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Penn State


Letrozole may help women with PCOS become pregnant

A nationwide study found that letrozole increased live births by 27.5% compared to clomiphene, and improved ovulation rates and reduced twin pregnancies. Fewer side effects were reported with letrozole, but further research is needed for safety clarification.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 9, 2014

Expectant moms turn to 'Dr. Google' for pregnancy advice

Pregnant women are relying on internet search engines and social media for medical guidance, as they feel doctor's office literature is insufficient. The structure of prenatal care has changed little over the past century, leading to a disconnect between what healthcare providers offer and what patients want.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJul 7, 2014

Malaria parasite manipulates host's scent

Researchers found that malaria-infected mice are more attractive to mosquitos than uninfected mice, especially during recovery from symptoms. This altered scent profile may help identify asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

Heart rate variability may predict risk of disease in premature infants

Researchers found that heart rate variability can predict the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The study showed that decreased high-frequency energy distribution was associated with increased risk, while higher values were linked to a lower risk. This discovery offers new hope for early detection and intervention.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateJun 12, 2014

Peer pressure is weaker for kids to quit smoking

A study of adolescent friendship networks and smoking use over time found that friends exert influence on both starting and quitting smoking, but the influence to start is stronger. Nonsmoking friends are unlikely to provide resources needed to help their smoking peers quit, making peer pressure a significant barrier to cessation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateJun 11, 2014

55-year old dark side of the moon mystery solved

Astrophysicists at Penn State University have solved the Lunar Farside Highlands Problem, a long-standing mystery about the absence of maria on the far side of the moon. The researchers found that the difference in crustal thickness between the near and far sides is due to the moon's original formation process.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 9, 2014

Oil and gas development homogenizing core-forest bird communities

Researchers found that conventional oil and gas development in northern Pennsylvania is altering bird communities, with songbird species being pushed out and generalist species taking their place. The study revealed changes in avian guilds resulting from oil and gas development, suggesting a loss of community uniqueness.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 21, 2014

Pine bark substance could be potent melanoma drug

Researchers at Penn State have identified a pine bark substance, leelamine, that can simultaneously target multiple protein pathways in melanoma cells, shutting down their survival communication and leading to cell death. This unique approach may address the issue of resistance to current melanoma drugs.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Cancer Therapeutics·DateMay 20, 2014

Respect for human rights is improving

A new measurement model reveals that human rights are actually improving, contrary to common claims. The model takes into account changes in data collection and categorization, showing more countries with better human rights records.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateMay 12, 2014

Research indicates coyote predation on deer in East manageable

Research indicates that coyote predation on fawns in the East may not be significant enough to cause deer population decline, especially with reduced doe harvests. In contrast, extremely low doe survival rates combined with high fawn mortality support stabilization of Eastern deer populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMay 9, 2014

Mobile health apps lack behavior-change techniques

Researchers found that top-rated health and fitness apps typically use fewer than four behavior-change techniques, with most focusing on instruction, feedback, and goal-setting. The study highlights the need for developers to incorporate more effective techniques in their apps.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 6, 2014

Genetic approach helps design broadband metamaterial

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new metamaterial with high absorption over broad bandwidth, providing better protection against electromagnetic radiation. The material is designed using genetic algorithms and can be easily manufactured due to its simple layer structure.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 5, 2014

Robots may need to include parental controls

Penn State researchers found that older adults fear companion robots will negatively affect young people, leading to design challenges for developers. To address this concern, robot designers may need to include parental controls to monitor children's use of robots and prevent dependency.

Mysteries of a nearby planetary system's dynamics now are solved

A team of astronomers has developed a viable model for the planetary system orbiting the star 55 Cancri, solving long-standing mysteries about the masses and orbits of its two giant planets. The study reveals that their particular masses and orbits are preventing the system from self-destructing anytime soon.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 22, 2014

Under some LED bulbs whites aren't 'whiter than white'

Researchers found that different LED light sources render white differently, affecting product appearance. Participants struggled to distinguish between cards under blue-pumped LEDs, highlighting the need for spectrum engineering to accurately render whiteness.

SourcePenn State·JournalLEUKOS The Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America·DateApr 18, 2014

Drought and fire in the Amazon lead to sharp increases in forest tree mortality

A recent study found that severe droughts and repeated fires in the Amazon lead to high tree mortality rates, with 60% of trees dying in a single experiment. The researchers warn that climate change will exacerbate this issue, making it essential to implement policies and programs to control forest fires and prevent deforestation.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2014

Sunlight generates hydrogen in new porous silicon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon using solar energy, which can generate hydrogen from water when exposed to sunlight. The material's high surface area and nanoscale size enable it to act as an effective catalyst, aiding in the production of hydrogen gas.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2014