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Penn State


Future family and career goals evident in teenage years

Researchers found that teenagers who placed high importance on both work and family goals, as well as having confidence in achieving them, were more likely to report feeling successful in their careers and families later in life. These individuals also reached higher education levels than those with only family-oriented goals.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateNov 4, 2014

Link seen between seizures and migraines in the brain

Seizures and migraines have long been considered separate events, but a new study reveals a surprising connection between the two. By applying fundamental physics principles to an older theory of brain electricity, researchers found that seizures and spreading depression are part of a spectrum of nerve cell behavior.

Greater rates of mitochondrial mutations discovered in children born to older mothers

A study by Penn State scientists found that children born to older mothers have higher rates of mitochondrial DNA mutations, which can cause over 200 diseases. The researchers also discovered the size of the 'bottleneck' period during egg-cell development, providing crucial information for genetic counseling and family planning.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2014

Tailored flexible illusion coatings hide objects from detection

Researchers at Penn State have developed a metamaterial coating that allows coated objects to function normally while appearing as something other than what they really are. The 'illusion coatings' work by using copper patterns designed to create the desired result, enabling practical applications for cloaking metal antennas and sensors.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 13, 2014

Media celebrate female NFL referee, but fumble deeper issues

A study by Penn State researcher Dunja Antunovic found that the media mostly celebrated female NFL referee Shannon Eastin's debut, but failed to provide comprehensive analysis of gender issues in sports. The research highlights structural barriers that hinder women's participation in traditionally male roles.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Sports Media·DateOct 8, 2014

Grant to help find why people reveal information online

Penn State researchers are teaming up to study how certain cues on mobile and web devices inspire mental shortcuts that predict user trust in online sites and social networks. The study aims to promote better interface design and educate users about mental shortcuts that compromise their privacy when online.

2-D materials' crystalline defects key to new properties

Scientists have found that defects in a 2D material called tungsten disulphide can create unusual characteristics, making it useful for electronic devices and hydrogen gas liberation. The researchers used an advanced microscope to visualize the defects, revealing a low-energy barrier that allows them to be easily displaced.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2014

Research shows alcohol consumption influenced by genes

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that people's perception of alcohol taste varies due to genetic differences in bitter taste receptors. These differences can influence drinking habits, with some individuals experiencing more bitterness and lower liking for alcoholic beverages.

Smallest possible diamonds form ultra-thin nanothreads

Researchers at Penn State University have discovered a method to produce ultra-thin diamond nanothreads with exceptional strength and stiffness. The discovery is based on compressing benzene molecules under high pressure, allowing them to form a strong tetrahedral core linked by hydrogen atoms.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2014

'Femme fatale' emerald ash borer decoy lures and kills males

Researchers have designed decoys that mimic female emerald ash borers, enticing male beetles to land on them and get electrocuted. The team's bioreplicated decoys were more attractive to males than simpler 3D-printed decoys due to their fine-scale texture and color.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 15, 2014

Some male scientists willing to forsake careers for family

A study by Penn State researchers found that one-third of men in academic science are willing to reduce their career intensity to focus on family. The majority of men studied desired more involvement at home but faced challenges balancing work and family life due to long hours and intense devotion to their field.

SourcePenn State·JournalWork and Occupations·DateSep 11, 2014

Researchers search for Venus-like planets

Researchers developed parameters to distinguish Venus-like planets from Earth-like ones based on distance from stars. The study identified 43 potential Venus-like planets with characteristics like size and orbit, but atmospheric conditions remain unknown.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 10, 2014

Residual hydraulic fracturing water not a risk to groundwater

New research by Penn State scientists suggests that hydraulic fracturing water is not a significant risk to groundwater, as it is sequestered in the rock formation. The study found that capillary and osmotic forces prevent upward migration of residual treatment water into overlying groundwater.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources·DateSep 10, 2014

Positive outlook and social support help diabetes patients cope

Researchers found that a positive outlook and support from family and friends help people deal with the emotional, psychological and social challenges of living with diabetes. The study also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and needs with loved ones to relieve stress and improve health outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 9, 2014

Rethinking the basic science of graphene synthesis

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new route to making graphene through intercalation, allowing for the creation of single-layer sheets without damaging the layers. This breakthrough could lead to easier and more efficient production of graphene for various industrial applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 7, 2014

Sugar substitutes not so super sweet after all

A study by Penn State researchers found that non-nutritive sweeteners are not as sweet as commonly believed, contrary to marketing claims. Participants could detect these sweeteners at lower levels but did not perceive them as sweeter than sugar.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 4, 2014

Tilted acoustic tweezers separate cells gently

Researchers have developed a device that uses tilted-angle standing surface acoustic waves to separate cells with minimal energy. The method is gentler than traditional methods like centrifugation and can efficiently sort cells with high purity.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014

Zombie ant fungi 'know' brains of their hosts

A parasitic fungus controls the behavior of ants by emitting specific chemicals when encountering their brain, not when infecting other ant species. The fungus produces a mixture of known and unknown chemicals that work in synergy to manipulate the ants' behavior.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 25, 2014

Love makes sex better for most women

According to a Penn State Abington sociologist, most women believe love is necessary for maximum sexual satisfaction in both relationships and marriage. The study found that love makes sex physically more pleasurable and increases feelings of trust and agency.

Neglected boys may turn into violent adolescents

Physical neglect during childhood is a stronger predictor of male adolescent violence than physical abuse, according to Penn State researchers. The study suggests that understanding neglect's role in influencing violent behavior can lead to better education and care for at-risk youths.

Pygmy phenotype developed many times, adaptive to rainforest

Researchers found that the pygmy phenotype in Africa and Southeast Asia is a result of multi-gene adaptation, making individuals better suited for their challenging environments. The study suggests that this adaptation may have occurred independently in different regions.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2014

Native bacteria block Wolbachia from being passed to mosquito progeny

Researchers discovered that a type of bacteria called Asaia blocks invasion of Wolbachia into mosquitoes' germlines, stopping the insects from transmitting Wolbachia to their offspring. This finding provides a potential answer to why some insect species are infected with Wolbachia while others are not.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2014

Pistachios may lower vascular response to stress in type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that consuming two servings of pistachios per day lowered vascular constriction during stress and improved neural control of the heart in adults with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes. The pistachio diet also showed improvements in sleep blood pressure, vascular response to stress, and vagal control of the heart.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 5, 2014

Parenting skills improve in ADHD parents with medication

Researchers found that medication treatment for ADHD improved parenting skills in adults, leading to reduced negative child behavior and improved parenting practices. Parents who received lisdexamfetamine showed fewer commands, more responsive interactions, and increased praise compared to those on placebo.

SourcePenn State·JournalCNS Drugs·DateJul 31, 2014

New network unites university health care research

Four major health institutions have partnered to create a Clinical Data Research Network, leveraging PCORI's $7 million funding. The network will study patient outcomes for obesity, atrial fibrillation and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, expanding research capabilities and collaboration opportunities.

The birth of topological spintronics

Researchers at Penn State and Cornell University have discovered a new material combination that can control magnetic memory or logic 10 times more efficiently than current methods. The discovery uses topological insulators to manipulate spin orientation, overcoming a key challenge in developing spintronics technology.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2014

Eating lean beef daily can help lower blood pressure

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that eating lean beef daily can effectively lower blood pressure in healthy individuals. The BOLD+ diet, which includes 5.4 ounces of lean beef per day, was more effective at reducing blood pressure compared to other diets tested.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Human Hypertension·DateJul 17, 2014