Researchers identified a rare hybrid bird between a rose-breasted grosbeak and a scarlet tanager, blending divergent species lines. The study, published in Ecology and Evolution, utilized genomic sequencing and song analysis to confirm the hybrid's ancestry.
Researchers at Penn State developed a method to erase memories in disordered solids, allowing for new opportunities in diagnostics and programming of materials. The study provides insight into how memories form in these materials and demonstrates a way to 'read' and erase them.
High-quality parenting practices during adolescence lay foundation for close relationships with young adult children, according to new research. Parents who maintain positive involvement and warmth with teens in early years are more likely to have closer relationships when children become adults.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that prenatal acetaminophen use is associated with sleep and behavior problems consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,400 women, showed that children of mothers who used acetaminophen during pregnancy were...
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.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Arizona are developing biotechnology foundations that employ synthetic anaerobic bacteria to capture and convert methane. The goal is to create scalable biological reactors that can harness methane before it escapes to the atmosphere, producing electricity or valuable chemicals.
Researchers at Penn State developed a stretchy, wearable synaptic transistor that enhances and weakens device memories using artificial intelligence and neuronal behavior. The device can 'learn' and adapt to its environment, enabling robots and wearables to mimic human brain function.
Researchers used nematode worms to investigate factors influencing virus spillover events. They found that host species susceptibility affects whether a virus takes off in a new population. The study reveals different outcomes depending on the species, with some becoming infected and others remaining uninfected.
A new study improves the ability to process mixed plastics using pyrolysis, generating fuel as a byproduct. Researchers found one catalyst that can convert LDPE and PET waste into valuable liquid fuels.
A recent study found that individuals who distrust fellow humans tend to have more trust in artificial intelligence's ability to moderate content online. The researchers suggest personalizing interfaces based on individual differences can positively alter user experience.
The project aims to improve climate change predictions for cities, including strategies for adapting to and mitigating changes. Penn State brings expertise in measurement and modeling of the urban atmospheric boundary layer and the interplay among buildings, climate, and human health.
The Penn State-led CARAT project will help dairy farmers in Pennsylvania develop and implement climate-smart practices, generating value for dairy products along the supply chain. The project aims to establish real data on the value of climate-smart practices, enabling producers to enter into carbon markets and be fairly compensated.
The research aims to create opportunities for beekeepers to produce certified-organic apiary products by tracking foraging patterns. The team will decode the bees' waggle dances and track their movements with harmonic radar.
The Penn State-led $25M project will study climate change impacts in Baltimore, Chicago, and Austin, focusing on measurement and modeling of the urban atmospheric boundary layer. The team aims to improve climate predictions for cities, help them create strategies for adapting to and mitigating changes.
Researchers found that soybean thrips infected with the SVNV virus survived longer and reproduced better than uninfected ones. Infected thrips also produced more offspring and had a faster population doubling time.
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.
A new study found that COVID-19 treatments like remdesivir and dexamethasone persist in wastewater treatment plants and may harm aquatic life. The research highlights the utility of wastewater surveillance in monitoring human health impacts on water quality and ecosystem health.
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.
A new three-year project explores how Outward Bound's programs promote character in different cultures and geographies. Researchers will analyze the commonalities and differences in Outward Bound Schools around the world to understand how outdoor experiential education builds character.
Researchers developed a more efficient process to apply CRISPR-Cas9 systems in human pluripotent stem cells, improving delivery efficiency by around 90% compared to plasmid DNA. The new approach also reduces off-target activity and allows for faster understanding of genetic disorders.
A recent study found that one-third of wild bee species in Pennsylvania have declined in abundance over a six-year period. Researchers sampled bees at eight locations and collected over 26,700 individual bees representing five families and 144 species.
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.
A study by Penn State researchers found that supplementing dairy cow feed with enzymes from Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger increased milk production and solid concentrations. The dual enzyme supplementation promoted microbial activity in the rumen, enhancing digestion of fibrous components.
A $4.6 million NSF grant will provide microelectronics and nanomanufacturing training to military service members and veterans through a consortium of nine academic institutions and eight industries. The program aims to address the growing need for skilled workers in the US semiconductor industry.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) method that uses battery- or solar-powered electricity to purify water. The method has shown promise in treating ground and brackish water, but needs improvement for more highly concentrated sources like seawater.
A recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that the increased interest in local food during the pandemic may be temporary. The study found that concerns about anxiety and a decrease in sense of community among consumers led to lower willingness to pay for locally produced fruits, vegetables, and meat.
A new study found that transgender parents may hesitate to label their child's gender identity before the child can communicate it themselves. The study of nonbinary and binary transgender parents suggests that older children are more likely to engage in gender-expansive play, with a strong link between child age and labeling behavior.
Researchers developed a novel nanoengineered granular hydrogel bioink for 3D-extrusion bioprinting of tissue engineering microporous scaffolds. The approach addresses limitations of conventional bulk hydrogel bioinks, achieving previously unattained levels of porosity, shape fidelity and cell integration.
