Astrocytes play a crucial role in self-repairing the brain and may hold the key to creating energy-efficient artificial intelligence. By emulating astrocyte functions in hardware devices, researchers aim to reduce power consumption and increase fault resilience.
A mathematical model suggests that high test administration, short testing delays, and intense non-pharmaceutical interventions decrease SARS-CoV-2 infection burdens. Increasing testing capacity can reduce reliance on costly interventions like distancing and shutdowns.
Participants preferred policies that used incentives to encourage eco-friendly choices, particularly when they targeted businesses. In contrast, policies that focused on energy alternatives and used incentives were also supported. The researchers found that policy support was influenced by the type of change targeted, who was targeted,...
A new Penn State study explores how climate change affects rain in the U.S. Corn Belt, finding that air humidity plays a crucial role. The research suggests that high near-surface humidity is most important for convective precipitation or rain, contrary to previous expectations that soil moisture would be the key factor.
Researchers at Penn State used traffic cameras and mobile device data to monitor COVID-19 cases in Centre County, PA. Movement data preceded increases in cases, suggesting that behavioral interventions like stay-at-home orders can be effective in controlling transmission.
A new study found that US gun violence increased by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 28 states experiencing significantly higher numbers of shootings. The researchers attribute this increase to added stress, worry, and fear, as well as increased access to firearms.
Research finds that online dating app tailoring affects users' perceptions of recommended partners. Users who provide information about their partner preferences tend to identify more date-worthy partners, while those without experience benefit from customizing their preferences.
A recent study from Penn State and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has discovered a natural protein called lanmodulin that can recover and purify radioactive metals like actinium. The protein-based approach simplifies the purification process, reduces costs, and enables the production of higher-purity actinium.
Researchers used satellite data to identify areas in coastal southwest Madagascar where indigenous foragers altered their surroundings, showing a 17% human impact. The study found subtle but widespread changes in soil capacity to absorb water and vegetation distribution.
A voucher program at Penn State Health St. Joseph Downtown Campus, paired with nutrition education, helped improve the health of patients with Type 2 diabetes by increasing A1c levels reduction and producing a high redemption rate for vouchers redeemed for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Adding more fruit and veggie side dishes resulted in a 24% increase in veggies and 33% more fruit, while substituting produce for other foods led to a 41% boost in veggies and 38% more fruit. The study suggests ways parents and caregivers can encourage healthy eating by experimenting with different fruits and vegetables.
Distinguished professor Michael Mann is being recognized with the Leo Szilard Lectureship Award for his contributions to public understanding of climate science controversies and mitigating climate change. He will give lectures at APS meetings and educational institutions over the next year.
A team of Penn State researchers has created a noninvasive, low-cost sensor that can detect glucose in sweat, enabling less intrusive glucose monitoring for people with diabetes. The device uses a nickel-gold alloy and is flexible enough to be worn on the body.
Researchers found that tuning the interface and twist angle of layered 2D materials enhances key properties, leading to stronger interlayer coupling and improved electronic and optical device performance. This discovery has great importance for various applications in optoelectronics, electronics, batteries, lighting, and appliances.
According to a study by Penn State researchers, more than half of the 236 million people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide since December 2019 will experience post-COVID symptoms, also known as 'long COVID', up to six months after recovery. The research team found that adults and children can experience various adverse he...
The new system, using over-current driven LED lights, improves image brightness and color consistency, reducing motion blur and variability caused by sunlight. The prototype showed an average decrease of 85% in standard deviation for hue-saturation-value channels compared to auto-exposure settings.
Researchers have proposed a wearable, flexible scanner to enable patients to move naturally during brain scans. The technology uses photoacoustic imaging to visualize the cerebral cortex without the need for sedation or confined spaces.
A new method developed by Penn State and LLNL demonstrates a promising way to extract and separate rare earth elements from low-grade sources. The protein-based approach separates metals with greater than 99% purity, offering a more efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers are sequencing genomes of 700 Bacilli bacteria to enhance CDC's capacity for detecting novel infectious disease agents. The goal is to create a large database of Bacilli to support rapid laboratory methods for detecting emerging biothreats.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed a new approach to personalize fitness tracker messages to improve motivation and physical activity. They used control systems engineering tools to tailor motivational messages based on individual user behavior, weather, and goals. The study aimed to establish the effectiveness of precision ...
A new study found that active listening by managers can improve employees' sense of personal control over their careers and reduce anxiety about potential job loss. By increasing active listening, managers can create a safe space for workers to verbalize and process their experiences, enabling them to feel more in control and valued.
A study by Penn State researchers reveals that care for the 15 most prevalent types of cancer in the US costs approximately $156.2 billion in 2018, with medication expenses accounting for the largest share. Breast cancer incurred the most services and procedures, followed by colorectal cancer.
Researchers have developed a new technique that allows visualization of every cell containing melanin pigment in 3D, in whole zebrafish. This breakthrough enables direct comparison of melanin content across normal and mutant fish, laying the foundation for further research on melanin-containing cancers.
Research finds that at-risk teen girls who have experienced sexual abuse are more likely to be cyberbullied and experience heightened offline sexual activities. Targeted intervention strategies using algorithm-based approaches could help these teens navigate the Internet safely.
Researchers discovered that coral microbiomes help corals survive rising ocean temperatures by protecting them from 'bleaching'. The team identified genes involved in stress response and found that different holobiont members have unique responses to high temperature stress.
