The study observed a rare phenomenon known as the dynamic breaking of Friedel's Law in layered van der Waals materials, where the pairs of Bragg peaks show opposite oscillating patterns. This unique behavior is attributed to the lattice structure of the material and its effect on electron diffraction.
Researchers found a statistically significant difference in storm structure between those producing tornadoes and non-tornadic supercells, which could lead to more accurate warnings. The study suggests using polarimetric radar data to identify the orientation of raindrop shapes, potentially improving tornado warning times.
Researchers at Penn State suggest that supermassive black hole coronae could be the source of high-energy cosmic neutrinos, exceeding expectations. The new model predicts electromagnetic counterparts in soft gamma-rays, with next-generation detectors poised to explore this possibility.
Researchers have gained a new understanding of relaxor ferroelectric behavior, which relies on both experiment and theoretical modeling. This breakthrough shows that relaxor ferroelectricity in polymers comes from chain conformation disorders induced by chirality.
Research confirms that breeding areas with more open canopies do provide opportunities for timber rattlesnakes to reach required body temperatures, but also increase risk of hawks and bobcats. Forest managers should balance canopy cover and predation risk during future conservation efforts.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that genetic deletions linked to neurodevelopmental disorders affect not only brain development but also other parts of the body. The findings suggest that these deletions can cause defects in multiple organ systems, including heart, kidney, and skeletal structures.
Researchers found that consumers can identify different bitter compounds in beer, but this does not influence their liking for the beverage. The study suggests that beer drinkers prefer a general bitterness rather than specific bitter qualities, which may help breweries with quality assurance.
The 2017 Women's March drew little negative commentary on Twitter, with most tweets about the event being positive and supportive. Despite some controversy, the march was met with widespread enthusiasm, with over 40,000 users tweeting about the event on its day.
Researchers at Penn State and Xiangtan University developed a device that analyzes sweat for biomarkers like pH and glucose to monitor health conditions. The single-opening device reduces evaporation and allows for on-the-spot analysis using a colorimetric approach.
Scientists at Penn State have fabricated a 'photonic topological insulator' that can mediate interaction between photons and form self-sustaining wave patterns called solitons. This innovation could lead to more efficient lasers, medical imaging, and other photonic technologies.
Researchers estimate that the initial COVID-19 infection rate was undercounted due to testing issues and asymptomatic individuals. They found that excess ILI data showed a nearly perfect correlation with the spread of COVID-19, suggesting a much greater undiagnosed population than originally thought.
Researchers discovered well-preserved conifer fossils in Patagonia that show the Araucaria genus has roots in the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The findings suggest that relatives of Norfolk Island pines were part of a rainforest stretching across Australasia and Antarctica.
A recent study found that seven patient samples contained M. orygis, a subspecies not typically associated with human TB, indicating potential zoonotic transmission in India. The researchers suggest broadening the definition of zoonotic TB to include other MTBC subspecies capable of causing human disease.
A Penn State sociologist finds that opinions on non-political issues are increasingly aligned with ideology, forming a 'political oil spill' phenomenon. This division is growing broader and more complex, threatening compromise and agreement.
Researchers found that forests on shale bedrock store 25% more live aboveground carbon and grow 55% faster than those on sandstone bedrock, making them ideal for conservation and carbon sequestration.
A team of Penn State professors has received a $3 million grant to investigate food resilience in the face of catastrophic global events. The researchers aim to develop strategies for emergency food production, including the use of alternative crops, soilless growing systems, and long-term storage methods.
A study analyzing trends in muskrat mortality found associations with viruses, fungal infections, and toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides. The research provides a baseline for understanding potential role of pathogens and contaminants in declining muskrat populations across North America.
A new image of the LSD1 enzyme reveals its role in regulating genes and interacting with the nucleosome. The discovery sheds light on how cancer cells disrupt normal development and highlights potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers investigate vulnerability of smart city water and energy systems to cyber attacks, which can cause blackouts and damage. The study aims to develop detection methodologies to counteract such criminal acts using mathematical attack models and big data analytics-based methods.
Researchers have developed self-assembling biomimetic composites with unusual electrical properties. By breaking the rule of mixtures, these materials can exhibit different in-plane and out-of-plane conductivities.
A genetic analysis of brook trout in Loyalsock Creek drainage reveals that fish are moving between tributaries, using the mainstem as a seasonal corridor. This finding contradicts previous research and suggests that conservation efforts should focus on larger streams and rivers to protect critical movement corridors.
Researchers at Penn State created a brief animated video to educate people about the risks of antibiotics, finding it effective in convincing participants that antibiotic use can be risky. The study suggests that a video intervention could help increase public awareness and promote antibiotic stewardship.
A Penn State research team examined the effects of differential privacy on mortality rates in 2010, revealing dramatic changes in population counts for racial and ethnic minorities. The findings highlight concerns about data accuracy, funding allocations, and understated health risks in some areas.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a handheld ultraviolet light device that can effectively disinfect areas by killing the novel coronavirus. The device uses high-performance UV LEDs emitting a high intensity of UV light, which is currently limited by transparent electrode materials.
