News Archive
Friday, February 25 2022
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New book connects the climate crisis and violence
“Climate Change and Human Behavior” maps out how hotter temperatures and more frequent and severe weather events can directly and indirectly alter the way people think and interact with others. The authors say proactively addressing these challenges now could help buffer some of the long-term costs in the future.
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New ISU research project will help aging population in rural Iowa
Rather than nursing homes being the default living option as people age, an Iowa State University researcher is looking for ways to improve homes so that people can more easily “age in place.”
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Now that the Webb Space Telescope is deployed (whew!), astronomers wait for data
Iowa State's Massimo Marengo is ready to use the newly launched James Webb Space Telescope to study distant clouds of dust in a galaxy with a "primitive environment" that resembles the conditions of the early universe. Webb's data will help Marengo and his colleagues understand the "galactic ecosystem" and the early steps in "the cycle of life of the universe."
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Unraveling the connections between singing and Parkinson’s disease
ISU researchers are embarking on an in-depth and comprehensive study to determine the underlying mechanisms by which singing can improve breathing and swallowing for people with Parkinson’s disease. The researchers will also track changes to brain activity and biomarkers of stress and inflammation to better understand how the social benefits of singing with others can slow the disease’s progression and its symptoms.
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Computer models show how crop production increases soil nitrous oxide emissions
Computer models designed by Iowa State University scientists show how the emissions of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide have increased from soils over the last century. The newly published research found the expansion of land devoted to agriculture since 1900 and intensive fertilizer inputs have predominantly driven an overall increase in nitrous oxide emissions from U.S. soils.
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How providers help patients shift expectations to make tough medical decisions
A new study explores how specialized care providers navigate conversations with patients and their families about switching from curative treatments to pain management and comfort care. Many of the providers did not dismiss their patients’ emotions or tell patients to feel differently. Rather, they validated their patients’ fear, hope or guilt, and then walked them through the likely outcomes of continuing treatments.
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Exercise post-vaccine bumps up antibodies
Participants in the study who cycled on a stationary bike or took a brisk walk for an hour-and-a-half after getting a flu shot or COVID-19 jab produced more antibodies in the following four weeks compared to participants who sat or continued with their daily routine post-immunization.
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Ames, ISU police share results of traffic stop study
An independent review found “negligible evidence of racial bias” by Ames and Iowa State University police officers when initiating traffic stops. The departments requested the review as a proactive step to evaluate whether or not racial disparities existed in traffic stops and the outcomes.
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Mosquito surveillance program finds invasive species taking root in three Iowa counties
An invasive species of mosquito has established itself in three Iowa counties, according to data from Iowa State University entomologists. The species is capable of transmitting disease, but ISU experts said the species’ arrival is no cause for alarm.
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Iowa State partners with U.S. State Department on global historic preservation projects
Iowa State is the only university in the United States to have a partnership with the U.S. Department of State to work on historic preservation projects at U.S. diplomatic properties around the world.
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Eye tracking reveals where people look during Zoom, Webex
An innovative, first-of-its-kind study used eye-tracking technology to explore what people look at during virtual meetings, finding participants looked offscreen more often during smaller, interactive sessions and that women looked at their own video more than men. This and future research may help inform the future design of videoconferencing.
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Scientists take major step in understanding domestication of corn
Iowa State University scientists have harnessed gene editing to peer back through thousands of years of domestication to learn about teosinte, the wild ancestor of modern corn. The research allows for genetic comparisons and could lead to more resilient crops.
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Black History Month to be celebrated at Iowa State
A variety of events are planned to celebrate Black History Month throughout February at Iowa State University and in Ames.
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Change Agent: Martin Thuo, materials science and engineering
Martin Thuo and his research group have developed heat-free solder. They’ve printed electronics on rose petals. They’ve made “chameleon metals” that change surfaces in response to heat. With a bit of “metal whispering,” they’ve found a better way to recover precious metals from electronic waste. And now, after two and a half years of work, they’ve invented a new seed lubricant. What’s the source of that creativity?
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ISU program aims to support healthy aging through walking
Researchers at Iowa State University are studying how adding personalized health coaches, training modules and accountability reminders to an evidence-based walking program can help seniors incorporate more steps into their daily lives. The researchers’ ongoing virtual format and the re-launch of their in-person programming this month aims to support healthy aging across Iowa.
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World’s largest science society honors six Iowa State researchers for distinguished work
Iowa State University's latest class of AAAS Fellows includes four biologists, a statistician and a physicist. The American Association for the Advancement of Science said the fellows are being recognized "because of their efforts to advance science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished."
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