New method could help estimate wildlife disease spread

A new method could be used by biologists to estimate the prevalence of disease in free-ranging wildlife and help determine how many samples are needed to detect a disease.

Diets limiting ingredients, not allergens, improve dog GI issues

Restricting the number of ingredients in the diet lessens signs of disease in dogs with persistent gastrointestinal diseases, a study by researchers in the Department of Clinical Sciences in the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine has found.

Parrots, songbirds have evolved distinct brain mechanisms

The study provides a clue into how parrot – and human – brains allow continuous, flexible vocal learning.

Around Cornell

Wasps that recognize faces cooperate more, and may be smarter

Genomic sequencing revealed that populations of wasps that recognized each other's faces – and cooperated more – showed recent adaptations in areas of the genome associated with cognitive abilities such as learning, memory and vision.

Nonalcoholic beer at higher risk for foodborne pathogens

The lack of alcohol in nonalcoholic or low-alcohol beer – particularly during manufacturing, storage and pouring – may prompt conditions ripe for foodborne pathogen growth.

Under-the-skin implant could treat Type I diabetes

Researchers created a new technique to treat Type 1 diabetes: implanting a device inside a pocket under the skin that can secrete insulin while avoiding the immunosuppression that typically stymies management of the disease.

MicroRNA holds clues to why some mammals are cancer-prone

Researchers have identified an important pathway that reveals why some mammals, like humans, dogs and cats, regularly develop mammary cancer while others, such as horses, pigs and cows, rarely do.

Snail-inspired robot could scoop ocean microplastics

Inspired by a small and slow snail, scientists have developed a robot protype that may one day scoop up microplastics from the surfaces of oceans, seas and lakes.

Sea fireflies synchronize their sparkle to seek soulmates

In sea fireflies’ underwater ballet, the males sway together in perfect, illuminated synchronization, basking in the blue-like glow of their secreted iridescent mucus.