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.
North Atlantic right whales in Cape Cod Bay are at high risk of being struck by boat propellers while feeding on copepods, which school just below the surface. Researchers have found that these whales spend most of their time between the surface and 13 feet below, making them invisible to boats.
Researchers found that marital conflict in adoptive parents can impact their infant's sleep patterns, which becomes regulated during infancy. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that marital instability may set a child up for problematic sleep patterns.
A study found that caregivers and their relatives with mild to moderate dementia have differing perceptions of care quality. The team's results suggest that adult children underestimate the importance of core values held by their relatives, leading to potential miscommunication as dementia worsens.
A study by Penn State researchers found that people who view negative political ads perceive the ads as having a greater influence on others than themselves. The experiment showed that both supporters and opponents of a presidential candidate believe the ads affect others more than they are affected by them.
A study by Penn State found that adding pureed vegetables to children's favorite foods increased their daily vegetable intake and reduced calorie consumption. Researchers served vegetable-enhanced meals to 39 preschoolers aged 3-6, who ate nearly twice as many veggies and 11% fewer calories.
A team of ecologists models climate change effects on fire occurrence and composition of Yellowstone forests, finding a tipping element that may alter the flora, fauna, and ecosystem quality. The researchers predict frequent fires will become the norm in parts of the landscape by 2050.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that particles in liquids don't always settle at the bottom based on size or speed. Instead, they arrange themselves in a way that achieves the lowest energy state, often resulting in a layered structure with larger particles at the bottom and smaller ones above.
A new software program, called a DNA compiler, designs synthetic DNA sequences to control protein production in simple organisms. The technology allows biotechnology companies to quickly identify the best DNA sequence for a particular application, increasing efficiency and productivity.
Researchers found that journalists were more likely to cover the cultural aspects of a story, such as race and business, compared to bloggers. This reflects the advantages professional journalists have over bloggers, including better training and resources.
Penn State researchers found that hospitals focusing on improving operational efficiency can achieve better patient satisfaction scores without increasing spending. A balanced value equation is key to driving better performers.
A $1.2 million NSF grant will support research on gene instability in maize, enabling scientists to make precise genetic modifications and improve crop yields. The project aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling gene expression in plants.
Researchers found that adult day care centers alleviate caregiver stress and improve dementia patient behavior, sleep quality. The study showed significant reductions in caregiver stress and behavioral problems when dementia patients attended daycare, compared to staying home.
A new patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model has shown significant improvement in diabetes management, increasing adherence to evidence-based care guidelines and clinical outcomes. The study found a notable increase in patients receiving essential services such as yearly exams and vaccinations, leading to better health outcomes.
A team of scientists has discovered that the female ancestor of all living polar bears was a brown bear that lived in Britain and Ireland during the last ice age. This hybridization event likely occurred due to climate changes affecting the North Atlantic ice sheet, leading to periods of overlap in bear habitats.
Research reveals that an individual's consumption habits and contraceptive choices are influenced by their cultural background, which in turn affects their responses to climate change. People's perceptions of environmental impact influence their behavior, with some behaviors offsetting environmental gains.
Researchers use genome sequencing and analysis to identify individuals for captive breeding programs, aiming to maximize genetic diversity and prevent extinction. The study provides insights into the impact of European settlement on Tasmanian devil genomic diversity.
Researchers have developed a novel waveplate technology inspired by the peacock mantis shrimp's eye, which can improve high-definition CD, DVD, and holographic technology. The new waveplates offer broader polarized light capabilities over the entire visual spectrum.
A recent study found that cancer survivors have lower employment rates (8-9%) and work fewer hours (3-6 hours/week) compared to their peers without a history of cancer. The researchers suggest that the findings may be attributed to factors such as changing priorities, employment discrimination, or inadequate workplace accommodations.
Researchers developed a brief exam to identify frontal and temporal dysfunction in ALS patients, which can impact decision-making and treatment planning. The Penn State Brief Exam of Frontal and Temporal Dysfunction Syndromes (PSFTS) has been used in over 200 patients and is now standard care at the Medical Center.
A new research area seeks to discover ways to manage the evolution of drug-resistant disease organisms and slow their spread. The goal is to develop a science-based model for drug-resistance management that can inform treatment guidelines for various diseases, including malaria, MRSA, AIDS, and cancer.
A study by Penn State researchers found that companies that export and invest in research and development are significantly more productive than those that don't. These firms can gain a competitive edge by learning from their customers and accessing foreign markets.
A newly constructed, 2,000-year history of sea level elevations will help scientists refine models used to predict climate-change-induced sea level rise. The record shows the past century had the fastest recorded rate of sea level rise.
A study by Penn State researchers found that young adults who are web savvy but lack knowledge about federal government may struggle to participate online. The experiment revealed that participants often failed to find correct government websites, citing obstacles such as general lack of knowledge and limited search engine results.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Penn State a $27.3 million grant to support the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, which aims to improve public health through collaborative research and outreach expertise. The grant will focus on children's health, cancer, and behavioral health.
Researchers found that generation time is a strong indicator of mutation rate, accounting for 40% of variation among species. Male mutation bias, where males have higher DNA mutations than females, was also linked to generation time. In contrast, metabolic rate appeared to be only a moderate predictor of mutation rates.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that cancer survivors in the US spend an average of $9,300 per year on medical expenses, significantly more than those who have never had cancer. The study also revealed gender and demographic disparities in healthcare spending among cancer survivors.