Researchers found that wolf social groups affect disease transmission within and between groups. The models account for individual death rates, group split or combination, and Allee effects, showing pathogens reduce population size mainly through reduced group numbers.
A recent study found that veterans who experienced traumatic adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and/or combat are more likely to think about suicide. Female veterans, in particular, appear vulnerable to suicidal thinking and may require enhanced support and evidence-based treatment.
Research finds that water clarity affects how growth rates of walleyes change as lakes start to warm; growth rates increased in some lakes and decreased in others
Researchers found that robust IgM and IgG antibodies persist in recovered COVID-19 patients for at least 140 days after symptom onset, while VN antibodies decline rapidly after 60 days. This suggests a short window for donating convalescent plasma to ensure maximum immunity.
A new model created by Penn State researchers finds that healthcare workers' illness during outbreaks significantly increases overall case counts and mortality rates. The model suggests that high loss impact paired with low redundancy leads to the most severe epidemic outcomes.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a method to turn existing telecommunication infrastructure into a valuable resource for monitoring ground vibrations. By using fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing technology, they can detect a wide variety of signal vibrations, including those caused by earthquakes, music concerts,...
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.
A new study finds that peer aggression occurs at higher rates between friends and friends-of-friends than between those not closely tied. This form of bullying is often driven by a desire for social status and can be particularly difficult to stem.
Scientists have identified potential new therapeutic targets beyond the RBD on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which may help explain how emerging variants become more infectious. The research could lead to new treatments targeting the S1/S2 cleavage site.
A recent study confirmed that a genetic modeling technique accurately predicts the extinction of an isolated bobcat population. The research found that the Cumberland Island bobcats have lost about 15% of their genetic diversity over the past 30 years, with low levels of inbreeding.
Researchers developed a deep learning model that accurately predicts lung cancer patients' survival expectancy, significantly better than traditional machine learning models. The model can analyze large amounts of data to understand how various factors affect lung cancer survival periods.
Air pollution levels from shale gas development may have exceeded air quality standards, affecting over 36,000 people in PA, according to Penn State scientists. Doubling the required setback distance reduced exposure by about half.
Researchers found that Eastern bluebirds and tree swallows nesting in noisy boxes spent less time incubating eggs, had fewer eggs hatch, and produced fewer young than their neighbors. This suggests that compressor noise negatively impacted fitness through reduced hatching and fledging success.
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.
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...
Researchers investigated how high salt and nitrogen concentrations impact soil microbiome development in high tunnel systems. They found that these properties delayed the re-establishment of a diverse microbial community, with certain 'universal colonizers' surviving despite the stress.
A new study has discovered the cellular pathway leading to osteoarthritis and found that paroxetine slows down cartilage degeneration while promoting cartilage health in mice and human cartilage. The drug may be the first-ever treatment for this debilitating disease, which affects over 30 million adults.
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...
Researchers found a 15% reduction in total nitrogen losses, 14% reduction in total phosphorus losses, and 39% reduction in sediment losses through crop reallocation simulations. This approach could be a potential path to restoring the Chesapeake Bay.
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.
A study found that Tom Hanks' COVID-19 diagnosis likely changed people's attitudes and behaviors toward the virus. Nearly 90% of surveyed individuals had heard about Hanks' social media post, with approximately half reporting a change in their thoughts or actions.
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.
Researchers have discovered that cancer progression leads to fewer skeletal muscle ribosomes, resulting in muscle wasting. The findings suggest a new mechanism for muscle loss that could be relevant not just for people with cancer but also other conditions such as aging and malnutrition.
Researchers found that genetic mutations, such as IKZF1 deletion and CRLF2 translocations, occur more frequently in Hispanic and Latino children with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), leading to poorer outcomes. A novel therapeutic drug combination may help address this disparity.
A new wearable device collects biofluids such as tears and saliva to analyze conditions like oral ulcers, oral cancer, and eye infections on a rapid, continuous basis. The sensors also administer medicine with microneedles through the skin, offering improved treatment options for patients.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new root trait that allows plants to grow deeper roots capable of penetrating hard soil layers. This trait, called multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma, is characterized by small cells with thick walls and lends rigidity to the roots.
Penn State researchers found that summer temperatures and precipitation influence honey bee winter survival. The study developed a tool for forecasting winter survival probability using growing degree days and other environmental variables. This prediction model can help beekeepers make informed management decisions.
Researchers have discovered that toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems play a crucial role in plasmid replication and bacterial antibiotic resistance. The presence or absence of plasmids significantly impacts a bacterium's ability to cause infection.