Researchers found that Twitch viewers are more likely to remember, crave, and purchase brands advertised on the platform. The study suggests that up to 15% of participants experienced cravings for advertised products, with 8% reporting purchases. This highlights concerns over the impact of food marketing on young adults' health.
Researchers uncovered a previously unknown insect-plant-insect interaction involving ants, wasps and oak trees. The team found that ants collect oak galls containing edible caps, which are attractive to the insects due to their fatty acid composition.
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
A new study reveals that partner-drug resistance facilitates artemisinin resistance in malaria parasites. The research collaboration found a 10-fold increase in partner-drug resistant genotypes led to earlier artemisinin resistance establishment among these parasites, resulting in significant treatment failures globally.
Researchers are investigating whether COVID-19 contributes to the development of cognitive decline that may lead to dementia. The study will analyze data from over 500 participants, including those with Parkinson's disease and related disorders, to determine if there is a connection between COVID-19 infection and neurocognitive decline.
A team of researchers has created a soft polymer material that can sense, think, and act upon mechanical stress without additional circuits. The material uses reconfigurable circuits to process information and has potential applications in autonomous systems, infrastructure repairs, and bio-hybrid materials.
Scientists found complex tooth-like enameloid in ancient sawfish fossils, similar to shark tooth enameloid, supporting the 'outside-in' hypothesis. The discovery suggests that scales have the capacity to evolve into complex structures like teeth, making it more parsimonious to conclude that scales produced a similar microstructure.
A study found that mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods in Vermont led to a 5.9% decrease in sales of GE-labeled products and a 2.5% increase in sales of non-GE products. However, after the law was repealed, sales of GE-labeled products increased by 6%, suggesting improved attitudes toward these products.
Researchers at Penn State have identified a crucial step in the formation of glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT), a lipid molecule found in extreme environments. The discovery could improve the use of GDGT as an indicator of past climates.
Penn State researchers have developed a method to extract valuable rare earth elements like neodymium from electronic waste using bio-based micro- and nanoparticles created from organic materials. This process can efficiently separate metals from refuse, providing a more sustainable solution than traditional mining methods.
Penn State researchers are developing a biodegradable nerve scaffold that employs folate and citrate to promote tissue regeneration and Schwann cell migration, which is critical for nerve growth and repair. The team aims to use this scaffold to encourage nerve regeneration by delivering a significant concentration of folate locally.
A Penn State research team will investigate the elements leading to Lassa virus spread from rodents to humans in Nigeria. They aim to map risk zones, understand how climate change affects spillover risk, and develop more effective disease prevention strategies.
A study suggests that e-cigarettes can aid in reducing cigarette consumption without increasing nicotine dependence. At six months, participants who used e-cigarettes reported significant decreases in cigarette smoking and lower dependence on both e-cigarettes and cigarettes.
A new study published in the Journal of Food Engineering found that pulsed light technology can eliminate multiple harmful pathogens from food, including E. coli and Salmonella. The technique has strong potential to help make food safer to consume and could be applied more generally in sanitized environments.
A new study projects significant declines in freshwater storage in parts of Asia, including a near-total collapse for Northern India and Pakistan, due to climate change. The Tibetan Plateau, a critical water source for nearly 2 billion people, is expected to lose nearly 100% of its water availability under a 'business as usual' scenario.
Penn State researchers developed an at-home saliva-based testing platform that detects COVID-19 with the same sensitivity as PCR tests. The platform uses RT-LAMP technology to provide rapid results in 45 minutes.
A new water-resistant gas sensor can detect nitrogen dioxide in breath, indicating potential pulmonary diseases. The sensor's semi-permeable membrane allows it to block moisture while permitting gas molecule permeation.
A new study from Penn State and Northwestern University finds that avoiding tap water is associated with a 20-30% increase in food insecurity among Americans. Tap water avoidance can divert funds meant for nutritious food, leading to higher reliance on prepackaged and restaurant food.
A new study found that racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccine uptake are largely due to anti-vaccine beliefs among Black adults. U.S.-born Hispanic adults were less vaccine hesitant than U.S.-born white adults, likely due to a stronger social connection to the vaccine
A new study found that experiencing the death of a spouse due to COVID-19 may be worse for mental health than deaths from other causes. People who lost a spouse to COVID-19 were more likely to report symptoms of depression and loneliness. The study underscores the ongoing health risks posed by the pandemic, even to those who have not b...
Researchers have created composite 2D materials that are resistant to breaking and extremely stretchable, using biomimetic proteins patterned on squid ring teeth. The materials can be fine-tuned for unique thermal conduction regimes and strength properties.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that consistently getting at least 10 hours of sleep at night, particularly before the kindergarten year begins, is crucial for a smooth transition to first-time schooling. This consistent sleep pattern is also associated with better emotional development, learning engagement, and academic perf...