A new study challenges the long-held hypothesis that early land animals evolved flexible necks for turning their heads. Using fossil anatomy and biomechanical studies of a modern fish, researchers found that early tetrapod necks were stiff and did not allow much mobility.
A team of researchers from Penn State has developed a fluorescent molecular tag that tracks viral RNA and host interactions in real-time, allowing for the study of Zika and chikungunya viruses. The tool, called Mango-II, provides insight into the viral-host cell interaction, a key step to developing effective antiviral strategies.
A new study suggests that new platform features may not always be as helpful as intended for competitive gig workers, and could even hurt hiring chances. Employers were less likely to hire workers who used a new, untested signal, and those who did receive lower ratings and longer completion times.
A new role for the CCR4-NOT complex has been discovered as a suppressor of jumping gene activity, which can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders, autoimmune disease, and cancer. The complex regulates the KZNF family of genes, a known repressor of jumping gene activity, to maintain genome stability.
A new study found that preschool students who received enhanced skill instruction reported better mental health, social adjustment, and quality of life than their peers. The research, published in American Psychologist, suggests that providing young children with social, problem-solving, and language skills can set them on the path for...
A new study by Penn State researchers found that pregnancy brain, or 'baby brain,' is associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms, but exercise may not be the solution. Women who exercised regularly may actually experience more brain fog if they have high levels of anxiety symptoms.
A new rapid test developed by Penn State researchers detects lower levels of antibodies to fight syphilis bacteria, potentially leading to earlier interventions. The test uses layered nanoparticles that accumulate and form a visible line for a positive result, improving detection in the early stages of the infection.
Intel-E-Waste, with Penn State as its research partner, is scaling-up a metal transformation platform to recover and upgrade critical materials from domestic e-waste streams. The platform aims to integrate with existing recycling infrastructure and produce materials meeting industry requirements.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a new type of soft computer using water-based droplets, connected by membranes, to process information in wet environments. The networks, inspired by the human brain, can sense and process ions with lower energy cost than silicon chips, and demonstrate temporal computing capabilities,
Researchers at Penn State develop an hourly forecasting model that predicts flood risk using AI techniques similar to image generators. The model improves flood risk prediction by capturing the severity of rapid weather swings, reducing uncertainty with real-time data assimilation.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered that blocking protein PIK3C3/VPS34 raises levels of GD2 on the surface of tumor cells, making them easier to detect and more vulnerable to treatment. This increase also creates a hostile environment for cancer growth.
A new framework trains AI models to screen AI-generated content using performance data from past marketing campaigns. The models provide content recommendations and ratings, streamlining the decision-making process for marketers. Human capital plays a vital role in the successful use of these new technologies.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that young adults' sleep quality is disrupted by loud, bright, or hot environments, but not how long they sleep. The study, which analyzed data from 372 young adults, suggests that a few simple changes, such as earplugs or blackout curtains, can dramatically improve sleep quality.
Pharmaceutical products can become contaminated with microorganisms, posing serious health risks. Sterilization processes vary in time and cost, with heat sterilization and gamma irradiation being traditional methods. Aseptic processing and sterile filtration are also used to produce sterile drug products.
A study by Penn State researchers found that people who aged faster during midlife were more likely to experience memory lapses a decade later. The study, which analyzed data from 232 individuals, found that those who were aging rapidly were 18% more likely to experience a prospective memory lapse on any given day.
Researchers found that frogs' natural skin bacteria can help them fight disease and improve survival chances. The study identified disease-inhibiting bacteria that helped certain frogs survive infection.
A new study in mice reveals that abdominal muscles used during normal movement can increase blood flow in the brain by creating ultrafast constrictions of major veins. The research suggests a previously underappreciated aspect of normal brain physiology, highlighting the connection between movement and blood flow.
Researchers discovered that tiny wrinkles in graphene can change its electrical properties, revealing flexoelectricity. The team found that the sharpness of the wrinkles was more important than their size, allowing for stronger electrical charge separation and potential applications in sensing and electronic devices.
Researchers developed a tiny mirror that can control light in three dimensions at record speeds, enabling faster and smaller optical systems for brain imaging, augmented reality and precision manufacturing. This technology could lead to smaller, mountable miniature microscopes for studying neurobiology and lighter glasses and headsets ...
A study by Penn State researchers found that conversational chatbots can lead users to trust misinformation, but adding verification tools can offset this effect. The study tested the impact of conversational AI chatbots on user trust and found that users who could verify information were more skeptical of the AI's responses.
A new 3D-structure study reveals BRD4's unexpected ability to bind to chromosomes without a molecular signal, shedding light on its role in cancer and potential treatments. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of BRD4's function and its interaction with other proteins.
A new study led by Penn State researchers compared AI chatbots' moral decision-making with that of humans in a hypothetical kidney transplant scenario. AI models often fixate on single factors, diverging from human values, and confidently pick a decision despite uncertainty. In contrast, humans frequently express indecision due to a de...
A Penn State researcher found that Treasury yields influence rates on cryptocurrency lending markets, despite no direct link. Stablecoin borrowing and deposit rates move together with Treasury yields in a systematic way.
Researchers analyzed 40,000 industrial plants and 5,000 U.S. House elections to find that firms in Democratic districts have lower emissions due to increased inspections and enforcement actions. This reallocation had potential financial impacts for firms and public health concerns for local communities.
A new study reveals that early humans' unique heel-strike walking style allowed for efficient foraging strategies like hunting and gathering, but came at the cost of higher impact forces on bones and joints. This adaptation may have required later anatomical changes to enable safe and consistent walking.
