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...
A new funding model is being tested in Pennsylvania, which could lead to higher quality care at lower costs. The global budget model provides a fixed payment to hospitals, incentivizing them to focus on patient outcomes rather than extensive care.
A new study by Penn State researchers found no significant difference in fear of crime between people living in areas with high and low incarceration rates. Despite the US having the world's highest incarceration rate, the study suggests that mass incarceration policies may not have the desired effect on reducing crime fear.
Research from Penn State and Michigan State found paternal depression symptoms associated with adolescent depression and behavior problems, even among non-genetically related families. Parent-child conflict was a key factor contributing to these effects.
A new study suggests that developing culturally-sensitive interventions for Latino college students can help prevent problem drinking. The research found that ethnic pride was associated with significantly less drinking and alcohol-related consequences, while ethnic shame was linked to a higher likelihood of problem drinking. Familismo...
Eating one avocado a day for six months improved overall diet quality by eight points and slightly decreased LDL cholesterol levels. However, avocados had no effect on belly fat or weight gain in participants with overweight or obesity.
Research led by Penn State found that low-severity fire treatments reduced the worst effects of the Dixie Fire. The study also showed that areas with a history of high-severity fires were more likely to burn at high severity again, highlighting the importance of ecological memory and legacy effects of past fires.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that people with high 'Fear-of-Missing-Out' and 'Need-to-Belong' personality traits check their phones significantly more often when in silent mode, staying on the phone longer as well. This suggests a one-size-fits-all approach to managing smartphone distractions may be misguided.
A recent study from Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research found that second-born children in families where mothers received responsive parenting training slept an average of 40 minutes longer per night. The training also promoted healthier feeding practices and lower body mass indices (BMIs) in infants.
Researchers at Penn State have created a highly customizable microscale gas sensing device using laser writing and responsive sensor technologies. The device enables the simultaneous detection of multiple gases, including disease indicators and pollutants, in various environments and substrates.
A comprehensive study reveals that turtles, crocodilians, and salamanders have low aging rates and extended lifespans. Protective phenotypes like hard shells contribute to slower aging, with some species experiencing 'negligible aging' or lack of demographic aging.
Research found that people who experience little unemployment after age 35 have better health than those with frequent unemployment in their twenties and thirties. Frequent unemployment can also lead to worse physical and mental health by age 50.
A new study from Penn State College of Medicine finds that a unique combination of drugs can activate natural killer cell immunity in mice, which may also reinvigorate T cells to attack melanoma tumors. The combination targets proteins AKT and WEE1, increasing p53 pathway activity and enhancing natural killer cell infiltration.
African countries face a growing cancer burden, with an estimated 2.1 million new cases and 1.4 million related deaths expected by 2040. Insufficient healthcare resources and infrastructure will likely overwhelm capacity levels, delaying screenings and limiting treatment options if action is not taken.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
Researchers found that user-initiated corrections with reliable sources consistently helped users reject fake news. Individuals with higher health anxiety and conservative political stance were more susceptible to misinformation. The study encourages social media users to correct fake news they see online if they have a reliable source.
A Penn State-led team created an artificial skin that exhibits both elasticity and cognitive functions like cephalopod skin. The device retains its neurological behaviors when deformed, enabling potential applications in neurorobotics, skin prosthetics, and artificial organs.
A Penn State-led team examines the shift to biotechnology platform-based vaccine manufacturing, which enabled rapid production of COVID-19 vaccines. This approach could be applied to future virus research and development, facilitating modular manufacturing and mass customization.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
Researchers found that indigenous smallholder gardens and farms in Huánuco, Peru, play a crucial role in diet and biodiversity. The study identified a positive correlation between the use of indigenous Quechua language, degree of commercialization, and agrobiodiversity.
A new study found that the delta variant surge in the US was partially due to overestimating population immunity, with only 67% of southern New Englanders actually immune. This underestimation led to inaccurate projections and an incorrect assumption about herd immunity.
Wealthy individuals are more likely to purchase unsustainable products with higher price tags, feeling entitled to the benefits despite environmental costs. However, when encouraged to think about equality, this effect is diminished.
A new program, IVAN, developed at Penn State uses virtual reality to teach nutrition concepts and improve users' skills. The program scored highly across 14 domains, indicating it was received positively by experts.
Researchers developed flexible, porous nitrogen dioxide sensors that can be attached to skin and clothing for continuous monitoring. The sensors have potential applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and military use, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers found Madagascar's tree losses occurred internally in forests without landscape-scale fires, suggesting medium to large fires did not cause high rates of tree loss. Fire is declining across tropical grassy ecosystems globally, including on Madagascar, with major implications for ecosystems.