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.
A mindfulness-based professional development program, CARE for Teachers, improves teachers' well-being, efficacy, and classroom environments. The program combines emotion skills instruction, mindful awareness practices, and compassion-building activities to reduce stress and improve social-emotional learning.
Archaeologist Dean Snow found that two-thirds of ancient handprints were female, contradicting the long-held assumption that men created these artworks. The analysis used finger ratios and size measurements to differentiate between males and females.
Researchers warn that eliminating local economic data could harm small businesses and entrepreneurs, who rely on this data to understand market trends and identify opportunities. The loss of data could also limit policymakers' ability to anticipate and respond to community needs.
The five-year collaborative research alliance will focus on detecting adversaries and attacks, measuring and managing risk, and altering environments to achieve best results at the least cost. Researchers will develop predictive models to make real-time decisions that lead to mission success.
The US2010 report shows increasing diversity in American communities, with whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians sharing spaces. However, micropolitan areas lag behind metropolitan counterparts in diversity levels, while segregation among certain groups remains substantial.
A study by Penn State researchers links melting sea ice in the Arctic to changes in plant growth timing, which affects caribou calves' nutrition. The findings suggest a trophic mismatch between plants and caribou, leading to lower calf production.
New food safety regulations require farmers to implement complex measures, but many struggle with compliance. A study found that knowledge of standards improved after training, yet confidence in implementing them decreased over time. Customized and modular training programs may be more effective for small-scale farmers.
Researchers found that tempol, an anti-oxidant drug, reduces weight gain in mice fed a high-fat diet. The drug targets the gut microbiome, specifically reducing Lactobacillus levels and increasing tauro-beta-muricholic acid, which inhibits FXR and regulates metabolism.
A new study published in the Journal of Food Protection shows that heat generated during composting is adequate for eliminating human pathogens from mushroom substrates. The findings minimize the effects of federal produce standards on the mushroom industry.
Researchers found that all coding and non-coding RNAs originate at the same locations along the human genome. This discovery may help pinpoint genetic origins of complex diseases, which often reside outside coding regions.
Researchers found that patients with pre-existing dementia who developed delirium while hospitalized had a 25% chance of dying within 30 days. Early detection and treatment of delirium can improve patient functioning and reduce mortality rates.
Researchers found that ocean warming is melting the Pine Island Glacier's floating ice shelf, causing rapid movement of glaciers in Antarctica. This process can lead to increased sea level rise as more ice is added to the mass of Antarctic glaciers.
People with lower self-esteem focus on others' posts, while those with higher self-esteem invest in personal profile information on Facebook. Individuals with higher self-esteem also show more agency, adding family, education, and work experience to their profiles.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have found that transplanting fat into mice with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) significantly lowers amino acid levels, a breakthrough for treating this rare inherited disorder. The procedure may also be effective for other metabolic diseases.
Fluent bilinguals have both languages active at all times, regardless of conscious use. This suggests that they control parallel language activity and select intended language without conscious thought.
Researchers combine protein sequencing, amino acid composition and RNA analysis to develop unique materials with self-healing properties. Novel proteins like Suckerin-39 allow for reshaping and remolding of elastomers.
Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria inside beetles suppress plant defenses against chewing insects, allowing beetles to thrive. The findings suggest a new way plants can be vulnerable to insect attacks.
A team of scientists has announced a new juvenile fossil cranium of the ancient ape species Lufengpithecus from Shuitangba, China. The discovery provides significant insights into the evolution and extinction of apes during the Miocene epoch.
Children who feel connected to their peers exhibit fewer behavioral problems, while girls are more likely to intervene when needed. Strong collective efficacy among youth promotes positive outcomes, similar to those seen in adult communities.
Researchers develop microcapsules containing BCNU for targeted brain cancer therapy, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects. The uniform spheres provide precise control over drug release, enhancing treatment outcomes.
A new method developed by Michael DiMarzio identifies and tracks antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium strains, which account for 15% of human salmonellosis infections. The study uses CRISPR sequences to separate isolates with common resistance patterns in both animals and humans.
Researchers found that genetic variations in two bitter taste receptor genes can explain differences in the perception of artificial sweeteners like Ace K. Additionally, studies on stevia extracts revealed that RebD is perceived as less bitter than RebA, suggesting potential opportunities for developing new sweeteners.
Researchers at Penn State have found a precursor signal to slow earthquakes, which can potentially foretell larger events. By studying the mechanisms behind slow earthquakes, they identified a transition in fault zone properties that supports slower velocities.
Researchers found women rarely part of corporate conspiracies and tend to play minor roles in fraud schemes. Women's involvement may be motivated by ethical concerns and social relationships, leading to lower financial gains from corporate crime.