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Penn State


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

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