An Iowa State University scientist is sounding the alarm about the painted turtle’s future in a new study.
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Moderate muscle strength may lower risk for type 2 diabetes
Of the 30 million Americans with diabetes, 90 to 95 percent have type 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New research shows building muscle strength may be one way to lower risk for the disease. The study of more than 4,500 adults found moderate muscle mass reduced the risk for type 2 diabetes by 32 percent.
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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.
ISU Naval ROTC conducts war game to train midshipmen
Change Agent: Hugo Ramirez
Hugo Ramirez improves the nutrition of dairy cows through his research, teaching and outreach.