A new study found that individuals high in grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are less likely to wear masks or get vaccinated. However, those who do choose to participate may be more likely to encourage others to do so. Researchers suggest using unique messaging strategies to tap into these personalities.
Studies in fruit flies reveal coordinated movements of heads and bodies to stabilize vision and improve flight performance. Similar synchronization is observed in other animals, including primates, suggesting evolutionary benefits for energy efficiency and performance.
Research led by Penn State College of Medicine found that US-born Black adults have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to Black immigrants. The study analyzed data from nearly 65,000 Black adults aged 25-74 and found that deaths were 54% lower among immigrants overall and 40% lower from cardiovascular disease.
Researchers find that criminal violations of supervised release contribute the majority of prison time imposed through revocation. Advocates for reform focus on technical violations, but these also lead to significant punishment. The system raises constitutional questions due to potential double punishment and erosion of rights.
Ads on VAs are better received if VA is a medium, not the source of the ads. Socially motivated users see VAs as companions and respond positively to ads delivered in context.
A study published in PeerJ has discovered that the dominant tree group in Brunei's rainforest, dipterocarps, has remained unchanged for at least four million years. The research suggests that the current ecosystem is similar to what was present during the Pliocene Epoch, providing additional justification for conservation efforts.
A 60-million-year-old fossil of a coconut reveals insect tunneling signs, pinpointing the culprit as palm bruchines beetles. This finding sheds new light on Neotropical rainforests and their interactions with insects, highlighting the importance of specialized plant-insect relationships in maintaining plant diversity.
Researchers at Penn State found emerging problems in Remote Sighted Assistance (RSA) technology that cannot be solved with existing computer vision techniques, warranting new development in human-AI collaboration. The technology connects visually impaired individuals with human agents for daily tasks requiring sight.
Researchers found a simulated annual downward trend in surface PM10 concentrations in Senegal and Cabo Verde after the 1980s. However, there was an increase in dust over the Western Sahara transported to Cabo Verde, suggesting Eastern Atlantic dust continued on toward the U.S. and Caribbean.
Researchers will investigate the radiation resistance of wide bandgap semiconductors to develop devices for environments with significant radiation. The team aims to understand defects and their impact on device performance to achieve optimum radiation hardness.
Researchers analyzed ancient corn roots to understand the transformation of wild grass teosinte into modern corn. The study found that early corn specimens lacked seminal roots, a key adaptation for drought tolerance, and had different root anatomy than modern corn.
An international team of engineers has successfully bioprinted bone along with two growth factor encoding genes that help incorporate cells and heal defects in rats. The researchers used gene encoding PDGF-B and BMP-2, which encouraged cell multiplication and migration, resulting in a 40% increase in bone tissue creation.
Researchers at Penn State and UC San Diego found a new method to tune the magnetic properties of manganese bismuth telluride, enabling efficient control of lossless electrical currents. The discovery uses phonons to modify the magnetic bonding between layers, potentially leading to ultra-fast devices with reduced energy waste.
A new study has shown that increasing genetic diversity can improve researchers' ability to identify important genetic markers for health conditions. The study, which analyzed data from over 470,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, identified 42 previously unidentified regions of the human genome related to BMI, height, and waist-to-hip ra...
Researchers found that cloud tenants are vulnerable to receiving sensitive customer data when IP addresses are leased and released back to the public. To mitigate this risk, companies and cloud-service providers must implement practices such as preventing IP address reuse.
Researchers found that early European farmers were on average 1.5 inches shorter than their pre-agricultural counterparts. Heights steadily increased through the Copper, Bronze, and Iron ages, with some parts of Europe experiencing a height loss. The study suggests that environmental factors contributed to the decrease in heights.
A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.
Research analyzed EU's Rapid Alert System data from 2006 to 2018, documenting reasons for rejected products, including food safety concerns. The study found evidence that decreases in tariffs are associated with increased use of nontariff barriers and protectionist policies.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a machine learning model that better measures baseball players' performance by analyzing game context. The model uses natural language processing and computer vision techniques to provide more nuanced descriptions of player impact on the game.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that engaging in meaningful and challenging activities during free time can significantly reduce people's loneliness and increase their positive feelings. The researchers identified that flow, a state of being fully engaged and focused on an activity, is crucial to reducing loneliness.
Researchers found that mutation frequencies in mitochondrial DNA of developing egg cells are lower and increase less with age compared to non-reproductive cells. This suggests a protective mechanism may keep reproductive cells relatively stable, potentially related to human propensity to reproduce at later ages.
Researchers found that changes in hydrology and pressure beneath the glacier are responsible for the relationship between meltwater discharge and calving. This discovery could help project future sea-level rise and its impact on coastal communities.
A research team led by Chris Arges developed a simplified process to separate and compress hydrogen from gas mixtures, achieving high recovery rates. The new method uses an electrochemical hydrogen pump with newly developed membrane materials, operating at high temperatures and improving efficiency.
A new study published in Ambio highlights the potential for tropical forests to provide food security in the face of a nuclear winter. Researchers identified 33 wild, edible plants and insects that could be cultivated or foraged in post-nuclear war conditions. These findings offer a new perspective on global food security and resilience.
A recent study found that child abuse investigations by Child Protective Services (CPS) do not necessarily prevent poor sexual health outcomes in adolescent girls. In fact, the researchers discovered that girls who underwent investigation were more likely to experience adverse sexual health outcomes, including STIs and pregnancy, befor...
