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.
Researchers at Penn State and North Carolina State University have developed a molecular approach to improve the piezoelectric properties of organic polymers. By tailoring molecules around chiral centers, they created a region within the material where ferroelectric and relaxor properties compete.
A new study reveals that giraffe babies pass on their unique spot patterns to their mothers, with larger spots and irregular shapes linked to increased survival. Researchers used modern imaging techniques to analyze coat patterns in wild Masai giraffes, confirming a 49-year-old hypothesis about heritability.
A computer-guided algorithm may help scientists find the right spot to split a protein and then reassemble it, enabling new medical treatments and biosensors. The researchers developed a mathematical model of a protein's structure, giving them the ability to identify optimal split sites.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to enhance fermentation of Menaquinone-7, a potent form of vitamin K, using biofilm reactors. The new process is expected to reduce production costs and increase efficiency, making it a promising alternative for industrial-scale production.
Researchers, led by Penn State's Steven Schiff, will develop innovative models to predict outbreaks of epidemic disease and provide real-time preventive treatment. Their approach aims to improve patient outcomes by incorporating historical microbiological surveillance data, geographic location, and environmental factors.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new weather model that incorporates data from next-generation satellites to improve tornado forecasting. The model was able to forecast supercell thunderstorms with high accuracy and suggests that lead times for tornado warnings can be extended beyond 30 minutes.
Researchers at Penn State discover unique properties of halide perovskites that enable efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, guiding the development of next-generation solar cells. The study's findings provide insights into how to improve the performance and stability of these materials.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that childhood exposure to allergens can lead to persistent lung inflammation, which may contribute to the development of anxiety later in life. The study also found that episodes of labored breathing were associated with short-term anxiety.
Research analyzed data from 500,000 observations at 5,000 sites in North America to find the main cause of amphibian decline. The study found that 3.4% of species are disappearing annually, with declines occurring since the 19th century.
A new grant will help Penn State researchers develop a quick-acting foam that seals wounds quickly, stopping bleeding and stabilizing patients until hospital transport. The foam is expected to be bioabsorbable and have an easy-to-use design.
Researchers genotyped 2,000 brook trout in Pennsylvania's Loyalsock Creek watershed and found that over 93% were of genetically wild origin. The study suggests that hatchery-raised brook trout have low fitness and survival rates due to high mortality, making it difficult for them to introduce their genes into the wild population.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring antibiotic called kanglemycin A that is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including drug-resistant strains. The compound maintains its activity by binding to bacterial RNA polymerase and preventing RNA production.
A study found that two-year-old children's oral bacteria may predict their weight gain trajectories, suggesting a potential early indicator for childhood obesity. Lower diversity in oral microbiota and a higher Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio were associated with rapid infant weight gain.
A team of chemical engineers used 3D electron microscopy to study the internal structure of reverse osmosis membranes, finding that the density varies throughout the film and is highest at the surface. This discovery could lead to improved membrane design and water recovery capabilities.
Researchers detected extended infrared emissions around RX J0806.4-4123, suggesting a 'fallback disk' of material or a pulsar wind nebula. The findings challenge current understanding of neutron star evolution and offer new avenues for study with the NASA James Webb Space Telescope.
Dr. Michael Mann receives AGU Climate Communication Prize for his efforts in promoting scientific literacy and fostering understanding of climate change through various media outlets and public engagement initiatives.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a new generation of blood pumps that use computational methods to predict clot formation and design safer devices. This could enable earlier intervention for patients with congestive heart failure, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
Researchers found that simulated conservation dairy-farming systems in Pennsylvania's Spring Creek watershed reduced nutrient and sediment losses, improving water quality. By growing all their own feed and forage, using no-till planting and manure injection, these farms achieved significant pollution reductions.
The project, called Playing & Learning Across a Year (PLAY), will create a digital library of videos of mothers going about their daily activities with their children. Researchers will gather video data from over 900 infants and their mothers, which will be transcribed, annotated, and uploaded to an open-source video library.
A new framework combines three existing methods to find large DNA mutations in cancer cells, providing a comprehensive view of the genome. The approach may help researchers understand how cancers begin and identify potential treatment targets.
A team of researchers discovered that nearly 90% of professionals in science, art, and film have at least one hot streak, with some having multiple. Despite no detectable change in productivity during hot streaks, their outputs are significantly better than the median.
A new study finds that individuals with a disease-associated mutation can have vastly different symptoms due to the total amount of rare mutations in their genome. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of mutations and cognitive development, IQ scores, and head size.
Researchers at Penn State successfully organized atoms in a lattice to lower entropy, which could aid in creating a quantum computer. This achievement uses uncharged atoms as qubits, enabling multiple states simultaneously and making computation more efficient.
Researchers discovered fatty residue in pottery dating back 7,200 years, indicating the presence of fermented dairy products and soft cheeses. The discovery suggests that cheese-making may have played a significant role in expanding farming territories and reducing infant mortality.
Researchers will use mice to create detailed maps of young and aging brains' blood vessels, hoping to understand healthy brain development and disease progression. The project aims to lay the groundwork for studying pathological conditions like strokes and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable device that harnesses energy from the swing of an arm while walking or jogging, producing enough power to run a personal health monitoring system. The device is more efficient than standard electromagnetic harvesters and can sustain high strains without cracking.