Researchers at Penn State have created a novel framework to predict amino-acid changes in the virus' spike protein that may improve its binding to human cells and confer increased infectivity. The tool can aid in early implementation of public health measures to prevent the virus's spread.
The study aims to improve understanding of decarbonization's impact on human health, focusing on the US energy, food, and health nexus. It will develop a framework integrating these sectors to identify strategies yielding overall health benefits.
A new study suggests microgreens can be grown in small spaces indoors with minimal inputs, providing a reliable source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. Microgreens offer great potential as an efficient food-resilience resource for addressing malnutrition issues and nutrition-security inequality.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Penn State $1.5 million as part of the Mid-Atlantic NSF I-Corps Hub, enabling entrepreneurial training and research commercialization across the region. The hub will foster collaboration among eight universities to identify promising research and support diverse innovators.
Researchers found that patients with Type 2 diabetes who took GLP-1R agonists within six months prior to their COVID-19 diagnosis had a decreased risk of hospitalization, respiratory complications, and death. The study suggests these anti-inflammatory medications may offer protective effects against severe COVID-19 outcomes.
A new study reveals that male giraffes have higher social connectedness than females, with males forming more acquaintances and older males having shorter social paths. This complexity could impact conservation efforts for endangered giraffes.
An international team of scientists suggests that early humans in New Guinea collected cassowary eggs near maturity and then raised the birds to adulthood, with evidence supporting this behavior dating back 18,000 years. The researchers used eggshells to determine the developmental stage of ancient embryos/chicks when the eggs cracked.
A recent study by Penn State and Boston University found that ride-hailing services may decrease or increase traffic congestion depending on the day of the week and regional public transportation use. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 vehicle detector station units across California, finding a 0.5% decrease in traffic cong...
A new study by Penn State researchers found that a specific diet designed to alter fatty acid intake can improve mood variability in patients with bipolar disorders. The diet reduced omega-6 consumption and increased omega-3 consumption, resulting in improved symptoms like pain and anxiety.
Researchers aim to replicate natural tendon development using embryonic chicken and mouse models, with a focus on mechanical stimulation and nanoparticle design.
A chemical engineer is developing a novel biomaterial that can mimic the response of pediatric brain cancers to different approaches, allowing for customized treatment plans. The material will be designed to simulate the growth environment of cancer cells inside a tumor and can be used with patient-derived cells.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a small-scale laboratory experiment known as a hydrogen test loop to investigate nuclear thermal propulsion. The simulation, which includes a stainless steel pipe and a heating element, successfully models the operation of a reactor in space. The study's findings could lead to more efficient and...
A study found that psychological factors and social determinants of health, such as race, education, and food security, influence a patient's likelihood of undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients with depression, anxiety, lower education, and SNAP benefits were less likely to receive surgery.
Researchers at Penn State have imaged a protein facilitating RNA modification, allowing them to reconstruct the process. The study reveals how a chemical tag is added to tRNA, improving its ability to translate messenger RNA into proteins.
Researchers found that state-driven emissions controls are only slightly more expensive than federally mandated ones, with nationwide costs being one-tenth higher. This approach relies on technologies like low-carbon electricity and advanced biofuels, which can be traded between states to even out costs.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that tree felling is the most dangerous job in forestry and landscaping industries, with a fatal injury rate 30 times higher than all U.S. workers. The study analyzed data from 2010 to 2020 and identified poor decision-making and falls from elevation as key causes of fatalities.
Indoor distances of two meters may not prevent transmission of airborne aerosols; researchers found that virus-laden particles can travel quickly through poorly ventilated rooms. Implementing additional control measures like masking and adequate ventilation is crucial to reduce exposure.
A geoscientist is using a $640,000 NSF grant to investigate why the Earth retains surface water instead of sequestering it in the mantle. He aims to develop a novel technique that links noble gas concentrations with water in subducted rocks to construct a map of water concentration across pressures and temperatures.
A study by Penn State researchers found that regions exposed to both heavy earthquake shaking and abundant rainfall in Nepal are more likely to experience food insecurity. The findings suggest that climate change is exacerbating the impact of compound events, such as earthquakes and heavy rainfall, on agriculture and human health.
Researchers analyzed past fires in Klamath Mountains, finding that weather and fuels impact non-reburns while reburn intensity mirrors previous fires. Prescribed fire and wildfire management can limit severe fire conditions, maintaining moderate weather for future fires.
Researchers studied individuals with isolated GnRH deficiency, a rare endocrine disorder that affects hormone production. Men with IGD reported higher levels of childhood gender non-conformity, while women did not differ from typical women. This suggests that early androgens play a direct role in shaping male brain development.
A study by Penn State found that people are more likely to believe fake news in video format, with 58% of participants believing a fake video was real, compared to 33% who read the article and 48% who heard an audio version. The researchers suggest that this is due to the perceived realism of videos, which can lead to a
A Penn State-led international research team developed laser-induced graphene (LIG) for wearable health devices, offering superior conductivity and heat resistance. The LIG foam exhibited electrical properties, while fibrous structures showed better performance, opening possibilities for sensing devices.
Researchers found that Taiwanese migrants used an online community to share information on pandemic-related policies, reducing risk of contracting the coronavirus. The study proposes design implications for crisis informatics, including language barrier removal and marginalized group acknowledgment.
A study led by Ruixue Zhaoyang found that frequent and pleasant social interactions can boost cognitive performance in older adults. Participants who reported more social interactions had better cognitive performance on the same day and for days following.