A recent study published in Appetite found that people who pay more attention to media coverage about Trump's diet are more likely to view fast food as a socially acceptable meal option. This increased attention is also associated with a greater likelihood of eating fast food in the near future, regardless of party affiliation.
A new algorithm called OnTAD rapidly identifies and elucidates the functions of topologically associating domains (TADs), which are disrupted in diseases like cancer. The tool reveals increased gene expression in hierarchical TADs, associated with active epigenetic states.
Dodder parasitic plant avoids genetic evolution arms race with host plants by sending microRNAs that shut down defense genes. The parasite targets conserved host genes and creates multiple versions of its genetic weaponry to ensure effectiveness.
A Penn State study found that hydration levels among women are associated with lower scores on tests measuring motor speed, sustained attention, and working memory. The researchers suggest that being 'in the sweet spot' of hydration is best for cognitive function, particularly for tasks requiring sustained attention.
Researchers at Penn State used fiber-optic cables to detect tiny seismic events caused by thunder during a storm, marking the first time scientists have recorded thunder-induced seismic events.
Researchers found that government regimes shifted their Twitter strategy after protests, using diverse topics and hashtags to distract citizens. The opposition also became less focused in response, potentially due to the regime's social media strategy.
A new study has discovered a way to identify disease-resistance genes in cacao trees, which could lead to the development of more sustainable farming systems and improved crop yields. The method uses genome sequencing to rapidly identify resistant genotypes and provides insights into the genetic diversity of cacao trees.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed protocells with enzymatic activity, actively moving independently like living cells. High ATP concentrations surprisingly suppress protocell movement by binding to the ATPase enzyme.
Researchers discovered that exercise increases brain oxygenation by packing more oxygen into the bloodstream, contradicting the long-held assumption that blood is always completely saturated with oxygen. This breakthrough sheds new light on the dynamic relationship between respiration and cerebral oxygenation.
A study by Penn State researchers found that women wearing hijabs in news stories can elicit harsher social judgment, with conservatives showing lower empathy and perceived innocence. The study suggests potential obstacles for women who wear hijabs in the real world, highlighting the need for more nuanced portrayals in media.
Researchers analyzed bushmeat samples from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and found 27 different groups of bacteria, including those causing anthrax, brucellosis, and Q fever. The team identified a high prevalence of Clostridial species, which cause diseases like botulism and tetanus.
Researchers found that people tend to move to counties with similar political preferences, creating a 'hollowing out' of the political center. This phenomenon suggests that politically extreme counties can act as magnets for migration, further widening the political divide.
Fourteen Penn State faculty members have been named AAAS fellows for their exceptional work in various scientific disciplines. These new fellows were recognized for their contributions to fields such as physics, astronomy, computer science, and entomology.
Researchers found that people experiencing higher felt love had significantly higher levels of psychological well-being and extraversion personality scores. They also developed a method to analyze noisy data using Bayesian latent stochastic differential equations model.
A team of researchers has developed an AI-powered system that can analyze placentas using computerized photographic image analysis, potentially improving health outcomes for mothers and babies. The system uses artificial intelligence to detect features linked to abnormalities and potential health risks.
Researchers suggest forest farming as a solution to unsustainable wild collection of medicinal plants, which can lead to overharvesting and loss of ecosystems. Forest farming promotes better quality products, stable income for farmers, and increased transparency in the supply chain.
Men with more traditional views on gender roles tend to have higher allostatic loads due to stress, while those with progressive views are protected. Financial dependency on women is not linked to increased stress, but traditional beliefs about gender roles are.
People living with or beyond cancer are more than twice as likely to die of a stroke compared to the general population. Certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and colorectum cancers, were found to be most commonly associated with fatal strokes.
Researchers discovered a rare gene mutation in the DUOX2 gene associated with familial thyroid cancer, which increases the risk of hereditary non-medullary thyroid cancer. The mutated protein produces excess hydrogen peroxide, potentially causing additional genetic mutations and increasing cancer risk.
A study by Penn State found that college students who got an additional 43 minutes of sleep per night experienced lower blood pressure and reduced sleepiness. The researchers also discovered that a relatively minor commitment to get more sleep can make a significant impact on improving health.
A $3.5 million NSF grant will enhance Galaxy's compatibility with GPUs, improving its speed and functionality. The goal is to reduce scientific discovery time from hours to minutes and seconds.
A study reveals how mitochondrial DNA is transmitted between generations, showing that a bottleneck occurs during oogenesis, reducing genetic diversity. This process can affect the inheritance of disease-related mutations, making it crucial for genetic counseling in women planning pregnancies.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a bio-inspired, liquid, sludge- and bacteria-repellent coating that can make toilets self-cleaning. The coating, called LESS, reduces the amount of water needed to flush a conventional toilet by half, making it more efficient and sustainable.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed a way to control the direction of self-propelled protocells using enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions. The protocells can move towards or away from specific chemical signals, enabling targeted drug delivery and reducing the amount of medication required.
New research from Penn State College of Medicine shows that JUUL delivers almost three times as much nicotine as most other e-cigarettes, with high concentrations in its pods. The study also found that JUUL is addictive and may be a less harmful alternative to cigarettes for smokers.
