Research

Rock Doc column: Smarter than your average bear

By E. Kirsten Peters, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – Alex Waroff had a fantastic summer job. The veterinary student at Washington State University worked with faculty members as they tested just how clever grizzly bears are. What’s at issue is the use of tools.

Nematode found in Washington; quarantines unlikely

By Scott Weybright, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences PULLMAN, Wash. – A close relative of the cereal cyst nematode was discovered in Washington for the first time this summer. Scientists don’t believe quarantines will be required but are assessing the significance of the discovery.

Females more sensitive to cannabis; males get munchies

By Becky Phillips, University Communications PULLMAN, Wash. – Smoking today’s concentrated pot might be risky business for women, according to new research from Washington State University. The study is the first to demonstrate sex differences in the development of tolerance to THC.

Cattle could protect butterflies, conserve prairies

By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences OLYMPIA, Wash. – Carefully managed cattle grazing can improve weed control, plant health and plant diversity on native prairies, according to anecdotal evidence. However, no systematic study has attempted to track the impacts of managed grazing on native prairie plant communities in western Washington […]

From Matilda, clues about cancer

By Linda Weiford, WSU News PULLMAN, WASH. – A sweet, loyal golden retriever named Matilda has become a key player in fighting cancer among dogs and humans alike. To combat the disease, she goes on walks, naps, plays with the family’s pet bird and enthusiastically thumps her tail.

‘Deadly force’ lab finds racial disparities in shootings

By Eric Sorensen, WSU science writer SPOKANE, Wash. – Participants in an innovative Washington State University study of deadly force were more likely to feel threatened in scenarios involving black people. But when it came time to shoot, participants were biased in favor of black suspects, taking longer to pull the trigger against them than […]