Do starchy carbs cause cavities?

New research provides evidence that – depending on your genetic makeup and oral microbiome – starch could contribute to cavities and gum disease.

William Sims Jr., emeritus design professor and former chair, dies at 86

William Sims Jr., a workplace design strategist and former department chair in the College of Human Ecology, died Feb. 7 at the age of 86.

Transdisciplinary project aims to prevent the next pandemic

Most pandemics in the past century were sparked by a pathogen jumping from animals to humans. This moment of zoonotic spillover is the focus of a multidisciplinary team of researchers led by Raina Plowright, the Rudolf J. and Katharine L. Steffen Professor in the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Public and Ecosystem Health. 

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Anne Smalling elected Board of Trustees chair

Anne Meinig Smalling ’87, a third-generation Cornellian with deep ties to the university, was elected the 18th chair of the Cornell Board of Trustees during a special meeting on Feb. 4. She will begin a three-year term as chair on July 1, succeeding Kraig H. Kayser, MBA ’84.

East Asian adults more prone to iron-related chronic disease

New Cornell research shows that individuals of East Asian ancestry have greater risk of elevated iron stores than people of Northern European ancestry, putting them at higher risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease and cancer.

Grant renews funding for pain and aging center

The Translational Research Institute for Pain in Later Life, a New York City-based center to help older adults prevent and manage pain, has been awarded a five-year, $5 million renewal grant from the National Institute on Aging.

Students can attend hackathons on AI, health, animals and digital ag

Students can apply to take part in one of four hackathons this semester — two on campus and two in New York City.

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Six Cornell faculty win White House early career awards

The White House has recognized six Cornell faculty members, three from the Ithaca campus and three from Weill Cornell Medicine, with 2025 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers. The awards were announced Jan. 14.

2030 Project Fast Grant awards support energy systems of the future

Researchers from five colleges have received awards to support work on sustainable energy systems.

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