Renewable, clean, and sustainable energy—only an elusive dream for so long—could soon become a reality, with roots in familiar places. Poplar trees, western red cedar, flax, creosote bushes, and canola are all plants that can grow readily in Washington State, and all hold tremendous promise for generating new sources of power. For Norman Lewis, soaring […]
Imagine one day living in a community based on the precepts of sustainability. We would drive less, reducing gasoline consumption. We would walk more, improving our health. And all of our structures would be built of sustainable, energy-efficient materials. On a larger scale, the process of building and operating commercial and residential buildings—which currently accounts […]
Big ideas don’t grow on trees–they help trees grow better. In Washington state, where tree fruit is a multibillion dollar industry, WSU researcher Amit Dhingra’s big ideas for improving fruit quality and growing techniques are making a world of difference. An expert in fruit genomics, Dr. Dhingra uses gene discovery and biotechnology applications to understand […]
The numbers are staggering: More than 30 percent of American adults—at least 60 million people—are obese, while more than 50 percent are overweight. And since people who are overweight and obese are at much greater risk of developing serious medical conditions–high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers—the implications for public health and […]
It’s in our houses, hospitals, offices, and cars. As it expands throughout our everyday lives, artificial intelligence is growing even smarter – and just in time. In less than 35 years, some 23 percent of the U.S. population will be at least 65 years old, and many elderly people will be physically or cognitively restricted. […]
Crystal Montoya wants to see the end of human suffering from tuberculosis. Laura Wayne wants to see the creation of safe and sustainable oils for food, fuel, and commercial products. Both young women are working full time to realize their visions through the advanced research they conduct as doctoral students at Washington State University. Top […]
Devastating erosion is being quelled along fragile coastlines in Philippines, while opium poppy growers in Afghanistan and Iraq are learning to raise safe and abundant alternative crops. At the same time, in the country of Georgia, faculty at two institutes of higher learning are reviewing advanced teaching methods, and at Washington State University in Pullman, […]
What aspects of taste, smell, and flavor are most important to fully experience a superb glass of wine? Carolyn Ross knows. Dr. Ross, an assistant professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, combines sensory analysis with analytical chemistry techniques in her research to identify and describe changes in the flavor and odor […]
Overcoming some of the most painful, common, and deadly human diseases is at the core of Howard Grimes’ innovative research on plants. His efforts in plant biochemistry and human health offer new hope for predicting, treating, and preventing such debilitating illnesses as arthritis, obesity, and malnutrition and more pernicious killers, including cancer, asthma, heart disease, […]
In order to prevent the outbreak of devastating disease and maintain global human health, it is critical that researchers combat the source of the majority of new human diseases: infections that begin in animals, both wild and domestic. Those efforts are the focus of a trio of researchers—Guy Palmer, Terry McElwain, and Thomas Besser—who conduct […]