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.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed crystalline materials that allow optical fibers to have integrated, high-speed electronic functions. The breakthrough enables faster and more efficient technologies in telecommunications, laser technology, and remote-sensing devices.
Climate researchers found that tree-ring reconstructions of temperature change may underestimate the climate response to past volcanic eruptions. The study compared tree-ring temperature reconstructions with model simulations and found a significant discrepancy in the response to three large tropical eruptions.
A study by Penn State researchers found that media coverage of college football quarterbacks perpetuates stereotypes about African American leadership, associating losses with failed leadership and victories with natural ability. This bias may contribute to barriers for black leaders in organizations.
Researchers discovered a genetic basis for people's preferences for fatty foods, finding that those with certain forms of the CD36 gene may prefer higher-fat foods and be at greater risk for obesity. The study suggests that genes related to fat perception may play a role in diet adherence and food preference.
A Penn State team has developed a QR code system that allows patients to provide real-time feedback on their care experiences, helping hospitals improve patient satisfaction and reputation. The winning project aims to ensure patients receive the best care while also boosting hospital reimbursement under the Value-Based Purchasing Program.
Research finds that financially impoverished schools significantly predict adolescent weight problems, regardless of parental education level. Well-educated parents can mitigate this effect by recognizing health issues and teaching healthy food choices.
A study by Penn State researchers found that online news portals benefit from credible sources, increasing user trust and potentially generating ad revenue. The study used a group of 231 students to test the impact of credibility on portal trustworthiness.
Researchers found that parent-based and peer-based interventions reduced heavy drinking among non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. The study identified four sub-groups of drinkers, including weekend non-bingers and heavy drinkers, with promising intervention effects.
Researchers from Penn State and Hallym University developed a system that uses LED lights to provide locational information, enabling shoppers to quickly find items in large stores. The hybrid system combines radio frequency transmitters with overhead LED lights to provide accurate location data.
Researchers found that smokers with elevated blood lead levels are at a higher risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. The study analyzed data from the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study and found an association between blood lead levels and kidney cancer risk.
Researchers have discovered two types of bacteria that can survive at extremely cold temperatures, including the bottom of Arctic and Antarctic glaciers. The bacteria, Chryseobacterium and Paenisporosarcina, respire in ice at temperatures ranging from -27 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit, using acetate as an energy source.
Researchers analyze tension between controlling sea level rise and surface temperature changes using a model with 120 scenarios. Abrupt cooling from sea-level rise mitigation could be more damaging than increasing temperatures, and strategies differ for each goal.
A novel method has precisely pinpointed the location of proteins that read and regulate chromosomes, providing a high-resolution view into gene regulation. This breakthrough could lead to a deeper understanding of normal human development and disease mechanisms.
Researchers found that women with celiac disease experience higher rates of stress, depression, and disordered eating compared to the general population. Despite managing a gluten-free diet, they often struggle with body image, weight, and shape issues.
A Penn State research team has discovered a compound produced from fish oil that targets and kills leukemia stem cells, potentially leading to a cure for the disease. The compound, D12-PGJ3, selectively activates a gene in leukemia stem cells that programs their own death.
A new study from Penn State suggests that lean beef can be part of a heart-healthy diet when saturated fat levels are controlled. The DASH diet, which emphasizes plant protein foods and fish, was compared to two other diets: Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) and BOLD plus additional protein.
A study by Penn State researchers found Fusarium fungus in nearly 70% of sink drains, posing a significant health risk. The fungus can cause opportunistic and fatal infections, particularly among individuals with compromised immune systems.
Researchers may have unraveled the mystery of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's lifelong chronic illness, which shares symptoms with hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Her daughter's experience with the muscle disorder has provided a unique lens to view her letters and diary entries.
A team of scientists led by Donald Bryant has corrected a decades-old assumption about how cyanobacteria make energy and synthesize cell materials. They discovered that these bacteria can complete the TCA cycle in a slightly different way, allowing them to produce energy.
A study by North American economists found that the cost of higher education is becoming increasingly inaccessible to low-income students, who are now facing significant barriers to accessing credit for college. This trend could have far-reaching economic impacts, as it restricts career choices and leads to less qualified workers in ke...
A new chemical technique has been developed to deposit a non-crystalline form of silicon into ultra-thin pores of optical fibers. This allows for the creation of more-efficient and flexible optical fibers with hydrogenated amorphous silicon, ideal for applications such as solar cells and telecommunications.
Parkinson's disease patients exhibit increased arm swing asymmetry and reduced coordination, which can be easily detected early with inexpensive accelerometers. This method may enhance early diagnosis and treatment opportunities, and researchers plan to further investigate its effectiveness.
Researchers found that long neuropsychological tests can induce mental fatigue in healthy, athletically active subjects. The study aims to establish a baseline measurement for concussion diagnosis and prevent re-injuries by testing athletes at the beginning of their season.
Researchers at Penn State have designed a new Facebook app sign-up interface that allows users to control what information they share with third-party developers. The design features clear language and multiple options for data sharing, resulting in improved user understanding of security settings.