A previously unappreciated open star cluster, Ruprecht 147, has been found to be an important tool in understanding stellar astrophysics and the search for Earth-like planets. The cluster is close to Earth and contains stars similar in mass and age to the Sun, making it a valuable laboratory for studying bright stars.
Researchers created a website called AchieveTogether to study the effectiveness of positive deviance in weight loss. Users lost about 4.5 pounds more weight than those without access to the site. The study suggests that online weight loss programs featuring successful dieters may be an effective strategy for weight loss.
Richard Alley, a renowned geoscientist, has been recognized by the US News STEM Leadership Hall of Fame for his groundbreaking work in the field. He will receive the award on June 29 at U.S. News STEM Solutions 2012 in Dallas, Texas.
Research found that blogging positively impacts new mothers' well-being by increasing feelings of social support, marital satisfaction, and reducing parenting stress. Blogging provides an outlet for stay-at-home moms to connect with family and friends, showcasing their hobbies and accomplishments.
Researchers analyzed fossilized primate skulls and CT scans of living primates to determine how extinct animals moved, focusing on the bony labyrinth of the inner ear. The study found that ancient primates were relatively agile, with some species moving faster than their Old World ancestors.
Researchers at Penn State found that social marketing campaigns could motivate farmers to install rollover protective structures on older-model tractors, reducing deaths in tractor-rollover accidents. Offering rebates and highlighting child safety concerns were key motivators for farmers.
Infant mortality rates remain high in Appalachia, with white infants facing disproportionately higher deaths compared to non-Appalachian regions. Poverty and limited access to physicians contribute to the deficit, emphasizing the need for improved prenatal care and healthcare policies.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a biochip-based device that can rapidly screen cells for leukemia or HIV. The device uses microfluidic drifting technology to focus particles or cells in a single stream, eliminating the need for bulky lenses and mirrors, and potentially reducing costs to $1,000 from current prices of $100,000.
A team of scientists has developed a new strategy to reactivate genes that cause cancer tumors to shrink and die. The researchers found that inhibiting the PAD4 enzyme can effectively target unhealthy, cancerous tissue without damaging healthy tissues.
Rural residents may face a digital divide due to the increasing adoption of technology that replaces copper lines with faster, cheaper, and more convenient alternatives. While cellular phones offer an affordable option, most cell phone companies charge per minute, and service can be unreliable.
A Penn State study found that 57.6% of patients prescribed antipsychotic medications in 2003 did not have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, highlighting potential savings through reduced off-label use. The study suggests that Medicaid programs may benefit from reducing non-FDA-approved use of these medications.
Despite federal recommendations for four hours of physical activity per week, Americans spend only about two hours engaging in sports and fitness activities. The most prevalent activity is dedicated walking, with teenagers spending seven times more time playing basketball than older adults.
Researchers found that high biodiversity regions are linguistically diverse, with 3,202 languages spoken in 35 hotspots and 1,622 in five wilderness areas. Linguistic loss threatens biodiversity as well, with up to 90% of languages disappearing by the end of the 21st century.
A study by Penn State researchers found that users increase their interactivity and develop a greater sense of community when they can express themselves through blog posts, site customization, and gadget selection. However, too many functional gadgets lead to decreased satisfaction.
The Center for Sport Concussion Research and Service at Penn State aims to advance concussion research and provide baseline assessments for local collegiate and child athletes. Virtual-reality technology is being used to study the cognitive and motor effects of concussions on athletes.
A new systematic assessment helps diagnose malnutrition in patients with chronic diseases and acute injuries, considering inflammation status. The approach aims to guide practitioners in selecting nutrition interventions and predicting outcomes.
A hyperparasitic fungus has been found to effectively combat the zombie-ant fungus, limiting its spread and survival. The research model shows that only about 6.5% of spore-producing organs were viable, suggesting a smaller threat to ant colonies.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that parenting behaviors and adolescents' substance-use behaviors are significantly correlated. Higher levels of parental knowledge and disciplinary consistency lead to a lower likelihood of substance use, while inconsistent parents and aware peers can increase the risk of substance use.
Researchers at Penn State developed a process to spin starch into fine strands for use in bandages and other medical dressings. The biodegradable bandages would degrade into glucose, eliminating the need for painful removal.
A recent study has identified 24 new species of skinks, a type of lizard, on Caribbean islands. The newly discovered species are threatened with extinction due to the introduction of invasive mongooses that have been responsible for their decline.
Scientists at Penn State's Arecibo Observatory have discovered flaring radio emission from an ultra-cool star, shattering the previous record for lowest stellar temperature at which radio waves were detected. The star, named J1047+21, is a brown dwarf with a surface temperature not much higher than that of a giant planet.
Jainendra K. Jain, James F. Kasting, and Bruce E. Logan recognized for their nationally renowned work in physics, geosciences, and environmental engineering, as well as exceptional teaching and leadership skills. The Evan Pugh Professorships are the highest honor Penn State bestows on its faculty.
Researchers found a link between bingeing on fat and cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, indicating that conditions promoting excessive behavior towards one substance can increase the probability of excessive behavior towards another. This study may shed light on the factors that promote substance abuse and addiction.
A new study will test a professional development program called CARE for Teachers, which aims to enhance teachers' social and emotional competence. The program provides emotion skills instruction, mindfulness practices, and caring techniques to promote empathy and compassion in the classroom.
Research found that depressed mothers are more likely to excessively worry about their infants' nighttime behavior and spend more time with them, leading to increased night waking in the infants. Mothers with high depressive symptoms were also more likely to seek out their babies at night, despite the infant not appearing distressed.
