Climate researchers found that global climate models become increasingly uncertain when making predictions at scales below approximately 600 miles for temperature changes and 1200 miles for precipitation patterns. This makes it difficult to predict regional variations, such as the difference in warming between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh.
Researchers study how parents cope with NICU stress using secular and spiritual strategies, finding that negative religious coping can lead to lower levels of connection with family. Effective coping fosters bonding with the baby, while spiritual support provides a sense of meaning and connection.
New research shows coral larvae cannot survive a 5,000-kilometer trip across the Pacific to replenish eastern corals. Simulations indicate reefs in the Eastern Tropical Pacific are isolated and vulnerable to disturbances.
A team of Penn State materials scientists has developed a unique three-dimensional sandwich-like structure that protects the dense electric field in the polymer/ceramic composite from dielectric breakdown. The material has been shown to have high energy density, power density and excellent charge-discharge efficiency, making it highly ...
A Penn State researcher found that pregnant women use a dual self-image to cope with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. They differentiate between their pre-pregnancy body weight and 'baby weight,' allowing them to maintain a positive body image during this time.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine developed a new care plan for managing septic perianal Crohn's disease, which combines medical and surgical treatments. The plan resulted in a 60% healing rate among patients, with half requiring permanent ostomy bags while the other half saw some improvement but did not heal completely.
Researchers found that teens are more likely to be bullied by current or former friends and dating partners than by strangers. Close relationships can lead to intense competition for status and esteem, resulting in cyber aggression.
Researchers used data on taxi trip records and points of interest from FourSquare to gather insights into neighborhood crime rates. The study found that areas with nightclubs tend to be low-crime areas, suggesting people choose safe destinations.
A study of 1,508 infertile women with PCOS found that frozen embryo transfers had lower rates of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and pregnancy complications compared to fresh embryo transfers. Women with PCOS who received frozen embryos also had higher rates of live births and better birth weights.
Researchers suggest that analyzing and countering terrorist narratives can be an effective way to reduce recruitment. By understanding the processes used by terrorists to persuade people to join their groups, experts can craft counter-narratives that contradict these themes and promote alternative messages.
A genetic mutation in modern humans may have allowed them to effectively process toxic compounds produced by fires, potentially giving them an evolutionary edge. This mutation is thought to be linked to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and may have helped humans adapt to environmental toxin exposures.
Researchers have accurately dated the extinction of woolly mammoths on St. Paul Island to 5,600 years ago using fungal spores and sediment DNA. The study found that freshwater limitation contributed to their demise, highlighting the vulnerability of small island populations to environmental change.
A study by Penn State researchers found that websites with search and interaction history can be just as engaging as chatbots or human helpers. By leveraging browsing history, businesses can create a sense of contingency, making users feel like they're having a conversation.
Researchers developed self-healing polyelectrolyte coatings that can repair themselves and neutralize chemicals, protecting users from toxic substances and hazardous environments. The coatings are thin, micron-sized and can increase material strength while being reusable and rewearable after laundering.
Researchers developed an ultrasensitive chemical sensor using N-doped graphene and Raman spectroscopy, detecting trace amounts of molecules in solutions. The technique significantly enhances the Raman signal, allowing for detection of organic molecules at very low concentrations.
Researchers found that different tree species employ unique strategies to acquire nutrients, with thicker roots avoiding hot spots and thinner roots relying on fungal partnerships. Understanding these strategies can help predict forest responses to climate change.
A major international study found that family members play a crucial role in supporting individuals with diabetes, but also face significant emotional strain. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to include family members in educational sessions and provide them with resources to manage their loved one's condition.
A new mobile application called WithShare facilitates collaborative activities by allowing users to request and participate in shared experiences. By streamlining interactions and emphasizing reciprocal roles, the app aims to overcome limitations of traditional timebanking and promote coproduction relationships.
Researchers discovered a gene that enables plants to harness energy from the far-red-light spectrum, potentially increasing plant productivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient crop plants and even artificial photosynthesis as an alternative energy source.
As air pollution increases, hydrocarbon molecules break down, confusing bees and increasing foraging time. This affects not only generalist but also specialist bees, impacting pollination and ecosystem balance.
Researchers found that teaching parents bedtime techniques can improve infants' sleep-related behaviors, leading to longer sleep duration and reduced rapid weight gain. Establishing good sleep habits early in life is crucial for preventing obesity and promoting emotional health.
Researchers found that female deer typically travel twice as far and take more convoluted paths than males, making it harder to contain chronic wasting disease. Dispersal rates are density-dependent, meaning higher deer densities lead to greater dispersal.
A team of engineers has created a method to produce cartilage from strands of bioink using 3D printing. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of cartilage patches for worn-out joints, with potential applications in treating osteoarthritis.
Researchers found that bumble bees selectively forage among plant species based on the nutritional quality of their pollen. The study identified specific plant species with high protein-to-lipid ratios as preferred by bumble bees.
A new method to pack quantum computing power into a small space and control it was devised by Penn State researchers. The technique uses laser light and microwaves to precisely control the switching of individual qubits, enabling calculations impossible for classical computers.
