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Penn State


Study finds evidence for existence of elusive 'metabolon'

Researchers at Penn State have directly observed functional metabolons involved in generating purines, the most abundant cellular metabolites. The findings suggest that enzymes are not haphazardly located throughout cells but instead occur in discrete clusters, or metabolons, that carry out specific metabolic pathways.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2020

Amazonian crops domesticated 10,000 years ago

Researchers confirm early plant cultivation in southwestern Amazonia, dating back to 10,350 years ago, with evidence of manioc and squash. The discovery suggests that the earliest inhabitants were not just hunter-gatherers but also engaged in plant cultivation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateApr 8, 2020

Organic soybean producers can be competitive using little or no tillage

A new study by Penn State researchers found that organic soybean producers using no-till and reduced-tillage production methods can achieve similar yields at competitive costs compared to traditional tillage-based production. This sustainable method reduces labor, fuel, and input costs while conserving soil health and water quality.

SourcePenn State·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateMar 31, 2020

Scientists tap unused energy source to power smart sensor networks

Researchers have created a device capable of converting low-level magnetic fields into usable electricity, with 400% higher power output than existing technology. This technology has significant implications for designing self-powered wireless sensor networks in smart buildings, potentially leading to substantial energy savings.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 31, 2020

Engineers model mutations causing drug resistance

Engineers have developed a method to predict which mutations will occur in people, making it easier to create effective pharmaceuticals. The researchers used algorithms similar to those used in chemical physics to model how evolution works and found that biased random events play a big part in the evolution of resistance in leukemia.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 24, 2020

Improving success of giraffe translocations

Researchers developed guidelines for giraffe translocations to ensure long-term population viability, including ideal group composition and decision-making processes. A founding population of 30 females and 3 males is recommended for initial translocations, while larger groups can be used to maintain genetic diversity.

SourcePenn State·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateMar 19, 2020

Pesticide seed coatings are widespread but underreported

The study found that farmers know less about pesticides applied to their seeds than those applied in other ways, due to seed treatments being exempt from labeling requirements. This lack of knowledge can lead to overuse of pesticides, harming the environment and farmers' health. The researchers recommend improved labelling of pesticide...

SourcePenn State·JournalBioScience·DateMar 17, 2020

Compartments without borders

Researchers at Penn State developed a laboratory method to create membraneless compartments within a liquid, allowing them to segregate and concentrate components for important cellular functions. The findings could provide insight into how cells use these compartments to perform different tasks in different locations, with potential a...

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMar 17, 2020

Community factors influence how long you'll live, study shows

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that communities with more fast food restaurants, higher population density, and jobs in the extraction industry have shorter life expectancies. Conversely, areas with growing populations, good access to physicians, and high social cohesion tend to have longer lifespans.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 10, 2020

Community factors influence how long you'll live, study shows

A new study by Penn State researchers found that community characteristics play a significant role in determining life expectancy, with factors such as fast food restaurants, population density, and jobs in the extraction industry negatively affecting lifespan. Conversely, social capital, good access to physicians, and lower population...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

Machine sucks up tiny tissue spheroids and prints them precisely

Researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses aspiration-assisted printing to place tiny tissue spheroids in precise locations, enabling the creation of homogeneous and heterocellular tissues. This method has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and microphysiological systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Researchers identify breaking point of conducting material

Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to predict the temperature when plastics change from supple to brittle, which could accelerate the development of flexible electronics. The study found that a simple relationship between chemical structure and glass transition temperature can be used to predict embrittlement point.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2020

Looking for aliens who might be looking for us

Astronomers led by Penn State graduate student Sofia Sheikh conducted a massive survey of radio emissions from 20 nearby stars, looking for technological signatures of extraterrestrial civilizations. Despite finding no technosignatures, the analysis sets rigorous limits on the presence of advanced civilizations in our galaxy.

Local genetic adaption helps sorghum crop hide from witchweed

Research finds that sorghum crops in areas with high witchweed prevalence have genetic adaptations to resist the parasite, altering hormone production. While these mutations confer some resistance, they also affect photosynthesis and growth, raising potential trade-offs.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2020

Social media content matters for job candidates, researchers find

Researchers found that hiring managers perceive candidates with self-absorbed or overly opinionated social media profiles as less suitable for employment. The study also discovered that content suggesting drug or alcohol use has a smaller impact on perceptions of employment suitability.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Selection and Assessment·DateFeb 5, 2020