Researchers found that coral species Pocillopora maintain close relationships with specific algae genera Cladocopium despite intense climate fluctuations over the last 1.5 million years. This resilience may enable them to adapt to modern ocean warming, at least in the coming decades.
A study by Penn State and Quest Diagnostics researchers found a 63% decrease in STI testing for men and 59% for women during the early months of the pandemic. This may lead to an increase in future STI cases, potentially resulting in adverse health outcomes such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
The National Science Foundation has renewed funding for the Materials Innovation Platform at Penn State's Materials Research Institute, enabling the development of new ultra-thin materials with unique quantum properties. The facility will advance 2D materials research across the US, supporting over 100 scientists nationwide.
Researchers have created a new map of dark matter in the local universe using machine learning, revealing previously undiscovered filamentary structures connecting galaxies. The map provides a detailed understanding of the distribution of dark matter and its gravitational influence on galaxies.
Researchers analyzed global pollen data to study the global rate of change in vegetation, finding a worldwide acceleration in compositional change between 4.6 and 2.9 thousand years ago. Human influence on terrestrial ecosystems exceeds climate-driven transformation during this period.
A team of researchers used computational biology and leading-edge experiments to study alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson's disease. They found stable conformations that can form complexes with other biomolecules, offering possibilities for developing drugs to regulate the protein's function.
A new study using high-resolution CT scanning reveals key relationships between cichlid morphology and behavior, enabling scientists to infer life history and characteristics of rare or extinct fishes. This technology will aid conservation efforts by characterizing the remaining fish species in Lake Malawi.
A recent study found that only 19% of women in sub-Saharan Africa underwent cervical cancer screenings between 2011 and 2018. The rates varied greatly by country, with some countries having nearly 46% of women screened versus less than 1%. Increasing screenings is crucial to detect the disease early and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that Indigenous languages overlap with 8,200 species ranges in African UNESCO sites, suggesting a strong connection between cultural and biodiversity preservation. The study suggests engaging Indigenous people in governance to redesign management strategies and conserve localities.
Researchers at Penn State have identified a gene controlling flowering in cacao, which may accelerate breeding efforts for disease-resistant trees. The Flowering Locus T gene's similarity to Arabidopsis' florigen protein suggests it can be used to develop new varieties with improved yields and quality traits.
A Penn State-led study found that maternal stress during pregnancy can shorten the telomeres of male lizard offspring, leading to decreased lifespan. The researchers discovered a sex-specific effect, where stressed mothers give birth to sons with significantly shorter telomeres, highlighting potential implications for human longevity.
Researchers modelled plant cell walls, discovering that chains of cellulose form a network providing both strength and extensibility. This new concept could inspire polymeric materials with new properties.
Researchers discovered that users respond differently to AI systems asking for personal info when offered help versus asking for help themselves. Help-seeking AIs gained more trust and increased intentions to share personal info. The study suggests designing AIs to increase user awareness of personal info importance.
Research published in Scientific Reports reveals that individuals with HIV are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and fatal outcomes from COVID-19. The study found a 24% increased risk of infection and a 78% higher risk of death among people living with HIV compared to those without the virus.
Research analyzed 100 popular children's educational apps, finding most scored low on quality criteria, including facilitating active thinking and minimizing distraction. Experts recommend parents co-play with their kids and app developers collaborate with child development experts to create high-quality educational content.
Researchers found that patients are less likely to take health advice from AI doctors who know their medical history and use first names. On the other hand, patients want to be on a first-name basis with human doctors. This study suggests that machines must navigate a fine line in serving as doctors.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel graphene-based physically unclonable function (PUF) that is more energy-efficient and secure against AI attacks than silicon-based devices. The device's unique properties make it resistant to machine learning attacks, adding tamper resistance as another security feature.
A comprehensive study of the legume family reveals a history of whole-genome duplications and helps uncover the evolution of genes involved in nitrogen fixation. The research team identified strong evidence for 28 separate whole-genome duplication events, shedding light on the evolutionary spread and diversification of legumes.
Researchers at Penn State discovered a new mechanism for terminating transcription of DNA into RNA in bacteria, facilitated by proteins NusG and NusA. The study found that these proteins together facilitate termination at about 88% of intrinsic terminators, expanding our understanding of gene regulation and potential antibiotic targets.
Penn State is leading a $1.2 million project, CANARY, to assess and catalog northern Appalachian-basin critical mineral resources and waste streams. The project aims to extract valuable materials from coal waste, promoting regional growth and addressing national security needs.
Researchers analyzed over 19,000 breastfeeding-related tweets to identify negative and positive themes affecting breastfeeding behaviors. The study found new factors influencing breastfeeding, such as fear of biting, and proposed interventions to address these issues, including technological aids and workplace accommodations.
Researchers cultivated tumor microenvironments using metastatic triple-negative breast cancer cells and studied the genetic information of entire systems. They found that cellular communication in the microenvironment drives physiological changes in tumor behavior, including growth and movement.
A study found that consumers with high need for cognition prefer content-based recommendations, while those with low need for cognition prefer collaborative filtering. The type of product also plays a role, with experience products being more appealing to consumers with high need for cognition.
Researchers discovered a mutant corn line with enhanced sugar levels due to the Maize ufo1 gene. The finding has implications for breeding crops that can thrive in a warming world, with potential benefits including improved stress tolerance, seed development, and biomass production.
