For each $1 invested into an urban tree, a city reaps $5 in benefit, says tree expert in NYC

Professor Nina Bassuk said urban trees are each worth $135 in benefit. She spoke at 92nd Street Y in NYC Dec. 7 as part of the 'Changing Earth' series, a partnership between 92Y and Cornell Plantations. (Dec. 12, 2011)

Skorton, Southern Tier leaders secure new funds for region

N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Dec. 8 that he will award $49.4 million to implement the plan proposed by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council to stimulate local economic growth. (Dec. 8, 2011)

Study: Swarm bees use 'stop' signals to make decisions, as do brain neurons

Swarms of bees and brains made up of neurons make decisions using strikingly similar mechanisms, reports a new study in the Dec. 9 issue of Science.

Biosensor may improve disease detection, water monitoring

A quick, inexpensive and highly sensitive test that identifies disease markers or other molecules in low-concentration solutions could be the result of a Cornell-developed nanomechanical biosensor.

Dairy program boosted by faculty renewal gift

A gift from Ron '68 and Marcia St. John will support the St. John Family Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellowship to support a faculty position in dairy cattle management in animal science. (Dec. 8, 2011)

Cornell research on sand dunes wins award

A Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and Cornell research project to better understand microbes in sand dunes won an award at the Annual Research Forum of the Qatar Foundation in Doha.

Cornell ranks high in attracting international students

New York ranks No. 2 in attracting international students, and Cornell is part of the reason: It was ranked No. 25 in the nation for hosting foreign students, says the Open Doors Report for 2011. (Dec. 6, 2011)

Haut Chocolat with cayenne pepper wins ice cream contest

Haut Chocolat beat out Cinnamon Chai Latte, Bearry Cheesecake and Aunt Maple's Walnut Toffee ice cream flavors in the annual ice cream competition. (Dec. 6, 2011)

Cash for Clunkers was a clunker, says energy economist

A Resources for the Future report, co-authored by assistant professor Shanjun Li, concludes that the 2009 Cash for Clunkers federal vehicle trade-in program provided 'little economic stimulus.' (Dec. 5, 2011)