Researchers at Penn State have discovered that maize was sufficiently domesticated 4,300 years ago in Honduras, contrary to previous Mexico-based theories. The site's exceptional preservation and high-precision dating methods revealed larger cobs with more rows than typically found in Mexico.
A study of age and crime statistics from Taiwan suggests that cultural factors, such as collectivist societies and parental supervision, may influence the age-crime relationship. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that biology drives teen criminal behavior, instead highlighting the importance of cultural influences.
A new technique uses a fluorescent sensor to detect stress on cells at earlier stages than conventional methods. The method can be adapted to detect protein aggregates caused by other toxins and diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
A new study suggests that electrical grounding can moderate preterm infants' electromagnetic exposure in the NICU, improving their health outcomes. Vagal tone, measured by heart rate variability, increased by 67% after grounding, indicating improved autonomic nervous system function.
Researchers at Penn State have received a grant to develop the first new taxonomy for species of the genus Fusarium in 30 years, aiming to improve identification and classification of the genus. The project will produce a comprehensive monograph with digital connectivity and access to DNA sequence data.
A study found that infants with inhibited temperaments are more likely to be hesitant when trying new foods, while those with exuberant temperaments tend to accept new foods. Researchers observed infant reactions to new toys and food throughout the first 18 months, finding a consistent relationship between temperament and eating behavior.
A study found that Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus) trees can produce up to 52 million seeds during their lifetime, making them a major invasive threat in US forests. The tree's ability to maintain seed viability over its lifetime is unique among species.
Researchers found that Pennsylvania snowshoe hares have shorter, less-dense winter coats than their northern counterparts, producing lower coat temperatures. They also exhibit altered movement rates and resting-spot selection in response to variable winter temperatures. These adaptations may enable the hares to survive warming winters.
Researchers found a split between same words used by presidential candidates from different parties and what they mean, with semantic divide growing over time. This semantic shift can make dialogue difficult, if not impossible.
A new composite material made from a combination of polymers and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets has been developed by Penn State researchers. This material can store energy at operating temperatures above 176 degrees Fahrenheit, outperforming current commercial polymers.
Researchers found that self-efficacy positively affects physical activity in osteoarthritis patients, even controlling for pain and mood. Boosting confidence can increase daily steps and moderate-intensity activity.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a compound that inhibits tumor growth by 69% in a mouse model and killed human melanoma cells. The compound targets the Akt1 pathway and human topoisomerase IIα activity, contributing to melanoma tumor growth.
Scientists have developed a high-resolution microscope to directly observe kinesin motors moving along microtubules, revealing the coordination of attachment and release. This new understanding may help clarify defects in transport processes contributing to diseases such as Alzheimer's and ALS.
Researchers found that using a true non-industrially influenced baseline could reduce the available carbon budget for meeting the 2°C warming limit. The study suggests that assuming a late 19th-century baseline may be underestimating the warming already taken place.
Researchers introduce a new method, 'social triangulation,' to identify local social media users based on their social networks' characteristics. This approach can help officials pinpoint people in a local area and disseminate critical information.
Researchers used a pig model to study chronic diseases, finding that pigs have similar gut bacterial profiles and immune systems as humans. The study suggests that a pig model could lead to better treatments and food-based prevention strategies for conditions like colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Journal of Environmental Management found a direct correlation between shale gas development activity and the rapid invasion of non-native plant species in Pennsylvania's northern forests. The research suggests that invasive plants can alter forest ecosystems, affecting wildlife habitats and timber harvests.
Researchers found high concentrations of contaminants, including endocrine disrupting chemicals and carcinogens, in sediments and pore water. The discharge of oil and gas wastewater impacted water quality on a larger scale than previously thought, with contamination detected as far away as 12 miles downstream from treatment plants.
Researchers are studying how activist groups like SNCC collected and leveraged geospatial intelligence data to plan protests and address racial segregation. The study aims to advance modern knowledge of geospatial intelligence and incorporate its importance into educational curriculums.
A recent Penn State study analyzed the fate of seven emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment plants and groundwater wells. The results showed that soil generally acts as an effective biogeochemical filter, removing most contaminants except during snowmelt events.
A team of Penn State food scientists found that people generally cannot tell the difference between fat levels in ice creams within a certain range. The study challenges some ice cream marketing that suggests high-fat ice cream is higher quality and better tasting.
A new study shows that rooftop concentrating photovoltaics can produce over 50% more energy than standard silicon solar cells, reaching 30% efficiency in outdoor testing. The system's embedded microtracking technology enables efficient tracking of the sun and maximizes energy production.
Researchers recommend early blood testing for iron deficiency in young women, especially those who have been menstruating for over three years. The study found that iron deficiency without anemia is common among adolescent females and can be associated with lower standardized math scores and attention problems.
Researchers discovered ancient plankton-like microfossils in South African and Australian rocks, dating back 3.4 billion years. The fossils' unique morphology and carbon isotope values suggest they had planktonic stages in their life cycles.
New Penn State research reveals that Southern natives and average education level are key predictors of school corporal punishment use. The study found a correlation between parental corporal punishment and SCP, highlighting the potential negative impacts on children's social and behavioral well-being.
A new gene-editing technology, ReMOT Control, is being developed by a Penn State-led team to enable researchers to study gene function in diverse arthropod species. This method breaks down barriers to genetic modification, allowing for accurate and precise studies of gene function.
