A new study led by Penn State researchers found a link between the number of times a person gives birth and their physical aging process. The study discovered that people who had few or many births showed signs of quicker biological aging compared to those who had given birth three or four times. The effects were only visible after men...
A new study found that consuming dried fruit is linked to better diet quality and health markers, including lower body mass index and waist circumference. However, it's essential to choose unsweetened versions and monitor portion sizes due to the higher calorie content.
A Penn State researcher will study whether vitamin D supplementation can help people ward off or reduce symptoms caused by COVID-19. The research aims to determine the effects of vitamin D on SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammation in the lung and gastrointestinal tract.
Researchers at Penn State created functional membraneless 'protocells' from short polymers that can sequester RNA and maintain distinct internal microenvironments. The protocells were stable in various salt concentrations and performed certain functions of a protocell, suggesting they could be relevant models for early life on Earth.
A genetic mutation in the 'coat' of a brain infection-causing virus may allow it to escape neutralizing antibodies, increasing the risk of developing a fatal brain disease. Researchers have identified this mutation in the mouse equivalent of JC polyomavirus and found that it prevents monoclonal antibodies from interacting with the virus.
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.
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.
A recent study published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids found that CBD oils are equally or less effective than pure CBD at inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cells. The researchers tested different types of CBD oil against pure CBD on various cancer cell lines, including brain, skin, and colorectal cancers.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that biochars made from cotton gin waste and guayule bagasse can adsorb pharmaceutical compounds, including sulfapyridine, docusate, and erythromycin. The study found that temperature increases during the pyrolysis process enhanced the biochar's capacity to adsorb contaminants.
A study found that dairy cows exposed to contaminated water carried more pathogens with antimicrobial-resistance genes, which can tolerate various antibiotics. The research highlights a threat to human health and supports the World Health Organization's declaration of antimicrobial resistance as a global public health threat.
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.
Researchers developed an implantable smart wrap that detects when the bladder needs to be emptied and sends a signal to expand or contract. The device addresses the under-active bladder condition, where patients have difficulty urinating regularly.
Researchers found that self-reports of smell and taste changes were better correlated with COVID-19 hospital admissions than current governmental indicators. Smell/taste changes peaked four days after lockdown measures, while hospital indicator peaked 11 days later.
Premium chocolate consumers prioritize gold foil, ornate labels, and intriguing backstories. Craft chocolate is perceived as exclusive and special, with a focus on packaging, sustainability labels, and storytelling. Consumers value high-quality ingredients and unique experiences.
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.
Researchers warn that SARS-CoV-2 may develop resistance to COVID-19 vaccines, rendering them ineffective. To mitigate this risk, the team recommends using blood and nasal swab samples to assess vaccine efficacy and monitor for emerging resistance.
Researchers have designed a highly sensitive implantable sensor that can monitor various forms of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide in the body. The device is made from biodegradable materials, including magnesium and silicon, which dissolve at a slow pace allowing it to function during recovery periods.
Researchers analyzed saliva samples from over 500 participants to identify microRNA levels that could indicate a concussion. The study found that measuring these molecules in saliva can aid diagnosis with high accuracy, potentially replacing current symptom scales and neurocognitive tests.
New Penn State research reveals disparities in physical activity between men and women, with women more likely to feel uncomfortable using campus recreation facilities. The study suggests that design changes, social environments, and policies can help create welcoming spaces for all students.
A team of researchers has developed a model for acid-tolerant yeast that can produce succinic acid, a precursor for industrial polymer production. The model uses gene editing and computational tools to identify the optimal genetic modifications required to maximize succinic acid production.
Researchers at Penn State have developed an ultra-thin and energy-efficient photodetector on glass, paving the way for commercialization of 'smart glass' technology. The technology can be applied in various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
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.
A new study by Penn State researcher David Vanness found a cost-effectiveness threshold of $104,000 per QALY for health treatments. Beyond this point, the treatment may not be beneficial for population health due to increased costs and decreased quality-adjusted life-years.
Researchers at Penn State have developed graphene-based memory resistors that mimic the brain's neural networks and offer high precision neuromorphic computing. The new technology can control up to 16 possible memory states, compared to two in most existing memristors.
A new rapid diagnostic system for sepsis is being developed at Penn State and Stanford University, which can identify fungal and bacterial pathogens within two hours. The five-year grant will allow researchers to bypass current blood culture steps and directly test pathogen susceptibility to antibiotics.
A study by researchers at Penn State found that mulch bags labeled as 'cypress' often contain less than claimed, with some bags containing no cypress at all. The investigation used a new method to sort and estimate species mix in the mulch, revealing significant discrepancies between advertised content and actual composition.
A new multi-scale approach reveals that fracturing and erosion at the surface set the pace of oxidation in deep underground rocks. The team found that microorganisms can form on pyrite, but geologic processes slow the reaction, preventing acid accumulation.
