News Archive
Course correction needed quickly to avoid pathway to ‘hothouse Earth’ scenario, scientists say
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Scientists say multiple Earth system components appear closer to destabilization than previously believed, putting the planet at increased risk of a “hothouse” trajectory driven by feedback loops that can amplify the consequences of global warming.Feb. 11, 2026
New AI model improves accuracy of food contamination detection
Researchers have significantly enhanced an artificial intelligence tool used to rapidly detect bacterial contamination in food by eliminating misclassifications of food debris that looks like bacteria.Feb. 10, 2026
New nanoparticles enable melanoma tumors to be removed with low-power laser light
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed and tested in a mouse model a new type of nanoparticle that enables the removal of melanoma tumors with a low-power laser.Feb. 10, 2026
Where fires used to be frequent, old forests now face high risk of devastating blazes
A new analysis shows that the Pacific Northwest’s mature and old-growth forests are most at risk of severe wildfire in areas that historically burned frequently at lower severity.Feb. 3, 2026
New cancer-killing material developed by Oregon State University nanomedicine researchers
Scientists at Oregon State University have developed a new nanomaterial that triggers a pair of chemical reactions inside cancer cells, killing the cells via oxidative stress while leaving healthy tissues alone.Jan. 27, 2026
For couples, one affectionate communicator can help both partners feel relationship satisfaction
If you really like holding hands and saying “I love you” but your partner doesn’t, your relationship is still probably better off than if both of you had modest interest in expressing affection.Jan. 26, 2026
A new study shows that interactions between wolves and cougars in Yellowstone National Park are driven by wolves stealing prey killed by cougars and that shifts in cougar diets to smaller prey help them avoid wolf encounters.Jan. 26, 2026
Meet the marten: Oregon State research provides updated look at rare, adorable carnivore
Oregon State University researchers have painted a clearer picture of the coastal marten, a secretive, ferret-sized forest carnivore renowned for its cuteness but nearly driven to extinction by human activity in the 20th century.Jan. 21, 2026
Historic ocean treaty underpinned by Oregon State University science takes effect Jan. 17
Oregon State University research into marine protected areas plays a crucial role in the historic “High Seas Treaty” that goes into effect Jan. 17.Jan. 15, 2026
Oregon State Board of Trustees to meet Jan. 15 and 16
The Oregon State University Board of Trustees will meet Jan. 15 and 16 to consider election of board officers and discuss a preliminary budget and tuition scenarios for the 2027 fiscal year.Jan. 7, 2026
After devastating wildfires, watersheds surprisingly thick with fish and amphibians
In the aftermath of historically severe wildfires in 2020, a study of Cascade Range watersheds found that stream vertebrates are doing surprising well, highlighted by flourishing fish populations.Dec. 18, 2025
Resolving to spend less time on your smartphone? Understanding your travel habits can help
If you open a banking app, play a mobile game or scroll through a news feed every day while riding the bus, your commuting routine is probably bolstering your smartphone habit, according to new research that shows phone tendencies are stronger in locations chosen automatically.Dec. 17, 2025
College of Forestry finalizes new management plan for OSU’s McDonald-Dunn Research Forest
The Oregon State University College of Forestry has finalized a new management plan for the OSU-owned McDonald-Dunn Research Forest in the Coast Range foothills northwest of Corvallis.Dec. 15, 2025
Yuletide kissers, smooch without guilt: Research suggests your mistletoe didn’t harm its tree host
If mistletoe’s status as a nutrient-stealing freeloader has been cooling your holiday ardor, new research led by an Oregon State University scientist may help relight the fire.Dec. 15, 2025
A naturally fluffy white beard, a round belly and a jolly laugh might seem like the keys to being a successful Santa Claus, but new research suggests that a calling to play the man with the bag full of toys is enough to help candidates overcome a lack of typical attributes for the role.Dec. 4, 2025
Human feelings influence beliefs about cat emotions and well-being, study shows
People rated cats as having a more positive emotional state when shown indoors rather than outdoors, even those who believe cats should roam freely outside, a new study found.Dec. 2, 2025
Oregon maintains top Christmas tree producer title by adapting
Native noble fir make up just over half of Oregon’s Christmas tree sales, but in recent years, OSU Extension experts have also been studying the genetics of introduced species from Eurasia that are potentially more resilient to climate change.Nov. 25, 2025
Vertical hunting helps wild cats coexist in Guatemala’s forests, study finds
A new study reveals that four wild cat species living in the same rainforest habitat in Guatemala reduce competition for food by hunting in different vertical zones, some in trees and others on the ground.Nov. 24, 2025
3-D printing researchers develop fast-curing, environmentally friendly concrete substitute
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a quick-setting, environmentally friendly alternative to concrete they hope can one day be used to rapidly 3-D print homes and infrastructure.Nov. 21, 2025
Calcite deposit from southern Nevada cave reveals 580,000 years of climate history
Climate history recorded in a calcite deposit in a southern Nevada cave indicates that the hot, arid southwestern United States experienced significant shifts in temperature and rainfall over the last 580,000 years.Nov. 19, 2025
Floating solar panels show promise, but environmental impacts vary by location, study finds
Floating solar panels are emerging as a promising clean energy solution with environmental benefits, but a new study finds those effects vary significantly depending on where the systems are deployed.Nov. 17, 2025
Acceptance, lack of negativity are keys for passing parenting styles on to the next generation
The children of people who grew up with parental acceptance and lack of negativity tend to struggle less with their own parenting, a new analysis indicates.Nov. 17, 2025
Researchers develop first-ever common language for cannabis, hemp aromas
Researchers have taken a significant step toward creating a standardized language for describing the aromas of cannabis and hemp.Nov. 14, 2025
New analysis yields clearer picture of toxin-producing blue-green algae blooms
A long-term analysis shows that a major Oregon reservoir abruptly swapped one type of toxic algae for another midway through the 12-year study period, absent any obvious cause.Nov. 11, 2025
New material designed at OSU represents breakthrough in medical imaging
Scientists at Oregon State University have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent with the potential to outperform current agents while being less toxic to patients and more environmentally friendly.Nov. 7, 2025
Wildfire risk making timberland less valuable, long harvest rotations less feasible
Rising wildfire risk in the Pacific Northwest combined with notoriously volatile timber pricing may lower forestland values by as much as 50% and persuade plantation owners to harvest trees much earlier than planned.Nov. 6, 2025
Study paints detailed picture of forest canopy damage caused by ‘heat dome’
A satellite imagery analysis shows that the 2021 “heat dome” scorched almost 5% of the forested area in western Oregon and western Washington.Nov. 4, 2025