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.
In Malawi, people with uncertain HIV status are more eager to start families than those who know their status. Researchers found that uncertainty about HIV accelerates childbearing in the country due to cultural factors and the desire for a longer life. The study used an innovative method to measure personal uncertainty, where particip...
Researchers found that social support from a partner or parent can encourage patients to adhere to CPAP treatment. Innovative approaches, such as telecommunications and individualized considerations, can also improve treatment outcomes.
The appearance of oxygen in the atmosphere likely occurred through a series of starts and stops over hundreds of millions of years, according to a new study. Oxygen levels gradually rose from 2,500 million years ago, eventually reaching about 1 percent of today's atmospheric level.
Wyngaard and Thompson are honored for their contributions to understanding atmospheric turbulence and ozone dynamics. They received the Carl-Gustaf Rossby Research Medal and Verner E. Suomi Award, respectively.
Michael Mann, renowned climatologist, will receive the Hans Oeschger Medal from the European Geosciences Union. The award recognizes his groundbreaking work on Earth's climate system, including the 'hockey stick' chart and advocacy for climate action.
A recent study found that home nursing visits are as safe and effective as office-based care for initial post-delivery well-baby check-ups, reducing the risk of missed appointments. Home visits also provide modest benefits, including increased breastfeeding rates and maternal confidence in parenting skills.
Researchers found that sleep paralysis is more common in students and psychiatric patients, affecting nearly 28% of students and 32% of psychiatric patients. The study also identified three types of hallucinations experienced during sleep paralysis, including the presence of an intruder, pressure on the chest, and levitation.
The Galaxy platform is now available as a cloud computing resource, providing researchers with access to powerful computing power and vast data storage capacity. This development enables scientists to perform large-scale DNA analyses without investing in expensive computer infrastructure.
A pair of postdoctoral researchers at Penn State suggest that we have not looked in enough places to ensure the absence of extraterrestrial artifacts. They used a probabilistic method to determine if sufficient searching has been done, finding it challenging to rule out their presence.
Researchers found that blocking arginase-2 activity prevents kidney failure in diabetic mice, offering a new therapeutic approach for diabetic nephropathy. The study also suggests that this inhibition may protect against albuminuria and cardiovascular problems.
A piece of jawbone excavated from a prehistoric cave in England is the earliest evidence for modern humans in Europe, dating back to 44,000-41,000 years old. The discovery confirms the coexistence of Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans during the last Ice Age.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratories and Penn State have developed a new solar concentrator design that improves light collection efficiency. The new design achieves near-lossless propagation for several different chromophores, enabling a more than twofold increase in concentration ratio compared to conventional LSCs.
A new study using genetic, archeological, and climatic data found that humans and climate fluctuations contributed to the extinction of six large Ice-Age mammals. The research suggests that as the Earth warmed after the last ice age, these species were unable to find alternative habitats, leading to their demise.
A team of astronomers has discovered three new planets and a mystery object orbiting giant, dying stars. The research provides insights into the evolution of planetary systems around these stars and how metal content influences their behavior.
The NASA Swift Observatory has released a free iPhone application that provides up-to-date information on gamma-ray burst discoveries, allowing users to track the location of Swift as it orbits Earth. The app also offers an interactive map, gallery of images, and real-time observations.
The ConocoPhillips Energy Prize has been awarded to Altaeros Energies for their innovative airborne tethered wind turbine technology, which can supply 100 kilowatts of electricity without using fossil fuels. This technology has the potential to revolutionize remote energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Astronomers have discovered a planet-sized object, dubbed WD 0806-661 B, that is as cool as the Earth's surface. This brown dwarf has a mass similar to Jupiter but orbits a white dwarf companion at a vast distance of 2500 AU.
A study published in American Sociological Review found that teenage drinking habits are influenced more by their date's friends than their own. The presence of prior drinking among the friend increases the odds of future binge drinking by 80%, while the date's drinking habits have a lower impact, increasing binge drinking by 32%.
A Penn State University study analyzed tweets about the H1N1 vaccine to track vaccination rates and attitudes. The research found patterns that correlate vaccination rates with geographic location and sentiment trends over time. This analysis could be used strategically to develop targeted public health initiatives.
A new $750,000 NSF-funded project is developing a searchable database to track water quality impacts from Marcellus Shale activity. The database will consolidate and update water data collected by various stakeholders, facilitating knowledge generation and community engagement.
Researchers used computer simulations to show the effectiveness of an alternative method for molecular depth profiling. The study found that combining buckyball bombardment with low-energy argon creates a smoother surface, allowing for clearer analysis of molecular arrangement. This technique has potential applications in studying huma...
A $5 million grant will support the development of high-energy density lithium-sulfur batteries that can provide 600 watt-hours per liter. The goal is to create safe, reliable, and economical long-lasting advanced cells with nonflammable electrolytes for improved cell cycling life.
The Harrisburg Preschool Program has shown substantial long-term effects on reading and math achievement in children attending the program. In grades 1-5, HPP students outperformed peers who did not attend, with significant increases in advanced or proficient scores.
A study found that performing tracheostomies within seven days of a severe head injury improves overall patient outcome. This is especially true for patients with a reasonable chance of survival, where early tracheostomy reduces the risk of complications and increases the likelihood of discharge in an independent state.
Obese mice fed green tea supplement gained weight 45% more slowly than control group, suggesting EGCG limits fat absorption and enhances fat use. Green tea did not suppress appetite and a person would need to drink ten cups daily to match study amount.
Researchers found that brand names in online search engine advertising campaigns attract more attention and encourage more sales. A study by Penn State researchers discovered that branded keyword phrases combined with branded advertisements generated the highest average sales, 15 times higher than generic ads.