Researchers found that high temperatures exceeding 900 degrees Celsius in the planet's lower continental crust are necessary for stable continental formation. This process redistributes radioactive elements, generating heat as they decay, allowing the deep crust to cool and strengthen.
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.
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
The book, 'The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus,' examines the public perception of the Italian explorer's life and legacy. Restall separates fact from fiction to understand why Columbus continues to mean different things to different people.
A new study published in PLOS One found that running with a stroller reduces vertical loading metrics by up to 17%, potentially decreasing injury risk. However, torsional loading metrics increased significantly, posing a potential trade-off.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that the type of geographic location and individual circumstances can impact a caregiver's health, comfort and happiness. Rural and suburban caregivers tend to have lower well-being compared to urban caregivers, but access to paid help and community support is crucial for higher well-being.
A recent study found that a person's genetic background, rather than a single gene, plays a key role in the development of complex disorders. The research revealed patterns of secondary variants that can modify the impact of primary genetic variants on clinical outcomes.
A new study found that children's dietary diversity increases up to 80 kilometers from protected conservation areas in Cambodia and Myanmar, before declining at greater distances. The researchers also found that Indigenous populations had a higher likelihood of eating vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables around this distance.
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.
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
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.
Researchers at Penn State found that hot air drying preserves a significant portion of nutrients in radish microgreens, including antioxidants like polyphenols and glucosinolates. The study suggests that this low-tech process can be an effective way to preserve nutrients for making powders.
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.
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.
A study by Penn State researchers found that using electricity for space heating can significantly reduce on-site household energy consumption. The team also identified other factors, such as the use of electric water heaters and construction methods, that contribute to energy savings.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that certain populations of Xanthomonas and Pseudomonas bacteria play a role in suppressing the disease. By analyzing the microbiome of tomato plants, they found that specific microbes are driving down the disease, providing clues for future treatments.
The new book examines language attrition in non-pathological settings, considering social, lexical, and grammatical constraints. Researchers aim to develop a multifaceted approach to combating language loss, improving pedagogy and promoting bilingualism.
A new research network aims to detect early signs of dementia through open-source digital tools. Penn State will lead a $39 million grant to advance Alzheimer's detection and reduce the financial, interpersonal, and health impacts of Alzheimer's disease.
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
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.
The study aims to identify better ways to predict which children with ADHD will benefit from medication treatment. Researchers will examine how the brain processes reward and frustration to understand why some children show improvements with ADHD medication while others do not.
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 ...
Research suggests that young girls may be socialized to pay attention to external cues when deciding how much to eat, while boys focus on their bodies' hunger and fullness signals. The study found that boys adjusted the total number of calories they consumed during a meal after eating fruit, whereas girls did not.
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.
Researchers found that more interactive mobile apps and AI chatbots foster a sense of playfulness, lowering privacy concerns. However, this interactivity can also distract users from thinking about the information they share with the system.
Astronomers suggest that tiny red objects spotted by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope could be giant spheres of hot gas powered by supermassive black holes. The objects, called 'universe breakers,' defy prior understanding of galaxy formation and may represent an entirely new class of celestial object.
Researchers at Penn State found that weight fluctuations and changes can lead to faster cognitive decline in older adults. The study analyzed data from 4,304 participants and showed that those with greater variability in weight experienced more rapid cognitive declines.
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.
A novel genome-wide association study identifies previously unrecognized connections between human genetics, gut fungi, and chronic disease. The study establishes that host genetics can influence the fungi that live in the gut and provide clues about their abundances.
Research reveals that smallmouth bass and channel catfish are changing their diets to avoid competing with or being eaten by the invasive flathead catfish. The study found that flathead catfish have a higher trophic position than resident predators, exerting strong control over the ecosystem.
A new method called spVelo calculates RNA velocity to understand how cells become specialized. By incorporating spatial information and processing multiple batches at once, the method overcomes previous challenges.
Researchers developed a novel wearable sensor that can detect lactate biomarker in low-perspiration conditions, making it suitable for critically ill patients and athletes. The device, about the size of a standard band-aid, uses a granular hydrogel scaffold to collect sweat and identify lactate, showing accuracy within two hours.
A novel wearable sensor can identify and track lactate in low-perspiration conditions, allowing for continuous health monitoring. The device, about the size of a standard band-aid, uses a granular hydrogel scaffold to absorb sweat and transport it to a microfluidic chamber where lactate is detected.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a new function of antibody-making B cells in response to flu infection. These cells produce a key signaling molecule called interleukin-1 beta, which is necessary for developing a robust immune response and forming optimal germinal centers.
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.
Research reveals Salmonella Dublin, a cattle and human pathogen, is increasingly resistant to antibiotics, with similar genetic makeup across animal, human, and environmental samples. The study's findings highlight the need for a One Health approach to control its spread and evolution.
Researchers developed a sensor that detects acetone levels in breath to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. The sensor can provide results in a few minutes without requiring a visit to a doctor's office or lab work.
A new study reveals that sugars and maleic acid act as crucial messengers in a molecular feedback loop between photosynthesis and stomatal regulation. This discovery advances understanding of how plants optimize energy production and could improve crop yields.
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...
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.
A new online assessment tool, developed by Penn State, assists veteran-serving organizations in identifying individualized risks and providing targeted support. The tool, called the Veteran Transition Screener (VTS), uses predictive models to match a veteran's demographic profile with risk factors linked to poor transition outcomes.
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.
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.
A new study reveals that endometriosis can lead to lower blood pressure responses in women due to altered autonomic nervous system functions. This finding may have significant implications for diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
Researchers at Penn State developed a wearable sensor that accurately measures chloride ion levels in sweat, enabling early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. The sensor uses multiple types of hydrogel to track small fluctuations in chloride ion levels, providing real-time information on an individual's health.
A study by Penn State researchers revealed that corn root traits, including fewer nodal roots, multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma, and seminal roots, evolved over time to enhance plant performance under nitrogen stress. The findings suggest that these adaptations were crucial for corn's success in domestication.
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.
A team of computer science researchers at Penn State demonstrated that transcriptions of phone calls can be generated from radar measurements taken up to three meters from a phone. The accuracy is limited to around 60%, but the findings raise important questions about future privacy risks.
A study found that Nepali farmers perceive climate-related risks as a threat to their financial stability, leading them to focus on agriculture. The researchers suggest providing practical information and resources to help farmers explore alternative livelihoods.
Researchers found that siblings, friends, and extended family play crucial roles in helping parents keep their children safe on online gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. Online safety risks include scams, anti-social behavior, and adult roleplays.