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.
A study found that athletes who feel more closely connected to their teammates are more likely to conform to their behaviors, including both positive and risky actions. The researchers suggest that teams should find ways to encourage bonding without pressuring members to engage in negative behavior.
Researchers discovered a predictive biomarker for epilepsy by analyzing the connection between heartbeat irregularities and abnormal brain activity in mice. They found that anomalous heart rate patterns slightly preceded abnormal brain waves, allowing them to predict which mice would develop seizures with 100% accuracy.
A team of Penn State mechanical engineers developed a self-healing membrane that screens out smaller objects while allowing larger ones to pass through. The membrane responds to an object's kinetic energy and can be optimized for various applications, including medical devices and sanitation systems.
Faster countdowns have been found to increase patience in video game players, even after the game is over. The study suggests that a quicker countdown creates a sense of time passing more quickly, reducing impatience and encouraging more deliberate decision-making.
A study by Penn State researchers found that mothers who engage with their children during playtime and gently guide them to clean up can help toddlers with poor regulation skills maintain a healthy weight. As preschoolers, these children tend to have lower BMIs compared to those with good regulation skills, suggesting that parents' be...
A plant virus manipulates aphid species to its advantage by increasing the nutrients in host plants, making it easier for aphids to feed. This allows late-arriving aphids to outcompete early arriving ones, leading to boosted reproductive success and increased spread of the virus.
A study found that eating white button mushrooms can alter the gut microbiome, producing short-chain fatty acids that regulate glucose production in the liver. This research holds promise for developing new diabetes treatments and prevention strategies.
Researchers have gained new understanding of how autophagosomes seal off waste material, with a key role identified for ESCRT complexes. This breakthrough could lead to new cancer treatments by inhibiting autophagy closure.
Scientists have developed a new class of materials inspired by squid DNA that can control thermal conductivity, which could lead to improved fabrics for athletic wear. The materials' thermal conductivity increases dramatically when wet, allowing them to 'flip' a switch and remove heat from the body.
Researchers found that scarlet macaws sequenced from Chaco Canyon and Mimbres areas in New Mexico shared the same haplogroup, indicating a single breeding population. This contradicts previous theories that ancestral Puebloan people brought birds back from Mexico, as transporting adolescent birds would be logistically difficult.
A study by Penn State researcher Derek E. Lee found that community-based conservation management in Tanzania increases wildlife densities and giraffe population growth. The research demonstrates the effectiveness of transferring wildlife management rights to local communities.
A recent survey found that nearly a third of college students knew someone who overdosed on painkillers or heroin, while 20.5% said they know someone addicted to pain medication. The study highlights the collateral damage of the opioid epidemic on those closely tied to users.
New technology enhances CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing efficiency in mosquitoes, allowing for easier manipulation of gene expression in a wide range of species. This breakthrough enables control of vector-borne diseases, elimination of agricultural insect pests, and potentially gene therapy for human and animal health.
A team of scientists found that coral-algal partnerships are older and more diverse than previously thought, with a history dating back to the 'age of dinosaurs.' This relationship has enabled corals to adapt to environmental changes over millions of years.
The Hemingway Letters Project has received a three-year NEH grant to publish nearly 6,000 surviving letters written by Ernest Hemingway, including previously unpublished work. The project will cover volumes five through seven, spanning 1932-1941.
A global study using camera trap data found that large-bodied mammalian carnivores exclude other carnivore species, shaping local communities. This leads to a chain reaction affecting prey species, plant communities, and even insect populations.
A study by Penn State researchers identified 13 types of problems with screening questions for Alzheimer's disease, including vagueness and emotional triggers. The findings suggest that clinicians can improve their understanding of patients' unique experiences by asking better questions.
A $318,696 NSF award will support the development of a novel biosensing nanotechnology to visualize trace biomarker proteins under a microscope. This technology has the potential to greatly advance protein sensing, enabling accurate diagnoses based on biopsies and improving basic biomedical research.
A responsive parenting intervention resulted in lower body mass indexes (BMIs) among toddlers when they were three years old. The program taught first-time moms how to respond appropriately to their babies' needs, leading to healthier weight development and reduced rates of overweight and obesity.
Researchers used official government records to estimate a higher death toll from Hurricane Maria, with approximately 1,139 deaths surpassing the official count of 64. The study aimed to inform future weather disaster preparedness and response.
Researchers developed a more comprehensive method for measuring the Earth's boundary layer depth using radar, which constantly ebbs and flows. This improvement in accuracy can lead to better forecasts for severe weather events, air pollution, and wildfire forecasting.
Researchers found that personalist rule in dictatorships receives significantly more foreign investment in fixed-asset intensive industries. Deals with dictators often involve illicit payments, which can siphon off money from the public good.
Researchers propose a four-factor model for online engagement, including physical interaction, interface assessment, absorption, and digital outreach. This model can lead to the development of content that encourages sharing and websites that promote learning and memory.
A study led by Penn State researchers found low levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking water from private wells in north central Pennsylvania. The most frequently detected compounds were ofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole, with at least one compound detected at all sites.