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Penn State


Moving faster in a crowd

New research shows that particle transport in crowded cells can be faster than in non-crowded environments, especially when moving from densely crowded areas to less crowded ones. The study used microfluidics and tracer colloids to investigate the effects of non-uniformly distributed crowding molecules on particle movement.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 30, 2019

Crouching lion, hidden giraffe

Research reveals that giraffes with calves prioritize predator avoidance over food in areas with high lion populations. Human presence also plays a role, with giraffes seeking safety near traditional pastoralist compounds.

SourcePenn State·JournalOecologia·DateAug 29, 2019

New insights into genetic basis of bird migration

Researchers identify VPS13A gene associated with migratory behavior in golden-winged and blue-winged warblers, shedding light on the complex genetic factors behind bird migration. The study's findings may have important conservation implications for declining populations of these species.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2019

Data assimilation method offers improved hurricane forecasting

A new approach developed at Penn State's Center for Advanced Data Assimilation and Predictability Techniques can accurately forecast the intensity and trajectory of Hurricane Harvey. The method uses data from the GOES-16 satellite and Penn State's all-sky radiance technique, which more accurately models hurricanes.

SourcePenn State·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 15, 2019

How many Earth-like planets are around sun-like stars?

A new study provides the most accurate estimate of the frequency that planets similar to Earth occur around sun-like stars, which will be important for designing future astronomical missions. The researchers' novel approach allows them to account for several effects not included in previous studies.

Marijuana may boost risky effects of drinking alcohol

A new study from Penn State found that simultaneous alcohol and marijuana use is associated with heavier drinking, more frequent consumption, and higher levels of sensation-seeking characteristics. Individuals who used both substances simultaneously were also more likely to experience alcohol-related problems.

SourcePenn State·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateAug 13, 2019

Barn owls may hold key to navigation and location

Researchers recreated barn owl brain circuitry in electronics, mimicking the ability to locate prey using sound to within one to two degrees. The electronic circuit can supersede the owl's precision by orders of magnitude and may lead to more accurate and energy-efficient navigation devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2019

How we care for the environment may have social consequences

Researchers found that men and women were more likely to question each other's sexual orientation if they engaged in non-conforming environmental behaviors. Women were also more likely to avoid men who preferred masculine behaviors. The study highlights the social consequences of gendered pro-environmental behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 30, 2019

Researchers estimate societal costs of the opioid epidemic

Researchers estimate that opioid misuse reduced state tax revenue by over $11 billion and increased Medicaid costs associated with opioid use disorder to more than $3 billion. The study also found significant costs to the child welfare system, criminal justice system, and education sector.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJul 30, 2019

Clues on how soils may respond to climate change found

Researchers found drastic drops in organic material preserved in core samples from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum event, suggesting soils emitted atmospheric carbon dioxide. The findings could mean global climate models overestimate terrestrial ecosystems' ability to mitigate future warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateJul 24, 2019

How to restore a coral reef

A new paper outlines concrete guidelines for restoring coral populations by maximizing genetic diversity, allowing them to adapt to local conditions and thrive. The guidelines, developed by a consortium of experts, provide a definitive plan for collecting, raising, and replanting corals in locations similar to their original environment.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 23, 2019

Novel powdered milk method yields better frothing agent

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to create skim milk powders with enhanced properties and functionality, offering a potential replacement for synthetic emulsifying agents. The new processing technology could lead to the creation of foaming agents that are recognizable on food labels.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Food Engineering·DateJul 23, 2019

Maintaining shelf-stable drugs

A new mathematical model describes how highly concentrated antibody solutions separate into different phases, similar to an oil and water mixture. This separation can reduce the stability and shelf-life of some drugs that use monoclonal antibodies.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

New tuberculosis tests pave way for cow vaccination programs

A new skin test can accurately differentiate between cattle infected with tuberculosis (TB) and those that have been vaccinated against the disease. This breakthrough has significant implications for reducing TB transmission from cattle to humans through unpasteurized milk or co-habitation with infected animals.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2019

A single measurement may help determine kneecap instability risk

Researchers found that measuring the distance between the tibial tubercle and trochlear groove using MRI can accurately predict knee instability. A TT-TG distance of 13 mm is identified as a guideline for identifying patients at risk, with further study planned to explore contributing factors.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJul 17, 2019

Using artificial intelligence to detect discrimination

Researchers developed an AI tool to detect discrimination in salaries and policing, using causality-based counterfactual inference algorithms. The tool was tested on various datasets and found evidence of gender-based discrimination in salary, with women having lower odds of receiving a salary over $50,000 per year.

Awareness of product transformation increases recycling

A study by Penn State researchers found that when consumers are reminded of the products that their recyclables can be turned into, they are more likely to recycle. The team conducted a series of studies where participants were shown advertisements featuring product transformation, and results showed a significant increase in recycling...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 10, 2019

Using artificial intelligence to better predict severe weather

Researchers developed an AI framework that detects rotational movements in clouds from satellite images, pointing to potentially threatening storm formations. The method achieved 99% accuracy and predicted 64% of severe weather events, outperforming existing detection methods.

SourcePenn State·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateJul 2, 2019

Researchers look to unlock post-traumatic stress disorder puzzle

A team of researchers has identified a key link between pre-existing brain circuit function and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) vulnerability. The study found that rats with altered neural circuit connectivity were more prone to fearful responses to threats, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of PTSD.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2019

Milk: Best drink to reduce burn from chili peppers

Researchers at Penn State's Sensory Evaluation Center found that milk significantly reduces capsaicin burn, with whole milk and skim milk showing the largest reductions. Milk's effectiveness is attributed to its protein content, which may play a more relevant role than fat content.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 25, 2019

Vanilla makes milk beverages seem sweeter

Researchers at Penn State used vanilla to reduce sugar content in flavored milk, finding that participants perceived the beverage as significantly sweeter. The study aims to develop a reduced-sugar chocolate milk for the National School Lunch Program.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 20, 2019

South African forests show pathways to a sustainable future

Researchers found that coastal, indigenous forests in South Africa store a moderate to large amount of carbon, making them important for conservation. The study also highlights the need to balance forest productivity with local community needs in order to achieve sustainable development.

SourcePenn State·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateJun 19, 2019