According to Penn State researchers, most PA high school and middle school students are tobacco-free, but e-cigarette and cigarette use remain a cause for concern. The survey found that 4.3% of middle schoolers and 22.4% of high schoolers reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days.
Researchers found that adding hope to health messages can significantly predict intentions to take actions against skin cancer. Self-efficacy and hope also played a role in adopting sun safety measures.
Researchers at Penn State revealed new insights into the 'magic spot' molecule that controls gene expression in bacteria under stress. The study provides clues about key processes that could be targeted in the search for new antibiotics and contributes to fundamental understanding of bacterial adaptation and survival.
Researchers will study basal-squamous and luminal subtypes of aggressive bladder cancer using a mouse model and human cancer cell lines. Understanding the role of TFAP2 transcription factors may lead to new therapeutic approaches for predicting patient response to treatment.
People with Multiple Sclerosis who experience stigma are more likely to suffer from depression, according to researchers. Having a strong support system and sense of autonomy can help reduce the negative effects of stigma.
A Penn State research group used genetic and genealogical studies to develop a curriculum that connects students with their heritage, increasing interest in science among minorities. The program showed promising results, empowering middle school students to explore science through personalized genetics and genealogy.
Middle school students who used personalized DNA and genealogy learned as much as their peers who used case studies. The curriculum encouraged students to explore their personal histories and cultures, fostering engagement with science and promoting understanding of complex topics like race and genetics.
Penn State professor Conrad Tucker is using social media data to predict catastrophic events and identify fake news. His project aims to create algorithms that increase the reliability of publicly available sources.
Michael Mann, a leading climate scientist, has been recognized with the AAAS Public Engagement with Science Award for his extensive outreach efforts to communicate the science of climate change. He has collaborated on children's books, testified before Congress, and used various media to share his research.
Researchers developed a multistep process to grow single crystal, atomically thin films of tungsten diselenide on large-area sapphire substrates. The process achieved good crystal quality and improved performance by factors of 20-100 times.
Researchers found that estrogens from treated wastewater persist in vernal pools for weeks, transforming into more potent compounds and impacting sensitive aquatic habitats. The study suggests inadequate water treatment practices may be contributing to this issue.
Researchers discovered that deep-sea skates are using hydrothermal vents to incubate their eggs, reducing the typical four-year-long incubation time. The unique behavior allows the fish to thrive in extreme conditions, providing new insights into conservation strategies for this poorly understood species.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new theory that uses gradient index materials and metasurface layers to improve optical lens performance. The new design reduces the need for multiple lenses, resulting in lighter and thinner optical systems.
Scientists at Penn State have created materials that can conduct protons, a process used in fuel cells, and are biocompatible. The protein-based proton conductors show promise for developing implantable medical devices without batteries.
Researchers discovered a specific protein that reduces lung inflammation and improves survival in mice with the flu. The study found that administering this protein after infection improved survival rates by 40% compared to untreated mice.
A team of researchers discovered that mild heat stress damages the cell wall of Salmonella bacteria without rupturing them. This finding could lead to more efficient ways to deactivate bacteria using shorter heating times at lower temperatures, improving food safety and reducing energy consumption.
Researchers developed a social emotion mining computer model that predicts the right ordering among six Facebook emoticons in terms of votes. The new robust label ranking model outperforms existing solutions and can help social media managers and advertisers analyze their content more accurately.
Agroforestry systems have been shown to significantly increase soil organic carbon stocks, with an average increase of 34% from agriculture to agroforestry. The transition also showed increases in deeper layers, especially when including perennial plants.
Researchers at Penn State are studying methods for raising heritage-breed turkeys, which sell for four times the cost of commercial birds. The birds have distinct characteristics, such as smaller breasts and gamier flavor, and require alternative production methods due to their natural breeding and dietary needs. The study's first phas...
A Penn State research team has created a system that uses microbial reactors to rapidly break down solid and liquid waste, producing a nutritious food source for astronauts on deep-space missions. The system, which can minimize pathogen growth, uses anaerobic digestion to convert human waste into edible biomass.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that training individuals in portion-control strategies can lead to healthier food choices and reduced overall calorie intake. The study showed that even when given larger portions, participants who received training chose lower-calorie-dense foods and consumed fewer calories.
Researchers found that mammals move up to 2-3 times less in human-modified areas compared to natural habitats. This study, led by Penn State researcher Duane Diefenbach, analyzed movement data from 57 mammal species across the globe.
A century of observations reveals how sea-level rise is increasing tidal range in the Chesapeake and Delaware bays, impacting ocean navigation, fishing, and energy sources. The study found that sea-level rise can amplify tidal effects in some areas, while decreasing them in others.
A study by Penn State researchers found correlations between natural disasters, declining farm income, and opioid overdoses in rural America. Opioid-related deaths are increasing in rural counties, with a 10% rise for every $10,000 reduction in net farm income.
A new theoretical model reveals that these particles originate from accelerated cosmic rays via powerful black-hole jets. The model explains the similar energies of the particles by suggesting they inherit energy from their parent particles.