A recent study found that 17% of sexual minorities experienced discrimination in the previous year, with higher rates among males and older adults. The researchers aim to raise awareness about the need for continued work to reduce discrimination and promote inclusive policies.
Researchers found that urbanization decreases 'flashiness' -- rise and fall rates of water flow in streams -- in arid urban watersheds. This is the opposite pattern observed in wetter regions like the East. The study suggests lessons for better stormwater management everywhere.
Climate scientists have found that individual climate models may not provide the complete picture of the Earth's climate sensitivity due to underestimated internal climate variability. Combining uncertainty from multiple models yields wider distributions, improving long-term predictions.
A new study has discovered a direct link between ancient groundwater changes and climate fluctuations over tens of thousands of years. The research, led by Penn State scientists, used advanced dating technology to analyze the mineral sphalerite and found that changes in groundwater levels correlated with movements in Earth's orbit.
Researchers at Penn State combined geostationary satellites and traditional weather radar to create a system that produces the best forecasts for severe thunderstorms. The study found that assimilating satellite and radar data simultaneously leads to the most accurate predictions, with warning times increased by up to 40 minutes.
A team of Penn State researchers is investigating the deformation properties and poromechanical behavior of anhydrite-containing rock samples. Their goal is to improve models that predict the evolution of permeability and seal in areas where anhydrite is found.
Researchers used site-specific watershed data to determine the most cost-effective agricultural best management practices for a watershed. By applying customized BMPs tailored for the specific watershed, farmers could reduce sediment and nutrient loss by 26% less money.
Researchers developed a technique to reconfigure blue-phase liquid crystals into stable orthorhombic and tetragonal structures, leading to fast responses suitable for various display applications. The addition of a polymer stabilizes the crystals in a wide temperature range, speeding up switching responses.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine developed a new method to model gene interactions and predict changes over time. The idopNetwork can create personalized networks for individual patients, showing complex gene connections and predicting outcomes.
The US Department of Energy has funded three Penn State projects to enhance combustion turbine performance and efficiency in fossil fuel power generation. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing techniques to improve cooling effectiveness, fuel injection hardware, and ceramic matrix composite turbine vanes.
A $700,000 NSF grant will help researchers optimize lower limb robotic exoskeletons for patient comfort. The project aims to create a deeper interaction between humans and machines through machine learning techniques and co-learning.
Researchers recorded persistent drizzle at temperatures below minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit in Antarctica, with the presence of low concentrations of airborne particles contributing to its formation. The findings have implications for improving the accuracy of climate models in polar regions.
Researchers found that people with ACA health insurance are more likely to find themselves in 'artificial provider deserts,' areas with limited coverage, and must travel further to access care. The study highlights the need for consumers to carefully consider their insurance options to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
The malaria parasite expresses genes for proteins needed in later stages using two separate schemes of translational repression, which could be exploited to fight the disease. Researchers identified two programs that operate simultaneously and independently, allowing the parasite to quickly respond to changes in its environment.
Researchers develop self-heating battery to charge EVs in 10 minutes for 200-300 mile range, maintaining 2,500 cycles or half a million miles. Lithium plating reduces cell capacity and causes electrical spikes.
Researchers developed a lab-on-a-chip device to observe thousands of individual cells infected with virus, providing new information on infection dynamics. The device allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple cells, enabling researchers to test antiviral compounds and understand their effects.
Researchers created microscopic, 3D-printed tori (donuts) coated with nickel and platinum to mimic biological behavior. These 'micro swimmers' can swim in water, respond to signals, and transport particles, potentially delivering targeted drugs or aiding in micromixing.
A randomized, controlled feeding study found that eating one avocado a day was associated with lower levels of LDL (specifically small, dense LDL particles) and oxidized LDL in adults with overweight or obesity. Avocados also helped reduce oxidized LDL particles and increased antioxidant lutein levels.
A new study found that people's moral foundations are better predicted by their political attitudes than vice versa. The researchers tracked participants' moral values and political leanings over time, revealing that those with stable political beliefs were more likely to have consistent moral foundations.
Researchers surveyed consumers in the mid-Atlantic region to investigate wine preferences, recycling attitudes, and behaviors. The study found that about 85% of participants were willing to bring empty wine bottles to a winery for recycling. Wineries can attract younger customers by offering sustainable practices, such as recycling and...
The study reveals that flies execute four perfectly timed maneuvers to land upside down, including a rapid body rotational maneuver and leg-assisted body swing. The findings aim to inspire advanced robotic technology and understand the biomechanical and sensory processes involved.
Researchers at Penn State have successfully increased the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by adding the protein bacteriorhodopsin, boosting it from 14.5% to 17%. This breakthrough could lead to more environmentally friendly and cost-effective bioperovskite solar cell technology.
Researchers developed an AI system that analyzes data on drug-drug interactions to predict potential negative side effects, including long-term organ damage and death. The system identified over 1,700,000 reports of serious health outcomes from drug-drug interactions, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals.
Researchers are studying ventilation systems in large-opening mines to reduce diesel particulate matter exposure and improve workplace safety. They aim to develop new tools for booster fan optimization, air recirculation modeling, and seasonal ventilation pressure analysis.
A meta-analysis of 11 studies found that RTKI drugs with radiation therapy did not significantly improve survival rates but increased negative side effects. The study suggests holding RTKI drugs during radiation therapy to minimize side effects without affecting survival.