Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Penn State


Researchers develop 3D atlas of the developing mammalian brain

A team of researchers at Penn State College of Medicine has developed a high-resolution 3D atlas of the developing mouse brain, providing a comprehensive view of brain development and structure. The atlas, published in Nature Communications, will help researchers understand neurodevelopmental disorders and analyze large-scale data sets.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

Can electricity treat high blood pressure?

Researchers at Penn State have developed a soft and stretchable tissue-like electronic device that delivers pulsed electricity to the body, showing promise in treating drug-resistant hypertension. The device's design minimizes tissue damage and inflammation by adapting to the carotid artery's expansion and contraction.

Are nearby planets sending radio signals to each other?

Scientists at Penn State and SETI Institute used the Allen Telescope Array to scan the TRAPPIST-1 star system for radio signals similar to those used by rovers on Mars. Although no extraterrestrial technology was found, the project introduced a new method for future searches.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 16, 2024

Toxic protein may contribute to ALS development

A new study found that toxic SOD1 protein trimers interact with various proteins in different tissues, contributing to cellular dysfunction and degeneration in ALS. Septin-7 is identified as a potential therapeutic target, potentially slowing or disrupting ALS progression.

SourcePenn State·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2024

Students who feel more university connection may be more likely to binge drink

A new study by Penn State researchers found that students who feel a sense of belonging at their university are more likely to binge drink than those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 university students, suggests that feeling connected to the university is associated with higher rates of substance use.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateOct 10, 2024

Rates of a tick-borne parasitic disease are on the rise

A new study found that babesiosis rates rose 9% annually between 2015 and 2022, with 42% of cases linked to other tick-borne illnesses. Co-infection with Lyme disease did not increase mortality risk, but patients received doxycycline treatment more frequently.

SourcePenn State·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 8, 2024

Pre-arrest diversion-to-treatment programs may reduce crime, overdose deaths

A new study found that completing a six-month substance use disorder treatment program instead of arrest and prosecution reduces the risk of arrest, incarceration, or fatal overdose. Participants who completed the program had a more favorable crime and overdose profile compared to those who did not engage or complete the program.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2024

What is the moon's true origin story?

Two Penn State researchers propose an alternative theory: the moon was captured in a binary-exchange capture, where Earth's gravity snagged one of two objects, resulting in its current orbit. This new possibility opens up new questions and opportunities for further study.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 30, 2024

Wastewater monitoring can detect foodborne illness, researchers find

Researchers found Salmonella enterica in wastewater treatment plant samples, indicating a foodborne pathogen. The study suggests domestic sewage monitoring can detect infectious diseases circulating in a community, enabling health officials to swiftly trace the source of contaminated food.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2024

New tool to help decision makers navigate possible futures of the Colorado River

A new computational tool, FRNSIC, developed by Penn State scientists can help decision-makers explore possible futures of the Colorado River and identify consequential scenario storylines. The tool uses exploratory modeling to investigate a large number of plausible future conditions and classify relevant storylines for stakeholders.

SourcePenn State·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2024

Volunteers record bee biodiversity and discover new species in Pennsylvania

A recent study found that 26 highly trained community scientists in Pennsylvania were more effective at documenting bee diversity than thousands of users of the photo-based app iNaturalist. The volunteers collected over twice as much biodiversity data, including new species and county records, through a collections-based program.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

Giant fossil seeds from Borneo record ancient plant migration

Researchers discovered large fossil beans in Indonesian Borneo, indicating the ancestors of black bean trees migrated from Asia to Australia during tectonic plate collision. The findings provide first macrofossil evidence of a plant lineage moving from Asia into Australia.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 14, 2024

US companies' global market reach linked to cloud computing use

A new study by Penn State researchers found that US firms using cloud computing services are more likely to export goods and services, especially those located outside large cities. The study suggests that accessing cloud services may help level the playing field for non-urban firms and promote their expansion into international markets.

SourcePenn State·JournalTelecommunications Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2024

Less sleep and later bedtime in childhood linked to future substance use

A study found that children who went to bed later and slept fewer hours during childhood and adolescence were more likely to try alcohol or marijuana by age 15. The researchers suggest that improving sleep in the school-age population could lead to improvements in other aspects of health, such as decision making.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2024

Australia offers lessons for increasing American life expectancy

A study published in BMJ Open suggests that Australia's high life expectancy can serve as a model for the US to improve its own life expectancy. The research found that Australians have a lower mortality rate from drug overdose, car accidents, and homicide compared to Americans. By adopting similar policies such as investing in public ...

Memory problems in old age linked to a key enzyme, study in mice finds

A team of researchers from Penn State has identified HDAC3 as a key contributor to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice performed similarly to their younger counterparts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Trying to limit calories? Skip the dip, researchers advise

Researchers found that serving a dip with a salty snack significantly increased overall energy intake, with participants consuming more calories from the combination. The study suggests that adding dip to snacks can substantially increase energy intake without people realizing it.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Genes or environment? A new model for understanding disease risk factors

A new model developed by Penn State researchers more accurately predicts the causal relationship between genetic and environmental factors in disease development. The study found that lifestyle and environmental factors play a larger role than previously believed, offering new opportunities to mitigate disease risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

Farm families’ childcare challenges impacting farm businesses, research suggests

A new study by Penn State researcher Florence Becot found that 78% of farm families with children made changes to balance childcare needs with farm business responsibilities, reducing hours worked and shifting work schedules. This impacted the structure of labor on- and off-the-farm, influencing production systems, marketing channels, ...

SourcePenn State·JournalAgriculture and Human Values·TypeSurvey·DateJul 30, 2024