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.
Scientists at Penn State University have developed a new high-pressure technique to create large-area thin-film silicon semiconductors at low temperatures in simple reactors. This approach could make large, flexible semiconductors more feasible for applications like flat-panel monitors and solar cells.
Researchers found that simplified EULAs with separate pages and bullet points led to increased comprehension and a better attitude among users. This 'halo effect' enhances goodwill, transparency, and online safety for consumers concerned about privacy and security.
The Kepler-223 planetary system has unusually long-term stability due to gravitational interactions between its four planets, which return to the same positions relative to each other and their host star. Numerical simulations suggest that slow migration during formation could have placed these planets into their balanced configuration.
Penn State will lead a six-year, $20 million University Coalition for Fossil Energy Research to advance clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The coalition will explore research in coal, natural gas, and oil, including carbon dioxide capture and utilization, with the aim of minimizing environmental impacts.
Researchers found that screens alone could convince participants of a robot's femininity, eliminating the need for physical shape changes. This discovery may help develop customized robots for specific roles and populations, enhancing user experiences.
A study of 68 teen internet users found that many were able to resolve risky situations on their own. The researchers argue that focusing on positive interactions with online risk can help teach teens how to stay safe, rather than avoiding exposure altogether.
A study by Penn State researchers reveals that social media users act autonomously on some privacy issues but become interdependent when information is co-owned by multiple users. Participants relied on strategies like group discussions and private groups to manage privacy rights for group content.
A Penn State researcher found that political lobbying is linked to increased airline profits, but may harm the effectiveness of government regulation. The study analyzed data from 46 companies over 15 years, revealing a positive correlation between lobbying efforts and profitability.
Research found that deep-pitched male voices are seen as dominant by other males but have a smaller impact on attracting females. Human male traits imply physical aggression and formidability, providing competitive advantages in fighting or threatening other men more than they help attract women.
Research reveals that type 2 diabetes drug trials frequently exclude women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant without clear justification. The criteria most often excluded women who were currently pregnant or breastfeeding, but more than 50 studies excluded all women of childbearing potential.
A Penn State geoscientist is joining the NASA Mars rover team to investigate whether environmental conditions on Mars were ever favorable for microbial life. He will analyze Martian rocks and compare them to Earth rocks to search for signs of life, including sulfur and organic matter.
A study at Penn State's Deer Research Center found that deer prefer certain non-native invasive plants over native species, contributing to their spread. This preference is driven by plant species' palatability and growing season, suggesting a crucial role for deer in shaping plant community assembly.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a nanowire array that can cool about 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit using 36 volts, an electric field level safe for humans. The material is flexible, can be powered by a 500g battery pack for two hours, and could potentially be incorporated into firefighting gear or athletic uniforms.
A study found that workers who had good relationships with their bosses carried that goodwill into their new jobs, leading to important benefits for their former workplaces. Good relationships with bosses can also make ex-employees valuable ambassadors and future customers.
A recent study found that MOOC students are more engaged on Facebook groups than built-in course message boards and forums. The researchers suggest that social media tools can provide another communication channel for students, build a sense of community and trust, and offer better organization.
The team determined the three-dimensional structure of RlmN protein from Escherichia coli bacteria, capturing it during a normally transient event. The discovery sheds light on RlmN's function in modifying RNA molecules that are crucial for bacterial infections and potential antibiotic resistance.
The cooperative extension program has been instrumental in keeping farmers on the farm, with the federal program helping to retain over 137,000 agricultural businesses. By leveraging research from land grant universities, the program provides education and learning opportunities to farmers and citizens alike.
Researchers found that tap water and table salt can effectively clean milking systems, removing over 90% of residue with just a warm water rinse. The use of electrolyzed oxidizing water reduces cleaning time by up to 55% and costs by 30-40%.
A large analysis found that older adults who met strength-training guidelines had significantly lower mortality rates, even when controlling for demographic variables and health behaviors. The study suggests that strength training is beneficial beyond improving muscle strength and physical function.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified new asthma biomarkers in blood that can predict asthma with 91% accuracy. The discovery may lead to the development of a diagnostic blood test and more targeted treatments for asthma.
A recent study found that seniors use Facebook primarily for social bonding and curiosity, with a desire to stay connected to family and friends. The researchers suggest that simple and convenient interface tools are essential for attracting older adult users and motivating them to use the site longer.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential target for treating lupus: interferon gamma. The cytokine stimulates immune cells and is involved in the formation of autoreactive B cells that produce autoantibodies, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers identify two distinct HSV-1 virus strains in an individual, revealing their European/North American and Asian origins. The discovery opens doors to tracing a person's life history using genetic fingerprinting of viral genomes.
Researchers successfully replicated a range of fault slip modes found during earthquakes, quiet periods and slow earthquakes. They used ground quartz and a machine to apply pressure and alter stresses, revealing the forces behind slow earthquake mechanisms.