Researchers will study amounts and types of aerosols influencing cloud formation in the Amazonia region. The three-year project aims to understand how the Amazon rainforest influences storm formation and internal water cycling.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that breast cancer cell subpopulation cooperation can lead to increased tumor growth. The study discovered that two distinct subclones within mammary tumors relied on each other to expand, with one producing a protein called Wnt1 that promoted tumor growth.
Researchers at Penn State have redefined the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), finding that its true signal was likely in a cooling phase in recent decades. This shift may have offset some of the anthropogenic warming, resulting in a temporary slowdown in global warming.
A study found that restaurant chefs and food purchasing managers prefer buying local foods with quick response times, accurate labeling, and training staff on local food handling. This was revealed in a Penn State research project investigating management's attitudes toward purchasing locally grown foods.
Researchers will investigate a gut parasite that negatively impacts honey bees, analyze pesticide effects, and model ecosystem stability in response to extinctions and invasions.
Researchers have developed a saliva-powered, micro-sized microbial fuel cell that produces nearly 1 microwatt of power. The device uses graphene and bacteria from the natural environment to create energy, paving the way for portable biomedical devices with built-in power sources.
A study found that popular students are more likely to be bullied and experience severe consequences, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Meanwhile, girls who date are at increased risk of physical violence, highlighting the complexities of social dynamics in bullying cases.
Researchers found that customers perceive restaurants as socially responsible when provided with nutrition facts and healthful options, leading to increased patronage. Highly health-conscious individuals are more likely to favor such restaurants, regardless of the presence of nutrition information.
A study by Penn State researchers found that when cereal flakes are reduced in size, participants pour a smaller volume but still consume more calories. The researchers tested the influence of food volume on calorie intake and found that subjects underestimated their calorie consumption despite consuming larger volumes.
A mathematical model developed by Penn State researchers can accurately predict blood glucose levels of individuals with type 1 diabetes up to 30 minutes in advance. This allows for timely action to be taken and reduces the risk of hypoglycemic events, which can be life-threatening.
Researchers found that adult day care services increase DHEA-S levels in caregivers, a protective response to chronic stress and disease. This study suggests that using adult day care services may help reduce the negative effects of caregiving on physical health.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that school hearing tests cannot effectively detect noise exposure-induced high-frequency hearing loss in adolescents. The tests primarily focus on low-frequency hearing loss and may not accurately identify hearing issues caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new method to link genetic markers with facial features, allowing for the extraction of individual gene effects on facial shape. This breakthrough could lead to improved forensic analysis and better understanding of human genetics.
Researchers suggest active mediation and monitoring online behavior over blanket rules to guide teens in making safe moral decisions. Parents who learn about technology can better engage with their children, while those with lower digital literacy may rely on restrictions.
A study published in Agricultural Systems found that planting cover crops increases eight of eleven ecosystem services, including carbon and nitrogen retention, erosion prevention, and weed suppression. The research highlights the importance of considering temporal dynamics when assessing management system effects on ecosystem services.
The new Center for Dielectrics and Piezoelectrics expands research capabilities with industry partners, focusing on high energy-density capacitors, flexible electronics, and piezotronic transistors. The center will leverage partnerships to support new products and processes.
A study found that adolescent girls who avoided painful thoughts and emotions were more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after child maltreatment. In contrast, those who openly discussed their experiences had lower PTSD symptoms.
Apert syndrome is caused by FGFR2 mutations, leading to early bone fusion, mid-facial deformation, and cognitive impairment. Researchers found that 3D imaging can estimate growth patterns and anticipate surgical outcomes, potentially improving patient-centered care.
Research found that people with math anxiety struggle to comprehend messages about genetically modified foods, while those with high math skills and confidence can better understand. The study highlights the importance of improving math skills and building confidence in math abilities.
Overweight pregnant women who believe they are 'eating for two' tend to experience excessive weight gain, while those with a goal-oriented approach and healthy habits gain appropriate weight. Monitoring weight gain during pregnancy can help prevent future complications and obesity.
Researchers at Penn State have identified major protein components in brown marmorated stink bug saliva, revealing distinct profiles for watery and sheath salivas. This breakthrough may lead to new pest control methods by targeting specific factors essential to feeding behavior.
Researchers at Penn State used a real-time convection-permitting hurricane analysis and forecasting system to accurately predict Hurricane Sandy's path, intensity, and rainfall. The system compared favorably to operational global models, showcasing its potential for improving storm prediction.
A study published in The Gerontologist reveals that parents' attitudes towards giving help to their grown children can impact their mental health. Researchers found significant interactions between tangible support and feelings of reward, as well as nontangible support and stress, in explaining parents' depressive symptoms.
A team of scientists at Penn State University has detected water vapor in the atmosphere of a hot-Jupiter exoplanet, tau Boötis b. This discovery could help researchers understand how many planets like Earth exist throughout the universe and provides new insights into the formation and evolution of exotic hot-Jupiter planets.
Researchers have discovered a key protein, AP2-G, essential for the development of male and female sexual forms of the malaria parasite. The protein triggers the production of gametocytes, which are infectious to mosquitos, offering clues for identifying transmission mechanisms.
