A newly discovered protein from the bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens has been found to be 100 million times better at binding to lanthanides than to other metals. The protein's unique structure may explain its remarkable selectivity, which could provide insights into detecting and targeting rare-earth metals for industrial purposes.
Researchers use human T cells to create unbreakable encryption keys, solving a problem in mathematical algorithms that relies on one-way functions. The approach is designed to protect against increasingly powerful computers and quantum computing.
Research reveals that low-income, rural kids are at higher risk of second- and third-hand smoke exposure, with as many as 63% of children having detectable levels of cotinine. The study found that frequent moves, lower income, and more adults in the home increase a child's exposure to smoke.
Researchers found that tilled fields had smaller ant nests, which consume fewer weed seeds, while no-till fields had more evenly distributed ant nests. This suggests that preserving ant colonies by reducing tillage could benefit farmers in managing weeds.
Researchers developed a biodegradable edible film made with plant starch and antimicrobial compounds to control the growth of foodborne pathogens on seafood. The film successfully killed vibrio and salmonella bacteria, which are linked to gastrointestinal problems when consumed.
Researchers have discovered the oldest known plant virus, a 1,000-year-old virus from ancient corncobs at an Ancestral Puebloan ruin in Arizona. The discovery reveals that chrysoviruses can persist in plants for long periods and may confer potential benefits to the plant.
Researchers found that teens who used cognitive reappraisal had better metabolic measures, while those who suppressed emotions had more inflammation. The study suggests that emotion regulation strategies developed in adolescence can affect health later in life.
A study by Penn State researchers found that setting speed limits below engineering recommendations leads to an increase in fatal and injury crashes. Lowering speed limits by 10-25 miles per hour resulted in a decrease in property damage-only crashes, but drivers often ignore lower speed limits
A new Louis Stokes Regional Center of Excellence will help broaden participation of minority students in nanotechnology and STEM fields. The center will provide remote access to nanotechnology instruments, research experience, and professional development for educators.
Research suggests that having a regular bedtime and getting enough sleep from early childhood may lead to healthier body weight in adolescence. Children who had age-appropriate bedtimes were found to have optimal sleep patterns and lower BMI compared to those with suboptimal bedtimes.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a system to manipulate electrons based on their energy and momentum, enabling controlled partitioning of electron flow. This technology could potentially be used to create 'color-coded' roads for electrons, revolutionizing the field of electronics.
Researchers have developed a novel 3D imaging technique called COBRA that visualizes the atomic and electron density structure of complex perovskite crystal structures. This breakthrough enables the study of materials with unique properties, such as ferroelectricity and superconductivity.
A mobile application will register natural head and body movements, distinguish between different skin tones and lighting conditions, and capture vital signs such as pulse rate. The project aims to expand beyond a 'wellness app' classification by the FDA, to an FDA-approved tool that can be used globally.
Researchers found that customization features inspiring autonomy, community, and competence led to increased tracked workouts and weight lifted. Relatedness and competence also predicted user behavior, with gender playing a role in these effects.
Researchers found that combining low doses of paraquat herbicide with sugar-binding proteins called lectins triggered Parkinsonism-like symptoms in rats. The study suggests that the toxin travels from the stomach to the brain, forming a misfolded protein alpha-synuclein that causes the disease.
Research found that young women who received health and beauty information from friends were more likely to believe indoor tanning made them look and feel better. However, those who got information from news sites understood the immediate risks of indoor tanning.
Researchers found that girls who gained weight rapidly between ages 5 and 15 were more likely to be obese at 24. A follow-up study of 182 participants found a 93% rate of overweight or obesity in those with accelerated weight gain, compared to 20-37% in other groups.
Research reveals that eastern fence lizards adapt their behavioral and physical traits to avoid being attacked by fire ants. As fire ants expand their range northward, lizards switch from relying on camouflage to twitching and fleeing to remove the ants, leading to significant changes in limb length and stress physiology.
A new study links frequent, seasonal fires to the formation and expansion of ancient grasslands. The researchers used a novel approach to analyze plant biomarkers in fossil soils, revealing that fire played a crucial role in shaping the landscape.
A study by Penn State researchers found that there are five distinct classes of people with alcohol use disorder, each characterized by specific symptoms. Young adults were more likely to fit the profile with excessive drinking and withdrawal symptoms, while older adults struggled with cutting back on their drinking.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that citrate, a natural product found in bones and citrus fruit, can fuel bone healing by providing extra energy for stem cells. This understanding will help develop slow-release biomaterials to speed up bone repair and reduce inflammation.
Frogs from quiet ponds exhibit increased stress hormone levels and impaired immune function when exposed to traffic noise. In contrast, frogs from noisy ponds display a dampened stress response and altered immune profile, which reduces the negative effects of traffic noise.
A Penn State study suggests that children's executive functions in kindergarten can predict their mathematics, reading, and science achievement, as well as classroom behavior, in second grade. Deficits in working-memory, a key component of executive functions, are strongly linked to repeated academic difficulties across elementary school.
Scientists analyzed pre- and post-drilling water samples to identify methane contamination sources near Marcellus Shale gas wells. The study found that drilling-related methane leaks can change water chemistry, mobilizing metals and releasing unwanted compounds.
Researchers at Penn State will investigate a new approach for removing rare-earth fission products from molten salt baths using liquid metals. The goal is to increase the recovery efficiency of rare-earth elements and minimize nuclear waste.
