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Penn State


From the Sun to the stars

The newly launched NEID spectrometer will measure the minute gravitational tug of planets on their host stars, enabling the detection of rocky planets and characterization of exoplanetary atmospheres. By utilizing this technology, scientists aim to push the boundaries for searching smaller exoplanets and probing beyond past challenges.

Perceptions of counterfeits among luxury goods differ across cultures

A study found that counterfeit dominance negatively impacts Anglo-American consumers' perceptions of authentic luxury fashion brands, while having little effect on Asian consumers. This is due to cultural differences in social-adjustive attitudes, with Anglo-Americans relying more on outgroups and Asians on ingroups.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateJul 6, 2021

Fighting COVID with COVID

Researchers at Penn State designed a synthetic defective SARS-CoV-2 virus that interferes with the real virus's growth, potentially causing its extinction. The therapeutic may be used as a self-promoting antiviral treatment for COVID-19.

SourcePenn State·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 6, 2021

Loss of biodiversity in streams threatens vital biological process

The study found that streams with high detritivore diversity have higher rates of decomposition, but also discovered that the loss of these organisms can slow down this process. The researchers concluded that if detritivores continue to decline, ecosystems will struggle to sustain life due to reduced nutrient recycling.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2021

Still waiting at an intersection? Banning certain left turns helps traffic flow

A new method developed by Gayah and Aalto University researcher Murat Bayrak suggests eliminating left turns at busy intersections to reduce congestion. The hybrid approach uses heuristic algorithms to identify the most efficient configurations, banning left turns in city centers while allowing them on periphery roads.

SourcePenn State·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJul 6, 2021

A new class of functional elements in the human genome?

Research finds that unusual DNA structures, called G-quadruplexes (G4s), are preserved by natural selection and play a role in gene expression and cellular processes. G4s are more common and stable in regions with important functions, suggesting they should be considered functional elements of the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 29, 2021

Ethane proxies for methane in oil and gas emissions

A recent study using ethane proxies has found that oil and gas wells contribute significantly to greenhouse warming, exceeding EPA estimates by 48-76%. The researchers tracked ethane and methane emissions across the US over three seasons, providing new insights into fossil fuel sources.

Innovative batteries put flying cars on the horizon

Researchers at Penn State have designed and tested prototype batteries for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, which require high energy density and rapid charging. The batteries can sustain over 2,000 fast-charges and retain some charge to ensure safety in the air.

SourcePenn State·JournalJoule·DateJun 7, 2021