A new study suggests that northern pintails are caught in an ecological trap, favoring cropland over scarce alternative nesting habitat, leading to nest failures and population decline. Climate change and drainage practices also contribute to their vulnerability.
The study aims to develop optical radiation products used in large-scale sanitation processes and create a lamp with both germicidal and lighting elements. Researchers will test different wavelengths of ultraviolet light against coronaviruses like COVID-19.
A new urine-testing system inspired by nature can identify metabolites that cause kidney stones to form, enabling patients to receive results within 30 minutes. The test is more cost-effective and simpler than current methods, making it a promising solution for managing urinary stone disease.
A Penn State study found that eating a meal with six grams of spice blend reduced inflammation markers compared to meals with less or no spices. The researchers discovered anti-inflammatory properties in the blend, which may help offset inflammation caused by high-carb and high-fat meals.
Researchers developed a method to create affordable and stronger car materials using graphene-reinforced carbon fibers. The process reduces production cost by up to 67% while increasing strength by 225%. This technology has the potential to improve safety and reduce costs in vehicle production.
A research team is investigating how the pandemic affects academic performance, particularly among low-income and first-generation students. They will examine various factors such as housing, internet access, and caregiving responsibilities to identify barriers to learning.
A researcher at Penn State is testing the efficacy of common disinfectants against viruses. The study aims to determine the optimal contact time for sanitizing surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Researchers at Penn State have successfully developed a novel plasma medicine technique that effectively targets and kills bacteria in liquid cultures without developing resistance. The process uses low-temperature plasma generated from atmospheric pressure or liquids, creating reactive particles with antibacterial effects.
A new study found that middle-aged adults reported more daily stress and lower well-being in the 2010s compared to the 1990s. The researchers attribute this increase to the added responsibilities of childcare, eldercare, and work, as well as the pace of technological advances.
Researchers developed a new process to combine multiple disease models for outbreak management, reducing uncertainty and providing better tools for decision makers. The three-part process allows policymakers to evaluate valuable ideas from across the modeling community and identify critical uncertainties to prioritize research directions.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new supercapacitor based on manganese oxide that combines the benefits of batteries and other supercapacitors. The device has high energy density and power, making it suitable for electric vehicles and wearable electronics.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that manipulating a single gene can induce stress memory in plants, giving them increased vigor and productivity. This epigenetic technique allows for non-genetically modified crops with improved resilience.
A new study found that mosquitoes are most likely to transmit malaria in the early evening when people are exposed, followed by midnight and morning. This shift in biting behavior could reduce the effectiveness of bed nets in preventing malaria.
Researchers are exploring quantum computing's potential in accelerating drug discovery for COVID-19 treatment. By generating complex compounds quickly, they aim to find a cure faster and more efficiently than traditional methods.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze 30 years of crop-yield data, finding that warmer conditions are causing corn yields to increase in humidity and decrease with extreme temperatures. The study predicts a shift in corn and soybean production from Iowa and Illinois to Minnesota and the Dakotas as optimal climate conditions change.
A recent storm in Argentina produced hailstones up to 9.3 inches across, potentially setting a new world record. Researchers suggest classifying such large hailstones as 'gargantuan' and emphasize the need for more awareness and data collection to better understand these extreme events.
Researchers at Penn State are developing microwave plasma technology to produce hydrogen and graphene from natural gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The technology enables rapid heating of gas and can be powered by renewable electricity, making it a promising solution for the hydrogen economy.
Researchers identified top food sources for urban honey bees, including trees like maples and oaks in spring, and woody vines like Virginia creeper in summer and fall. The study highlights actionable findings for urban land management, beekeepers, and homeowners to sustain honey bees and other pollinator species.
Researchers modeled measles dynamics using 40 years of English and Welsh data, revealing local town spread contributes to virus persistence before vaccination. After introduction, unidentifiable sources became main reintroduction pathway.
Researchers found that people are hesitant to use single sign-on services for sensitive apps like relationship and financial apps, citing concerns about data leakage and privacy. Participants preferred to use their email address or create a new account to access these apps.
Researchers at Penn State developed a public-speaking tutor on Amazon Alexa, which helps users recognize and modify negative thinking behaviors. The study found that the tutor eased pre-speech anxiety in participants.
A study published in CHI 2020 found that users are influenced by contextual cues to disclose personal information, including social security numbers and phone numbers. The researchers identified 12 heuristics, or mental shortcuts, that trigger this behavior, such as the bandwagon heuristic and authority cue.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that providing users with the option to adjust privacy and content settings on Amazon Alexa does not necessarily increase their trust in the platform. In fact, for power users, it can have an unfavorable effect. However, customizing content increased trust among sensitive users.
Researchers found that a common soil fungus can promote plant growth and boost defense responses in corn plants, suppressing pest growth. This discovery could be an valuable ally for organic corn growers facing challenges with insect control.
Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9 protocol that allows genetic modification of whiteflies, which can lead to novel control strategies. The technique enables the deletion of genes in whiteflies, allowing scientists to investigate genetic control strategies for this devastating pest.
Microalgae in coral cells may compensate with other metals when iron is limited, potentially affecting vital biological functions. Research found that different species of microalgae acquire other trace metals in unique quantities, which could have cascading effects on coral health.