She was referring to Maxine Hong Kingston’s 1977 book “The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts.” Moser, an expert on Kingston’s work, recently edited a collection of essays that commemorated the 40th anniversary of its publication. With co-editor Dr. Kathryn West, Moser curated a diverse set of interpretations of this famous book. “The essays focus on … [Read more...] about Warriors
That is why agriculture professor Dr. Chin-Feng Hwang and his team of researchers at Missouri State University are exploring grape genetics. They use cutting-edge DNA marker technology to expedite traditional breeding of grapes, which may take more than 20 years to release a new type of grape, also known as a cultivar. If you don’t have sustainability of your vineyard, you … [Read more...] about Breeding grapes the smarter way
Dr. Amy Hulme, assistant professor of biomedical sciences, studies the inner workings of the virus and how it replicates. She hopes her work will lead to the development of a vaccine or better drugs to prevent transmission. In the last 10 years, she published 11 articles on this research in publications like the Journal of Virology. She also served as a peer reviewer for … [Read more...] about Hope in the fight against HIV
Dr. Billie Follensbee, an art historian and archaeologist who specializes in ancient Mesoamerica, has spent years illuminating a fundamental aspect of humanity in artifacts from the Olmec civilization, which once thrived along the Gulf Coast of present-day Mexico. Olmec civilization is famous for dramatic, blocky sculptures that often appear androgynous. Follensbee says, … [Read more...] about Past, present and power
You could be pretty dangerous, according to Dr. Susan Robinson. "That’s the person who really has a great risk for falling and injury," she said. The perfect thing is the person who has appropriate confidence in their balance and actual abilities. Robinson, a professor of physical therapy, focuses her research on a variety of areas within the field. She looks for ways … [Read more...] about Ensuring your loved ones’ safety doesn’t hang in the balance
Wait, professor of biology, studies how plants respond to environmental variation. It’s been his focus for 20 years. "We learn about how fire, temperature and light affect physiological processes – like photosynthesis," said Wait. "And ultimately we can show how multiple factors affect not just this tree, but an entire forest or the whole ecosystem." Nanoparticles His … [Read more...] about Read the leaves: How plants respond to the world
Known as returnable transport items (RTIs), these unsung heroes of the supply chain allow businesses to move goods efficiently and sustainably. While these plain looking containers may seem worthless, they are valuable reusable assets that hurt a company’s profits if they are lost, stolen or damaged. “Imagine a large brewery that distributes millions of kegs a year. If they … [Read more...] about Delving into the science of tracking
Two players place their black or white stones on a 19 by 19 board to participate in an ancient board game, Go. It’s a strategy game, similar to chess. But for Dr. Xingping Sun, it’s more than a game: It’s been an inspiration for his research. “The simple rules of Go give rise to the most complicated board game, much like the evolution of modern mathematics from a few … [Read more...] about Keeping up with machines: Artificial intelligence in math
“For me, that ‘extra’ is what’s actually most important, even though many people would throw it away,” Arendell says. And she isn’t really talking about pie. Arendell, associate professor in the department of theatre and dance, uses this metaphor to describe her favorite theatrical experiences - moments that surprise the audience because they don’t quite fit our expectations … [Read more...] about Between the lines
This root is not the only source of rotenone. It is found in plants in North and South America, southeast Asia, the southwest Pacific Islands and even southern Africa. Research has shown that when humans are exposed to rotenone through injection or inhalation, they develop tremors similar to those experienced by Parkinson’s patients. That’s why its use as a pesticide has … [Read more...] about Nature’s way of making chemicals
What comes to mind? Dr. Judith Meyer, a historical geographer, wants to know how you experience that landscape and why. "I study the sense of place: the meanings people give to the landscape and how those meanings influence our attitudes toward particular places, especially in terms of how we manage them," said Meyer, geography program coordinator in the department of … [Read more...] about A place for meaning
“I tackle different areas, but eventually it’s all about proving some of the common sensical insights.” - Dr. Edward Chang In his view, money may be related to each of these, whether it’s by selecting the right investments, saving money, giving generously or living comfortably into retirement. These values inform how Chang approaches spreading financial literacy in the … [Read more...] about Making money do the work
Does she feel empathy for those she squashed to get to the top? The studies of Dr. Amber Abernathy say no. "Every human should have a physiological response when they feel empathy," said Abernathy, the Mary-Charlotte Bayles Shealy Chair in Conscientious Psychology. This empathy is measured through electro dermal activity, similar to a lie detector test. She performed a … [Read more...] about Can you change your personality?
If you said yes, Dr. Pam Sailors encourages you to reconsider. "Kids start playing football as soon as their little necks can support the helmets on top of their heads," Sailors said. "By the time they are old enough to make the choice to play, a lot of the damage has already been done." Professional and college football is one of the most-watched dramas in the U.S., but … [Read more...] about Risky business: The future of football in the United States