News

AMES, Iowa – Scientists searching the most ancient corners of the genome of a reptile native to New Zealand found patterns that help explain how the genomes of all vertebrates took shape, according to a recently published study.

The study, completed by a global team of collaborators and published in the journal Nature, details for the first time the assembled genome of the tuatara, a rare reptile species of great cultural significance to indigenous populations in New Zealand. 

AMES, Iowa – Fifteen years of wetlands research by Iowa State University – a study thought to be the largest and longest running project of its kind in the country – clarifies their performance as highly beneficial systems for reducing nitrogen pollution.

New research published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that honey bees infected with a virus may alter their behavior in ways that slow the spread of the infection. At the same time, infection with the virus may help the bees sneak into neighboring hives, potentially spreading the virus to new hosts.

AMES, Iowa — A new study conducted by researchers at Iowa State University and the University of Illinois suggests a deadly virus attacking honey bees alters their behavior and physiology in ways that boost the virus’ ability to spread.

The research, reported in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus, known as IAPV, seems to change bee behavior in ways that overcome some of bees’ natural defenses against disease pathogens. 

Matthew Hufford, associate professor of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology (EEOB), was selected as the recipient of the M. Rhoades Early-Career Award recipient by the Maize Genetics Cooperative. The award recognizes scientists who have made significant research contributions through genetic studies of maize or related species.

Dr. Chaoqun (Crystal) Lu is featured in the North American Carbon Program Research Spotlight for her research using systems modeling approach to understand, quantify, and predict the terrestrial carbon-nutrient-water dynamics in response to changes in climate, land use, land management practices, and atmospheric composition at various spatial and temporal scales.

Massive volunteer effort helps scientists analyze migration patterns