Researchers found that people tend to trust machines more than humans when it comes to private information, which can lead to online behaviors. The presence of a machine agent on the interface triggers this 'machine heuristic,' making users more likely to share sensitive info.
A study found that people who believe computers can surpass humans in tasks are more likely to accept self-driving cars. This 'posthuman ability' had a significant impact on acceptance, suggesting designers could re-envision car interiors with interactive devices.
Researchers found that tech-savvy people are more accepting of digital healthcare services, particularly when they have a strong belief in machine abilities and high levels of expertise. This suggests that designing interfaces to appeal to expert users can increase the adoption of automated healthcare providers.
Penn State researchers have discovered a way to control substrate defects to improve the quality of 2D materials, enabling wafer-scale growth. The new method uses hexagonal boron nitride as a surface to orient transition metal dichalcogenides in a preferred direction.
Researchers at Penn State have found that gravitational forces within protoplanetary disks can cause super-Earths to migrate closer to their host star. This simulation shows that chaotic interactions among planets and the gas disk can lead to synchronized orbits, resulting in super-Earths being pushed towards the star.
A new pilot program aims to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM fields by leveraging a successful program model. The program showed promising results, with underrepresented students experiencing higher retention rates and GPAs compared to non-participants.
Research found that individuals with depression who experienced stress in the previous 24 hours had worse endothelial function. The study also linked stress to more severe symptoms of depression and poor vascular function.
Researchers developed a microchannel trapping device to detect bacteria in patient samples quickly, reducing testing time from days to minutes. The device can classify bacteria into three main shapes and identify antimicrobial susceptibility directly from clinical samples.
An international team of anthropologists discovered a ancient ritual bundle in southwestern Bolivia containing multiple psychoactive substances, including cocaine, DMT, and ayahuasca. The researchers believe the shaman who owned this pouch consumed multiple plants simultaneously to produce different effects or extend their hallucinations.
Pennsylvania's tick population has shifted significantly over the past century, from Ixodes cookei to Ixodes scapularis, with climate change and habitat loss contributing to these changes. The dominant species is now linked to Lyme disease, highlighting the importance of robust surveillance and analysis of historical data.
A randomized controlled trial found that participants who ate whole walnuts daily had lower central blood pressure and reduced cardiovascular risk factors. Walnuts were found to have additive benefits on heart health, with alpha-linolenic acid and other bioactive compounds contributing to the positive effects.
A study found that new mothers who slept more had greater well-being, while fathers who slept more reported lower overall well-being. The researchers also discovered that on days when fathers exercised more, there was a lower likelihood of arguments with their partners.
Stakeholders rely on federal government-sponsored research to form opinions on hydraulic fracturing, viewing it as more neutral and credible. The study highlights the importance of federal research in reducing polarization and shaping the regulatory landscape.
A strategic mix of cover crops reduces nitrogen loss in the Chesapeake Bay, while also increasing yields in subsequent cash crops. Mixtures with a high proportion of legumes and a low rate of cereal rye are most effective.
Researchers have identified a key gene driving color differences in bumble bee species, revealing the genetic basis of mimicry and evolutionary adaptations. The study found that a specific regulatory region influences Abdominal-B gene expression, resulting in unique color patterns.
Researchers studying white-throated sparrows found that their bodies undergo significant changes during migration, including altered immune function and tissue-repair mechanisms. These changes allow the birds to perform well despite limited sleep, raising potential implications for human health.
Researchers discovered that certain bacteria use viruses to identify and kill rival bacteria for resources. The discovery has implications for synthetic biology and medicine, where understanding bacterial competition could lead to breakthroughs in treating infectious diseases.
Researchers found elevated ozone levels 30-50% higher than baseline conditions in the Amazon rainforest downwind of the city. Human activities release nitrogen oxides and VOCs that mix with plant-emitted gases, producing chemicals affecting regional air quality and climate.
A team of researchers discovered human skeletons on forest islands in southwestern Amazonia that date back up to 10,000 years, indicating the presence of hunter gatherers with early signs of agriculture. The findings provide strong evidence for the antiquity and origin of these sites.
Researchers have developed new Cryo-Chip substrates that improve contrast and specimen retention in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) imaging. These advancements enable faster data acquisition, leading to more efficient analysis of macromolecules in various biological systems.
A new protein-based sensor can detect tiny amounts of lanthanides, a crucial component of smartphone screens and electronics. The sensor uses a shape change to bind to the metal, allowing for rapid and inexpensive detection at the location of sampling.
Researchers at Penn State found that kids who don't drink water consume twice as many calories from sugary drinks. The study analyzed data from 8,400 children and found that those who didn't drink water exceeded the daily recommended limit for added sugars.
Researchers found that chatbots with human-like features but low interactivity disappointed people, while those with high interactivity were better received. Improving interactivity without adding human-like cues can also lead to a more positive user experience.
A new study by Penn State researchers finds that male fence lizards' physical traits and behaviors used to attract mates remain unchanged under low levels of stress. This suggests that these traits are more resilient to stress than previously thought.
Researchers confirm a long-hypothesized limit for weather prediction, first proposed in the 1960s, which is approximately two weeks on average. They used state-of-the-art models to test this limit and found that reliable forecasts are now possible nine to 10 days out in mid-latitudes.
