Researchers at Penn State developed a computational optimizer to design a 3D unit cell with cube-shaped cavities that enables asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized light across a wide frequency range. The optimized design was successfully fabricated and tested, demonstrating robust optical properties.
A new technique combining microwave data with existing computer weather forecast models reduced forecast errors for Hurricane Harvey, improving track, intensity, and rainfall forecasts. This could lead to better warnings and preparedness for tropical cyclone-associated hazards.
Researchers from Penn State's Department of Biobehavioral Health developed wearable sensors that can detect alcohol concentration in sweat, providing a more nuanced understanding of intoxication. The study shows that wearable technology can predict the negative consequences of drinking and help prevent alcohol-related harm.
A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.
The Omicron variant diverged from previous variants through adaptive evolution, with more than 30 mutations in its spike protein. The team found evidence of positive natural selection and partial immune evasion contributing to its rapid spread.
A new Penn State study found that Black youth with high BMIs reported fewer weight concerns when they had a strong sense of racial identity. Fathers also played a role in shaping their daughters' body image, particularly when involved in teaching about Black culture. The findings suggest that services promoting youth racial identity an...
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that people with underweight who drink excessively may be at an even higher risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. The researchers analyzed data on mortality risk among drinkers and non-drinkers using the CDC categories to define
Researchers developed a new flexible thermoelectric device that can wrap around pipes and convert wasted heat into electricity. The project is aimed at addressing climate change by increasing private forest owners' involvement in carbon offset projects.
A new device can wrap around pipes and hot surfaces, converting wasted heat into usable electricity more efficiently than previous devices. The flexible thermoelectric generator offers higher power output and efficiency, making it suitable for widespread utilization in waste heat recovery applications.
Researchers studied evacuees from Finland during WWII and found that cultural similarities, such as language and social networks, were crucial for successful migrations. Being younger, male, educated, and linguistically similar to the host population also increased the likelihood of staying in a new home.
A nationwide study found that weight loss prior to starting infertility treatments did not increase the chances of having a healthy baby. Women with obesity and unexplained infertility who lost weight before beginning therapy did not have a greater chance of delivering a healthy baby than those who did not lose weight.
Researchers at Penn State have been awarded a $3.4 million contract from the REMADE Institute to develop a flexible, two-stage chemical recycling process for mixed plastic waste. The process aims to decompose multiple types of plastic and convert them into valuable chemicals that can be used to create new products.
Researchers analyzing Martian sediment samples suggest three possible explanations for the carbon's origin, including cosmic dust, ultraviolet degradation of carbon dioxide, or biological activity. The findings provide insights into the ancient Mars' carbon cycle and its potential habitability.
A Penn State study integrates multiple models to capture climate-related interactions between water, power, and economic systems. Higher water temperatures can lead to a causal chain of events, including generator outages, higher costs, and productivity reductions.
Researchers found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse developed blunted cortisol profiles, associated with health problems like depression and anxiety. Epigenetic age acceleration also contributed to these effects. The study aims to understand resilience to trauma and develop interventions for those affected.
Research led by Penn State found that minority individuals are more accepting of a combination influenza-COVID-19 vaccine than COVID-19 alone. The study suggests bundling vaccines may increase future uptake among minorities due to convenience.
A new study found that manufacturing facilities that use large amounts of water during periods of drought often streamline their processes to lower toxic emissions into water, lakes, and rivers. On average, these changes resulted in reduced toxic emissions by over 2.5%.
Penn State researchers found that public compliance with health measures correlates with COVID-19 case projections in nearby zip codes. A survey of over 10,600 people revealed areas where residents expressed less willingness to follow guidance had higher COVID-19 cases.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new risk score system that uses genetic data to predict obesity in young children. The scores, called polygenic risk scores, can be easily interpreted and have been shown to be effective in identifying children most at risk for developing obesity.
Researchers at Penn State will investigate ways to stimulate muscle growth by increasing ribosome production. Their goal is to find molecular targets that can be used to promote muscle growth without exercise or drugs. This study aims to prevent muscle loss due to aging, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
Researchers developed a new class of nanomaterials that capture chemotherapy drugs before they interact with healthy tissue, reducing off-target effects. The highly efficient approach captures DOX at a capacity more than 3,200% higher than other platforms.
Researchers developed propSym to calculate fundamental constants of solids, reducing redundant components and improving material modeling. The open-source software is adaptable to various physical properties, aiming to lower the entry barrier for analytical modeling.
A recent study suggests that dairy farmers in the Northeast can reduce environmental impacts and maximize revenues by implementing double cropping and subsurface injection of manure into the soil. These strategies reduced total nitrogen losses by 12-18% and total phosphorus losses by 16-19%.
Researchers found that community engagement is key to addressing risky health behaviors, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods. The study used a neighborhood mapping platform and in-person interviews to investigate how tobacco industry marketing affects neighborhoods of color.
Researchers found that Americans were less likely to respond to an email survey from a person believed to be Black than from a person believed to be white. The study, which analyzed responses from over 250,000 people, suggests that racial bias can influence everyday communication behaviors.
A new study reveals that cannabis plants can absorb heavy metals from the soil, making them potentially toxic for consumers. The research proposes strategies for growers to avoid heavy metal uptake in their crops, including choosing farmland with low heavy metal content and selecting varieties not bred for phytoremediation.