A new study found that red-backed salamanders have limited ability to adjust to warming climates, with depressed metabolic rates in warmer conditions. This may lead to energy deficits and negatively impact individual growth and reproductive success.
A Penn State-led team of researchers developed a flexible polymer with enhanced electromechanical behavior, resulting in a 60% increase in electricity generation efficiency. The material's properties were improved by deliberately introducing chemical impurities through doping and stretching the polymer to align molecular chains.
Researchers whole-genome sequenced 375 Salmonella enterica strains from wild birds collected in 41 US states to examine bacterial resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals. They found that only 1% of isolates were multi-antimicrobial resistant, with all cases isolated from waterbirds or raptors, not songbirds.
Astronomers have identified a nearby Sun-like star that has paused its own cycles and entered a similar period of rare starspots, sparking hope for understanding the Sun's 70-year Maunder Minimum. Continued observation could provide crucial insights into the Sun's stellar magnetic activity, potentially affecting climate on Earth.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.
A wireless, biodegradable sensor implanted in mice detected dopamine levels and other brain properties, offering potential for real-time monitoring of neural-related conditions. The device is designed to be biodegradable, eliminating the need for future surgeries.
Researchers create a prediction market where AI agents make predictions on hypothetical replication studies, providing explainable and scalable confidence estimates. The system achieved accuracy of approximately 90% in predicting replication outcomes.
A two-year project examines patterns in admissions and enrollment related to widespread adoption of test-optional admissions policies. The study aims to understand how these policies support greater racial and economic diversity in college enrollment.
The study found that while some students felt a sense of loss due to limited access, others saw the challenge as an opportunity to problem-solve and build flexibility. The researchers emphasize the importance of interpersonal relationships and instructors' resources in enhancing educational experiences.
Researchers at Penn State have developed Zentropy theory, a new approach to understanding entropy that can predict anomalies in physical properties like volume. The theory may lead to breakthroughs in designing superconducting materials and structural materials that withstand higher temperatures.
Researchers developed an inhalable vaccine called CoMiP that successfully induces an immune response against COVID-19 in the lungs of mice. The vaccine targets alveolar macrophages and elicits local immunity, potentially blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
A study by Penn State researchers found a direct causal relationship between deforestation and reduced fruit and vegetable consumption in rural Tanzania. The study showed that household vitamin A adequacy decreased over time due to deforestation, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies.
Researchers led by Joan Richtsmeier are exploring the development of the lower jaw, focusing on Meckel's cartilage and its role in mandibular growth. The study aims to understand how mid-portion of Meckel's cartilage influences mandibular length, mineralization, and disappearance.
A new visual leaf library, developed by a Penn State-led team, provides a resource to help scientists recognize and classify plant leaves. The library contains 30,252 high-resolution images of cleared and fossilized leaves, allowing for rapid searching and comparison.
A team of researchers found that people who purchased environmentally friendly products in the past are likely to continue doing so, but gamification practices did not significantly impact future eco-friendly tendencies. The study explored game-based solutions to increase intrinsic motivations for sustainable practices.
A Penn State-led team of researchers developed a new delivery system that improves the efficiency and lifespan of CRISPR gene-editing tools after delivery into stem cells. The method uses an enzyme called PiggyBac, which enables permanent integration of the editing tools into the cell's genetic code, resulting in 99% of mutated cells b...
Research in Centre County, Pa., finds that behavioral interventions protected local non-student population from COVID-19 cases. Non-student residents experienced fewer cases per capita than neighboring counties due to self-imposed stay-at-home behaviors.
Researchers developed a machine learning method to create controls that balance building energy cost, comfort, and efficiency. The system can compute solutions at a fast pace, reducing the need for complex model predictive controllers.
A new molecular study of grasses reveals a clear picture of their evolutionary relationships, shedding light on the evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved in heat and drought tolerance. The research provides evidence that this type of photosynthesis evolved independently multiple times within different grass lineages.
A new study found that a higher minimum wage was associated with fewer people defaulting on their rent payments, particularly among those at the lower end of the housing expense market. However, landlords responded by increasing rent payments, offsetting some but not all of the increased income.
Researchers have developed wearable sensors that collect data for clinicians while limiting patient discomfort. The sensors use flexible electronics to monitor patients' physical motions and chemical signals in their sweat, skin, and more to help diagnose or inform treatment plans.
A new gas chromatography setup allows scientists to detect small amounts of hydrogen production in promising photocatalysts, enabling the discovery of more efficient materials. The system's affordability and ease of build make it accessible for researchers worldwide.
A Penn State research team developed a machine learning-based framework to detect printing errors during 3D printing of sensitive devices. This innovation enables real-time correction of errors, reducing computational costs and increasing accuracy in the production of electromagnetic components.
Scientists identified 16 compounds that affect SARS-CoV-2 enzymes Mpro and PLpro, which are essential for viral replication. The team found that combining Mpro and PLpro inhibitors has an additive antiviral effect, providing greater inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. These findings offer hope for developing new COVID-19 treatments t...
A new grant from HEI Energy will allow researchers to explore possible links between fracking and water contaminants in southwestern Pennsylvania. The team will examine over 7,000 water samples for 40 diverse chemical signatures to identify if contaminants originated from the fracking process or legacy resource extraction.