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Penn State


Some neurons target tiny cerebral blood vessel dilation

A team of Penn State engineers found a connection between nitric oxide-expressing neurons and changes in arterial diameters in mice, shedding light on brain function and aging. The researchers discovered that approximately half of the dynamic range in blood vessel diameter is controlled by a small group of neurons.

Quantum insulators create multilane highways for electrons

Researchers at Penn State have created multilayered quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators, enabling the realization of the QAH effect over a broader range of conditions. This allows for the construction of high-speed electronic highways with minimal energy loss, which could significantly improve information transfer speed.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

Nanoengineered cement shows promise for sealing leaky gas wells

Researchers at Penn State have developed a nanomaterial cement mixture that can effectively seal leaky natural gas wells, reducing methane emissions. The new cement is more resistant to cracking and can be pumped through narrow spaces, making it suitable for use in active unconventional wells and orphaned abandoned gas wells.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·DateDec 14, 2020

Algorithms and automation: Making new technology faster and cheaper

Penn State researchers have created an automated process planning software to optimize additive manufacturing, reducing design time and material waste. The software uses algorithmic mapping of designs from CAD software to AM to minimize unnecessary steps, enabling faster production and lower costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Additive and Subtractive Materials Manufacturing·DateDec 8, 2020

Understanding COVID-19 infection and possible mutations

Penn State researchers computationally modeled the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 protein spike to ACE2, finding it highly optimized for human binding. The team also explored changes in the virus spike that could alter its affinity with human ACE2, potentially informing future research on vaccine durability and animal transmission.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputational and Structural Biotechnology Journal·DateDec 8, 2020

Genetics of human face begin to reveal underlying profile

An international team of researchers has connected specific genetic signals with specific areas of the face, identifying 203 genomic regions that play a role in human facial development. The study sheds light on craniofacial malformations such as cleft lip and palate, as well as evolutionary differences between various populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 7, 2020

Cancer cases are rising in adolescents and young adults

Researchers analyzed data from nearly half a million cancer patients in the US between 15-39 years old to determine cancer cases in this age group. The results show a 30% rise in cancer diagnoses among adolescents and young adults, with kidney, thyroid, and gastrointestinal cancers increasing at the greatest rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 1, 2020

Warbler coloration shaped by evolution via distinct paths

Two genes involved in plumage coloration have evolved through distinct processes: ASIP, which produces melanin, and BCO2, which produces carotenoid pigments. The researchers found evidence of introgression, where genes from one species were transferred to another, contributing to the warblers' diverse colors.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 30, 2020

Elephant genetics guide conservation

African elephants in Tanzania show limited gene flow between protected areas, highlighting the importance of preserving wildlife corridors for conservation. The study found that some areas, like Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, were once connected but now have limited genetic exchange.

Oil droplet predators chase oil droplet prey

A team of researchers from Penn State describes a system where oil droplets exhibit 'non-reciprocal' interactions, chasing down other droplets that flee like prey. The system is controlled by chemical signaling and can be tuned to understand interactions in many-body systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 17, 2020

Virtual reality forests could help understanding of climate change

A virtual reality forest created by geographers can let people walk through a simulated forest of today and see potential future scenarios. The researchers used data on a typical Wisconsin forest to create a more organic, natural feel, allowing visitors to experience the changes brought on by climate change.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Geographical Information Science·DateNov 11, 2020

Diseases of despair diagnoses increase in Pennsylvania

Research from Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute finds significant increases in diseases of despair diagnoses, including alcohol-, substance-, and suicide-related disorders. The rates increased by 37%, 94%, and 170% between 2007 and 2018, with the most substantial percentage increase among men ages 35 to 74.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 10, 2020

Tricking fake news detectors with malicious user comments

A new study from Penn State reveals how fake news detectors can be manipulated through user comments, allowing adversaries to influence the detector's assessment of a story. The researchers developed a framework called Malcom to generate and optimize malicious comments that fool leading fake news detectors over 93% of the time.