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.
A $2.5 million NSF grant will support a program aimed at enhancing the public's understanding of science, engineering, and energy through community-based activities in Pennsylvania counties with natural gas exploration and production. The project will provide opportunities for residents to gain skills in scientific inquiry and build an...
Researchers found that Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) targets all different grades of breast cancer by activating death pathways. The virus causes 100% of cancer cell destruction within seven days, with majority of cell death proteins activated on the fifth day.
Researchers found increased nitrate levels in coastal waters of Korea and Japan since the 1980s, correlated with human-generated atmospheric nitrogen. This shift may influence marine plants and ecosystems, favoring organisms adapted to high nitrate conditions.
Researchers found that sex-segregated schools do not necessarily lead to better education outcomes, and may even reinforce gender stereotypes. The study suggests that coeducational settings can help students develop essential skills for interacting with others.
Researchers found that information communication technologies were used both to spread freedom messages and to incite violence during civil strife in Egypt and Kenya. The Egyptian government cracked down on blogs and social networks, while telecommunications companies responded differently depending on the government's request.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found a way to generate antigen-specific T cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which could lead to a simpler and more efficient method for using the body's immune system to fight cancer. The study, published in Cancer Research, used iPS cells from mice converted into immune ce...
Researchers at Penn State have developed a system that produces hydrogen from wastewater or organic byproducts using saltwater, eliminating the need for grid electricity. The technology, known as microbial electrolysis cells, uses reverse-electrodialysis and exoelectrogenic bacteria to generate energy.
Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows a significant increase in mammogram screenings for immigrant women between 2000 and 2008. Despite this growth, mammography rates remain lower among foreign-born women compared to U.S.-born women.
A study of 104 long-term e-cigarette users found that 78% were no longer using tobacco and planned on using their e-cig instead. However, researchers warn about the lack of long-term safety and effectiveness data for these products, as well as poor quality control and regulation.
NASA has awarded a $100,000 grant to Penn State researcher Michael V. Paul for developing non-radioisotope power systems. The project aims to explore sunless solar system missions using metal-combustion engines, which could enable low-cost planetary exploration without relying on radioisotope power sources.
Richard Alley, a leading climate researcher, is recognized for his groundbreaking work on abrupt climate change. His discovery that the last Ice Age ended in just three years has debunked the myth of slow climate change and highlights the need for urgent action.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that a viral gene in gypsy moths manipulates their hormones to induce continuous eating and prevent molting, causing them to climb and die on treetops. This behavior enhances transmission of the virus to new hosts.
A new study reveals that Przewalski's horse, an endangered species, has a much more ancient origin than previously thought, with a common ancestor dating back 160,000 years. The research also suggests that the present-day population of 2,000 individuals has a highly diverse gene pool.
Researchers at Penn State University have invented a method using magnetic fields to purify hybrid nanoparticles, which are composed of two or more kinds of materials. This technique will help improve drug-delivery systems, drug-targeting technologies, medical-imaging technologies, and electronic information-storage devices.
Three Penn State-led projects have received more than $1.6 million in combined research and development grants to improve nuclear fuel safety and develop new alloys for extended service. The projects focus on understanding corrosion protectiveness, detecting damage before fatigue cracks, and developing advanced monitoring methods.
Children who enter puberty quickly are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and acting out behaviors. The study found a strong relationship between tempo of puberty and behavior problems, with slower tempo indicating less acting out.
Research suggests that sex hormones play a significant role in shaping women's career interests. Females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia exhibit more interest in STEM careers due to increased androgen exposure, while those without the condition prefer people-oriented jobs.
Richard B. Alley has made extraordinary scientific contributions and communicated his knowledge to a broad public in a clear and compelling fashion, earning him the Stephen H. Schneider Award. The award was established this year in honor of Stephen Henry Schneider, one of the founding fathers of climatology.
A team of physicists evaluated the UK's caesium fountain clock, achieving an unprecedented level of accuracy. The new method improved uncertainties in Doppler shifts and microwave-lensing frequency shift, reducing errors to 2.3 × 10^-16.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential new cancer therapy that inhibits two key enzymes in mouse tumor cells, making them more sensitive to chemotherapy. The drug SLM3, which targets GSK-3ß and CDK1, has shown promising results in lab mice.
Climate change is causing significant changes in polar ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic where permafrost thawing affects land and water ecosystems. This can lead to increased nutrient levels, altered stream networks, and changed habitats for plants and animals.
Researchers at Penn State found that consuming high-fat meals with antioxidant spices reduced triglyceride response by about 30 percent, which may help lower heart disease risk. Adding spices to meals also increased antioxidant activity in the blood by 13 percent.
A study by Penn State researchers found that road graders can spread seeds of invasive plants, such as Japanese stilt grass, several orders of magnitude further than natural dispersal. The rapid spread of these plants can outcompete native vegetation and cause significant ecological damage.
A study by Penn State economists found that locally owned small businesses generate higher incomes for community members and provide long-term economic growth. In contrast, large, nonlocal firms can depress local economies. The researchers analyzed data from 2,953 US counties to support their findings.