The ENCODE Project, a massive database cataloging the human genome's functional elements, is being made available as an open resource. The project provides a guide for using the vast amounts of data and resources produced so far, facilitating scientific discovery and public understanding of science.
A study by Matt Evans finds that Israeli media frame information to separate secular and religious Jewish communities, using techniques such as selective reporting and emotive language. This division is not limited to Israel, with similar framing tactics observed in the US media.
Researchers have developed a method to recreate schizophrenic brain cells from skin cells, enabling safe and effective studies. This approach offers a step towards personalized medicine for patients with schizophrenia and potentially other diseases.
Researchers found that real-time search terms have significant economic value, with unique searches generating $33 million in revenue daily. The study, published in Information Processing and Management, suggests a growing market for real-time search, driven by the increasing number of Twitter updates.
Researchers discovered that a tumor suppressor gene, p120, can actually contribute to cancer development when it's absent. In mice models, the loss of p120 led to hyperactivated immune systems and pro-tumor generating cells that promoted cancer growth.
A new genetic study suggests that the evolution of flowering plants was 'jump started' by two major upheavals in the plant genome, occurring nearly 200 million years ago. These events produced thousands of new genes that drove the evolutionary explosion leading to the diverse range of present-day flowering plants.
Scientists have identified a new type of symmetry in materials, expanding possibilities for discovering materials with desired properties. This discovery can lead to the development of novel ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials, which could be used in next-generation ultrasound devices and computers.
Researchers investigate links between wetland resources and city emergence, exploring archaeological sites from 5,000 B.C. to Islamic times. The study aims to understand the contributions of early-mid Holocene shoreline and marshes to Mesopotamian cities.
Researchers discovered that butterflies colonizing new habitats have distinct genetic traits, including faster egg maturation, higher energy metabolism, and superior flight ability. These traits provide an advantage for exploring new areas, potentially leading to the establishment of new populations.
Researchers found that demographic trends and statistical aberrations may skew statistics on a recent drop in black violent crime. Adjusting for the Hispanic effect revealed little overall change in the black percentage of violent crime, with slight increases in assault and homicide rates.
College-age males experience improved self-image after first intercourse, while females become less satisfied. In contrast, women's satisfaction with their appearance increases over the first four years of college, while men's satisfaction decreases.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that sign language users can process both English words and American Sign Language (ASL) signs concurrently. When word pairs were matched with similar signs, reaction times were faster and accuracy rates improved compared to control group bilingual speakers.
Research finds that immigrant children are more likely to live in households headed by two married parents, receiving economic and social benefits. This intact family structure helps them adapt to their new country, improving their chances of success.
The study found that humans have unique non-coding DNA segments missing in chimpanzees and other animals, which are correlated with specific human physical characteristics. These differences may have evolved to favor pair-bonding relationships and group living, rather than rapid copulation.
ChesapeakeView consolidates various datasets on land use, habitat changes, and biodiversity for research and planning purposes. The project makes these datasets available to the public via its website.
Researchers found that African Americans experiencing racial discrimination had higher odds of developing generalized anxiety disorder, while Afro-Caribbeans did not. Non-Hispanic whites also showed an association between non-racial discrimination and GAD.
A recreation program that allowed autistic adults to choose their own leisure activities improved their communication and social skills, according to Penn State researchers. Participants scored higher on personality tests than a control group, showing significant improvement in recognizing and labeling emotions.
Researchers have developed a new class of optical fibers using zinc selenide, enabling more efficient light manipulation and transmission in the infrared spectrum. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical lasers, countermeasure lasers, and environmental monitoring.
Four Penn State faculty have been selected to participate in collaborative projects with international partners on various topics, including ocean acidification, earth surface sedimentary flow processes, climate change adaptation, and public health. The partnerships aim to address global issues and promote interdisciplinary research.
A $2 million DOE grant supports collaboration between researchers and modelers to improve climate change policy analysis. The program aims to bridge the gap between empirical analysts and modelers, leveraging joint research and workshops to foster communication and cross-fertilization of ideas.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have developed cerasomes, molecular-sized bubbles filled with chemotherapy drugs, to treat liver cancer. These tiny bubbles target cancer cells specifically and accurately, avoiding healthy cells.
A Penn State materials chemist has developed an artificial system that mimics photosynthesis to produce solar-derived hydrogen fuel. However, the process remains inefficient and expensive due to recombination of electrons and limited lifetime of the system. The researcher aims to improve efficiency by modeling energy pathways and adjus...
Research universities, like Penn State, host foreign students and visitors, creating security concerns. The National Security Higher Education Advisory Board fosters communication between higher education, the FBI, and federal agencies to promote understanding and cooperation.
A global shift in research will reposition the US as a major partner but not leader, according to Penn State researcher Caroline Wagner. The US could benefit from this shift by adopting knowledge-sharing policies with emerging global researchers.
Research suggests that bilingual speakers outperform monolinguals in certain mental abilities, such as editing out irrelevant information and prioritizing tasks. This 'mental juggling' skill allows bilinguals to better navigate between languages and enhances their cognitive flexibility.
To solve the world's food problems, agriculture needs to use resources more efficiently by integrating various sectors and adopting innovative methods. Researchers are exploring ways to grow crops in areas that were previously unused, such as using wastewater to irrigate and fertilize fruit and vegetables.
