A preschool program called REDI (Research-based, Developmentally Informed) has been shown to improve executive function skills and academic performance in low-income children. The program focuses on building social and emotional skills, which are critical for learning and classroom engagement.
Research by Penn State found that high school start times after 8:30 a.m. increased the likelihood of teens obtaining eight hours of sleep, benefiting their overall health. Earlier school start times were associated with decreased time in bed and morning wake-up times.
A new study challenges previous estimates of US livestock methane emissions, suggesting a significant discrepancy between top-down and bottom-up approaches. The researchers used a spatially explicit approach to estimate enteric methane emissions for cattle and manure methane emissions for swine and poultry.
Researchers discovered that flies can carry hundreds of different species of bacteria, many of which are harmful to humans. The study found that the legs and wings of flies have the highest microbial diversity.
Researchers at Penn State found that popular cigar brands deliver more nicotine than commonly used cigarettes. The study suggests that small cigars, often perceived as safer alternatives, are just as addictive and harmful. The researchers plan to explore further comparisons between the toxins released by cigars and cigarettes.
The IceCube detector has successfully measured Earth's absorption of high-energy neutrinos, confirming that the planet can block these particles. The study provides insights into neutrino interactions and is consistent with the Standard Model of Particle Physics.
Researchers uncover DNA methylation marks that silence genes in corn, impacting trait expression and breeding. The study improves understanding of non-Mendelian inheritance mechanisms, shedding light on the disappearance of desired traits in crops.
Scientists have successfully created the first continuous-wave lasing in an organic-inorganic lead halide perovskite semiconductor, which could be a crucial step towards developing electrically driven devices. By adjusting the material's temperature, they avoided a phenomenon known as lasing death and achieved over an hour of lasing.
Researchers found that certain microRNAs in saliva can accurately identify concussions and predict symptom duration. The study's findings suggest that measuring microRNAs could lead to a more fact-based diagnosis and treatment of concussion patients, ultimately improving care and outcomes.
A study by Penn State researchers found that EMTALA violations are often caused by confusion about the law and conflicting priorities between healthcare professionals. Hospitals may not report suspected violations due to financial pressure, referral burdens, or reluctance to maintain good relationships with other hospitals.
A new US study examines how social identity threat affects religion and finds that highly religious individuals, particularly Christians, feel targeted and experience prejudice. The study reveals that religious minorities like Jews and Muslims also face heightened threat, likely due to prejudice and discrimination.
Researchers found that mushrooms are the highest dietary source of ergothioneine and glutathione, two antioxidants that may protect against oxidative stress and age-related diseases. The amounts of these compounds vary greatly between mushroom species, with porcini being the richest source.
A study on rabbits found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy causes chronic inflammation in the intestines and liver, leading to changes in gut bacteria. This could have long-lasting health effects for the offspring, increasing the risk of obesity and inflammation-promoted diseases like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers developed a high-throughput system to study individual cells infected with a virus, revealing that the antiviral drug is most effective against growing viruses. The study's findings could lead to smarter design of new antiviral drugs by identifying specific factors responsible for different treatment outcomes.
A study led by Penn State researchers found that a fungal parasite controls the behavior of carpenter ants without infecting their brains. The fungus surrounds and invades muscle fibers throughout the ant's body, forming a network to collectively control host behavior.
A Penn State study found that glow sticks can greatly increase amphibian captures by up to six times, making it a more efficient and cost-effective method. The researchers used glow sticks to lure adult salamanders and frogs into traps set in vernal pools, resulting in a significant capture rate.
A study found that Americans largely agree on what makes people feel loved, with small gestures like compassion and snuggling topping the list. Behavioral actions, such as a child snuggling with someone, were seen as more loving than verbal expressions.
Researchers have developed a synthetic material that can absorb light from all directions, making it suitable for antireflective coatings. This material is similar to the brochosomes used by leaf hopper insects to blend in with their backgrounds, allowing them to hide from predators.
Penn State researchers recommend removing electronic devices from bedrooms, establishing bedtime routines, and avoiding bright lights to improve sleep in children and adolescents. The study suggests screen-based media consumption leads to delayed bedtimes, reduced total sleep duration, and negative effects on sleep quality.
Penn State electrical engineers create microchip-based sensors for multiple applications, including motion, temperature, pressure and biochemical sensing, using innovative on-chip glass microspherical shell whispering gallery mode resonators.
Researchers use Hubble Space Telescope to find 'sunscreen snow' on hot giant planet outside solar system, where titanium dioxide condenses into clouds. The discovery sheds light on exoplanet climates and may aid in gauging Earth-size planets' habitability.
Researchers at Penn State create artificial system using DNA-laced hydrogel that releases signaling protein in response to chemical signal. The system, which uses aptamers and double-stranded helical molecules of DNA, can repeat the sequence, releasing proteins until there are no more to release.
Researchers used magnetic tweezers to monitor RNA polymerase enzymes during replication, revealing a new class of antivirals that pause and backtrack the virus' machinery. This understanding can help fine-tune drug design and accelerate approval.
A team of climate scientists found that sea-level rise, not stronger storm surges, will cause future NYC flooding. Rising sea levels could lead to a 50-foot flood height by 2300, with smaller changes in coastal risk if sea-level rise is prevented.
The five-year grant will prepare 18 master's-level scholars in AAC practices to improve services for children, teens, and young adults with complex communication needs. Scholars will develop competencies in evidence-based practices related to instruction, assessment, collaboration, and individualized support.
