Researchers used a 3D printed model of the human airway to study how airflow affects the transfer of volatile particles from the back of the mouth to the nasal cavity. They found that slow, steady breathing optimizes the delivery of these particles, leading to better food enjoyment.
Researchers found that banning affirmative action can lead to a decline in student body diversity and negatively impact students of color. The study examined the impact of Proposal 2 in Michigan, which prohibited considering race in college admissions, and found that administrators felt disempowered to support racial diversity on campus.
Research highlights the potential backfire of stigmatizing smoking in public health campaigns, which can lead to increased stress and resistance to quitting. Vulnerable groups may benefit from anti-smoking programs focusing on giving up benefits rather than negative stereotypes.
Researchers have developed ultrasensitive gas sensors using boron-doped graphene, detecting noxious gas molecules at extremely low concentrations. The sensors outperform current state-of-the-art sensors by six orders of magnitude, opening a path to high-performance detection of toxic gases and other molecules.
A team of Penn State researchers has created a simple mathematical formula to predict the most influential factors in lithium-ion battery aging. The formula takes into account state of charge, charging/discharging frequency, operating temperature, and current to estimate battery degradation.
Research suggests that gut bacteria can ferment dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that contribute to liver lipids and potentially lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In individuals with compromised TLR5 function, overconsumption of fiber may exacerbate this process.
A study by Penn State economists found that counties with higher rates of self-employment suffered fewer negative effects from increased imports. Self-employed workers are better positioned to recognize changes in the market and adapt to new opportunities, leading to stronger economic networks and growth.
Research reveals individual corals have varying capacities to adapt to changing ocean conditions brought about by climate change. The study found that some corals are more protective of their partner algae in harsh environmental conditions, suggesting a greater capacity to respond to climate change.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that a molecular motor can stimulate the growth of microtubules in cells, which could lead to new treatments for cancer. The study found that kinesin-5 molecules pause at the end of microtubules and generate pushing forces, allowing them to grow the microtubes.
The Penn State College of Medicine has implemented a new curriculum that focuses on patient navigation, shifting from a physician-centric to a patient-centric model. First-year medical students learn about the health care system and gain hands-on experience as patient navigators.
A new study refutes the idea that a single group of chemicals controls reproduction across numerous social insect species, suggesting pheromones evolved uniquely in different species. The researchers found no effect on egg production, but ovary regression was positively correlated with time to egg laying.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to give transistors a power boost by incorporating vanadium oxide into electronic devices. The material's metal-to-insulator transition property can enhance state-of-the-art non-volatile memories and improve the stability and energy efficiency of read, write, and maintain information states.
Researchers developed a new method to analyze neural activity, revealing an organized geometric structure in neurons. The study used clique topology and found similar structure in activities among place cells in different experimental conditions.
Research finds that climate variability played a significant role in the emergence, decline, and re-establishment of ancient agrarian states in Mexico and Peru. The study analyzed climate records from stalagmites and ice caps to understand how climate conditions influenced the growth and instability of these civilizations.
Researchers used climate models to predict how greenhouse warming could be the source of water on early Mars, which would support a warm and habitable environment. The study found that volcanic fluxes caused by plate tectonics may have led to a high percentage of hydrogen in the atmosphere, driving global warming.
Scientists at Penn State and University of Chicago discovered a new way to use light to draw and erase quantum-mechanical circuits on topological insulators, allowing for non-invasive and faster experimentation. The technique uses ultraviolet and bright red light to manipulate the electronic properties of these materials.
A $5 million NSF PIRE grant is awarded to Penn State's Center for Language Science to translate the science of language learning into education. The project aims to harness recent discoveries on bilingualism benefits to inform educational practice and policy, bringing science to classrooms globally.
Rats exposed to frequent stress during adolescence showed improved problem-solving skills and foraging efficiency under high-threat conditions in adulthood. This study provides insights into how humans respond to adolescent stress and may inform research on human maltreatment and adverse environments.
Researchers developed a smartphone application to collect data on food handlers' behaviors, minimizing the Hawthorne Effect. The app allows for discreet observation and recording of aspects such as hand hygiene and temperature control, improving the quality of food safety observations.
Patients with higher positive psychological states were more likely to engage in healthy habits, such as physical activity and better sleep quality. Positive emotions also enabled people to cope with stress and adjust their health goals, leading to improved adherence to medications and reduced smoking rates.
A five-year study found that tillage timing significantly impacts nitrogen availability and loss in organic farming systems. The researchers discovered that fall tillage followed by a period of fallow led to vulnerable bursts of nitrogen that were susceptible to leaching.
Researchers discovered that players' performances in video games significantly impact their attitudes towards brands. Players who performed well in games exhibited better recall and more favorable attitudes toward the brand compared to those who experienced difficulties or crashes.
Researchers found that the return period for a storm producing a surge of 2.81 meters or greater has been reduced from 3,000 years to just 130 years since human-caused climate change began. This increase in storm surges is attributed to rising sea levels and more intense tropical storms.
A team of researchers developed a cell sorter based on acoustic waves that can compete with existing fluorescence-activated cell sorters, sorting up to 13,000 cells per second while gently manipulating individual cells. The device is compact, inexpensive, and preserves cell viability and functions.
