Biology at Cornell: Improving Global Health and Combating Climate Change by Christina Schmidt

Are all insects harmful? No!

2024-10-24 13:35:25 UTC

How can insects be harnessed to help agriculture? Margaret Smith, in the department of plant breeding and genetics, is looking into how bees can help polinate soybeans, beetles can control invasive waterchesnut populations, and fight harmful pests in greenhouses.

Grow-NY to host Food and Ag Summit in Ithaca

2024-10-24 13:36:23 UTC

Twenty finalists from around the world pitch business ideas and potential impact on upstate New York with one $1 million grand prize winner, two $500,000 and four $250,000 winners. Each session features Cornell experts and food/ag experts sharing insights on the latest industry trends and innovations.

Section 5:

2024-10-24 13:36:45 UTC

Cornell Spearheads Effort to Teach Southeast Asian Languages

Purple Alien Life

mgr87 — 2024-10-24 13:37:10 UTC

Lígia Fonseca Coelho is the first author of this study. Researchers are studying bacteria with purple pigments in connection to outer space bacteria that may exist on other planets. Biopigments and light fingerprints are measured, as well as how the bacteria interacts with their environment.

Biomarkers have the ability to predict responses in immunotherapy for liver cancer

dt546 — 2024-10-24 13:37:15 UTC

This project was initiated with the goal of expanding treatment for liver cancer. They found that p62 is a tumor suppressing protein that indicates whether or not immunotherapy is possible for certain patients. This was conducted by Dr. Jorge Moscat and Dr. Maria Diaz-Meco from Weill Cornell Medicine.

Protect Habitat to Prevent Pandemics

2024-10-24 13:38:16 UTC

This interdisciplinary research focuses on reducing the risk of disease transmission from the source, especially regarding zoonotic disease. Department of Public and Ecosystem Health in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Protecting the environment and preventing pandemics

2024-10-24 13:38:22 UTC

Many health crises have occurred due to a transfer of disease from bats to humans. This research takes a new approach to preventing pandemics by conserving natural habitats, so that bats are less likely to be near humans.

Researchers used virtual reality to show passengers how Roosevelt Island would be effected by drastic flooding. This was conducted because floods have been predicted in that area, and they wanted to increase the perceived urgency in the Roosevelt Island community.

2024-10-24 13:38:29 UTC

The PI, Wendy Ju is an associate professor at the Jacobs Technion-Cornell Institute at Cornell Tech, whose research group created CXR. CXR is a virtual reality system that integrates physical movement with virtual environments.

Origin of Deadly Ovarian Cancer

2024-10-24 13:38:41 UTC

In this initiative, researchers in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine identified the origin of ovarian cancer that develops in the fallopian tube. They also researched potential therapeutic modalities for the cancer. The name of the head researcher is Dr. Alexander Nikitin.

Climate Change

jdt234 — 2024-10-24 13:39:03 UTC

The research focuses on climate change's impact on the type of grapes being grown in the vineyards of the Cayuga Lake. Katie Gold, assistant professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Section at Cornell AgriTech is one of Cornell's own that is helping provide farmers with hyrbrid grape plants better suited to the hotter temps. Hotter temps aren't the only issue, with temperatures increasing sooner, late spring freezes can more easily damage already budding plants. Cornell's agriculture and science departments are helping combat this climate change issue.

Global Pollinators and Human Engagement

2024-10-24 13:39:10 UTC

The initiative aims to study/compare pollination in small apple farms in both the Himalayas and Central New York. Its goal is to determine the efficacy of collective action in supporting pollinator communities and the constituent agricultural systems. It is a collaboration of multiple programs, including Cornell's AgriTech Program, the National Science Foundation and Thompkins Cortland Community College's Sustainable Farming and Food Systems Program. They are partnering with the Center of Ecology and Research in Uttarkhand, India. The team is led by PI Ginger Allington, who is in CALS studying natural resources and the environment.

How climate change can be beneficial and challenging for Finger Lake region wineries.

2024-10-24 13:39:37 UTC

Warmer temperatures have benefited finger lake wineries in recent years but it poses challenges for long term production. Technological advances are being introduced to maximize benefited and minimize the problems of climate change.

Researchers: Dr. Konstantin Frank. Professor Katie Gold (Cornell AgiTech)

Cornell Specialists to Share Insights and Solutions at Climate Week NYC

sr2373 — 2024-10-24 13:39:43 UTC

Pod #18:

Cornell experts will present solutions for climate challenges at Climate Week NYC from Sept. 22-29, focusing on food policy, carbon solutions, and reducing methane in agriculture. Led by Ben Furnas of the 2030 Project: A Cornell Climate Initiative, the university's contributions include panels on decarbonization, nuclear energy, and sustainable livestock practices. Events will feature faculty from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell Atkinson, and Cornell's Center for Hospitality Research.