A study found that people who customize their online spaces with a strong sense of identity are less likely to adopt health advice. In contrast, those who feel a sense of control are more likely to perceive the ads as threatening, leading to negative reactions. Researchers suggest customizing interfaces to preserve users' sense of cont...
A study by Penn State researchers found that people who felt pleasure in a controversial celebrity's misfortune were less likely to take steps to prevent lung cancer or COVID-19. The study suggests that schadenfreude can demotivate people from taking preventive actions, having serious public health implications.
Researchers found lightning and subvisible discharges produce extreme amounts of hydroxyl radical and hydroperoxyl radical, which break down greenhouse gases like methane. The findings suggest these electrical events could significantly affect ozone and atmospheric models.
A new study from Penn State defines what it means to be a picky shopper, exploring the psychological dimensions of this trait. Researchers found that picky shoppers have a small window of acceptance and are more likely to reject free gifts or products based on their idiosyncratic preferences
A new Penn State study found that parents of adolescents who experience puberty early may be more lenient when it comes to letting them consume alcohol. Adolescents who go through puberty early are at a greater risk for problem behaviors, including being two to three times as likely to drink alcohol.
Using bioprinting, researchers successfully repaired traumatic injuries to the skin and bones of the face and skull in a rat model. The technique involved printing both bone and soft tissue layers, achieving 100% closure of soft tissue in four weeks and 80% closure of bone in six weeks.
Researchers are investigating how carnivorous plant genes can help crops defend themselves from pathogens and insects, reducing reliance on pesticides and fertilizers. The team plans to test transgenic crop plants with protein-based pest deterrents and nutrient-enhancing traits.
A study by Penn State researchers suggests that dairy farmers can reduce nitrous oxide emissions from corn crops by applying manure after planting and using organic nitrogen amendments. The results show that this approach can lower total nitrogen application and mitigate climate change, while also protecting water quality.
A new Penn State study has found that higher mushroom consumption is associated with a lower risk of cancer. The systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed data from over 19,500 cancer patients and found individuals who ate 18 grams of mushrooms daily had a 45% lower risk of cancer compared to non-mushroom eaters.
Researchers developed a new approach called Co-opting Regulation Bypass Repair (CRBR) that can correct genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations. The method uses the CRISPR/Cas9 system and non-homologous end joining to insert a functional copy of the gene, enabling treatment in all adult tissues.
Researchers at Penn State found that providing explanations for online symptom checker recommendations can increase user confidence and trust in the diagnosis. The study showed that users were more likely to trust the symptoms checker when they received clear explanations of how the system generated its probable diagnoses and suggestions.
A study found that 70 of 134 ancient sea-dwelling invertebrates exhibited 'dead clades walking,' where groups survive an extinction event but never regain their diversity, challenging the sudden disappearance view of mass extinctions.
Researchers created a soft mechanical metamaterial that can compute digital logic computations using binary inputs and outputs. The material thinks by reconfiguring its conductive polymer network in response to mechanical force and electrical signals.
A majority of 2,400 participants in a Penn State study supported requiring students and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The survey found that Democrats were consistently more supportive of vaccine mandates than moderates or Republicans.
A new study published in Current Medical Research & Opinion found that adults who trust television and Facebook for news about the coronavirus pandemic are less knowledgeable. The survey of 5,948 adults in Pennsylvania showed that those who relied on social media and TV for news were less likely to answer COVID-19 questions correctly.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable, flexible transmitter that can send wireless data over long distances. The device uses a copper mesh with a wavy pattern to maintain its resonance frequency even when stretched or compressed.
A study by Penn State researchers found that supplementing high-fat-fed mice with cocoa powder reduced the severity of their liver disease and improved markers of oxidative stress. The researchers suggest that similar benefits may be achieved in humans through dietary changes, but caution against overconsumption.
A randomized controlled study found that a Mediterranean diet combined with small portions of lean beef helped lower LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels. The study suggests that healthy diets can include a wide variety of foods, including red meat, while still being heart-friendly.
A new study found that spotted salamanders' egg mass coloration is influenced by two opposing evolutionary forces: genetic drift and balancing selection. In small populations, genetic drift drives changes in morph frequencies, while balancing selection helps preserve multiple traits.
Research by Penn State found that parents reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems in their children after the pandemic, with some experiencing 'clinically significant' symptoms. The study highlights the importance of a positive coparenting relationship for family well-being during times of stress.
Researchers discovered the first full structure of the Nucleocapsid protein, finding that antibody binding sites remain consistent across many coronaviruses, including recent COVID-19 variants.
A team of Penn State Berks-led researchers created a multidimensional model to measure the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education. The model addresses students' intentions to start a business and their perceptions of barriers they might encounter, helping to increase skills and reduce barriers.
Researcher Margarita López-Uribe will investigate the impact of artificial selection on pollinator ecology and evolution in agricultural landscapes. She aims to characterize changes in floral functional traits, pollinator foraging behavior, and genetic underpinnings of sensory system adaptations.
Researchers estimated muon's magnetic field strength using a fully verified theory independent of experimental measurements. The result aligns with the standard model of particle physics, suggesting no need for new physics to explain the phenomenon.
Global clinical trial completion rates dropped by 13-23% during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study. The decline was most significant in trials funded by government, academic or medical entities, and was attributed to reduced patient enrollment and increased challenges in following up on patients.
Approximately 40,000 children in the US may have lost a parent to COVID-19, facing trauma, depression, and economic insecurity. The researchers suggest equal national efforts are needed to provide supports and counseling to these vulnerable children.