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Kirigami-style fabrication may enable new 3D nanostructures

Researchers have developed a kirigami technique to fabricate complex 3D nanostructures with unprecedented ease. By strategically introducing cuts to a uniform structural film, the team can create sophisticated three-dimensional structures that can change shape in response to environmental changes.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 2, 2021

Weird earthquake reveals hidden mechanism

Researchers uncovered a hidden fault mechanism in the Shumagin Islands region of Alaska, which led to an unexpected strike-slip earthquake. The discovery suggests that areas considered uncoupled or safe from earthquakes may actually be prone to other types of seismic activity.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 24, 2021

The 3Rs of the genome: Reading, writing, and regulating

A high-resolution map of protein binding locations in yeast has produced two distinct gene regulatory architectures, challenging traditional models of gene regulation. The study revealed unique protein assemblages and absence of specific regulatory control signals at housekeeping genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 2021

Lethal house lures reduce incidence of malaria in children

Researchers found that installing window screening and insecticide-laced screens under eaves can significantly reduce clinical malaria incidence among children. The intervention, called In2Care EaveTube, was effective in areas with highly resistant mosquitoes, with a 38% overall reduction in malaria incidence.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 25, 2021

Silencing the alarm

Researchers found that an enzyme from tomato fruitworm caterpillars causes stomatal closure in plants, inhibiting defensive emissions like airborne plant volatiles. This study may yield insights into plant stress tolerance and potential strategies for improving crop resilience to climate change.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Phytologist·DateFeb 17, 2021

Helping Congress get the most from research

A new study by Penn State researchers demonstrates that facilitating researcher-policymaker interactions can influence legislators' thinking about policy issues and drafting legislation. Participating legislative offices sponsored more bills containing research language, and members showed a modest increase in believing research eviden...

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2021

Infant and toddler food product names may not accurately reflect ingredient amounts

Researchers found that vegetables in U.S. Department of Agriculture's 'dark green' category were often included in product names, but their average order in the ingredient list was close to fourth. Fruits, particularly juice and juice concentrates, were less likely to appear in product names despite being more prominent in the ingredie...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateFeb 10, 2021

Unusual DNA folding increases the rates of mutations

Research reveals that regions of the human genome with unusual DNA folding tend to have higher mutation rates than others. The study found that non-B DNA sequences, which can fold into different conformations, play a major role in determining regional variation in mutation rates across the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 9, 2021

New piezoelectric material remains effective to high temperatures

A new piezoelectric material developed by Penn State researchers remained effective at elevated temperatures, allowing for the creation of self-powering sensors and energy harvesters. The material performed well beyond 482 F (250 C), enabling potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and wearable devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 3, 2021