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...
Researchers developed a protein-based vaccine candidate called SpyCage that induces an immune response in rodent models, clearing COVID-19 infections more quickly than controls. The platform has the potential to prevent infection and transmission of respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 by inducing a mucosal immune response.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that Arctic sea ice loss will deplete the source of cold air for North America, leading to less cold weather events. The loss of sea ice also changes weather patterns, allowing warmer temperatures to reach the surface.
Researchers developed a GPS nanoparticle platform that can home in on cancer cells to deliver gene-editing tools, targeting the protein implicated in tumor growth and spread. The technique may offer a more precise and effective treatment for notoriously hard-to-treat basal-like breast cancers.
A new study from Penn State finds that incorporating a trauma screening into child welfare evaluations leads to better identification of traumatic stress reactions and more appropriate service recommendations. The screening, developed by Christian Connell and Jason Lang, has been shown to increase referrals for specific trauma-focused ...
A new study reveals how viral proteins from symbiotic bacteria manipulate sperm in male insects, causing sterility and preventing the spread of diseases like Zika and dengue. The research could lead to refined techniques to control populations of agricultural pests and insect vectors.
Research found that experiences of racial discrimination and perceived neighborhood racial composition are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy. Higher macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were linked to glucocorticoid resistance, a potential mechanism underlying preterm birth.
Researchers discovered that lung cancer cells can persist in the presence of cigarette smoke due to a protein pump called ABCG2, which clears damaging molecules from the cells. This mechanism could also contribute to resistance to pharmaceutical treatments in cancer cells.
Researchers successfully printed full-thickness skin with potential for hair growth in rats, paving the way for more natural-looking reconstructive surgery outcomes. The bioprinting technology uses fat tissue and stem cells to create layered living skin and contains hair follicle precursors.
Researchers at Penn State have identified a bacterial enzyme, bile salt hydrolase, that produces new bile acid species in humans at birth, coinciding with the establishment of the gut microbiome. This discovery opens up new avenues for exploring the role of bile acids in human health and disease.
Researchers developed an autonomous heating system that uses real-time temperature and wind-direction data to warm fruit tree canopies. The system resulted in significantly reduced damage to apple tree buds in tests, with increased canopy protection times of over double and nearly triple in low temperatures.
Scientists estimate carbon emissions from ancient volcanic events using a new technique that analyzes excess mercury left behind in rock records. The study suggests that these large igneous provinces may have triggered positive Earth system feedbacks, exacerbating the effects of carbon emissions.
The study reveals small galaxies produced a significant amount of ionizing photons, exceeding the threshold required for reionization. This suggests low-mass galaxies were strong candidates for sparking the process by heating and ionizing the surrounding gas.
A new study finds that climate change is likely to alter the seasonal profile of disease transmission for parasitic worms, with temperature and humidity playing key roles. The research suggests that infection risk may shift towards northern regions as temperatures rise, while southern regions face more extreme conditions.
Researchers discovered that a new class of metallic materials with potential applications in aerospace and energy can withstand extreme temperatures and resist fractures thanks to their short-range order. The study revealed the interaction between short-range order and planar defects, which enhances the alloys' mechanical performance.
Researchers suggest Carolina azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern, has the nutritional content to serve as a potentially vital food source after a catastrophe or disaster. The study found that cooking methods can significantly reduce polyphenolic content, making it digestible for humans.
A new dual-energy harvesting device developed by Penn State scientists can generate 300% higher power than current devices, enabling miniaturized biomedical applications. The device converts magnetic field and ultrasound energy into electricity, offering a safe and efficient solution for powering wireless medical implants.
Researchers at Penn State found that dairy cows fed botanicals-supplemented diets use feed energy more efficiently and emit less methane. The study, which used a combination of capsicum oleoresin and clove oil, resulted in improved energy utilization efficiency and reduced methane emissions.
A new study using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and VLA data reveals that the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* is spinning at about 60% of its maximum possible speed. This spin could provide an incredibly powerful kick to surrounding matter if the amount of material in the vicinity increases.
Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.
A study by an international research team led by Penn State finds that droughts may drive deadly amphibian disease, chytridiomycosis. Abnormal rainfall patterns disrupt the microbiomes of frogs, potentially leaving them vulnerable to the fungus.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that oat flour can be used to reduce added sugar in chocolate while maintaining its texture and flavor. The team conducted two blind taste tests involving 66 and 90 participants, who rated oat-flour-containing chocolates as equally tasty or even preferred to regular chocolate.
Scientists are studying the replication mechanism of Zika virus and its ability to transmit from an infected mother to her unborn child. They aim to understand how the virus creates connections called tunneling nanotubes that allow it to replicate and infect cells.
Researchers at Penn State have created a new fusion of materials that exhibits chiral topological superconductivity, a property required for topological quantum computation. The combination of magnetic materials and iron chalcogenide could enable the development of robust quantum computers with unique properties.
A cross-cultural study found that lower voice pitch makes women and men sound more attractive for long-term relationships and more formidable among other men. Lower male voice pitch also confers formidability and high social status in societies with higher relational mobility, suggesting evolutionary origins.
Scientists used ancient rock formations in Alaska and Japan to develop a new model predicting pressure solution activity in subduction zones, which can affect the amount of elastic strain accumulated in different parts of the seismogenic zone.
Researchers found that parents' manifestation of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric traits can predict the prevalence and severity of disorders in children. The study analyzed 97,000 families and revealed a correlation between parental traits, suggesting that assortative mating may contribute to increased disease severity.