Purple Alien Life

mgr87 — 2024-10-24 13:39:57 UTC

Lígia Fonseca Coelho is the first author of this study. Researchers are studying bacteria with purple pigments in connection to bacteria in outer space that may exist on other planets. Biopigments and interaction of the bacteria with the environment is being measured.

Grow as you go: ‘Peecycling’ helps plants and compost thrive

an632 — 2024-10-24 13:40:09 UTC

Peecycling involves using urine as a plant fertilizer. A cheaper, but nutrient-dense alternative, research is being done to monitor how urine could be used a common future fertilizer. Rebecca Nelson (professor of plant sciences and global development at CALS) and Krisztina Mosdossy (postdoctoral researcher) have both worked on this topic to better cultivate a solution.

Purple Bacteria on Earth-Like Planets

2024-10-24 13:40:25 UTC

Carl Sagan Institute, College of Arts and Sciences

Beneficial insects support agriculture, protect environments

2024-10-24 13:40:31 UTC

Insects are incredibly important to agriculture. They help pollinate, but also are essential for the food web. Utilizing insects, scientists can improve agriculture. Margaret Smith--plant breeding and genetics

Benefits and Barriers of Solar Energy in rural Ethiopia

2024-10-24 13:41:22 UTC

In a research study by Yujin Lee and Chuan Liao, affordable solar panels were provided in two rural villages in Ethiopia to promote health and education for young students. When solar panels were added to homes, they provided a friendly alternative to kerosene lamps.

Solar energy can uplift rural Ethiopians, but is hard to come by

2024-10-24 13:41:45 UTC

There is oppurtunity for rural communities in the global South to adopt renewable energy and members of the community are open to the technology. However, researchers Yujin Lee (AAP) and Chuan Liao (CALS) determined that good quality solar panels are difficult to access, with the added hardship that government officials are poorly informed about the rate of solar energy adoption amoung rural Ethiopians.

Biomarker may predict immunotherapy response in liver cancer

2024-10-24 13:41:57 UTC

By Bridget Kuehn

The study on proteins p62 and NBR1 showcase their response to regulating interferon cells which assist the liver in fighting tumors. These proteins can provide a therapeutic alternative for patients who cannot respond to immunotherapy.

Origin of Deadly Ovarian Cancer

2024-10-24 13:42:26 UTC

Dr. Alexander Nikitin in the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine helped identify the origin of ovarian cancer that develops in the fallopian tube. They also research possible therapeutic modalities for this.

CIS Earth Day Repair Fair

evd9 — 2024-10-24 13:42:35 UTC

Hosted by Cornell Bowers CIS and the Campus Sustainability Office, the event aimed to teach students environmental impacts of computing and consumer technologies. Volunteers at the event helped fix broken devices and donate or recycle unneeded tech.

Leader: Steven Jackson @ Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science

Alternatives to soybean pollination to increase soybean yields.

2024-10-24 13:42:38 UTC

Researchers are looking into how they can limit self-pollination and utilize bees in order to increase biodiversity and increase the yield of soybeans.

Margaret Frank is an assistant professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science. A Ph.D. candidate Nicole Szeluga assists Frank in the lab to develop strategies for cross-pollination of soybeans.

In search for alien life, purple may be the new green

rsm288 — 2024-10-24 13:42:56 UTC

Description: While surface on Earth is defined by its green color, a quality vital to photosynthesis, other planets with different environments may be covered in organisms with purple pigment. This discovery can help us identify life on other plants by looking for different signs.

Researchers: Lígia Fonseca Coelho, a postdoc associate at the Carl Sagan Institute; Lisa Kaltenegger, CSI director and associate professor of astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences; William Philpot, professor emeritus in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Cornell Engineering; and Stephen Zinder, professor emeritus of microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Purple bacteria can survive in a variety of conditions and may be key in looking for alien life

2024-10-24 13:42:57 UTC

Ligia Fonseco Coelho and co-author Lisa Kaltenegger researched various types of purple bacteria and their ability to survive in different conditions, such as hydrothermal vents. The bacteria left biosignatures during experimentation that may help researchers recognize alien life.

Group 42: Cornell advocates for the representation of less commonly taught languages, like Southeast Asian languages

2024-10-24 13:43:02 UTC

Cornell aims to improve the accessibility and quality of language instruction through various ways. Specifically, for Southeast Asian languages, Cornell is a Title VI National Resource Center (NRC).