Researchers discover nearly perfect genetic transmission of the virus from a father to his son, suggesting that HSV-1 may not change much when transmitted between closely related individuals. However, transmission between unrelated hosts may provide an opportunity for greater genetic diversity and potential changes in virulence.
Researchers have devised a general method to control grain boundaries in 2D materials, leading to enhanced electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, and magnetism. The innovative approach utilizes Gaussian curvature on the substrate to predetermine grain boundary locations and line them up in orderly positions.
Researchers developed a test to predict bitter pit disorder in stored Honeycrisp apples, which can save growers millions of dollars annually. The test analyzes calcium levels in fruit peels and indicates whether the disorder will develop.
Researchers at Penn State University have found that an iron-sulfur cluster carrier called NfuA replaces the destroyed iron-sulfur cluster in LipA, allowing it to continue producing lipoic acid. This discovery could help understand why humans with defects in the iron-sulfur carrier gene have deficiencies of lipoic acid.
A rare cancer in patients with breast implants, BIA-ALCL, may be on the rise and underreported. The cancer is linked to textured implants, which were introduced in the 1990s, and can lead to chronic inflammation and lymphoma, resulting in a good prognosis when treated promptly.
Researchers confirm neutron star collision using electromagnetic radiation detected by NASA's Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer. The event provided a complete picture of compact object mergers, marking a major breakthrough in astronomy.
For the first time, scientists have detected both gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation from the merger of two neutron stars, creating a new black hole. The detection marks the beginning of a new era in multi-messenger space exploration.
A family approach to managing chronic illnesses can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. By working together on lifestyle changes such as healthier eating habits and regular exercise, family members can help patients stay on track with their treatment plans.
Researchers found that broccoli's indole glucosinolates can activate the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the intestinal lining, maintaining a healthy balance in gut flora and immune surveillance. This may help prevent diseases like various cancers and Crohn's Disease caused by inflammation.
A team of Penn State engineers developed a new type of lithium sulfur battery that could improve efficiency, reduce costs and increase safety. The battery uses an organic sulfur-based interphase layer to prevent dendrite formation and improve mechanical flexibility.
Penn State researchers have developed a flexible, biodegradable optical fiber that can deliver light into the body for medical applications. The fiber, made of citrate-based polymer, enables ultrafine tuning of refractive index differences and allows for bending and stretching without damage.
A study found that playing a game called 'Hello' encourages people with chronic illness and their caregivers to engage in advance care planning. Three months after playing the game, 75 percent of participants had completed some form of advance care planning.
Researchers analyzed 56 high-quality studies on dementia to identify gaps in knowledge, focusing on caregiver behavior, environment, and progression of disease. The study aims to inform treatment design and interventions to reduce behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia patients.
Taking prescribed sleep medications for insomnia increases risk of falling in older adults, according to researchers. Non-drug approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective and safer.
A new telescope attachment using custom beam-shaping diffusers enables highly precise ground-based observations of exoplanets. The technology minimizes distortions caused by the Earth's atmosphere, allowing for stable and smooth images that are essential for maximizing precision in measurements.
A study found that middle managers used tactics like inflating subordinates' performance and coercing employees to deceive top management to achieve unachievable goals. This deception can harm an organization by affecting bonuses, strategic decisions, and resource allocation.
The documentary highlights New Orleans' efforts to create a master plan for future events as the 'canary in the coal mine' for climate impacts. The city's unique situation, with the Mississippi River altered after the great flood of 1927 and land sinking due to sea-level rise, underscores the need for planning and resilience.
Researchers predict warming temperatures will alter forage growing season timing but have minimal effect on summer heat stress in dairy cattle. Poultry producers may benefit from lower energy costs, while beef cattle production could increase due to warmer conditions and more forage availability.
Research suggests that physical abuse and punishment negatively impact children's academic performance, with harsh corporal punishment increasing peer isolation. Parent education on alternative forms of punishment may be a solution to prevent physical abuse and promote children's cognitive development.
For the first time, three detectors tracked gravitational waves emitted by a merger of two black holes, allowing scientists to more closely locate their birthplace in space. The detection highlights the scientific potential of a three-detector network of gravitational-wave detectors.
Researchers found that anxious mothers' babies spend more time looking at angry faces before turning away, suggesting a genetic component to anxiety development. This study could help predict which children are at risk for anxiety and potentially prevent its development.
A recent study identified a gene associated with schizophrenia risk that plays a critical role in early brain development. The gene, ZNF804A, regulates essential processes such as protein translation and neuronal migration. Understanding its function could lead to more effective treatments for the disorder.
Researchers found that pigs fed a high-calorie diet supplemented with purple-fleshed potatoes had lower levels of inflammation-linked protein IL-6, compared to those on a standard diet. This study suggests that whole foods containing macronutrients and phytonutrients may be effective in preventing colon cancer.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new biomaterial that can replace plastic barrier coatings in packaging and other applications, offering strong oil and water barrier properties. The material, comprised of treated cellulose pulp and chitosan, is compostable and has the potential to greatly reduce pollution if widely adopted.
Penn State researchers create a low-cost delivery system for probes to collect thermodynamic data in storms, with successful launches into supercell storms. The new system aims to link temperature data with radar wind data to predict tornado formation and improve forecasts.