A new study by Penn State College of Medicine and Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that e-cigarettes with cigarette-like nicotine delivery may help some people stop smoking cigarettes. Participants who received a device with 36mg/mL nicotine showed significantly higher quit rates and increased days without smoking com...
A recent Penn State survey found that most respondents strongly support bird conservation, but are largely unaware of the current state of bird populations in Pennsylvania. The study revealed significant misconceptions about bird populations and their decline over the past 50 years.
A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.
A team of scientists has discovered a thick layer of paleoregolith on the lunar surface, which could provide insight into the Moon's early asteroid impact and volcanic history. The findings suggest the paleoregolith formed much faster than previously estimated, with implications for understanding meteoric activity in the solar system.
A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism by which antibodies can disable viruses. By distorting the virus particles, rather than just blocking their surfaces, antibodies prevent them from infecting host cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for diseases caused by Zika and dengue viruses.
Biomedical engineers found that individual neurons fire in seconds-long, coordinated cascades during rest, triggering activity across the brain. This organized pattern of activity may be linked to arousal and memory systems, with implications for understanding cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
Research found that US adults are divided on biometric technology use, with some comfortable using various forms like fingerprints and others uneasy about DNA and facial recognition. Context plays a significant role in shaping perspectives on biometric technologies.
A new nanotechnology developed by Penn State researchers selectively recovers neodymium and other rare earth elements from electronic waste using plant cellulose. The process is environmentally friendly and can separate neodymium in seconds, making it a sustainable solution for recycling.
A new technique developed by Penn State researchers allows for accurate general-population estimates of virus exposure, resolving key complications in traditional methods. The study found that 26% of the Vietnamese population is exposed to subtype H3N2 influenza every year, and 16% is exposed to subtype H1N1.
By introducing defects, researchers created chemically active hBN that can hold precious metal atoms, enabling cost-effective catalysts and potential applications in energy storage and sensors. This breakthrough challenges the long-held assumption that inert materials cannot be activated.
Researchers developed a framework to evaluate urbanization's impact on food and land use biodiversity. Urban areas can provide a range of approaches to increasing food diversity, including peri-urban agriculture and small farms. Strengthening food biodiversity among the urban poor can improve nutrition and security.
A new framework assesses flood risk by integrating climate model outputs and hydrologic models to predict uncertainty. The study found that climate uncertainty dominates overall uncertainty, and areas prone to flooding in the future will be mostly the same as current ones.
Researchers discovered that chemotherapy drugs can affect protein synthesis in muscle cells, even at low doses. This finding has significant implications for cancer treatment and exercise rehabilitation programs, suggesting that even non-oxidative stress effects of chemotherapy should be considered.
Researchers at Penn State have found that the conventional wisdom about the relationship between domain size and piezoelectricity in ferroelectric materials is not always correct. In contrast to existing data suggesting smaller domains lead to higher piezoelectricity, this new study shows larger domain sizes can actually result in bett...
Researchers at Penn State created a nanocomputing agent that controls protein function involved in cell movement and cancer metastasis. The logic gate, embedded in the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein, demonstrates ability to control conditional operations, introducing possibilities for precision therapeutics.
A team of Penn State researchers used high-pressure jet technology to enhance the viscosity and stability of fat-free chocolate milk, eliminating the need for carrageenan. The study found that structural changes in casein micelles and new casein-cocoa interactions induced by the processing method increased cocoa stability.
A team of researchers found that microbes are responsible for the formation and production of methane in coal deposits. They analyzed methoxyl groups in coal samples from around the world and used stable isotopes to show that organic material becomes coal through microbial action, contradicting traditional geochemical understanding.
Researchers trained a GAN to generate novel refractory high-entropy alloys with specific properties, surpassing human intuition and guesswork in material design. The model produces alloy compositions in milliseconds, offering a promising tool for determining suitable materials.
A multi-institution team led by Penn State has been awarded $39 million to develop innovative approaches to monitor, predict and combat crop pests and diseases in climate-changed worlds. The project aims to support smallholder farmers by providing effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
A study found that consuming high amounts of herbs and spices daily can lead to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers discovered that adding just 1.3 teaspoons of herbs and spices a day to an average American diet resulted in lower blood pressure after four weeks.
Research shows that infection with a fungus decreases the thermal tolerance of aphids and their beetle predator, the common ladybeetle, by more than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Infected insects are less likely to cross into zones that are too warm or too cold, altering predator-prey interactions as the climate changes.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that universal school-based depression screening increased identification and treatment of adolescent depression. The three-year study involving over 12,000 students from 14 Pennsylvania public high schools showed that students who received screening were twice as likely to initiate treatment...
A recent study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine found that people who wake up, smoke, and return to sleep are more likely driven by stress than nicotine addiction. To help these smokers quit, researchers recommend addressing their psychological distress and developing treatments that go beyond nicotine dependence.
Penn State researchers have received a $2.9 million grant to tackle challenges related to lithium-sulfur batteries, which could provide double the energy density and cycle life of current technology. The project aims to address issues such as polysulfide dissolution and dendrite formation to improve battery stability.