Freshwater mussels found in Pennsylvania streams contain radium from fracking wastewater, indicating the water's pollution level. The mussels' shells and tissues absorb radioactive particles, which can accumulate in the food chain and potentially harm endangered species.
A novel approach to training AI systems uses information about spatial position to identify objects and navigate surroundings, inspired by children's visual development. The method improves contrastive learning models' effectiveness by incorporating simulated spatial context information, outperforming base models in various tasks.
Researchers developed an adhesive sensing device that seamlessly attaches to human skin to detect and monitor various health signals, such as glucose levels and heart rate. The device can be reprogrammed and recycled, making it a potential tool for managing diseases like diabetes.
Researchers have generated complete 'end-to-end' reference genomes for the sex chromosomes of five great ape species, highlighting enormous variation on the Y chromosome. The findings inform understanding of diseases related to genes on these chromosomes in both apes and humans.
A new analysis reveals that national-level data on rubella vaccination may overlook nuances at the local level, affecting vaccination efforts. Introducing a vaccine program can reduce CRS cases by thousands in the first five years.
A new AI algorithm developed by Penn State researchers may lead to better predictions and novel therapies for autoimmune diseases. The algorithm analyzes genetic code to identify additional genes of risk and outperforms existing methodologies, identifying 26% more novel gene and trait associations.
Scientists found that a specific strain of the H5N1 virus, which caused a 2022 mink outbreak, can transmit through the air to ferrets with limited effectiveness. The study suggests these viruses may be evolving to infect mammals and potentially pose increased risk to humans.
The Penn State research project, funded with a $1.33 million DOE grant, focuses on replacing coal-based materials with biomass in steel manufacturing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the researchers plan to introduce a microcredential program to provide industry-specific training for underrepresented groups.
Researchers have developed cold sintering to recycle materials repeatedly without a decrease in quality. This process combines powder-based materials into dense forms at low temperatures and allows for recycling multiple times.
The project aims to extract and concentrate rare earth elements from domestic coal-based acid mine drainage, producing high-purity materials for magnet and super alloy applications. The goal is to establish a 100% domestic supply chain, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign suppliers.
A new model combines wildfire smoke forecasts and ground-based sensor data to help public health officials plan targeted interventions. The researchers found that urban and rural communities already burdened by pollution face higher air pollution levels during unexpected smoke events.
A new study proposes that ancient cratons played a key role in stabilizing Earth's continents 3 billion years ago. The researchers suggest that the exposure of fresh rock to wind and rain triggered geological processes that ultimately stabilized the crust. This mechanism may represent a new understanding of how habitable planets evolve.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new, improved material called borophene, which is more conductive, thinner, lighter, stronger, and more flexible than graphene. The team has also imparted chirality on the material, enabling it to interact with cells and other biological units in unique ways.
The study found that variation in heat tolerance is influenced by size, sex, and infection status of the bees. Body size and environmental temperature have context- and sex-dependent effects on heat tolerance. Parasite infection also plays a role, particularly among female bees.
The study reveals that cellobiose fragments can bind to the tunnel's back door and block subsequent cellulose molecules, as well as bind to Cel7A near the front door, preventing enzyme binding. New methods could be developed to fine-tune this process, improving biofuel production efficiency.
A recent study published in Food Quality and Preference revealed that one in eight adults enjoy intensely sour sensations. Researchers found three distinct patterns of response to sourness: a strong negative group, an intermediate group with muted drops in liking, and a strong positive group where liking increased with more sourness.
Scientists developed a new tool to predict methane emission flux behavior from abandoned shale gas wells. By analyzing shale samples, they created a unified gas transport model to estimate methane emissions after a well is decommissioned.
The National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences will enable research using publicly available data to gain insights into how complex biological systems emerge from simpler molecules. The center aims to understand emergent properties at the mesoscale, influencing higher subcellular and cellular outcomes.
Researchers at Penn State have made light effectively experience a magnetic field within a photonic crystal structure. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient lasers and other photonic technologies by increasing the interaction between light and matter.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically modify kissing bugs, opening a door to controlling Chagas disease. The new method, ReMOT Control, allows efficient and targeted editing of genes in eggs.
The Penn State Listening Lab is analyzing national park sounds to understand human impact on wildlife, ecosystems, and visitor experiences. This research aims to inform conservation policies and protect natural quiet.
Researchers found that people on caloric restriction lost telomeres more rapidly at first and then more slowly after their weight stabilized. The two-year timeline was not sufficient to show benefits, but those may still be revealed in longer-term data collection.
A new online curriculum and simulation training program, developed by Penn State researchers, significantly reduced complications in central line placement. The program, launched in 2022, has been shown to decrease error rates for mechanical issues, infections, and blood clots.
The partnership aims to advance carbon research and evaluate the impact of Morgan's carbon material products on SiC wafer fabrication. The initiative will create a new five-year, multimillion-dollar program to explore next-generation SiC crystal research and workforce development.
A probiotic feed additive has been found to significantly boost growth and improve gut health in broiler chickens. The study suggests that the supplement can help reduce antimicrobial resistance, a major public health threat.
