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.
Researchers found that notification legislation was not significantly associated with lower odds of late-stage diagnoses, but insurance coverage laws were linked to decreased chances of later-stage diagnoses. Younger women and Hispanic women tended to benefit more from these laws.
Researchers successfully used cryopreserved sperm to fertilize coral eggs from hundreds of miles away, demonstrating the reproductive compatibility of distant coral colonies. The technique, known as assisted gene flow, has potential as a conservation tool for endangered corals and could accelerate their adaptation to climate change.
A new tool has been developed to identify genetic influences behind sex-biased diseases, such as lupus, which affect females more frequently. The tool analyzes genes that escape X chromosome inactivation, a process that ensures females do not overexpress genes on their X-chromosomes.
A new project aims to bring data science into the curriculum of Penn State's engineering programs, focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving, and community awareness. The researchers plan to collaborate with local communities, industry, and K-12 schools to provide students with real-life data sets and projects.
Physicists have successfully tested the theory of generalized hydrodynamics in one-dimensional gases, demonstrating its accuracy in simulating out-of-equilibrium quantum systems. This breakthrough could greatly simplify the study of such systems and eventually inform the development of quantum-based technologies.
Researchers found that invasive shrubs absorb more sunlight and lower air temperatures on the forest floor, giving them a competitive advantage. This phenomenon may explain why invasive plants negatively impact bees, butterflies, and amphibians in forest understories.
Researchers have identified a new family of ferroelectric materials, including magnesium-substituted zinc oxide, that can be used for low-energy digital storage. These materials have the potential to revolutionize information and energy storage, offering improved performance and reduced power consumption.
A new study found that local mobility, primary care access, and limited contacts in contagion hubs can curb COVID-19 deaths. The researchers used novel statistical approaches to analyze mortality curves across 20 Italian regions, identifying a strong association between mobility and COVID mortality.
Research highlights six core pillars of learning: active, engaged, meaningful, socially interactive, iterative, and joyful. Experts offer practical advice on transforming everyday spaces into playful learning environments that support children's growth.
Using human stem cells and small molecules, researchers successfully differentiated them into insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. This breakthrough could lead to a personalized treatment option for type 1 diabetes, reducing costs and increasing accessibility for those affected.
A new study suggests some people choose to avoid feeling compassion, citing it as mentally taxing. However, when choosing to feel compassion towards close family members, the experience is easier and less challenging.
A new study assesses the potential trajectories of cellular agriculture, a technology that grows cultured meat, dairy, and egg products from animal cells and yeast. The research highlights the need for increased public investments in open-source research and education to ensure a just and equitable development of the sector.
Researchers at Penn State developed a luminescent sensor that can detect and quantify low concentrations of terbium in complex acidic samples. The sensor uses a protein called lanmodulin, which is selectively binding to rare earth elements, and has the potential to help develop a domestic supply of these metals.
Researchers found that no-till production farmers can reduce herbicide use by implementing integrated weed-management practices, such as high-residue cultivation and seeding companion crops. Despite increased weed pressure, crop yields and profits were not significantly affected.
The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC) has received Phase II funding to expand its research and development of advanced 2D coatings. With the addition of Boise State University, ATOMIC aims to advance technology to more applied solutions and collaborate with industry partners on high-reward projects.
Researchers found that many collectors are planting seeds in forests to conserve wild populations, but also using commercially acquired seeds from online purchases, threatening the plant's gene pool. The study aims to better understand ginseng forest farming and promote conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
A team of researchers used remote sensing data and deep machine learning to identify hundreds of new shell ring sites in the southeastern US. The study provides a better understanding of how people lived in the area and offers a way to locate undiscovered shell rings.
A study by Penn State researchers found that Black COVID-19 patients are three times more likely to have experienced a stroke prior to their diagnosis than non-Black patients. This disparity may explain the high mortality rates among Black populations during the pandemic.
A recent study found that most structural variants in cacao genomes are deleterious, impairing gene function and adapting plants to stressors. However, some variants facilitate adaptation by influencing gene expression, particularly those associated with pathogen resistance genes.
Researchers found that people's personality, such as extroversion, and gender affect their interaction with websites. Extroverted individuals tend to prefer interactive sites that facilitate communication between users, while men and women have different preferences when it comes to interacting with computers.
New modeling results suggest that COVID-19 may behave like common-cold coronaviruses, affecting mostly young children who have not been vaccinated or exposed. The overall burden from this disease is expected to decline due to lower severity in children.
Researchers have created an AI software that uses Minecraft to test its ability to plan for future events and solve complex tasks. The software, developed by Penn State researchers, aims to advance artificial intelligence in areas such as robotics, logistics management, and drone flight.
A team from Penn State has developed a method to print biodegradable electronics on complex geometries and potentially human skin. The technique uses low-cost, low-heat pulses of light to transfer zinc nanoparticles to the surface.
Researchers used advanced electron microscopy to film human viruses in liquid droplets, revealing new structures and insights into their behavior. The technique has implications for developing better treatments and vaccines, with potential applications in COVID-19 research.