Researchers found that a two-way approach can be more effective in reducing health disparities due to social stigma. Interventions at the individual level, such as educational approaches, can be combined with structural changes, like legislative reforms, to achieve better outcomes.
Researchers found that counties with a history of favoring entrepreneurship and fostering economic self-dependence tend to predict higher self-employment growth rates in the future. The availability of capital matters minimally to self-employment growth, except in small rural counties near metro areas.
Researchers aim to develop nanoparticles that target prostate cancer cells with a genotoxin drug. The nanoparticles will also promote healing in damaged blood vessels by mimicking platelets and catching circulating endothelial progenitor cells.
A recent study reveals that bottle gourds originated from Africa and were likely domesticated multiple times in the New World. The research found that modern bottle gourd samples from the Americas matched African genetic profiles, supporting the idea that gourds floated across the Atlantic Ocean frequently.
The 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics were shaped by the need for a world-class bobsled facility after eight crashes marred practice runs. The site's design, including unique drops and upward slopes, has influenced Sochi's slide, highlighting the Olympic Games' ongoing struggle with safety and environmental concerns.
Researchers are working to conserve the high diversity of potatoes found in South America, where over 5,000 varieties exist. A top-down approach using remote sensing and bottom-up knowledge from local farmers is being used to identify agrobiodiversity hotspots and create strategies for sustainable use.
Anthropologist Nina Jablonski warns of the dangers of using genomic knowledge to separate people based on genetic endowment or physical features, as it can lead to a new form of 'separate but equal.' She advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers human genetic admixture and individual variability.
Researchers discovered a female-specific pheromone that attracts males but repels virgin females, which could lead to managing the invasive Asian longhorned beetle. The team also found that sexually mature females continue to produce this pheromone after mating, potentially benefiting both sexes.
Researchers found that Wolbachia reduced malaria parasite infection and oocyst intensity at 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, its effect varied across different temperatures, with increased oocyst intensity at 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers found that commonly used disinfectants do not kill human papillomavirus (HPV), making it possible to transmit the virus through non-sexual means. The study suggests a need for hospital policy changes and highlights the importance of using bleach or autoclaving to inactivate HPV.
Research finds that tech products can turn uncool as they gain popularity, and companies need to continually innovate to maintain their appeal. Products with subculture appeal, originality, and attractiveness are considered cool, while utility is not a determining factor.
Researchers found that aggression genes control dominance in wasps, while also being linked to fighting behaviors in bees, fruit flies, and mice. External environment plays a crucial role in shaping gene expression, suggesting a stronger influence of nature over nurture.
Researchers successfully controlled nanomotors inside live human cells, powered by ultrasonic waves and steered magnetically. The ability to manipulate cells from the inside holds promise for treating diseases such as cancer.
Research on drifting herbicides reveals mixed effects, including positive, neutral, and negative impacts on neighboring fields and farms. Grasses dominated field edge test sites, while herbicide drift was associated with declines in three species of herbivores.
Rural primary care physicians report limited access to mental health services and societal stigma affecting rural women's care. Despite these challenges, many doctors are developing informal networks for consultation and seeking creative solutions to improve care.
Researchers found that rare and common plant species had similar tolerances to widely used herbicides, suggesting a lack of persistent effects on plant communities. The study highlights the need for alternative strategies, such as preserving farmland habitats, in plant conservation efforts.
A recent study found that community-focused agriculture has a measurable effect on economic growth in certain US regions. For every $1 increase in agricultural sales, personal income rose by 22 cents over five years.
A Penn State College of Medicine researcher developed an automated system that identifies high-risk osteoporosis patients and encourages follow-up treatment to prevent future fractures. The system resulted in a 60% follow-up rate among those who received letters, compared to 14% of those who did not receive letters.
Researchers at Penn State University have identified a critical protein required for the growth of cilia on cell surfaces. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating diseases related to cilium development, such as polycystic kidney disease, blindness, and neurological disorders.
Four common pesticides commonly used on crops to kill insects and fungi also kill honeybee larvae within their hives. The team found that mixtures of pesticides can have greater consequences for larval toxicity than individual pesticides, with chlorothalonil being the most toxic.
Researchers used laboratory experiments to test a model of microtubule steering, finding that kinesin motors can redirect microtubule ends into branches using crowd-sourced guidance from protein EB1. The study suggests this mechanism is a general strategy for organizing and maintaining proper microtubule polarity in cells.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that using a compact elliptical device while sitting can lead to significant weight loss and prevention of weight gain. The study involved 32 participants who used the device for one hour daily, resulting in an average weight loss of 5.2 pounds per year.
Richard B. Alley is awarded the Arthur L. Day Prize and Lectureship for his innovative studies on ice sheet flow and dating techniques, enhancing understanding of past climate variations. He will present a series of lectures summarizing current knowledge in ice dynamics and climate change.
Researchers at Penn State will receive $651,000 to create a method for identifying a prostate cancer-specific drug and developing a biodegradable nanoparticle capable of targeting the disease. The goal is to create an alternative to chemotherapy with reduced side effects.
The Penn State-led team aims to improve existing hydrological predictions and study the coupling of water with its environment. The goal is to create a strategic tool to assist in decision-making for extreme weather events.