A new study found that proteins with a certain type of structure are more likely to misfold and be targeted for removal, yet nearly half still evade the cellular maintenance crew. This can disrupt protein production and recycling, potentially contributing to aging and disease.
Researchers found that fish raised by fathers were more bold, sociable, and adventurous, indicating paternal care influences adult behavior. Paternal care also affected brain gene expression, suggesting a long-term impact on the fish's behavior.
A new study found that laws requiring notification of dense breast tissue led to modest increases in follow-up imaging tests, while insurance mandates had a significant impact, increasing ultrasound use four times. This study examined the influence of notification laws and insurance coverage independently.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new approach to diagnose sepsis-causing bacteria in blood infections, which can rapidly identify the specific pathogens and ideal antibiotics. This new approach, called STREAM, enables faster diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes.
A historic drought in northern Kenya led to a shift in livelihoods, with fishing becoming a crucial source of food and income among the Daasanach community. The study found that drought can alter not only physical health and food access but also cultural norms and settlement patterns, with women experiencing greater hardship than men.
A study in birds found that physical activity in youth decreases energy used for moving as an adult, with significant implications for human health. The research, led by Penn State researchers, suggests that children who are physically active may become more efficient movers, making exercise more accessible and beneficial for adults.
Researchers found that natural gas drilling can lead to elevated radium content in local drinking water due to increased salt levels. This can pose serious health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. The study used private water wells and springs to collect samples and found a connection between drilling operations and radium ...
Astronomers discover that massive galaxies in the early universe contain more small stars than expected, challenging current understanding of galaxy formation. The study uses NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to reveal the hidden mass of low-mass stars in these galaxies.
Scientists at Penn State have developed a new method for seismic imaging using thunderstorms, which can be used to study the Earth's subsurface structure and image the subsurface without traditional seismic sources. This method allows for easier imaging in less accessible locations, such as the Arctic or urban areas.
The PennPoa startup, founded by Penn State professor David Huff, has developed a strain of Poa annua that delivers professional putting surfaces at a fraction of the cost. The strain, which takes 8-12 weeks to establish, has hardy growth, density, and a fast putting surface, making it an ideal choice for luxury courses.
Scientists have captured the first real-time glimpse of cellular machinery reading DNA inside a cell, revealing a more dynamic process than previously thought. The study used cryo-electron microscopy to map intact transcription complexes, showing variations in the RNA polymerase II subunits that were unexpected.
A study led by Penn State researchers found that controlling red and blue wavelengths of white light can impact how people experience indoor temperatures, with a 1.3-degree Fahrenheit difference possible. The study aims to reduce heating and cooling demands and improve energy savings by widening people's thermal comfort zone.
A recent study found that over half of US adults lack basic statistical understanding, despite a willingness to use statistics in decision-making if they knew more. The study suggests that a basic introduction to statistics can help people understand their own thinking better and become more informed consumers of science.
Researchers at Penn State have developed genetic 'switches' that can program 3D-printed bone tissue to grow blood vessels, enabling the regeneration of bone tissue in severe trauma or infections. The technique uses microRNA molecules to push cells down a differentiation pathway optimized for either tissue growth or vascularization.
Researchers found that hedge funds that effectively bet against public sentiment outperformed those that rode sentiment, earning a 0.4% monthly premium. This result persists even after controlling for fund characteristics and economic risks.
Scientists create a biomimetic zona pellucida coating called BZP to mimic the natural barrier on egg cells, protecting donor islets from the immune system and reducing blood sugar levels in diabetic mice for 100 days. This approach could lead to a promising commercial cell therapy platform for treating various diseases.
Pregnant women with a history of child abuse experienced increased inflammation when exposed to mild stress, associated with greater pregnancy complications, including premature birth. Mindfulness exercises may help pregnant women improve their health and reduce harm from childhood trauma.
Researchers found that lab variations can lead to inconsistent data, affecting AI model accuracy and reproducibility. The study highlights the importance of standardization in experimental design to improve data quality for machine learning models.
Researchers found that parents who ran with a stroller were less likely to sustain an overuse injury during the first three years after becoming a parent. For every 1,000 miles run, stroller runners saw a 55% lower injury rate compared to those who ran without a stroller.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a synthetic enzyme mimic that can drive chemical reactions using oxygen, producing only water as waste. This breakthrough could potentially be used in sustainable industrial chemical syntheses and pharmaceutical drug development.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that strong social bonds and public recognition for achievements can reduce suicidal thoughts and behavior among teenagers. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 Pennsylvania teens and found that personal connections with family, school, and community can decrease suicide risk.
Researchers at Penn State and the USDA have identified 10 genomic variants associated with increased virulence in Marek's disease virus, a deadly illness affecting chickens. The study could inform the design of more effective vaccines that can prevent future breakthroughs.
A study by Dawood Darbar and colleagues found that rare genetic mutations converge with common genetic variants to disrupt the heart's electrical activity, leading to early-onset atrial fibrillation. This additive effect amplifies the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications.
A new study found that 98.2% of organically managed US honey samples met USDA contamination limits, comparable to imported certified organic honeys. Researchers tested 72 colonies on six large organic farms and screened their honey for 96 pesticide residues.
Researchers at Penn State will use the funding to develop new tools for investigating the genetics underpinning relationships between mosquitoes and various microbes. The projects aim to improve scientific understanding of mosquito-borne pathogens and eventually enable new discoveries that could help inhibit disease spread.