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.
A team of Penn State students developed a multi-pronged data analysis approach to improve IoT device security. They applied statistical data, machine learning, and other methods to identify potential security breaches and develop predictive patterns to anticipate attacks.
Researchers found that young infants with fevers are more likely to develop serious bacterial infections. Infants under eight weeks old have a doubled risk of developing such infections. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if their child develops a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
The economic cost of natural disasters has increased disproportionately for major events like hurricanes and tornadoes, while lesser events have seen less growth. Climate change is driving these increases, with the top 1% of damages estimated to rise by $26 million annually.
Scientists have observed a rare instance of interspecific feeding among songbirds, where an adult male Eastern bluebird is caring for the young of another species, the tree swallow. The unusual behavior is thought to be caused by the bluebird's confusion and 'place-based decision' to care for the wrong chicks.
A team of researchers led by Penn State's Ming Xiao is studying the effects of permafrost degradation on Alaskan communities and the world. The project aims to understand how ground changes, infrastructure, and social systems interact as temperatures rise.
A team of researchers is working on understanding the agility of hummingbirds to develop robotic systems that can mimic their complex escape maneuvers. By studying the aerodynamics, perception, motion planning, and control of hummingbird flight, the team hopes to create robots that can achieve high agility in fluid environments.
A comparative analysis of 60 municipal smart-city plans reveals four major types: Essential Services Model, Smart Transportation Model, Broad Spectrum Model, and Business Ecosystem Model. These categories offer targeted suggestions for implementing smart-city components, tailored to each city's socio-economic circumstances.
Researchers found that individuals with generalized anxiety disorder were more sensitive to emotional shifts and experienced anxiety during relaxation exercises. This sensitivity was linked to feeling anxious while being led through relaxation sessions.
Researchers have developed a method to transfer information using surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), enabling faster signal propagation in microelectronic chips. The technique, which uses multiple snapshots of electromagnetic fields, can potentially solve the problem of shrinking electronic components and improve the speed of chips.
A team of Penn State researchers developed a model that can accurately predict wind farm energy production and location. The model provides a probability curve for wind production, allowing companies to make informed decisions about investing in wind farms.
Researchers Keefe Manning and Yong Wang propose a new method of surface modification of nanoparticles for local drug delivery to prevent thrombosis in medical devices. The goal is to develop a solution that would reduce side effects and increase drug concentration without frequent administration of antithrombotic drugs.
Researchers will investigate factors contributing to successful post-adoption development in children adopted from the child welfare system, focusing on household dynamics and physiological mechanisms.
Researchers found that dads' childcare activities are more likely to be recreational and take place on the weekend, while mothers' activities involve infants and solo parenting. The study suggests that parents' happiness and stress levels depend on the type of childcare activity and context in which it takes place.
A new AI tool will predict near-term crop productivity for African farmers, providing insights into drought tolerance and suitable crops. The app, developed by Penn State researchers, aims to help farmers adapt to climate change through behavioral changes and best practices.
Researchers have designed a new class of modified pantothenamides that stop malaria parasites from replicating in humans and preventing transmission to mosquitoes. These compounds are effective against malaria parasites resistant to currently available drugs.
Researchers found that exposure to BMAA, a toxin produced by algae, can alter the structure of protein SOD1, leading to neurodegenerative disease ALS. The study suggests that studying patterns of SOD1 modifications may aid in developing lifestyle and preventative interventions for sporadic ALS.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming four servings of cheese per day alongside a high sodium diet may protect blood vessels from damage. The researchers discovered that antioxidants in cheese may play a role in preserving vascular health, providing an alternative strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Students in CTC participating districts showed significant reductions in marijuana, cigarette, alcohol use, and delinquent behavior compared to non-CTC districts. The study highlights the effectiveness of evidence-based programs in promoting healthy youth development.
Researchers have developed a brain-inspired, analog neural network that provides probabilistic responses for complex decision-making. The device is more energy efficient and produces less heat than current computing architectures.
A recent study found that rabbit and mouse papillomaviruses can be transferred by blood to their respective hosts, raising the possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission through blood in humans. The researchers also detected HPV sequences in mucous membranes like the tongue and genitals, as well as in the stomach.
Researchers have developed a new gene therapy that converts glial cells into neurons, improving motor function in mice and potentially treating stroke. The treatment uses the NeuroD1 gene and has been shown to increase neuronal density and reduce brain tissue loss in mouse models of stroke.
Researchers found that bus drivers who received a serving of fresh fruit in addition to their box lunch experienced significantly decreased depression levels and increased self-efficacy. These small gestures can make a big difference in improving worker performance and health.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to measure network changes over time, revealing key insights into the world economy's response to the 2008-2009 financial crisis. The study found significant rewiring in the global economy during this period, and its impact on countries' economic growth rates.
Research by Penn State scientists found that some ash trees have varying degrees of resistance to the emerald ash borer, allowing them to survive longer. The study suggests that genetic variation among trees could ensure the survival of the species.
A new study reveals that livestock managed in a system where they are the sole source of an owner's livelihood are more likely to become infected with PPRV. Herds from pastoral villages had 3.8 times the risk of becoming infected compared to agropastoral villages.
A new study by Penn State researchers proposes an updated biochemical pathway explaining how Methanosarcina acetivorans uses iron to produce methane and carbon dioxide. The microorganism can now be manipulated to alter greenhouse gas production, offering potential for climate change mitigation.