Research found that individuals with lower power distance beliefs (egalitarian values) react more harshly to morally transgressing companies due to increased empathy for victims. Companies can improve standing by offering sincere apologies and remedies.
A study found that specific Facebook activities, such as posting pictures, commenting, and customizing profiles, are more important to older adults' user experience and well-being than their overall use of the site. These activities enhance feelings of competence, relatedness, and autonomy, leading to higher levels of well-being.
A new analysis of nearly two decades of satellite data shows that economic development, fossil-fuel combustion, and air quality are closely linked on a continental and national scale. However, under favorable policies, these factors can be decoupled.
Researchers have developed a method to detect flank instability in volcanoes using satellite images, revealing surface deformation related to flank motion at Pacaya volcano. The technique provides finer detail of volcanic flank motion and can reveal upticks in the rate that creep is occurring.
Cryo-electron microscopy study reveals how an enzyme synthesizes ribosomal RNA at different speeds depending on the bacteria's growth rate, providing insights into the regulation of this process and its importance in E. coli cells.
Researchers studied feral and managed honey bee colonies to understand how environmental and genetic factors impact pathogen tolerance. Feral colonies showed higher levels of certain pathogens but increased immune gene expression, which correlated with survival rates.
A team of Penn State researchers used machine learning algorithms to improve the efficiency of design evaluations for porous materials. By leveraging image colorization techniques, they reduced computational load while maintaining accuracy. The findings provide a framework for designers to create more structurally responsible parts wit...
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a unique enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the production of thiostrepton, a potent antibiotic that can also target breast cancer cells. The breakthrough, detailed in a new Nature Chemistry study, could lead to the development of more effective human medicines.
Researchers found increased blood flow and dilation of brain arterioles during non-REM and REM sleep stages, indicating the brain's ability to clear waste products. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how disrupted sleep affects mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
A team of Penn State engineers has developed a lithium iron phosphate battery that can charge in 10 minutes and reduce range anxiety in electric vehicles. The battery's ability to quickly heat up and cool down allows for rapid recharging without sacrificing performance.
Researchers developed a novel decontamination method using pulsed ultraviolet light to inactivate microbial strains on eggshells, achieving significant reductions. The technology showed no negative effects on hatching eggs or chick growth, improving food safety and potential financial constraints.
A study led by Penn State researchers found that climate change poses a significant threat to wild bee communities due to rising temperatures and precipitation patterns. The team's analysis of 14-year data sets revealed that temperature and precipitation were the most critical factors influencing wild bee abundance and species diversity.
Researchers found that high cortisol concentrations in newborn fawns were associated with lower survival rates. Cortisol levels varied between study areas, suggesting other environmental factors may influence mortality rates.
Researchers found that individuals who enjoyed zombie and apocalyptic movies before the pandemic were better equipped to deal with it. Immersing oneself in fiction can serve as mental rehearsal for real-life events, according to the study published in Personality and Individual Differences.
Antioxidants prevent imaging damage to conducting polymers, allowing for higher-resolution imaging and new insights into polymer structure. This breakthrough enables further development of soft electronic devices.
Researchers develop peptide that disrupts protective outer coating of TB pathogen, making it susceptible to antibiotics and die. The peptide specifically targets the fatty acid on the pathogen's surface, allowing it to effectively kill the bacteria without harming good bacteria.
A team of researchers studied over 3,500 leaf fossils from Patagonia, Argentina, and found a surprising 92% species-level extinction rate in the region. The study suggests that despite high extinction rates, South American plant families largely survived and grew more diverse during the Paleogene period.
Research found that men and women endorsing traditional forms of masculinity were more likely to vote for and have positive feelings towards Trump. Hegemonic masculinity, a culturally idealized form of masculinity emphasizing strength, dominance, and power, was linked to increased sexism, racism, and xenophobia.
Desalination membranes' density distribution at the nanoscale is crucial for performance. Thinner membranes with consistent density improve water filtration, contrary to previous thought that thickness matters more. This breakthrough could lead to 30-40% efficiency increase and cost savings.
Researchers found that almost two-thirds of light smokers (1-4 cigarettes/day) and a quarter of those smoking less than weekly were addicted. The study suggests that clinicians should consider lighter smokers for treatment, as they may still require assistance to quit.
A study found relatively high levels of clovamide in disease-resistant chocolate tree leaves, a potential contributor to resistance against black pod rot. The discovery could lead to novel breeding programs and streamline the breeding process using a 'marker-assisted selection' approach.
The researchers are developing two self-administered scratch-and-sniff smell tests to detect COVID-19. The first test identifies odors such as smoke, strawberry, chocolate, and onions, while the second test reveals sensitivity to different concentrations of the same odor.