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Designing a new material for improved ultrasound

Researchers at Penn State designed a new material with twice the piezo response of existing commercial ferroelectric ceramics. The material's unique structure increases its dielectric properties and piezoelectric effect, making it suitable for medical ultrasound applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 22, 2018

Women choose more effective contraception when cost not an issue

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that women are choosing more effective, long-term methods of contraception when cost is not an issue. Since the Affordable Care Act mandate required private health insurance plans to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive methods without cost-sharing, privately insured women have been using ...

Metal-organic compounds produces new class of glass

A team of researchers has developed a new class of glass based on metals and organic compounds, with improved glass-forming ability and pliability compared to traditional silica glass. The new metal-organic compound glass, ZIF-62, exhibits superior mechanical properties and optical transmission.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 9, 2018

Moms who co-sleep beyond six months may feel more depressed, judged

Research finds that mothers who continue to co-sleep with their babies past six months are more likely to feel depressed, criticized, and anxious about their baby's sleep. Despite the trend to discourage co-sleeping, experts emphasize the importance of finding a sleep arrangement that works for everyone in the family.

SourcePenn State·JournalInfant and Child Development·DateFeb 28, 2018

The fine-tuning of two-dimensional materials

Scientists at Penn State have developed a new understanding of why synthetic 2D materials often perform orders of magnitude worse than predicted. By using oxygen-terminated substrate surfaces, they enhanced the photoluminescence intensity and carrier lifetime of molybdenum disulfide by 100 times.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2018

Understanding roots opens students to science, diversity

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.

Deep-sea fish use hydrothermal vents to incubate eggs

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

Microbes may help astronauts transform human waste into food

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalLife Sciences in Space Research·DateJan 25, 2018