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Penn State


Highly sensitive monitor can detect vitamin B6, glucose in sweat

A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a new sensor that can detect vitamin B6 and glucose in sweat with high sensitivity. The sensor uses molecularly imprinted polymers to target these biomarkers, allowing for continuous monitoring of patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.

SourcePenn State·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2025

Power plants may emit more pollution during government shutdowns

During a federal government shutdown, coal-fired power plants increased daily emissions of particulate matter, while sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions remained steady. The findings highlight the importance of stable enforcement and continuous monitoring for reducing pollution and protecting public health.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2025

Lighting the way for electric vehicles by using streetlamps as chargers

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a framework to use existing streetlights as EV chargers, resulting in cheaper installation costs and faster charging speeds. The study found that this approach offers an equitable and sustainable solution for expanding charging infrastructure, particularly in urban areas.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Urban Planning and Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2025

New tool helps forecast volcano slope collapses and tsunamis

A new tool developed by Christelle Wauthier can help forecast collapse of volcano sides, also known as flanks or slopes. The models can evaluate the potential for collapse long before ground may give way entirely and suddenly, allowing local authorities and communities to prepare and evacuate ahead of a collapse.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2025

What are the best ways to protect against chainsaw injuries?

Research highlights the dangers of chainsaw use, with casual users more likely to be injured than professionals. Experts recommend wearing protective gear, such as Kevlar chaps, helmets, gloves, and eye protection, as well as taking training courses before operating a chainsaw.

SourcePenn State·JournalSafety·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 1, 2025

Gene editing, traditional crossbreeding produce disease-resistant cacao plants

Researchers at Penn State have created disease-resistant cacao plants using gene-editing technology, which promises to revolutionize sustainable chocolate production and address global food security. The innovation involves editing the TcNPR3 gene in cacao plants, resulting in 42% smaller disease lesions when infected with phytophthora.

SourcePenn State·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2025

Feeling in control helps beat daily stress, researchers find

Researchers found that feeling in control over everyday stressors can lead to a 62% increase in resolving the issue. The relationship strengthens with age, suggesting that controlling one's sense of control can be a resource for managing daily life and impact health outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2025

Heatwaves in US rivers increasing up to four times faster than air heatwaves

Rivers are experiencing a more rapid increase in frequency, duration and intensity of heatwaves than air, with periods of abnormally high water temperatures posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems, water quality and America's food supply and energy stability. The study found significant increases observed at 82% of sites, with critical t...

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 22, 2025

Mixing neutrinos of colliding neutron stars changes how merger unfolds

Researchers found that neutrino flavor transformations alter the composition and signals of what's left after a neutron star collision, impacting the creation of heavy metals and rare earth elements. The simulations also influenced the matter ejected from the merger and electromagnetic emissions detectable from Earth.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 19, 2025

Not all heart attack patients receive the same type of care, researchers find

A new study found significant racial disparities in the care of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Florida. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients were less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a recommended treatment, compared to non-Hispanic white patients. This disparity resulted in ...

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2025

Submerging forearms in water may help protect older adults during extreme heat

A new study from Penn State researchers found that submerging hands and forearms in room-temperature tap water can effectively cool older adults and reduce their heart rate during extreme heat. The study demonstrated a reduction in core body temperature by about half a degree Fahrenheit, which may help prevent heat-related illnesses.

SourcePenn State·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2025

Broken bones regrow quickly with help of biodegradable implant

Researchers at Penn State developed CitraBoneQMg, a biodegradable scaffold that combines magnesium and glutamine with citric acid to promote bone growth. The implant increased bone growth by 56% in rats compared to traditional implants, demonstrating its potential for treating complex fractures.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2025

Ancient DNA reveals farming spread through migration, locals slow to adopt it

Researchers used ancient DNA and computer simulations to determine that migration of farming groups was the dominant factor in the expansion of farming, while cultural adoption by hunter-gatherers played a minimal role. The study found that the adoption of new ideas and practices did not significantly accelerate the spread of agriculture.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 27, 2025

What traits matter when predicting disease emergence in new populations?

Researchers at Penn State have identified certain characteristics that can help predict whether a virus will persist in a new population. Infection prevalence and viral shedding were found to be significant predictors of long-term viral persistence. The study used a worm model system to examine disease transmission and emergence at a p...

SourcePenn State·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2025

If aliens explore space like us, we should look for their calls to other planets

Researchers at Penn State and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory analyzed human deep space communications to determine the most likely places to detect signals from an extraterrestrial intelligence. They found that transmissions to deep space, including spacecraft near Mars, are more detectable than those intended for low-Earth orbit.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2025

Corn root traits evolved with both human-driven, natural environmental changes

Researchers found that corn's root traits evolved in response to changing nitrogen availability and water levels, with fewer nodal roots and development of multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma helping the crop adapt. These adaptations enabled corn to thrive under varying environmental conditions, including a warming climate.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 20, 2025

Unified theory may reveal more superconducting materials

Scientists at Penn State developed a new method to predict superconducting materials using density functional theory and zentropy theory, potentially leading to discovery of new superconductors at higher temperatures. The approach successfully predicted signs of superconductivity in conventional and high-temperature superconductors.

SourcePenn State·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2025

New study identifies key conditions for amplifying student voices in schools

A new study by Penn State College of Education Professor Dana Mitra found that successful student voice practices depend on a careful balance of cognitive mindsets, emotive 'heartsets,' and intention-building skillsets. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing safety concerns before implementing student voice initiatives.

SourcePenn State·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateAug 19, 2025