Penn State researchers found that people can learn to associate colors with tastes and that some people are quicker learners than others. They also discovered that different bitter compounds have distinct taste profiles, which may explain why people enjoy some bitter flavors but not others.
Researchers developed a three-dimensional polymer sponge that promotes ion transfer while inhibiting dendritic growth in lithium metal batteries, potentially increasing cycle life and safety. The technology could enable more powerful and stable metal battery technologies for everyday use.
Researchers found that certain DNA structures, like G-quadruplexes, can slow down or speed up DNA synthesis, affecting error rates. Non-B DNA regions with specific motifs were associated with increased sequencing errors and human disease susceptibility.
Researchers used epigenetic reprogramming to modify soybean plants' response to stress, resulting in more vigorous and productive plants. The 'memory' effect allows the plants to adapt to environmental stresses over multiple generations.
Researchers found genetic changes in Batwa and Andamanese populations that influenced growth factor binding pathways and cardiac muscle tissue development. This suggests a connection between short stature and cardiac problems in these populations.
Researchers at Penn State are developing new standardized mobile technologies to gather high-precision data on mental and cognitive function in everyday life. This project aims to provide insights for developing prevention measures and improving quality of life for older adults.
Researchers found that small ParkScore improvements lead to increased physical exercise among residents, with cities like Minneapolis and San Francisco ranking high. The study suggests that investing in park infrastructure can positively impact public health, with a collective effect of improved fitness and well-being.
Researchers have developed a new approach to design more efficient wind farms by incorporating factors such as wind speed, turbine spacing, and land size. The algorithm uses biogeographical-based optimization to minimize computational cost while maximizing efficiency.
A new study reveals that Anopheles mosquitoes, including species found in the US, can carry and transmit Mayaro virus, which causes fever, joint aches, and other symptoms. The researchers tested six mosquito species and found that all four Anopheles species were competent laboratory vectors of the virus.
Subtle visual cues, such as crowd size and connectivity icons, can encourage users to disclose more information on online forums. The study tested these cues on a sexual health forum and found that participants were more willing to share private information when they felt connected to others in the network.
A new gene therapy can reprogram brain glial cells into functioning neurons, potentially treating stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers hope the innovative technology may one day help patients with severe neurological disorders.
A team of Penn State researchers found that hot temperatures lead to changes in plant RNA structure, linked to a loss in messenger RNAs. This process may help plants cope with heat stress and drought conditions, offering insights into developing more resilient crops.
A study by Penn State found that adults who sleep six hours per night have significantly more concentrated urine and higher odds of dehydration compared to those who sleep eight hours. This is due to the body's hormonal system regulating hydration, particularly the hormone vasopressin.
A study by Penn State researchers highlights inadequate food safety practices among farmers market vendors, with key areas of concern including hand washing, personal hygiene, and cross-contamination. The researchers recommend a tailored training program to address these issues and ensure safe food sales in Pennsylvania.
Climate scientists predict that extreme summers, like 2018, will continue if countries don't phase out fossil fuels; however, switching to cleaner coal-burning technology can mitigate this effect. Aerosols play a crucial role in regulating temperatures and cooling the planet.
The NSF has awarded a $9.98 million grant to Penn State to establish and lead the Center for Trustworthy Machine Learning, aiming to develop rigorous techniques to manage and mitigate machine learning security vulnerabilities. The center will bring together experts from multiple disciplines to advance the science of safe machine learning.
Researchers found high levels of fungicide resistance in dollar spot isolates from golf courses, ranging from 41-85% compared to resistant-free samples. The study suggests that fine-tuning fungicide programs can help reduce the need for repeated applications and save golf courses money.
A team of psychologists found that moral outrage can lead to collective action and inspire people to take part in long-term social change. The study, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, combined findings from moral psychology and intergroup psychology to investigate the dynamics of outrage.
Research found that affordable housing is linked to health problems like asthma, stress, and alcoholism, especially among higher-income citizens and conservatives, who are more responsive to personal responsibility themes
Freshwater mussels filter water and record chemical composition in their shells, revealing elevated strontium levels downstream of fracking wastewater disposal sites. The long-term effects of fracking on sediments and aquatic life are still being uncovered.
Researchers have identified a novel subclass of metal-free ribonucleotide reductase enzymes used by bacterial pathogens to replicate their DNA without the required metal ions. This discovery could drive the development of new, more effective antibiotics that target this enzyme.
Researchers found that when mothers reported less flexibility in their work schedules, their children got less sleep. However, consistent bedtimes may be the key to offsetting damage done by tight work schedules. Employers can create policies to give employees more flexibility, which could help promote sleep health from childhood.
Researchers found that chewing vitamin-supplemented gum increased levels of water-soluble vitamins in saliva and plasma. The study validated the concept of gum as an effective delivery system for at least some vitamins.
A team of Penn State researchers analyzed the water footprint of 65 mid- to large-sized U.S. cities and found that larger cities consume less water per capita. This shift is attributed to changing economic activities, with larger cities becoming more service-oriented and shifting water-intensive industries to less populated regions.
A study found that teaching Latin roots to English Learners improves word analysis skills and enhances academic vocabulary. By leveraging their native language, students can build a stronger connection between Latin and English, ultimately improving literacy and academic achievement.