Richard Hogg, a renowned expert in particle technology, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering for his groundbreaking work on coagulation and flocculation. His research interests span multiple areas of particle technology, including characterization, mixing, and agglomeration processes.
Penn State researchers found that perceived control over hot flashes is a key factor in how exercise affects menopausal women. Women who felt they had more control over their hot flashes experienced fewer symptoms after physical activity. Cognitive behavioral therapy may also help some women feel more in control.
A study by Penn State economists found a significant correlation between the number of Wal-Mart stores and hate groups in an area. The researchers suggest that the large-scale retail chains may contribute to the fraying of social bonds and promote intolerant attitudes, particularly through their promotion of typical Protestant values.
A team of researchers used mobile devices to collect data on nicotine addiction and found that successful quitters had a weaker association between their urge to smoke and their ability to quit. The study suggests that baseline nicotine dependence and negative emotional states influence people's urge to smoke while trying to quit.
Studies show people experience similar emotional reactions to online and face-to-face exclusion, with participants feeling numb and distancing after being ignored. The findings challenge the assumption that online interactions are less meaningful than in-person ones.
Researchers discovered numerous coral communities covered in brown flocculent material and showing signs of tissue damage near the Macondo Well, 4,000 feet from the surface. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography analysis confirmed oil from the spill was the source, revealing a serious impact on deep-sea animal communities.
Penn State researchers found that consumers are highly concerned about produce safety, and supermarkets will increasingly require growers to demonstrate good agricultural practices. To comply, growers will need GAP training and educational materials, as supermarkets implement policies requiring third-party certification.
The PATHS study aims to fill the gap in knowledge about heart failure patients' and caregivers' needs. The project will develop an algorithm to guide targeted palliative care interventions, improving outcomes for those with advanced heart failure.
Food-insecure mothers face increased weight gain due to skipping meals and eating cheaper, less nutritious foods to ensure their children are fed. This behavior is linked to metabolic responses that retain fat, exacerbating obesity risks.
The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory and Sciaky, Inc. have established the Center for Innovative Metal Processing through Direct Digital Deposition as a Manufacturing Demonstration Facility. The center aims to provide an advanced design and simulation tool in a shared network for industry participants to evaluate the technology.
A study by Penn State researchers found that people's beliefs about genes, God, and personal control can influence their communication strategies when diagnosed with a genetic disorder. The team identified four groups based on these beliefs, suggesting personalized approaches to simplify health communication strategies.
Researchers found that employees spend more time surfing the web for personal pursuits after switching to daylight saving time, resulting in potential productivity losses. The study suggests that lost sleep causes employees to exhibit poorer self-control, leading to increased cyberloafing.
Research suggests that violent relationships during pregnancy can lead to poor co-parenting skills, with mothers being more likely to exhibit violence than fathers. Common couple violence, characterized by actions like shoving and hitting, can be detrimental to the development of a positive co-parenting relationship.
Researchers found that wine experts were more sensitive to bitter tastes than non-experts, suggesting their ability to discern small differences in wine may be innate. This could mean that expert recommendations are too subtle for average consumers to sense.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new technology combining microbial fuel cells and reverse electrodialysis to produce electricity from wastewater. The system uses an ammonium bicarbonate salt solution, allowing for energy production anywhere, not just coastal areas.
A gluten-free, casein-free diet has been found to be effective in improving ASD behaviors, physiological symptoms, and social behaviors for some children with gastrointestinal symptoms and allergy symptoms. Parents who eliminated all gluten and casein from their children's diets reported significant improvements in their child's behavior.
Research by Penn State found that breathing cold air during exercise causes uneven oxygen distribution throughout the heart, particularly in those with coronary artery disease. Healthy individuals can redistribute blood flow, but those with heart problems may not be able to compensate, making activities like shoveling snow dangerous.
Astrophysicists have uncovered new questions and clarified previous theories about gamma-ray bursts using the Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. The telescope's unique view allows it to capture the highest energy portion of these bursts, which are difficult to detect due to their brief duration and narrow radiation patterns.
A new software app, Caffeine Zone, developed by Penn State researchers, can help people find the best time to consume caffeine for a mental boost without disrupting their sleep. The app provides personalized graphs based on individual caffeine intake and drinking habits.
Researchers found that motivation to exercise changes on a weekly basis and is linked to behavior. Consistently strong intentions are key to following through on physical activity goals.
A study by Penn State researchers found that medical center-based farmers markets contribute to greater wellness in surrounding communities while adding public health value. The markets provide a sustainable supply of healthy foods, enable community wellness partnerships, and empower local economies.
Increased use of glyphosate-type herbicides has led to a dramatic increase in genetically-resistant weeds, according to Penn State researchers. Integrated weed management programs, including planting cover crops and using mechanical control methods, can lower herbicide use by up to 94% while maintaining profit margins.
A new statistical model developed by Penn State researcher Cedric Neumann allows for the quantification of fingerprint evidence, paving the way for its full inclusion in criminal identification processes. The model enables the evaluation of fingerprint evidence on a continuous scale, rather than relying on subjective expert opinions.
Researchers found that people who are more physically active report greater levels of excitement and enthusiasm compared to those who are less active. Daily physical activity, even if short in duration, can provide a feel-good effect, motivating individuals to stay active and continue their exercise program.
Researchers found that comparing downward to others who are worse off can lead to immediate positive feelings, while upward comparisons may improve physical health measures and hope for improvement. However, the effects can be negative in both cases, highlighting the need for better understanding of social comparison dynamics.