Researchers created synthetic neurons from a readily available cell line to investigate purine synthesis in the human brain. The study found that the core enzyme FGAMS is expressed throughout neurons and non-neuronal cells, with infection by herpes simplex virus affecting its expression and clustering.
Researchers created printable PDMS using a mixture of two polymers, resulting in improved cell adhesion and mechanical properties. The 3D-printed material showed better tensile strength compared to molded or cast PDMS.
Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.
Researchers found that most babies develop new skills in irregular bursts, while their brain activity grows steadily behind the scenes. This study supports long-standing theories about infant development and provides insight into what's happening beneath the surface.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that women using IVF have similar chances of having a baby with fresh or frozen embryos. The research, involving 2,157 women, showed no significant difference in live birth rates between the two groups.
Researchers describe two poly(A)-binding proteins that protect mRNA from translation in malaria parasites. The non-nuclear protein accumulates on the surface of sporozoites, suggesting a role in interacting with outside RNA and facilitating transmission.
Researchers at Penn State found that melanoma patients who received immunotherapy with beta blockers lived significantly longer than those without, with five years survival rates of 70% vs. 25%. The study suggests reducing physiological stress with beta blockers can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
Researchers discovered that a parasitic plant called Dodder can silence the expression of genes in its host plants, including those involved in defense against parasites. By targeting specific regions of the gene sequence, Dodder regulates the flow of nutrients to itself while preventing the host from producing defensive proteins.
A team of researchers found that the star's light appears to dim and brighten due to different amounts of dust blocking various wavelengths of light. The study rules out alien megastructures as a cause, but raises the possibility of other phenomena being behind the dimming.
Researchers at Penn State and ETH Zurich have demonstrated the behavior of particles of light in a two-dimensional array of waveguides, matching predictions for the four-dimensional quantum Hall effect. This achievement provides evidence for higher-dimensional quantum Hall physics, with potential applications in novel photonic devices.
A clinical trial found that implanting a shunt or endoscopically reducing intracranial pressure is equally effective in treating hydrocephalus, but endoscopy may have fewer long-term complications. The study also found that children with normal brain development had better outcomes.
Researchers found that when punitive measures from regulatory agencies were followed by help from business support organizations, companies were more likely to stick to voluntary improvement projects. The study analyzed 1,200 environmental improvement recommendations and found a positive correlation between the timing of regulatory act...
Small-holder farmers in Kenya are eager to cultivate croton trees for oil production, animal feed, and organic fertilizer. The study found that most households have croton trees already, and they would be willing to plant more if there's a dedicated market.
A team of researchers has found that cathedral glass transitions to a liquid much faster than previously thought, contradicting the long-held myth that it is thicker at the bottom due to viscosity. The discovery could have significant implications for our understanding of glassy materials and their properties.
Scientists used fluorescent tagging to track movement of two enzymes in glycolytic pathway, revealing that aldolase chemotaxed up the reactant gradient produced by the functioning of the first three enzymes. This suggests a possible role for chemotaxis in enzyme cluster assembly, such as metabolons.
A Penn State research group extended its food safety training program to Armenia, showing significant improvements in students' knowledge, behavior, and attitudes towards food safety. The project aims to replicate the program in Ukraine, Africa, and Latin America to combat global foodborne illness.
Researchers found that father rejection predicted increases in social anxiety, which in turn led to more loneliness in adolescents. Forming good relationships with parents is essential for an adolescent's well-being, with thriving friendships associated with better psychological health and academic performance.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to create high-resolution and repeatable 3D polymer fiber patterns on nonconductive materials for tissue engineering. This combination of 3D printing and electrospinning enables the growth of complex tissues with seamless structures, potentially replacing expensive donor tissues.
Researchers found that limiting a nutrient used by malaria parasites can prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This ecological approach shows promise for controlling drug resistance in infections like tuberculosis and malaria.
A team of Penn State researchers will assess endocrine-disrupting compounds in the Susquehanna River with citizen scientists. The project aims to empower volunteers to become part of the solution to water-quality problems related to emerging contaminants.
Researchers found that areas recently treated with controlled burns fared better in the 2013 Rim Fire. The best predictor of fire severity was how severe the area last burned, indicating that reducing initial burn severity can limit future fires.
Research found that using technology before bed is associated with less sleep, poorer sleep quality, and higher body mass indexes (BMIs) in children. Children who used devices before bed averaged an hour less of sleep than those who did not.
The $554,000 NSF grant will establish a manufacturing and automation research center at Penn State Behrend, developing hands-on curricula for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classes in PA, NY, and OH. The center will complement the college's K-12 outreach efforts and Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center.
A team of researchers found that frequent e-device users performed less well in a reading comprehension test after reading scientific articles. The study suggests that the way people read on electronic devices can hinder the holistic approach to reading required for understanding science concepts.
A new collaborative engineering project funded by NSF aims to make numerical computation of departure rates and route choice faster, enabling rapid rerouting and diversion. The project uses machine learning to develop statistical models of traffic flow, potentially reducing congestion by seconds, minutes or hours ahead of time.