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.
Paleobotanists discover complete fossil remains of Agathis trees from Australia to South America across Antarctica, revealing its vast range and adaptability. The findings provide insights into climate change's impact on the tree's distribution.
Scientists have found a way to regrow dendrites, the branch-like structures of neurons that receive information from the brain, independently of axon regeneration. This discovery has significant implications for treating conditions like stroke, where damaged dendrites can only be repaired if blood loss is brief.
The Amborella genome sequence reveals a 'genome doubling event' that occurred 200 million years ago, explaining the sudden proliferation of new flower species. The discovery provides insights into the genetic origins of important traits in food crops and has significant implications for crop improvement.
Scientists use reactive glial cells to regenerate healthy neurons in a breakthrough technology for treating brain injuries and Alzheimer's disease. In mouse models and human cell cultures, the method successfully converts glial cells into functional neurons.
Significant declines in European corn borer populations suggest that expensive, insecticidal toxin-resistant corn hybrids are not needed. Non-Bt hybrid seeds can be a more cost-effective option for growers to reduce potential losses.
Measuring changes in proteins in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may better predict disease progression, according to scientists at Penn State College of Medicine. Biomarkers from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid identified as useful in predicting disease duration.
Artificial cells manufactured via microprinting can mimic natural cell membranes, allowing researchers to study cellular processes. The creation of uniform-sized artificial cells with proteins and lipids enables high-throughput screenings for drug delivery and disease prevention.
A team of marine biologists has discovered that previously unrecognized species diversity was hiding some corals' ability to respond to climate change. The researchers found that two separate lineages of coral, which look deceivingly similar, have different genetic makeup and survival strategies.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a near broken-gap tunnel field effect transistor (TFET) that uses quantum mechanical tunneling to provide high current at low voltage. This breakthrough device has the potential to replace current CMOS transistors in energy-constrained applications.
Researchers found that customizing a personal website can improve self-control, reducing the likelihood of making impulsive decisions during online transactions. Participants who tailored their own site worked longer on a puzzle task than those who customized for others.
A new study suggests that vaginal administration of erectile dysfunction medication sildenafil citrate may alleviate moderate to severe menstrual cramps with no reported side effects. Researchers found that the drug relieved pain by increasing blood flow, but the exact mechanism remains unknown.
A new mathematical model can help business owners and policymakers determine the optimal locations for wholesale distributors to minimize transportation costs and maximize producers' and retailers' benefits. The model considers factors like distributor size, road conditions, and gas prices to identify ideal hubs in various supply chains.
Astronomers have discovered the youngest known neutron-star binary, Circinus X-1, which is approximately 4,600 years old. The team used data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to determine the age of this record-breaking pair, revealing a unique opportunity to study matter under extreme conditions.
Larger commercial and industrial operations in areas with access to large timber resources could convert to wood-powered burners for heat and power. Wood is a renewable resource that could contribute to the nation's energy needs indefinitely if managed sustainably.
Researchers created a software program to predict how users will set privacy levels for new content and connections, aiming to improve security without affecting user experience. The program shows promise in some scenarios, with accuracy rates up to 90%, but struggles with re-uploading content found from others.
Recent research suggests that the frequency of Earth-like planets in habitable zones around M-dwarfs is 0.4-0.5, requiring surveying about 10 cool stars. A conservative approach would focus on surface water, as subsurface water testing is impossible to verify remotely.
A new method enables more accurate prediction of how ribonucleic acid molecules (RNAs) fold within living cells, shedding light on how plants respond to environmental conditions. The tool has implications for human health, such as understanding the effects of infection-induced fever on RNA structures.
A team of researchers suggests that molecular hydrogen, in addition to carbon dioxide and water, could have created a greenhouse effect on Mars 3.8 billion years ago, raising temperatures high enough for liquid water to flow.
Researchers have discovered an additive that inhibits oxidation in wine, reducing discoloration and loss of aroma. Chelation compounds like phytic acid can bind with metals to neutralize oxidation, making it a promising solution for winemakers.
Research found that manager support for fun significantly reduces employee turnover, especially among younger workers. However, this support also negatively impacts sales performance, regardless of age. The study suggests a balance between manager support for fun and engaging activities to minimize productivity losses.
Researchers found that queen bees signal detailed information about their mating state and reproductive quality to workers, influencing colony dynamics. This honest communication may help explain the rapid rates of queen loss and turnover reported by beekeepers.
Researchers found precolonial eastern forests, dominated by American beech, red oak and sweet birch, using 300-year-old leaves buried behind milldams. This knowledge can inform successful stream restoration approaches that consider the past forest makeup.
Research by Penn State University found that male fence lizards prefer females with less vibrant blue markings, suggesting an evolutionary advantage. These females laid smaller clutches and their offspring hatched later, potentially providing a survival edge.
A study by Penn State researchers found that US citizenship increases a woman's likelihood of receiving mammograms and cancer tests. Foreign-born non-citizens have significantly lower odds of being screened for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancers compared to U.S.-born citizens.
Mészáros was honored for his groundbreaking research on gamma-ray bursts, developing the cosmological-fireball-shock scenario that has been confirmed by observations. He is also recognized for publishing numerous papers in this field and being a leading researcher in high-energy astrophysics.
A Penn State researcher is conducting a study on the effectiveness of a web-based intervention aimed at helping women plan for pregnancy in the future. The tool, recommended by the CDC, helps women determine suitable birth control methods based on their life goals and preferences.