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.
A team of researchers led by Saptarshi Das is working on developing an all-in-one semiconductor device that can both store data and perform computations. The device uses ferroelectric materials, which can be both stored in and used for computing, offering a potential solution to the limitations of current technology.
Researchers found that Rh sensitization, a condition where the body mounts an immune response to fetal red blood cells, rarely occurs during the first trimester. The study's results could change pregnancy care guidelines and reduce unnecessary treatments, conserving valuable human blood products.
Researchers have developed a novel wearable patch that can continuously analyze sweat for three weeks, detecting specific glucose levels while monitoring body temperature and pH. The device uses a laser-modified graphene nanocomposite material and has shown greater stability over time compared to previous sensors.
A new framework aims to ensure Indigenous communities reap benefits from their microbiome samples, promoting equitable and beneficial research. Researchers highlight the need for community ownership of microbiomes, collaboration, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty.
A phase 3 trial found that an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program significantly reduced depressive symptoms in patients with multiple sclerosis. The online program, modified for MS, led to a large drop in depressive symptoms compared to a control group.
A Penn State-led study found that Hispanic bisexual women living in rural areas have the highest prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The researchers analyzed data from over 189,000 individuals and found a unique suicide risk profile associated with this intersectional group.
A new blood test, IntelliSep, characterizes changes in white blood cells to rapidly evaluate sepsis risk. Using this test could result in a higher survival rate and lower cost compared to procalcitonin testing, with over 95% of patients surviving treatment costing less than $4,000 per person.
Penn State researchers develop a bubble-based technique to visualize macrophages in mammal tissue, offering insights into immune system regulation and potential therapies. The approach enables real-time monitoring of immune cells, which could lead to more effective cell-based treatments for conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders.
A Penn State-led research team found that the Earth's crust has continued to rework over billions of years, rather than rapidly slowing its growth. The study used the rock record database to chart the crustal growth curve and suggests a correlation between the Earth's crust and mantle.
A new approach by Penn State scientists may help extract more heat from geothermal reservoirs. The technique involves adding materials or chemicals that autonomously control flow within the rock itself, spreading it uniformly across the reservoir to sweep more heat and prevent shortcuts.
Researchers found that next-generation interventions like triple ACTs resulted in treatment failure counts at least 81% lower than traditional therapies. The study suggests extending treatment courses and using multiple drugs simultaneously may hold treatment failure rates near 10%.
The team plans to sequence the mitochondrial genomes of 10,000 Pennsylvanians, more than tripling the existing database and providing a crucial reference point for human identification cases. The new database will help forensic experts match DNA profiles to found evidence, improving the likelihood of successful identifications.
Researchers developed an artificial, multisensory integrated neuron that combines visual and tactile input for improved navigation and decision-making. The system mimics the human brain's ability to integrate multiple senses, enhancing sensor technology's efficiency and paving the way for eco-friendly AI uses.
A Penn State-led study finds that nearly 800 rivers are warming and losing oxygen faster than oceans. This could lead to 'acute death' for certain fish species and threaten aquatic diversity globally.
A team of researchers led by Penn State aims to test 58 wildlife species for SARS-CoV-2 using a $4.5M USDA grant. The goal is to monitor potential spillback to humans and understand cross-species transmission, which poses a risk to human health and agricultural systems.
A new research project aims to inform diners about the health and environmental impacts of restaurant menu items. The team is investigating how restaurants can share information about sustainable options with customers, and whether this encourages consumers to make environmentally-friendly choices.
A new study suggests that dairy cows fed diets with reduced protein concentrations require an amino acid supplement, such as histidine, to maintain and increase milk production. Histidine supplementation has been shown to increase feed dry matter intake, milk yield, and milk protein concentration in dairy cows.
A Penn State research team proposes a new information-filtering approach to predict future health information needs of online community participants. The approach incorporates user profiles, past posts and replies to categorize online content and provide more personalized healthcare resources.
Researchers aim to prevent Alzheimer's development by encouraging regular light-intensity physical activity, using wearable devices and personalized goal-setting. The study will explore the effectiveness of short-term goal prompts in promoting long-term adherence to physical activity.
New research by Penn State suggests that hardwood trees such as maple, willow and birch are unlikely to see significant impacts from the sap-feeding spotted lanternfly. The study found that increased feeding pressure resulted in reduced growth during the first two years, but native trees recovered when feeding was less intense.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a molecular mechanism that enables efficient hydrogen spillover, which could lead to the development of new clean energy technologies. The breakthrough provides insight into how hydrogen activation and storage can be achieved without significant energy losses.
A new field campaign, CoURAGE, will investigate the influence of surface-atmosphere interactions around Baltimore, Maryland, on its climate. The campaign aims to provide sound evidence for climate change mitigation options, such as urban greening, and partner with neighborhoods that have been historically neglected.
A new study found that kindergarten conduct problems are associated with increased costs in crime, medical expenses and lost productivity as children reach adolescence and adulthood. The research used data from over 1,300 students to estimate the economic impact of these behavioral problems.
A team of Penn State researchers found that adding healthy herbs and spices to recipes can lower overconsumed nutrients like saturated fat, sugar, and salt without affecting taste. Participants preferred some of the recipes with healthier alternatives, particularly brownies and chicken in cream sauce.