The alliance aims to advance silicon carbide research, development, and workforce training in the US. It will focus on developing efficient and sustainable energy infrastructure, including electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers found that the substrate material responds to changes in electricity like a semiconductor, revealing its potential as an electronic switch. The discovery could lead to faster and more efficient electronics.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that innovative US firms are more likely to engage in international trade, with a strong association between innovation activities and export behavior. The study applied to both rural and urban companies, with findings that could inform efforts aimed at boosting US exports.
Researchers have developed a wearable sensor system using artificial intelligence to monitor and evaluate infant movement patterns, identifying at-risk infants with up to 99.9% accuracy. The technology overcomes issues of subjectivity and cost, paving the way for early detection and rehabilitation.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a direct link between seismic activity and rock permeability, which could improve geothermal energy transfer. By monitoring microearthquakes, the team found that the strength of seismic activity is correlated with increased rock permeability.
A multi-institution team led by Penn State researchers has been awarded $650,000 to develop coupled watershed-estuary models simulating salt ion transport and fate. The project aims to address salt contamination in tidal rivers, a growing problem worldwide, and will use the Chesapeake Bay as a pilot study site.
Researchers found that larger pretzels are consumed more quickly with larger bites, while smaller pretzels are eaten slower with smaller bites. Despite this, people still consume more sodium when eating smaller pretzels due to their higher surface area.
Researchers found that 55% of startup firms conduct systematic marketing, but early-stage B2B firms are the least likely to do so. Early-stage B2C firms benefit from systematic marketing more than late-stage B2B firms. The study suggests that investors and entrepreneurs can use this framework to determine whether to invest in marketing.
A study by Penn State researchers found that childhood-onset insomnia symptoms persist through young adulthood, with Black children being 2.6 times more likely to experience long-term sleep problems compared to white children. The findings highlight the need for early intervention and treatment to address this public health issue.
A new reconstruction of the 375-million-year-old fossil fish Tiktaalik reveals that its ribs likely attached to its pelvis, enabling support of the body and potentially leading to the evolution of walking. This discovery provides insights into the major evolutionary transition from fish to four-limbed vertebrates.
A new analysis of the sunflower family tree shows that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently among its members. The research, led by Penn State biologist Hong Ma, used low-coverage genome sequences to increase the number of species available for comparison and resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree.
Researchers developed a vaccine that significantly reduces TB transmission in cattle by almost 90%, improving prospects for disease elimination. The study's findings suggest that vaccinating calves could reduce the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries.
A study published in JAMA analyzed industry payments to US physicians, finding that over half received at least one payment and 94% were associated with marketed medical products. Orthopedic surgeons received the most payments, while pediatric surgeons received the fewest.
Researchers have developed a new synthetic material called fluorine-assisted mucus surrogates (FAMS) to improve ease and reduce cost of gut microbiome research. FAMS are made from inexpensive materials and can be generated using standard laboratory hardware, allowing for broader adoption into lab settings.
Microbiota analysis involves examining the composition, diversity, abundance, distribution, evolution and functions of microorganisms. By analyzing the microbiota, we can gain invaluable insights for disease diagnosis, predict disease progression and tailor treatments to individual needs.
A team led by Kristina Petersen and Penny Kris-Etherton found that eating avocados daily significantly increased participants' adherence to dietary guidelines. The study suggested that using avocados as a substitute for refined grains and sodium may play a role in achieving improved diet quality.
A Penn State technique combining satellite data with existing computer weather forecast models produces more accurate forecasts of surface gusts in severe thunderstorms. This method can be especially useful in areas lacking ground-based weather monitoring infrastructure, such as radar systems.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new high-tech tool to accurately estimate plant root depth using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The LEADER method has the potential to speed up breeding of plants better able to withstand drought, acquire nitrogen and store carbon deeper in soil.
Researchers have found two proteins, SOX17 and FGF2, that can efficiently mature stem cells into endothelial cells, forming tubular-like vessels. This breakthrough could enable the growth of lab-grown vascular tissue to support heart transplants and develop artificial blood brain barriers for neurological drug testing.
A recent study found that aquatic and terrestrial organisms consume the same amount of energy from opposing ecosystems. The research analyzed data from 149 studies worldwide and discovered nearly twice as much allochthony in arid climates compared to tropical ones for aquatic invertebrates.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that virtual reality evokes stronger emotions and motivates climate action more effectively than traditional video. Loss-framed messages were most effective in VR, while gain-framed messages performed better in video format.
Researchers have precisely replicated the complex geometry of leafhopper particles, called brochosomes, which absorb visible and ultraviolet light. The unique design serves a dual purpose, reducing visibility to predators and scattering visible light for potential threats.
The college will investigate the harmful effects of alternative tobacco products, exploring their toxicity and addictiveness. The funding supports a trio of studies led by the Center for Research on Tobacco and Health, which aims to inform better regulation and improve public health.
The initiative's programs help K-12 educators address difficult issues like racism through trauma-informed and asset-based practices. Researchers published their work in three peer-reviewed journals, highlighting the effectiveness of inquiry-based approaches for teachers' professional learning.
A study by Penn State researchers identified four distinct sleep patterns, with over half of participants classified as insomnia sleepers or nappers. These suboptimal sleep patterns were linked to a higher likelihood of chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and depression. The study suggests that promoting healthy s...