Mysterious oarfish’s fins inspire large underwater robot design

Oarfish, giant fish rarely spotted by humans, have hundreds of unique dorsal fin rays, which help propel the fish forward.

More damaged trees mean fewer ecosystem benefits for low-income residents

As an undergraduate researcher, Maya Mangala-Munuma '25 found that trees were three times more likely to be damaged in impoverished, racially diverse neighborhoods. 

New type of human jumping gene found in a poxvirus

Scientists found a human genetic element in a poxvirus that is both an important gene for brain function and a jumping gene capable of moving and inserting itself in genomes.   

Jenga and the US census: way more than just counting people

A new book, “Data Are Made, Not Found,” from danah boyd, professor of communication, is an insider’s account of the 2020 census and how the pandemic and political forces from left, right and center threatened to take it down like a Jenga tower.

Study reveals how echo chambers form and what prevents them

Study reveals how a few very general constraints can lead to echo chambers – self-reinforcing feedback loops – in biological systems such as birds in a flock, cells in tissue or ants in a swarm.

Palette versus palate: Wine drinkers embrace a spectrum of wine colors 

A Cornell-led study finds that wines made from disease-resistant grape varieties, long dismissed by traditionalists, appeal to consumers as much as those made from classic European grapes. 

Global Hubs seed grant proposals due Oct. 14

Cornell faculty are invited to apply for Global Hubs Research Seed Grants by Oct. 14 to launch new international collaborations with researchers at Global Hubs partner universities. 

Around Cornell

Light pollution’s ‘transformation of night’ requires prompt action

Science historian Sara B. Pritchard describes a massive spike in the amount of artificial light in the 21st century, with light pollution increasing by nearly 10% annually between 2011 and 2022. 

From llamas to lavender, agritourism grows in New York state

Cornell Cooperative Extension has boosted its support for New York state agritourism as the industry has grown, with the number of participating farms nearly doubling and revenue tripling since 2007.