Researchers have discovered a super-fast rotating, ultra-cool brown-dwarf star, measuring its rotational period with bursts of radio waves detected by the Arecibo telescope. This groundbreaking detection reveals new insights into the internal dynamics and magnetic field generation in these objects.
Russell Johns and his team aim to revolutionize alkali-surfactant-polymer (ASP) flooding to improve oil recovery efficiency and production, benefiting the US energy sector and surfactant industry. They will develop methods for creating optimal chemical balances and simulate fluid behavior in reservoirs to predict oil recoveries.
Researchers developed a publication strategy that allows authors to document data workflow, enabling users to reproduce simulations from scratch. This increases the reliability of simulation results and enhances model utility.
A new intervention aims to increase engagement with treatment among African-American/black and Hispanic people living with HIV. The study will use a pioneering engineering-inspired framework - the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) -- to identify effective components and build the most cost-effective package.
The study analyzed 1,297 invasive insect pests on 124 countries, finding the US, China, India, and Brazil to be the highest potential cost impacters. Smaller developing countries like those in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately vulnerable due to their reliance on agriculture.
A team of engineers from Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory have developed an innovative approach to stabilize supercavitation bubbles, reducing the pulsation and noise that can occur during underwater vehicle movement. By applying a sinusoidal air flow variation, they were able to suppress pulsation states in many cases, allowin...
Researchers are studying how microbes control ant behaviors using $2.56 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The goal is to understand the complex collective behavior of fungi, which can precisely control their hosts' actions.
Researchers find food service industry is significantly more labor intensive and has decreasing returns to scale compared to other industries. The study suggests higher costs and wages may make it difficult for restaurants to remain profitable, requiring a re-thought of the business model.
Penn State College of Medicine faculty define health systems science and its curriculum, complementing basic and clinical sciences. They identified 12 core domains and cross-cutting domains to be included in medical school curricula.
A new responsive parenting intervention has been shown to reduce the rates of overweight toddlers by half, with benefits seen in both breastfed and formula-fed babies. The study found that mothers who practiced responsive parenting had less likely to have overweight babies at their one-year checkup.
Researchers found that location and communication data from mobile phone carriers show predictable patterns in human behavior, enabling predictions of epidemic spread. The study's mathematical equation allows for forecasting of virus spread and identification of cultural trends.
New research suggests that microgrids may not always be economically efficient in regulated electricity markets. The study examines scenarios for adding a microgrid to a vertically integrated utility network, finding that it can increase or decrease economic efficiency depending on cost assumptions and network characteristics. In some ...
Researchers at Penn State have developed a custom 3D photolithographic printing process for patterned membranes, which can improve ion transport and mitigate fouling. The new method enables rapid prototyping and testing of polymer membranes with complex patterns.
A study found that mentioning politics in environmental issue messages can deter people from supporting pro-science projects. Even those with more knowledge about the issue were less likely to back solutions when framed around global warming terminology.
Researchers found that mothers' parenting stress affects both men's and women's sexual satisfaction, with women experiencing a greater impact. The study of 169 expectant couples suggests that the transition to parenthood can strain relationships.
Penn State researchers found that incorporating 'hurricane hunter' data into weather prediction models can reduce forecast errors for wind speed and sea level pressure. This improvement can lead to billions of dollars in savings and provide more notice to people in the path of a storm.
A recent study by Penn State researchers has revealed how the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum exploits the human immune response to infect red blood cells. The parasite uses the complement system, a key part of the immune response, to evade detection and invasion, making it more challenging to develop an effective vaccine.
A newly compiled database of insect-fungi interactions has revealed that 65 percent of insect orders can be infected by fungi and Oomycetes. Sap-sucking insects, such as cicadas, are the most frequently attacked by fungi due to their specialized mouth parts for sucking sap.
Researchers create synthetic ring teeth proteins with varying repeats to achieve programmable materials with improved strength and flexibility. These self-healing polymers can be tailored for specific properties, such as elasticity and plasticity, making them suitable for various applications in textiles, cosmetics, and medicine.
Researchers discover that depression results from deficiencies in both GABA and glutamate signaling, which can be restored with a single dose of ketamine. The study uses a mouse model to develop safer alternatives to current antidepressant medications.
Researchers found that a mutation in the protein shell of the John Cunningham polyomavirus can affect the immune system's response to the infection, leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. This discovery may help prevent the disease in autoimmune patients on immunosuppressant therapies.
Researchers used GIS tools to identify high-risk poaching areas and proposed drone surveillance for more efficient conservation efforts. The study found that open savannah areas with roads and water features are hotspots for poaching.
Scientists create synthetic polymers that decompose without harsh elements, opening doors for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and bioimaging. Preliminary testing shows growth and depolymerization of straight and branched polymers are possible in water and extracellular matrix.
The study discovered 70 genes that show multiple signs of adaptation, including unique amino-acid-sequence substitutions and positive natural selection. These adaptations are linked to the development of the giraffe's cardiovascular system, blood pressure, and long neck and legs.
Researchers created a self-healing electronic material that can restore all its properties needed for use in wearable electronics, including mechanical strength and electrical resistivity. The material is tough and able to self-heal due to boron nitride nanosheets connecting with hydrogen bonding groups.