Relationship between inflammation levels and enjoying nature

2024-10-24 13:43:04 UTC

Blood samples from mostly middle-aged people were collected and compared to when they have spent time in nature. Even when blocking for possible confounding factors such as gender, race, and ethnicity, there was still a negative correlation between time spent in nature and inflammation levels.

Anthony Ong- Department of Phsycology and Integrative developmental Science in the College of Human ecology

Dakota Cintron and Gabriel Fuligni -postdoctoral students working with Dr. Ong

Enjoying Time in Nature has Been Linked to Lower Rates of Inflammation

tmw94 — 2024-10-24 13:43:08 UTC

A study carried out by Cornell Professor, Anthony Ong, looked at the 3 most prominent biomarkers for inflammation, in individuals with varying levels of daily outdoor activity. Inflammation is attributed to several health conditions, including Heart disease and Diabetes. He found substantial evidence in the results that those with more positive experiences in nature, showed less signs of inflammation.

Utilizing Human Urine as an Effective Fertilizer

2024-10-24 13:43:09 UTC

Professor Rebecca Nelson and a few students have found that the right composition of human urine can actually be remarkably effective in boosting the health of their plants. Nelson aims to bring this project widespread in order to promote new ways of fertilizing produce!

Climate change brings challenges, and opportunities, to Finger Lakes wineries (Group 32; Ethan Cartagena's group)

2024-10-24 13:43:13 UTC

This research is apart of the Department of Integrative Plant Science, specifically through professor Justine Vanden Heuvel. This research is about how climate change is affecting vivaculture and the growing of grapes. They are using software and robots to gather information about the physiological state of each grapevine, ensuring they are best prepared for how climate change will affect grapes.

Liquefied Natural Gas Carbon Footprint is Worse Than Coal

2024-10-24 13:43:17 UTC

Description: The study found that liquefied natural gas has a greenhouse gas footprint 33% larger than coal when accounting for processing and shipping. Methan and carbon dioxide emissions from liquefied natural gas extraction, liquefaction, and transportation contribute significantly to its environmental impact, making it worse for the climate than coal.

Researchers: Robert Howarth, David R. Atkinson Professor of Ecology and Environmental Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. Howarth is also a fellow at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.

Purple is the new green on planets

2024-10-24 13:43:32 UTC

William Philpot, professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Cornell Engineering, Ligia Fonseca Ceolho, a postdoctoral associate at the Carl Sagan Institute, and Stephen Zinder, professor emeritus of microbiology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, study bacteria from various places, such as shallow waters and hydrothermal vents. They found that many of these bacteria thrive in infrared light while not producing oxygen, indicating that they can be prevalent in planets that orbit red dwarf stars.

The Effects of Nature on Inflammation Levels

2024-10-24 13:43:35 UTC

This article describes how being in nature can decrease inflammatory levels. Through positive experiences in nature chronic inflammation can be prevented and managed by those with chronic diseases. This research was lead by Anthony Ong in the department of Psychology.

Purple bacteria may indicate life on other planets

2024-10-24 13:43:37 UTC

Researchers found that purple bacteria has the ability to thrive in different environments and under red dwarf stars. This is due to their pigments and potential lack of competition between green bacteria, as purple bacteria can thrive on low energy light. Trinity Hamilton, Taylor Price, William Philpot, Stephen Zinder, Ligia Fonseca Coelho, and Lisa Kaltnegger were all involved in this research. Coelho is a postdoctoral associate at the Carl Sagan Institute. Zinder is a professor emeritus of microbiology in CALS.

Health, Nutrition & Medicine

2024-10-24 13:44:02 UTC

Conducted by investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine, BELA is found to be a new AI-based platform that is able to determine whether an in vitro-fertilized embryo has a normal or abnormal number of chromosomes. This removes the need for risky, biopsy-like procedures that would risk the success of the human embryo. BELA is able to predict the embro's status with 70% accuracy which is sure to improve in years to come. This research is led by study senior author Iman Hajirasouliha and Nikica Zaninovic, who is associate professor of embryology in clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Embryology Laboratory at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Alien Life Might Be Purple

xnb2 — 2024-10-24 13:44:36 UTC

A study was conducted to see how life may present in different colors due to available light sources. Lígia Fonseca Coelho published the first work on this subject.

Enjoying nature shown to lower inflammation levels

2024-10-24 13:44:46 UTC

Led by Dr. Anthony Ong, professor in the College of Human Ecology, new research at Cornell shows that more frequent contact with nature is associated with lower levels of three different indicators of inflammation. This was demonstrated even when controlling for other variables such as demographics, medication, and general wellbeing; the team found that reduced levels of inflammation were consistently associated with frequent positive contact with nature.