Researchers found differences in immune system factors between men and women with bipolar disorder, particularly in zinc levels associated with depression severity in women. This study suggests that biological changes in the body could be used to diagnose the disease and tailor treatments differently for men and women.
Women who receive false-positive mammogram results are more likely to begin medication for anxiety or depression than those with immediate negative results. A 10-20% higher rate of prescription medications was found in patients requiring multiple tests to rule out a breast cancer diagnosis.
A study found that mice eating 30% fewer calories had a lower parasite load and lived longer. The parasite adapts by slowing its replication in response to host's nutritional status.
A team of Penn State researchers has created 2D layered devices that can self-assemble at atomistic precision, enabling the production of high-efficiency devices such as flexible electronics and energy storage systems. The devices feature minute spacing between layers, which is crucial for achieving optimal performance.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that flexible flagella allow bacteria to overcome local forces between molecules, reducing viscosity and effectively thinning the liquid. This understanding could inform ways to control or prevent biofilm formation on surfaces, leading to better medical device designs and filtration methods.
A randomized clinical trial involving 1,000 Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) found that acupuncture did not increase live births when combined with clomiphene or placebo medication. The study suggests that acupuncture may not be an effective supplemental treatment for infertility in women with PCOS.
Penn State researchers will use a new grant to develop an extraction technique combining pressure filtration and ion-exchange/ion chromatography to recover rare earth elements from domestic coal. The goal is to determine the economic feasibility of recovering REEs from coal-related materials.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that young, U.S.-born Latino males report the highest levels of discrimination in both interpersonal and institutional contexts. The study, published in the Social Science Research journal, suggests that this group's higher expectations for inclusion and awareness of unfair treatment contr...
Researchers found that people who took a picture of a sentimental item before donating it donated between 15-35% more than those who did not receive a prompt. This is because possessions, memories, and identity are psychologically tied together.
A new analysis shows that genetic variation and elevated ozone exposure increase the risk of developing autism, with an added effect when combined. The study found that copy-number variation and particulate matter in the environment had significant individual impacts on autism risk.
Researchers found that negative social media comments about a TV show tend to lower enjoyment for other viewers, while positive comments have little impact. The 'bandwagon effect' suggests that people adopt beliefs and ideas because they think others hold similar beliefs, making negative comments more influential.
Researchers from Penn State's IST have developed a method to identify bow echoes in radar images, a phenomenon associated with fierce winds. The algorithm can automatically detect bow echoes as they begin to form, providing instant notifications for severe weather alerts.
Researchers at Penn State aim to protect critical structures from earthquakes and explosions using a new metamaterial. The team will use numerical and experimental studies to evaluate the effectiveness of their proposed material in filtering and dissipating surface waves.
Researchers found that grape-based compounds resveratrol and grape seed extract effectively killed colon cancer cells and suppressed tumors in mice. The combination of these compounds was found to be non-toxic to healthy cells, making them a promising approach for colon cancer prevention and treatment.
Michael Mann, a world leader in climate science, has been awarded the Stephen H. Schneider Award for Outstanding Climate Science Communications. The award recognizes his work on reconstructing global temperature variations over the past two millennia and its significance in understanding human-caused warming.
Researchers found that 50% of energy is released in slow earthquakes, reducing tsunami risk, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The study used data from instruments placed on the seafloor and in boreholes east of Japan's coast to understand slow-slip earthquakes and their impact on large earthquakes and tsunamis.
A Penn State researcher has been awarded a grant to develop a 'hydrogen sponge' technology that could efficiently store hydrogen fuel for use in fuel cell vehicles. The technology uses supercritical liquid form to condense the gas, allowing for storage at ambient temperature and low-pressure conditions.
Researchers Francisco Diaz and Pak Kin Wong are developing a new contraceptive technology that targets two essential reproductive processes. Their project aims to identify effective, non-invasive, low-cost, and easy-to-use contraceptives by exploring novel approaches to contraception.
A newly described protein, PfAP2-I, regulates a number of genes involved with the parasite's invasion of red blood cells, making it an effective target for new antimalarial drugs. Preventing PfAP2-I from binding to DNA and initiating the expression of invasion genes could stop an infection before it reaches the red blood cell stage.
Researchers analyzed data from over 50 million people and found that prior statin use was associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The association was more noticeable in people taking lipophilic statins, and was most robust for those using the medication for less than two-and-a-half years.
A Penn State researcher is leading a five-year project to investigate adolescent-specific changes in face processing during pubertal development. The study will test three groups of adolescents and young adults, exploring how facial processing changes influence behaviors and social relationships.
A new study led by Penn State Smeal College of Business researchers assesses the capacity of humanitarian response systems following disasters. The research proposes new metrics based on optimization models to guide individual decisions toward system improvement and aid in real-time assessment of stockpile capacity.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that e-cigarette users are relatively less dependent on their product compared to traditional cigarette smokers. The PATH study analyzed responses from over 30,000 young people and adults, showing that e-cigarettes cause less nicotine dependence than cigarettes.
Using the Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers measured the deflection of light rays as they passed near a white dwarf star, providing a solid estimate of its mass. The result confirms theoretical predictions and offers insights into the star's structure and composition.