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.
Researchers will analyze publicly available data using machine learning and computational methods to identify key species in a healthy microbial community. They plan to use this information to design a healthy microbiome model and assess its response to diseases, which could lead to targeted therapies and improved medication absorption.
Researchers found that trees in warmer, drier climates release more CO2 than they absorb, potentially compromising their ability to mitigate climate change. The study used a global dataset of tree tissue to analyze photorespiration rates, which are up to two times higher in warmer climates.
Researchers discovered that the human immune system borrowed a protein from a gene family responsible for cell migration to create an antibody-binding molecule. The J chain, which regulates antibody structure and function, originated from CXCL chemokines, a family of proteins regulating white blood cell movement.
Research finds prenatal exposure to air pollution increases the risk of severe respiratory distress in newborns, particularly those exposed to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. The study suggests that preventing death and illness in babies due to respiratory distress is plausible through reducing or eliminating air pollution.
Researchers found that increased polarization in Congress leads to longer periods of stasis and fewer bills passed, but the ones that do pass are larger and more impactful. This dynamics has become exaggerated, making it harder to change the status quo, resulting in bigger changes when they occur.
Researchers developed a predictive model to detect users and content related to Islamic State extremists on social media, identifying potential propaganda messages and their characteristics. The study's findings can help social media companies and law enforcement agencies track and prevent the spread of extremist propaganda.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that biofilms formed by harmless microorganisms shield Listeria monocytogenes from sanitizers, reducing their effectiveness. This discovery could lead to more effective sanitation procedures and a safer food supply.
Researchers at Penn State have identified six new species of Pectobacterium and one strain of Dickeya bacteria that can cause diseases such as blackleg and soft rot in Pennsylvania potatoes. These pathogens can lead to significant yield losses, particularly in the northeastern US.
Researchers at Penn State and University of Wisconsin-Madison found that women farmers approach their operations in ways that positively impact their communities. The study revealed a positive association between women farmers and local economic variables such as nonfarm entrepreneurship, life expectancy, and poverty rates.
Scientists at Penn State develop monolithic 3D integration using 2D transistors, achieving higher density of vertical connections and reducing processing temperatures. This approach enables more energy-efficient computing by decreasing distance between devices, thereby reducing lag and power consumption.
Research found mobile phone users process information faster but are more likely to fall for misinformation compared to personal computers. PC users, however, are more susceptible to phishing attempts, highlighting the importance of device-specific responses.
Researchers analyzed five decades of US data, finding climate conditions and soil productivity key factors affecting honey production. Herbicide application and land use also contributed to declines in honey yields.
Researchers found a link between boulder size and river steepness, revealing how rock properties influence mountain shape change. The study used drones to collect hundreds of thousands of measurements along 18 miles of rivers in Taiwan.
Astronomers have identified a tiny, free-floating brown dwarf with only three to four times the mass of Jupiter using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The discovery provides clues about the star-formation process and helps better understand exoplanets.
Researchers found that interactive screen use, such as texting and playing video games, before bed delayed sleep onset by up to 30 minutes, while passive activities had no significant impact. The study suggests that limiting interactive screen time in the hour before bed can help protect teens' sleep and overall health.
A team of researchers has designed nanoparticles with a propeller shape to improve control over their movements. The chiral shape allows for stability and directionality, enabling cargo transport and manipulation, which can be useful for drug delivery and lab-on-a-chip systems.
A new study reveals how growing biofilms alter their environments and fine-tune their internal architecture to fit surroundings. The findings have implications for fighting disease and developing new types of living active materials.
A new model predicts regional differences in water and electricity demand across 46 US cities due to climate change. Sister climate cities like Ciudad Mante, Mexico, were used to inform the projections, which show some areas experiencing up to 15% increase in summer water demand.
A $500,000 grant from the USDA funds research on sourdough starter microbiomes to reduce gluten in bread products. The study aims to improve bread quality and safety while addressing food waste and consumer demands for 'clean label' products.
Researchers predict that climate change will lead to a decline in beneficial plant microbes, which are crucial for crop health and ecosystem productivity. The study modeled how microbial communities may be impacted by climate change, revealing trends in diversity and richness across global regions.
Researchers found that thicker mucus enhances bacterial collective motion, forming coordinated swarms that can increase antibiotic resistance and spread infection. The study demonstrates the importance of mucus in facilitating bacterial swarming, which could pave the way for new strategies to combat infections and antibiotic resistance.
A new study identified genetic indicators that can predict cognitive decline in people affected by extreme stressors like psychiatric disorders or childhood maltreatment. The research found accelerated biological aging to be a biomarker for cognitive decline, which may help create treatments to improve health outcomes.
Researchers found that social media influencers with distorted messages cause political parties to moderate their policies to win over independent voters. However, this leads to traditional media outlets becoming more extreme in their editorial positions, and citizens swayed by influencers growing more polarized.
Researchers find planet more than 13 times as massive as Earth orbiting ultracool star LHS 3154, challenging current theories of planet formation. The discovery requires reexamination of how planets and stars form, with a heavy planetary core inferred that would need more solid material in the disk.