The North Atlantic warming hole has a significant impact on the North Atlantic jet stream, leading to changes in atmospheric circulation and storm tracks. The cooling pattern caused by the warming hole is predicted to become greater and more apparent as the century progresses.
Researchers found that serving larger portions led to preschoolers eating 16% more food and consuming an extra 18% of calories. The study suggests that caregivers should pay attention to portion sizes and variety of food, with fruits and vegetables filling up half the plate.
A study by Penn State researchers estimates that the US government lost up to $37.8 billion in tax revenue between 2000 and 2016 due to opioid-related employment loss. The state of Pennsylvania was among the hardest hit, with approximately $638.2 million lost in income and sales tax.
Researchers develop new microscope, SCATTIRSTORM, to study cellulase and plant cell wall dynamics for more efficient biofuel production. The microscope enables high temporal resolution and spatial resolution, allowing for detailed understanding of enzyme activity.
Researchers at the Center for Self-Assembled Organic Electronics will integrate chemical synthesis, theory, and simulations to develop next-generation materials capable of converting sunlight into electricity. The goal is to create lightweight and flexible solar cells that can be deployed in various environments and scenarios.
A new research project aims to investigate how opioid use is treated in adolescence, a significant public health problem. The study will analyze insurance claims data to identify patterns of opioid use leading up to addiction and long-term treatment outcomes.
A study by Penn State researchers found that employees who regularly fake or suppress emotions to provide good customer service are at risk of heavier drinking after work. The results suggest that employers may need to rethink their policies on employee happiness and job autonomy.
Researchers found that spotted lanternflies create level or gradually descending straight-line flight paths, averaging 75 feet in length. The insects tend to orient strongly to nearby visual landmarks and begin feeding immediately after landing.
A protein complex, Ccr4-Not, has been shown to recruit factors that mark RNAPII with ubiquitin, triggering its degradation and clearing the jam. This process is essential for normal cell function and preventing diseases associated with DNA damage.
Researchers found that spillover-aggression from parents towards each other can cause children to exhibit greater fear during future incidents of interparental aggression. Spillover-exposed children are more likely to engage in their parents' conflicts by attempting to solve the problem or making peace.
Penn State researchers develop a novel zinc germanosilicate glass with high transparency, UV shielding, and favorable forming properties, making it an ideal material for lens applications. The new glass composition overcomes roadblocks associated with achieving high refractive index, such as crystallization and toxicity.
Researchers found that flavonoids, produced by sorghum plants to defend against insect feeding, are effective in repelling corn leaf aphids. The compounds are not present in the phloem but in epidermal cells, where they can be taken up by insects and lead to their demise.
Researchers found that injecting manure into the soil versus broadcasting it on the surface can conserve nitrogen, while planting rye as a winter cover crop or double-cropping rye and corn can increase forage production. By incorporating these strategies, dairy farmers can reduce nitrogen loss and improve water quality.
Researchers have found that invasive round gobies in French Creek are consuming native freshwater mussels, posing a significant threat to their survival. The study's findings highlight the potential ecological disaster if gobies continue to spread in the watershed.
Researchers have uncovered ancient ritual offerings near Lake Titicaca that pre-date the arrival of the Incas by several centuries. The findings suggest a more complex and ambitious spiritual system among the Tiwanaku people, who developed in the area between 500-1,100 AD.
A team of researchers developed an interactive program using trade-off diagrams to support decision-making in complex scenarios. The tool allows for compromises and balancing of competing interests, increasing decision quality with contextual information. However, interactivity also improves decision-making, but to a lesser extent.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a system using unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based robots to monitor air temperatures and provide targeted heating to protect crops from frost damage. The project aims to minimize energy use while maximizing precision in frost protection, with the goal of reducing economic losses for growers.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Alabama developed a technique to spin starch fibers using Lego pieces, creating potential scaffolds for lab-grown 'clean' meat. The starch fiber mats have been optimized for better alignment and strength, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new method for measuring the quantum states of atomic qubits with unprecedented accuracy, achieving a fidelity of 0.9994. This breakthrough enables the development of more reliable and efficient quantum computers.
Lian's team developed a new method to differentiate stem cells into pancreatic beta cells, using small molecules that stimulate cell signaling pathways. The approach aims to create functional beta cells from stem cells for Type 1 diabetes treatment and has the potential for broad commercial impact.
Researchers found that male serial killers tend to 'hunt' strangers, while female serial killers target people they already know for financial gain. This study, published in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences, may inform murder investigations and prevention programs.
Researchers at Penn State and Argonne National Laboratory created a stable supercrystal using a burst of blue laser light. The supercrystal has a unit cell one million times larger than ordinary crystals, with properties that don't exist in equilibrium nature.
Research found that adolescents who witness parental conflict experience lower self-efficacy, but success in school and peer support can compensate. Schools may be an untapped resource for helping teens develop self-efficacy, suggesting a broader developmental context beyond academics.
Researchers have discovered an anti-inflammatory compound in avocado seeds, which could help treat conditions like arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. The study provides evidence of bioactive compounds in avocado seeds that inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) to improve the stability of lithium metal batteries, allowing for increased energy density and safety. The SEI is made from a reactive polymer composite that creates a stable bond between the lithium electrode and electrolyte.