Research – The Daily Evergreen

Mutation puts some dogs at risk of death

ALANA LACKNER, Evergreen reporter

January 22, 2020

A genetic mutation could cause anesthetics to be more dangerous for some dogs if left undiscovered before surgery. The mutation causes certain dogs to produce less of an enzyme called CYP2B11, which breaks down anesthetics and similar drugs. The underproduction of this enzyme can lead to long recovery...

‘Local losses of bee species’

ANGELICA RELENTE, Evergreen reporter

January 21, 2020

Diversifying farms with different types of plant and flower species can combat the decline in pollinator insects such as bees. “Many bees rely on flowers as their primary resource,” said Elias Bloom, WSU alum and Michigan State University postdoctoral researcher. “If you take those flower...

Study finds Instagram allows reserved individuals to express themselves

MADYSEN MCLAIN, Evergreen reporter

January 16, 2020

Instagram could provide young adults with more real-life relationships, according to one WSU study. Researchers in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication recently published an article which found that young adults who are more reserved in face-to-face communication are more likely to express...

Ranking robots

ANGELICA RELENTE, Evergreen reporter

January 15, 2020

Facial recognition may be one of the uses for artificial intelligence, but researchers at WSU are hoping to further diversify the use of AI. “Most AI systems are designed to solve a specific task,” said Larry Holder, professor in WSU’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “If...

Grants fund community-driven research

LOREN NEGRON, Evergreen reporter

January 15, 2020

Two new grants will help expand an Oregon-based program that uses community-focused participatory research to empower Micronesian parent leaders. WSU and the Micronesian Islander Community organization partnered up and began their research in 2018. The research team consists of principal investigator...

Researchers examine eco-friendly mulch

CHERYL AARNIO, Evergreen reporter

October 24, 2019

WSU horticulture researchers compared soil-biodegradable plastic mulch with nonbiodegradable plastic mulch and found comparable yields for both mulches. This means farmers who presently use nonbiodegradable plastic mulch may one day have an affordable alternative to fighting weeds in their field. Mulching...

WSU professor studies gender inclusivity in housing

MAE BEUTHEL, Evergreen reporter

October 22, 2019

A WSU professor developed a study to determine the role gender inclusivity plays in the development of youth. Traci Gillig, assistant professor of communication, works with Leila Bighash, assistant professor of communication at the University of Arizona, on a study where they get direct feedback from...

‘The honeybee stands apart. It’s different’

ANGELICA RELENTE, Evergreen reporter

October 15, 2019

A row of styrofoam and wood containers rest on a field near East Main Street on the way to Moscow. Each container houses a cluster of bees huddling over the queen that is often marked with an identifying number on her back. WSU Apiary manager Rodrigo Guizar uses a smoker in one of the wood containers...

Barriers for Latino workers injured on the job studied

CAMERON SHEPPARD, Evergreen reporter

October 14, 2019

WSU researchers are examining the difficulties faced by Latino industrial and farm workers after suffering workplace injuries in Franklin County. Brian McNeill, WSU professor of counseling psychology, said the study will work with immigrant farm and industrial workers who have experienced workplace...

Marijuana legalization has no effect on crime

MAE BEUTHEL, Evergreen reporter

October 14, 2019

WSU researchers discovered major crimes rates have not increased since the legalization of marijuana. Dale Willits, WSU assistant professor of criminal justice and criminology, said the research was done to find if there is a connection between crime and the legalization of recreational use of marijuana...

Coffee grounds could create a stronger type of plastic

MADYSEN MCLAIN, Evergreen reporter

October 8, 2019

WSU research shows that coffee grounds, usually viewed as a waste product, can be used to form a new, stronger type of plastic. Poly‑lactic acid (PLA), derived from corn starch, is used in medical supplies and for 3D printing, said Yu-Chung Chang, research lead and Ph.D. candidate in material engineering. On...

WSU research contributes to sustainable fuel

LOREN NEGRON, Evergreen reporter

October 2, 2019

WSU research is being used to develop a biofuel refinery in Washington state that will convert forest residuals, like branches left after trees are harvested, into fuel. Chris Whitworth, director of project development for Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC (NWABF), said the facility will produce sustainable...