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.
Researchers found that telephone poles attract flight-dispersing spotted lanternflies, which are visually drawn to turn and land on the poles. The pole serves as a visual magnet, attracting a large proportion of the insects.
A team of scientists developed a deep learning model that improves air quality estimates by combining satellite and ground-based observations. The model achieved higher spatial and temporal resolution, enabling more accurate predictions of nitrogen dioxide levels in the Los Angeles area.
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.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly a third of Pennsylvania smokers increased their daily cigarette consumption due to stress, boredom, and increased free time. Smokers who experienced this increase were at a higher risk of dependence and had difficulty quitting.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new statistical tool, MAMBA, to enhance replicability of large genomic datasets. The method estimates the probability that an experiment can be replicated with different individuals, mitigating the reproducibility crisis.
Researchers found scarlet macaws and Amazon parrots transported from over 300 miles away, eating the same diet as agriculturalists. Mummified birds were often eviscerated and mummified with their mouths open or wings spread in flight.
Researchers investigated how certain strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) activate gene expression in neurons, finding that different genetic variants induce distinct patterns of gene expression. These findings may help understand why people experience varying levels of symptom severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Researchers found that urban agriculture alone cannot meet the nutritional needs of a city's population due to limited crop yields and nutrient deficiencies. However, with fortification or supplementation, urban agriculture can contribute significantly to meeting food demand.
Researchers have developed a way to harvest energy from radio waves to power wearable devices, offering a sustainable and continuous energy source. The system consists of stretchable metal antennas that convert ambient radio waves into electricity, which can be used to power health-monitoring sensors.
Researchers at Penn State develop a new framework for meta-assembly, allowing for accurate reconstruction of full-length mRNA sequences from short fragments. This enables better understanding of cell machinery and potential biomarkers for diagnosis.
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.
Researchers developed a standardized drying protocol for goldenseal to preserve its medicinal properties. The study found that high temperatures decreased the levels of canadine, while berberine and hydrastine remained unaffected. This optimized drying process could lead to more predictable health outcomes and applications.
A new protein purification process, known as precipitation, could significantly reduce the cost of producing antibodies for chronic diseases and COVID-19 treatment. The method eliminates the need for costly chromatography processes, making it a promising solution to drive down production costs.
A new antibiotic compound targets a molecular pathway found in bacteria but not humans, clearing infection of multi-drug resistant gonorrhea in mice with a single oral dose. The research team developed the compound through iterative optimization and testing, demonstrating its potential as a single-dose therapy for gonorrhea.
A new study suggests that people who report no stress experience better daily well-being and fewer chronic health conditions. However, they also perform lower on cognitive function tests and are less likely to engage in social activities.
Researchers developed a diagnostic test to identify virulent Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (Strep zoo) bacteria in pigs. The probe-based PCR assay reliably detected virulent strains while producing negative results for other pathogens.
Researchers have created a more powerful, fast-charging supercapacitor with improved connectivity and recyclability using affordable tin. The material enhances the properties of cobalt oxide-based electrodes, leading to increased conductivity and promising practical applications.
Researchers at Penn State developed FairGNN, a novel framework that estimates sensitive attributes to reduce bias in graph neural networks. The model maintains high performance on node classification using limited user-supplied information while reducing bias.
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.
Researchers have created a new type of 2D material, called a van der Waals heterostructure, which can be rolled up into a thin cylinder. This unique structure holds promise for miniaturized electronics, such as diodes and other devices. The discovery was made by a team of Penn State and University of Tokyo researchers.
A study by researchers at Penn State found that juvenile white-tailed deer dispersal does not result in added mortality. Contrary to expectations, survival rates of dispersers were comparable to those of non-dispersers, with only two female deer killed by vehicular collision during their movement.
Scientists used high-resolution data from ICESat-2 to map the depth and surface morphology of fractures in Antarctica's Amery Ice Shelf. The study identified three types of fractures up to 164 feet deep, providing insights into ice shelf stability and potential calving events.
Researchers at Penn State developed micro-Doppler radars that can accurately classify human gait patterns with greater than 90% accuracy. This technology has the potential to prevent falls and disabilities, detect Parkinson's and dementia, diagnose concussions, and identify musculoskeletal injury risk factors.
A team of climate scientists has found that the apparent 'Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation' is likely an artifact of climate forcing, specifically from greenhouse gases. Volcanic eruptions in past centuries caused initial cooling and a slow recovery, resulting in a roughly 60-year oscillation.
Research finds female-owned farms in the US are more common in areas closer to urban markets and engage in agritourism, offering greater childcare access. Average farm size, annual sales, and types of farm activities also correlate with female participation.
Scientists captured data over 13 years as the volcano's magma chamber gradually refilled, stressing the surrounding crust and creating earthquakes. The study provides new insights into the Galapagos Islands' most active volcano, Sierra Negra, and its caldera resurgence.