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.
New research suggests that the Second Plague Pandemic may have led to changes in the human oral microbiome, contributing to modern-day chronic diseases. The study found two distinct communities of bacteria, one dominated by Streptococcus and the other by Methanobrevibacter, with differences linked to diet and hygiene.
Researchers found a strong preference for extroverted virtual assistants and increasing personality similarity led to higher ratings, more careful assessment of information, and resistance to persuasive attempts. The study's findings may have implications for ways to increase user resistance to misinformation.
A $937,000 NSF grant will fund a project developing low-cost monitoring approach to track ground hazards in Pittsburgh. The technology assesses hazards over large areas at a fraction of the cost of existing methods.
Researchers found that reduced sea ice in West Antarctica leads to increased moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in heavier snowfalls on the ice sheet. While this adds to sea levels, it may slow their rise slightly, emphasizing the need for refined climate models to predict future changes.
Researchers discovered a less deadly strain of deformed wing virus in wild honey bees from a US forest. The finding suggests the virus can evolve to be milder and could inform strategies to prevent or treat DWV in managed honey bee colonies.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that only 41% of Baby Boomer men experienced continuous high employment over their prime earning years. Most men instead followed less stable employment paths with increasing unemployment, time out of work, or intermittent work.
Researchers confirmed the distance of two galaxies in Pandora's Cluster, which are larger than other galaxies at such extreme distances. The ancient galaxies offer insights into how the earliest galaxies might have formed and provide a window into the past.
A team of scientists discovered microfossils in Western Australia that hint at a surge in complex life around the Great Oxidation Event, roughly 2.4 billion years ago. The findings provide a rare window into the planet's biosphere during this time, suggesting a burst of life and diversity.
A team of researchers at Penn State found that a moderate talking speed for digital assistants increases user likelihood to use them. Conversation-like interactions also mitigate negative effects and increase user trust.
A study by Penn State researchers found that only one-third of online organizations publish their privacy policies, highlighting the need for improvement. The researchers used a large-scale investigation to analyze the availability of privacy policies on millions of websites, revealing significant challenges in compliance.
Researchers have discovered that a motor protein called dynein powers the movement of breast cancer cells in soft tissue models, offering a potential target for treatment. This finding could fundamentally change how cancer is treated by paralyzing cancer cells rather than killing them.
A Penn State study found that CBD and CBG promoted fracture healing and reduced pain in mice. The cannabinoids accelerated the process of mineral absorption, leading to higher bone volume fraction and density.
Researchers have confirmed that genes associated with East Asian and Native American ancestry explain lighter skin in people of these descent, rather than European genes. This discovery has broad implications for genetic research and the prevention of melanoma, particularly in Europeans.
A team of researchers has developed an AI system that can recognize emotions from human body movements, using a dataset of 1,600 video clips annotated with Laban Movement Analysis. The approach leverages deep neural networks to analyze motor elements and improve emotion recognition.
A new study finds that individuals are the predominant actors implementing climate change adaptations, such as planting resilient crops and moving away from areas impacted by storms. While governments plan and finance adaptation measures, implementation falls primarily to individuals.
Scientists have developed a new technique to create stable and efficient perovskite solar cells, which can absorb visible light and convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently. The devices achieved a high efficiency of 21.59% and excellent stability, making them promising for large-scale energy production.
The Curiosity rover has found new evidence of ancient Martian rivers, suggesting that much of the planet's craters could have been habitable. The discovery provides a more optimistic view of ancient life on Mars, with potential for widespread river activity and nutrient cycles.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a new electrical method to control the direction of electron flow in promising materials for quantum computing. This method, which uses a 5-millisecond current pulse, impacts the internal magnetism of the material and causes electrons to change directions.
Researchers developed a novel method to find high-affinity aptamers, short DNA or RNA molecules that can bond to specific target molecules. The 'hydrogel for aptamer selection' (HAS) method uses a porous polymer network to retain well-fitting aptamers, reducing the time and effort required to identify suitable candidates.
A study by Jessica Ho found that Americans born in 2019 can expect to spend 48% and 60% of their lives taking prescription drugs, respectively. The majority of men start taking medication at age 40, while women begin at age 15.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that honey bees display true altruism, where worker bees help the queen and eggs without reproducing themselves. The genes responsible for this behavior can be passed down from either mother or father bees, but only result in altruistic behavior when inherited from the mother.
Researchers found that US states with civics tests did not see an increase in youth voter turnout, contradicting the original intention of the policy. Instead, they recommend integrating practical information on voter registration into social studies curricula.
A new study found that TikTok videos posted by farmers can trigger emotional empathy in viewers, but cognitive empathy is less successful. The platform offers a unique opportunity for farmers to connect with consumers and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Billions of people worldwide will be exposed to unbearable heat and humidity if global temperatures increase by 1 degree Celsius or more. Regions with high population density, like Pakistan, India, China, and sub-Saharan Africa, are expected to experience frequent extreme heatwaves due to high humidity.
A genetic study reveals that Pennsylvania's ruffed grouse population has more genetic diversity and connectivity than expected, despite decades of decline. The findings suggest that implementing appropriate protections could prevent further declines in the species.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed an electronic tongue that can mimic human taste preferences, providing a possible blueprint for AI that processes information more like a human being. This innovation could lead to AI-curated diets based on emotional intelligence and personalized meal offerings in restaurants.