Researchers found that technology tools are more helpful when used separately, rather than together, in virtual museums. Participants preferred tools that offered agency and control, while novices appreciated a variety of options.
Research finds that rural adolescents are 35% more likely to abuse prescription painkillers in the past year compared to urban teens. The study suggests that limited medical care and emergency room prescriptions contribute to this issue.
Researchers found that co-culturing pathogenic E. coli with nonpathogenic strains in mice increased sickness and severity of symptoms. The study suggests that analyzing gut flora may help predict disease outcome and treatment effectiveness.
Researchers have developed a two-item bedside test for detecting delirium, which takes an average of 36 seconds to perform and has a sensitivity of 93 percent. The test uses simple questions to assess cognitive function and can help doctors catch the condition earlier.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential target for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse after stem cell transplant. They found that exhausted T cells, specifically PD-1hiTIM-3+ cells, play a key role in AML relapse.
A caterpillar's feces induces corn plants to lower their defenses against insect predators, allowing the caterpillar to eat more and grow faster. This deception has likely evolved over thousands of years and may lead to the development of organic pesticides.
Researchers developed an Android sleep monitoring app widget, SleepTight, that boosted daily sleep diary information entry and self-reflection among users. The widget's visual reminders and lock screen placement increased user interaction with the data, leading to better understanding of sleep patterns and behavior.
Researchers found that bloggers who accepted compensation tend to feel more empowered in their relationships with companies, rather than feeling indebted. However, the guidelines have not changed how bloggers acknowledge compensation, and many simply don't report accepting free products.
A series of parenting classes, Family Foundations, has been shown to reduce parental stress, depression, and anxiety, while improving parenting quality and long-term child outcomes. Participation in the program was linked to more optimal birth weight and shorter hospital stays for mothers at risk.
Research suggests that above-water microbes contribute to the development of hydrogen-sulfide-rich caves through aerobic respiration, producing sulfuric acid. In contrast, underwater microbes only partially burn hydrogen sulfide, creating pure sulfur as a byproduct that is not corrosive to limestone.
A team of researchers developed a self-healing bioplastic from squid proteins, which can be repaired with warm water. The material exhibits improved durability for applications such as medical implants and fiber-optic cables.
Scientists develop new surface architecture combining lotus leaves' unique features to enhance liquid mobility on rough surfaces. The Wenzel state is shown to be highly mobile for the first time experimentally.
The Methodology Center at Penn State has received a $13 million grant to support ongoing and new research on developing new analysis methods. The projects aim to improve experimental design, data analysis, and intervention delivery through the use of complex behavioral data.
Penn State researchers are developing new, ultra-high efficiency photovoltaic cells using a novel tracking system to concentrate sunlight 400 times over. The goal is to create standard rooftop solar panels with competitive manufacturing costs and double the efficiency of existing solar panels in sunny regions.
A team of Penn State researchers found that compounds in purple potatoes can suppress the growth of colon cancer tumors by targeting stem cells. The study suggests that eating a medium-sized purple potato per day may provide cancer prevention benefits.
A study found that two-year-old children with larger oral vocabularies enter kindergarten classrooms better at reading and mathematics, as well as exhibiting improved behavior. The research suggests that early vocabulary development is a crucial factor in children's academic and behavioral outcomes.
A study by Penn State researchers found that climate change will reduce the availability of cold water habitats for wild brook trout, leading to fewer angling opportunities. The study projected a significant increase in driving distances for trout fishermen due to warming waters.
A study of nearly 1,000 women in Pennsylvania found that partnership status and frequency of sexual intercourse were key predictors of prescription contraceptive use. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are used by only 7.2% of women ages 15-44, despite being highly effective.
Researchers found that the simultaneous use of heroin and prescription painkillers is increasing dramatically among whites, particularly young white men. Heroin abuse has also expanded to groups not traditionally seen as widespread opiate users, highlighting the need for tailored treatment approaches.
Researchers developed an algorithm to analyze and critique digital photographs' composition, providing feedback on perceived aesthetics. The system relies on psychological theories of human vision and opinions of people, helping photographers improve their work.
Heavy smokers and obese individuals may experience significant weight gain after quitting smoking due to factors like daily cigarette consumption and body mass index. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants to find that those who quit smoking gained an average of 23 pounds among smokers of 25 or more cigarettes per day.
A team of Penn State researchers, led by Ping Li, has been awarded a nearly $1 million grant to investigate how readers comprehend science texts. The project aims to capture cognitive and brain representations during and after reading, with implications for STEM education.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method for addressing individual neutral atoms using laser light, enabling the creation of quantum computers. The technique allows for precise control over qubits and enables quantum computing applications such as factoring large numbers used in secure codes.
The NSF-funded Industry/University Collaborative Research Center will design and develop advanced two-dimensional coatings to address fundamental scientific and technological challenges. The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC) aims to create spin-out companies and solve issues like corrosion, oxidation, and abr...
Researchers developed a cross-linked polymer nanocomposite containing boron nitride nanosheets, which can operate at high temperatures, store electricity, and be photo-patterned. The material has higher voltage capability, heat resistance, and bendability.
A new feed supplement has been shown to reduce dairy cow methane emissions by 30% without affecting feed intake, fiber digestibility, or milk production. This could have significant implications for global climate change, as animal agriculture is a major source of methane emissions.