Membraneless compartments, known as complex coacervates, respond predictably to wet-dry cycling, a process likely common during the early development of life on Earth. The behavior informs current applications of the droplets found in household items and has implications for the evolution of life.
A novel, one-step process converts sulfur dioxide to pure sulfur at lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing waste and energy consumption. This breakthrough technology has the potential to replace existing desulfurization methods and significantly improve environmental outcomes.
Researchers at Penn State have developed new methods to enhance light emission and increase signal strength in 2D materials. By altering the atomic makeup and physical shape of these materials, they created new types of materials that can attract different molecules and induce superconductivity. These advancements have significant impl...
A team of researchers found that cloud-induced infrared radiative feedback creates a localized greenhouse effect, trapping heat and accelerating the formation of tropical cyclones. This process is believed to be instrumental in the origin of many tropical storm events.
Researchers are using a new technology to monitor the movement of thawing Arctic permafrost. A 1.5-kilometer fiber-optic cable will be turned into a long line of vibration sensors to collect seismic data and predict future behavior of the thawing permafrost.
A team of Penn State researchers suggests considering uncertainties when deciding how high to elevate houses in river flood zones. By looking at the range of possible outcomes, decision makers can improve their choices, reducing both the probability of flooding and net costs.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model that analyzes speech and facial movements to diagnose strokes with high accuracy, potentially saving valuable time in diagnosing the condition. The tool was tested on over 80 patients and achieved 79% accuracy comparable to clinical diagnostics by emergency room doctors.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that grafted plants with epigenetically modified rootstock exhibit increased vigor, productivity, and resilience compared to parental plants. The technique uses gene expression manipulation rather than genetic modification, sidestepping controversy surrounding GMOs.
Penn State researchers are creating a new method to monitor HIV treatment effectiveness at home. The device will enable patients to use a finger prick test and reduce hospital visits to check their viral loads, reducing mortality and morbidity rates.
Researchers found evidence that thinning of the lithosphere is generating heat needed to initiate process of stabilizing continental crust. This challenges previous understanding of mountain building and suggests a new mechanism for continent stability.
Researchers found that several nasal and oral rinses had a strong ability to neutralize human coronavirus, suggesting these products could reduce virus spread by COVID-19-positive individuals. The 1% baby shampoo solution inactivated over 99.9% of the virus after a two-minute contact time.
A recent study published in the National Review of Black Politics found that people who don't embody a typical white American identity may have complicated feelings of Americanness that affect their politics. The researchers analyzed data from the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey and found that racial and ethnic mino...
Researchers at Penn State have developed a gel-based 3D bioprinting method that can create complex shapes and tissues with precise cell placement. The yield stress gel allows for the self-healing of the gel structure, enabling the creation of free-form, complex shapes.
A team of researchers from Penn State and NYU has deconstructed the 'biological clock' that regulates birdsong, revealing delays within neuronal circuits play a critical role in timing. The study found a wide distribution of delays in the circuit, allowing for higher resolution and more precise control over complex behaviors.
A rapid and simple method for testing the efficacy of antibacterial drugs has been developed by Penn State researchers. The technique uses dynamic laser speckle imaging coupled with machine learning to predict whether bacteria are alive or dead, allowing for accurate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration values. This could ...
Researchers at Penn State used deep learning to clear up noise in radar satellite data, enabling near real-time observation of volcanic movements. The system can build an accurate picture of the land and its movements, spotting potential warning signs like sudden land shifts.
Research suggests that people do not trust health content on crowdsourced sites, even with expert curation, due to concerns about misinformation and manipulation. However, interactive features such as editing functions can increase perceived credibility.
Carnivorous plants have evolved to digest insect prey by repurposing defense proteins, a mechanism that is regulated through genetic mechanisms. The study aims to understand the evolution and regulation of this process.
Researchers developed a novel technique to produce high-performing biometric sensors by printing them directly on human skin at room temperature. The sensors can capture precise temperature, humidity, blood oxygen levels, and heart performance signals, and are environmentally friendly, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.
A Penn State College of Medicine researcher is leading a three-year project to create an atlas of developing mice brains using computational tools and high-resolution imaging. The goal is to better understand brain development and identify key cells that may contribute to disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers found that accounting for climate variability increases predicted sea level rise by 2.7-4.3 inches by 2100, compared to 10.6-14.9 inches without variability. This additional ice melt will impact hurricane storm surges globally.
Fossils found in southeastern Yunan Province, China, reveal monkeys existed in Asia alongside apes, and are believed to be ancestors of modern East Asian monkeys. These ancient primates were well adapted for movement both on land and in trees, with a versatile diet that allowed them to thrive in diverse environments.
A large international study of COVID-19 patients found that pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes can increase a patient's risk of dying from the virus. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that these chronic conditions are a warning sign for a higher risk of death.