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Penn State


Word choice and media exposure affected anti-Asian boycotts during the pandemic

A new study by Penn State researchers found that using China-specific language in discussions of the pandemic contributed to anti-Asian boycotts. People with high media exposure displayed high levels of anxiety, while moderate exposure led to increased anxiety when reminded of the virus's deadly nature and its connection to China.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateNov 15, 2022

New statistical method improves genomic analyzes

A new statistical method called CLIMB provides a more efficient way to analyze genomic data across multiple conditions. The method combines principles from two traditional techniques, reducing computational intensity and producing biologically interpretable results.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022

New hybrid structures could pave the way to more stable quantum computers

Researchers at Penn State have created a two-dimensional heterostructure by combining a topological insulator with a monolayer superconductor, demonstrating topological superconductivity and Ising-type superconductivity. The hybrid structure could pave the way for more stable quantum computers and explore Majorana fermions.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Traces of ancient ocean discovered on Mars

Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a 3.5-billion-year-old shoreline with substantial sedimentary accumulation on Mars' northern hemisphere. The discovery provides key insights into the planet's ancient climate and its evolution, as well as the potential for life.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Cancer drug could potentially be used against malaria

Researchers found that sapanisertib can kill the malaria parasite at several stages during its life cycle, including in the liver and red blood cells. The study's findings offer new hope against a disease that kills over half a million people annually.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Researchers 3D bioprint breast cancer tumors, treat them in groundbreaking study

A team of researchers has successfully 3D bioprinted breast cancer tumors, treated them with chemotherapy and CAR-T cells, and found promising results. The bioprinted tumor model enabled the testing of experimental therapies without animal experimentation, laying the foundation for precision fabrication of tumor models.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022

Eating fire ants could prepare lizards for future fire ant attack

A new study by Penn State researchers found that eating fire ants enhances a lizard's immune system, increasing its ability to survive a fire ant attack. The study revealed three immune measures were boosted in lizards fed fire ants, which could help them prepare for future venom exposure.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Invasions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022

Myocarditis seven times more likely with COVID-19 than vaccines

A recent study by Penn State College of Medicine scientists found that the risk of developing myocarditis — inflammation of the heart muscle — is seven times higher with COVID-19 infection than with COVID-19 vaccination. Patients with myocarditis can experience chest pains, shortness of breath or an irregular heartbeat.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateOct 13, 2022

Medical history may help predict autism in young children, researchers find

A new study developed machine learning models to assess connections among hundreds of clinical variables and predict the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder in young children. The models used de-identified insurance claim data to identify risk factors and quantify their association with autism. This approach has promising potential ...

SourcePenn State·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2022

Lack of naloxone led to increased overdose deaths in rural Pa., study finds

Researchers found that individuals who received naloxone were nine times more likely to survive an overdose, but access to the drug varied greatly across counties. The study suggests that increasing distribution of naloxone, training emergency responders, and expanding take-home programs could help combat the opioid epidemic.

SourcePenn State·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2022

New model to help reframe the transition to low-carbon electric power

A new model developed by Penn State researchers proposes a more flexible approach to the energy transition, considering uncertainty and option value. The model identifies multiple technology pathways that can help achieve emissions reduction goals, such as wind, solar, and natural gas with carbon capture.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 14, 2022

Unique ferroelectric microstructure revealed for first time

The study reveals a new pathway to develop lead-free ferroelectric materials with strong piezoelectric properties. The novel hybrid improper ferroelectric material combines rotation and tilting of oxygen octahedra to produce polarization, enabling the creation of powerful piezoelectric systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2022

Black children with complex communication needs face instructional deficits

A new study reveals that Black children with complex communication needs receive significantly less AAC-based instruction than their white counterparts. Research examined two waves of data from 78 children and found that only 29% of Black students received 90 minutes or more of AAC instruction per week, compared to 63% of white students.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Speech-Language Pathology·DateSep 8, 2022