News Archive
Tuesday, April 16 2019
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Lower approval rates, higher finance fees evidence of discrimination for same-sex borrowers
Applying for a mortgage is one of the first steps couples take when buying a home, but a new study suggests lenders are less likely to approve same-sex couples. Researchers in Iowa State University’s Ivy College of Business analyzed national mortgage data from 1990 to 2015 and found the approval rate for same-sex couples was 3 to 8 percent lower.
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New research from an Iowa State University scientist identifies microbes that may reduce allergy-like reactions to some ripened cheeses
A small percentage of humans suffers allergy-like reactions to certain varieties of ripened cheese due to histamine, a byproduct of the prolonged fermentation process. An ISU researcher is studying bacterial strains that could reduce histamine, allowing susceptible diners to enjoy the cheese without unpleasant side effects.
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Investing in sustainability pays off in many ways
A farmer using big data technology to manage pesticide application or a school cafeteria director conducting an audit to reduce food waste are both saving money by investing in sustainability. The two also are examples of how Iowa State faculty are working to dispel the misconception that sustainable initiatives do little to boost the bottom line.
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Astronomers take first, high-resolution look at huge star-forming region of Milky Way
A team of astronomers – including several with ties to Iowa State -- used a newly commissioned radio telescope in South Korea to make the first high-resolution observations of the molecular clouds within a star-forming region of the Milky Way. A paper describing the observations has been accepted by the Astrophysical Journal.
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Former president of Mexico will discuss trade policy, immigration during April 18 lecture at Iowa State
Mexico’s president from 2000 to 2006, Vicente Fox, will speak at Iowa State University on Thursday, April 18. “Building Bridges or Walls: Where Do the U.S. and Mexico Go from Here?” will be held at 8 p.m. at Stephens Auditorium. Admission is free.
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Achieving health goals may depend on how you see yourself
Nearly everyone has struggled at some point to lose weight, eat better or exercise more. People often visualize themselves pursuing health goals, but how they see themselves could make a difference. New research shows imagining yourself in the third person – observing yourself from a distance or through someone else’s eyes – can derail your pursuit of health-related goals.
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Research center, Innocence Project, statistics magazine mark anniversary of ‘Strengthening Forensic Science’ report with special issue
The Center for Statistics and Applications in Forensic Evidence based at Iowa State University and the Innocence Project, a nonprofit legal organization, are working with Significance Magazine to report on the latest in forensics science. The magazine's special issue marks the 10th anniversary of the landmark report that identified serious problems in the U.S. forensic science system.
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First Amendment series continues at Iowa State University
Celebrate the First Amendment with events at Iowa State University in April, including First Amendment Days next week.
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New grant will allow ISU scientists to study how prairie strips on farms affect soil health over time
A new grant will help Iowa State University researchers find answers to how quickly environmental benefits emerge after the installation of prairie strips among row crops and how long those benefits last after the strips are removed. The project also will involve computer modeling of topsoil depth and an economic analysis.
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Designing senior living facilities a challenging task due to unique needs
Designing a senior living space is unlike designing any other health care facility due to the unique needs of aging populations. This spring, students in an Iowa State University wellness design studio are working on innovative solutions to design issues in senior living facilities.
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Data flows from NASA’s TESS Mission, leads to discovery of Saturn-sized planet
Iowa State's Steve Kawaler, a professor, and Miles Lucas, an undergraduate, contributed to the analysis of a planet discovered by NASA's new TESS Mission. It's the first planet identified by TESS for which the oscillations -- "starquakes" -- of the planet's host star could be measured. A scientific paper by an international team of astronomers will report the discovery in The Astronomical Journal.
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Powell selected for 2019-20 Fulbright Award
Collin Powell, a graduate student from Walford majoring in interior design, has been selected for a 2019-20 Fulbright Award. He will conduct research, study public housing and teach English in Vienna.
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A simple strategy to improve your mood in 12 minutes
We all have a remedy – a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate – for lifting our spirits when we’re in a bad mood. Rather than focusing on ways to make ourselves feel better, a team of Iowa State University researchers suggests wishing others well.
In the news
ISU architecture professor reflects on Notre Dame cathedral fire
Thomas Leslie, Morrill Professor in Architecture and Pickard Chilton Professor in Architecture at Iowa State, talked to WHO-TV Local 13 about the architectural, historical and cultural significance of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, and what it will take to rebuild and restore it after a devastating fire destroyed parts of the cathedral on April 15.
NASA mission finds new planet, most promising stars to support life
Iowa State's Steve Kawaler is part of a CNN summary of the early findings by NASA's new TESS Mission.
These four design ideas turned ‘The Hancock Center’ into an iconic skyscraper
WBEZ Chicago's podcast "Curious City" interviewed Thomas Leslie, Morrill Professor in Architecture and Pickard Chilton Professor in Architecture at Iowa State, about the history and architectural importance of Chicago's famous skyscraper, the John Hancock Center.
Amazing university and college buildings
USA Today selected Stephens Auditorium as the most amazing university or college building in Iowa. The newspaper created the list of "iconic structures on campuses across the nation that are worthy of adding to your next road trip."