A team of scientists found that invasive fruiting plants, such as honeysuckle, can form mutually beneficial relationships with native birds and other species. In the Happy Valley region of Pennsylvania, honeysuckle increased the abundance of fruit-eating birds and facilitated seed dispersal for nearby native plants.
Investing in public parks and recreational services can lead to increased physical activity, better health outcomes, and a less strained healthcare system. The research suggests that the quality of these services has a direct impact on resident fitness levels and overall well-being.
Scientists have successfully designed a new type of antenna liner using metamaterials, which can enhance performance and reduce mass, leading to lower costs and increased efficiency in communications satellites. The design has overcome previous limitations of narrow bandwidth and high loss, making it suitable for real-world applications.
A recent study found that only 28% of high school biology teachers implement National Research Council recommendations on evolution, while 13% explicitly advocate creationism. The remaining 60% use strategies to avoid controversy, undermining scientific literacy and legitizing creationist arguments.
Penn State has received $2.2 million contracts from the US Department of Defense and USDA to establish a clearinghouse for military family readiness, promoting science-based information and evidence-based programs to support resilient families.
Researchers propose a new adjustable balance mortgage contract that resets the loan balance and monthly payment based on the mortgaged home's market value. This design reduces the economic incentive to default, costing about the same as a typical fixed-rate mortgage.
Researchers at Penn State are designing a fast service lane option called meal deals for school cafeterias, which will limit the time spent in line and offer predetermined side selections. The goal is to create an environment where students can make healthier food choices by choosing familiar options.
A study by Penn State researchers found that loyal brand fans react negatively to logo changes, decreasing their attitude towards the brand. Conversely, casual customers view redesigns as a positive development, with their attitudes increasing after seeing new logos.
The IceCube observatory, located in the crystal clear ice of the South Pole, has been completed as a world-first large-scale neutrino telescope. The telescope will investigate the sources and properties of neutrinos, which originate in spectacular phenomena in the universe.
Researchers found 94% of samples contained bacterial remnants from previous infection, with seasonal differences between dry and rainy seasons. Environmental factors, such as cow dung and animal exposure, may contribute to the development of hydrocephalus.
Researchers have sequenced the DNA of the Criollo cacao tree, considered one of the world's finest chocolate varieties. The study identified key genes that can improve disease resistance and increase productivity, potentially leading to a more sustainable cacao economy.
Researchers found that business-to-business products firms and consumer services firms benefit from increased R&D spending during recessions. Consumer goods firms do not obtain positive stock returns from R&D spending, while those with high market share and low financial leverage decrease their profits with increased advertising spending.
A computer program trained on probability analysis can extract environmental information from satellite images and sensor data about ocean structures. The technology has been tested with high accuracy, offering clues on subtle changes in ocean temperature and global climate conditions.
Research finds that menthol cigarettes are more challenging to quit for certain groups, including teenagers and African-American smokers. Economic pressures may contribute to this difficulty as less affluent smokers are forced to consume fewer cigarettes, leading to increased nicotine intake from each cigarette.
The Penn State researchers will implement HealthWise, a curriculum that teaches youth how to utilize their free time, and provides information on safe sexual practices. The program aims to reduce substance use, risky sexual behavior, and violence among South African youth.
Researchers found elevated manganese levels in 20 of 21 soil samples from a ridge at Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory, with 53% attributed to atmospheric deposition from industrial sources. The excess manganese can be toxic to trees and other vegetation, highlighting the legacy of past iron furnaces.
A team of scientists led by Melissa Rolls has discovered a key protein controlling the layout of microtubules in dendrites, allowing neurons to regenerate after severe injury. The research provides new insights into the process of nerve cell regeneration and potential avenues for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have discovered MIC-1 as a regulator of angiogenesis, finding that it is present in high levels in 67% of melanoma patients. Targeting this protein can prevent blood vessel formation and decrease tumor development by up to 300%. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating melanoma.
Research by Penn State and University of Gothenburg found that brand named hotels outperformed independent hotels in economic downturns. Branded hotels registered significantly higher net operating income during recessions due to increased occupancy, while independent hotels charged higher room rates due to perceived uniqueness.
A recent Penn State study found that expectant parents who completed a brief relationship-strengthening class showed lasting effects on their well-being and relationships. The program improved parenting styles, reduced conflict, and enhanced co-parenting relations.
Researchers identified top 100 known insect pests most likely to establish in the US and individual states, finding that many pests are missing from neighboring states. The study found significant negative relationships between state size, biodiversity, domestic air passengers, and GDP and absent pest species.
Climate change threatens tropical rainforests, requiring a new approach in forest management and conservation. Strategic planning is crucial for linking existing national parks into larger protected areas to preserve biodiversity.
A decade of research on the Soufriere Hills Volcano has provided new understanding of magma activity, explosive dynamics, and volcano mechanics. The CALIPSO and SEA-CALIPSO projects have generated high-resolution images of the volcano's center and adjacent crust.
A species-rescue program for Haiti's threatened frogs and other species is being established, with captive-breeding and gene-preservation efforts. The goal is to preserve species in case they become extinct due to habitat loss, with a focus on releasing offspring in Haiti when the forest habitat improves.