Migrations initiative wins $5M Mellon grant for racial justice

The grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s Just Futures Initiative will bring together scholars from across the university and beyond to study the links between racism, dispossession and migration.

Plant biologists reveal genetic patterns in maize development

A team of plant biologists revealed new details about the genetic development of maize plants, showing how stem cells shape mature tissues and organs.

Around Cornell

DNA in water used to uncover genes of invasive fish

In a proof-of-principle study, Cornell researchers describe a new technique in which they analyzed environmental DNA – or eDNA – from water samples in Cayuga Lake to gather nuanced information about the presence of invasive round goby fish.

Three projects receive Belonging at Cornell innovation grants

As part of its mission to make Cornell a more diverse and inclusive environment for faculty, staff and students, the Presidential Advisors on Diversity and Equity have awarded three grants of $15,000 apiece for 2021 programming.

Organic matter, bacteria doom sea stars to oxygen depletion

New Cornell-led research suggests that starfish, victims of sea star wasting disease, may actually be in respiratory distress, as nearby organic matter and warming oceans rob them of their “breath.”

Center’s grants seed diverse research in the social sciences

Grants awarded recently by the Cornell Center for Social Sciences seeded research projects on topics ranging from COVID-19 and policing to clean energy and product design, led by scholars from across the university.

Sex peptide causes female fruit fly’s gut to grow

A new study of the common fruit fly has identified a protein in the male’s seminal fluid that triggers the female’s midgut to expand after mating.

Cornell removing ash trees, as replanting effort launches

Cornell will be removing more than 1,700 of its ash trees infested by devastating emerald ash borer insects, mostly between January and March 2021, to reduce potential harm to people and property.

CALS dean advises on carbon removal strategies

Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, joined a panel helping to identify key pathways for terrestrial carbon dioxide removal that merit further investment.