Cornell faculty will be going to climate week in NYC.

nvl4 — 2024-10-24 13:44:54 UTC

Lindsay Anderson will be a part of a panel about decarbonizing economies. Mario Herrero and Joseph McFadden will be a part of another symposium about making livestock more sustainable. All of these faculty members are involved in Cornell’s Atkins center for sustainability.

New method to estimate disease spread among wildlife

2024-10-24 13:44:58 UTC

Because collecting from animals by sampling can be an extensive process, researchers have developed a new method that involves focusing on individuals sampling only one member of a family of animals. Through this, researchers can sample fewer animals and find similar information due to the way disease spreads through familial animals.

Cornell's Interdisciplinary Approach to Challenging Climate Change (Pod #8)

pmn36 — 2024-10-24 13:45:26 UTC

The "2030 Cornell Project" is a Cornell global climate initiative that seeks to address the climate crisis through the work of numerous Cornell experts. This ranges from city & regional planning experts, to animal and nutrition scientists.

Examples of Researchers:

Linda Shi - City & Regional Planning Expert; Focuses on Intersectionality between Social Inequities & Climate Change

Joseh McFadden - Animal scientist; developing technology to measure greenhouse emissions from animals

Natalie Mahowald - Atmospheric Scientist; studies earth system feedback mechanisms (ex: atmospheric movement of volcanic ash) and climate model development

'Peecycling' Helps Plants and Compost Thrive

jec468 — 2024-10-24 13:45:28 UTC

Students, Nadia Barakatain ’24 and Veda Balte ’24 and Rebecca Nelson, professor of plant science and global development in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences were inspired by 'PeePods' to create a device that measures nutrient content in soil and lets the user know if it needs more urine or water.

Cornell Faculty to Speak at Climate Week NYC

2024-10-24 13:46:18 UTC

The annual Climate NYC conference was held from Sept. 22-29, and Cornell professors and other staff had unique opportunities to speak about their expertise in everything relating from food policy to nuclear power. Cornellians were members of panels including "System Level Challenges of Decarbonization" and "Leadership Panel: Leveraging Climate Solutions for Net Zero," and faculty were well-represented across the colleges.

Faculty/Staff Members:

Lindsay Anderson, professor and chair of the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, CALS

Mario Herrero, professor in global development, CALS

Joseph McFadden, associate professor of animal science, CALS

Viviana Ruiz Gutierrez, director of conservation science, Lab of Ornithology

Becca Jablonski, visiting associate professor, Johnson

Daniele Visioni, assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences, CALS

Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean, Johnson

Sarah Wolfolds, assistant professor, Johnson

Wendy Erb, postdoctoral fellow, Lab of Ornithology

Ed Scholes, project leader, Lab of Ornithology

In search for alien life, purple may be the new green

2024-10-24 13:46:58 UTC

Instead of the typical green planets we expect, researchers are in search of purple planets as the bacteria that absorb infrared radiation will have purple pigment instead of green pigment.

Agriculture Startup Competition in Ithaca:

eg658 — 2024-10-24 13:48:08 UTC

A group meeting in Ithaca will help promote agriculture startups, by giving out funds to the winners. There will be several sessions to give more information about various farming and food innovations. The startups cover an array of topics relating to agriculture.

Jenn Smith, Grow NY program director
Session leaders:
- Laura Reiley (Staff writer for Cornell Chronicle) [explores how innovative solutions and collaborative efforts among diverse sectors can improve the sustainability, accessibility, and reliability of food systems]
- Nate Salpeter (Partner at SNOCAP (Climate change center)
- Elad Tako (associate food science professor CALS) [explores how we can reduce food waste]
- Benjamin Z Houlton (Ronald P Lynch Dean of CALS)
- Jenny Kao-Kniffin (professor in School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section CALS)

Earth Day Repair Fair

mrp262 — 2024-10-24 13:48:19 UTC

The Campus Sustainability Office is aimed towards reusing electronic devices in order to prevent unwanted electronic waste

Preventing pandemics through habitat protection

2024-10-24 13:50:32 UTC

This research explored how the destruction of animal habitats can contribute to the spread of disease to humans. When animals lose their habitats, they do not have adequate food sources and their stress levels increase. Therefore, they travel to more urban areas and have more contact with humans. It is essential to conserve habitats in order to prevent the spread of disease.

Raina Plowright participated in this research and she is in the Department of Public & Ecosystem Health at Cornell.