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.
A study by Penn State psychologists found that highlighting gender differences in preschool classrooms leads to increased stereotyped views among children, with a decrease in playtime with peers of the other sex.
Researchers have successfully recreated the metabolic process of a critical enzyme responsible for breaking down drugs and nutrients. By trapping the enzyme at a specific stage, they gained insight into how people respond differently to certain chemicals, which could aid in developing more efficient drugs and household products.
Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine found that vapor rubs containing menthol, camphor, and eucalyptus oils effectively relieve night-time cough and congestion symptoms in children, improving their sleep quality. The study also showed significant relief for parents' sleep, with no reported side effects.
Researchers studied zebra finch brain activity while singing to understand the neural basis of syntax and timing in songbird communication. The study found that specific neurons fire at precise moments to produce a musical-like sequence, similar to human speech.
Researchers found that participants trusted specialized technology more than general websites and recommendation agents, with cumulative interaction increasing trust. The study suggests mental shortcuts, such as heuristics, contribute to the perception of expertise and trustworthiness in labeled e-commerce tools.
According to Penn State researchers, 72% of chefs surveyed said they could trim off 10% of calories from meals without customers noticing a difference in taste. Adding water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help reduce calorie counts while maintaining nutrient intake.
A research team discovered five additional SLF genes controlling self-incompatibility in the petunia plant. These genes work together to promote hybrid vigor and prevent genetic disease associated with inbreeding. The study sheds light on the complex mechanisms plants use to avoid inbreeding.
A study by Penn State researchers found that gastric bypass surgery alters the brain's response to sweet tastes in obese rats, reducing their preference for high-sugar foods. The surgery also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, suggesting potential benefits for human patients with obesity-related diabetes.
A new five-year program at Penn State seeks to enhance the teaching of Earth and space sciences in middle grades and beyond. Researchers will investigate young people's understanding of fundamental scientific concepts and develop professional development approaches for teachers. The goal is to increase student conceptual understanding ...
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that restaurant patrons are willing to pay more for meals made with local ingredients. When the price of local options was 18% higher than non-local options, a higher proportion of customers chose the local meal.
Astronomers using space telescopes have discovered a previously unknown brilliant X-ray explosion in the Milky Way galaxy, named MAXI J1409-619. The object, a binary system, was revealed to be emitting massive blasts of X-rays after being detected by an instrument on the International Space Station.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a potential new treatment approach targeting the protein c-Met in patients with metastatic liver cancer. By analyzing data from 1,051 patients and six published manuscripts, they found that c-Met activation is strongly associated with poor prognosis and aggressive features. ...
Rural Cogeneration has developed a solar generator that can bring electricity to remote areas worldwide. The project uses a Rankine engine and mirrors to generate power and hot water, with plans to manufacture locally and train local maintenance personnel.
Stephen Benkovic, a renowned chemist at Penn State University, has been awarded the National Medal of Science for his pioneering research on protein catalysis. His work has led to significant advancements in understanding enzyme function and discovery of potential cancer drugs and antibiotics.
A study published in Cancer Research found that melanoma cells can use the body's immune system, specifically neutrophils, to control lung metastasis development. By disrupting the interaction between cancer cells and neutrophils, a therapy could decrease lung metastases by about 50 percent.
A diet rich in walnuts and walnut oil may improve blood pressure responses to stress by lowering resting blood pressure and inflammation. The study found that adding flaxseed oil did not further lower blood pressure.
A study by Intel Labs, Penn State, and Duke University found that 15 apps send users' geographic location to remote servers. Additionally, 20 applications shared unique phone identifiers and phone numbers with developers without user consent.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that front-line hotel employees who are envious of their co-workers' relationships with supervisors are less likely to help or volunteer for additional duties. Envy can create a hostile work environment and negatively impact customer satisfaction, the study suggests.
A study by Penn State researcher Christopher Scheitle found that people who leave strict religious groups are more likely to report poorer health than those who remain in the group. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 cases and found that only about half of former members reported excellent health.
Researchers found that power users prefer customization to control their information universe, while nonpower users prefer personalized experiences with assured privacy. This study highlights the importance of considering user experience and privacy concerns when designing online news platforms.
The new TimeTree application provides a sophisticated means of mining scientific knowledge, answering questions about species divergence and phylogeny. The app uses a vast Internet storehouse of data about the diversity of life, from bacteria to humans.
Researchers aim to create a sustainable water treatment process using moringa seed, which can kill bacteria and remove sediment from water. The system's success depends on optimizing the amount of moringa seed needed to achieve effective water purification without compromising its shelf life.
A five-year, $2.8 million National Science Foundation grant supports a bilingual thinking and learning study at Penn State's Center for Language Science. The project aims to greatly expand the existing body of knowledge on the neural and cognitive processes involved in second language learning and bilingualism.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the Criollo variety of cacao tree, which is considered the finest chocolate-producing variety. The analysis identified key gene families that could enhance crop yields and provide protection against diseases.
A new report estimates that repealing birthright citizenship would increase the US unauthorized population by at least 5 million over the next decade. The report, conducted by Penn State professor Jennifer Van Hook and the Migration Policy Institute, analyzes the demographic impact of such a repeal on the nation's population.
The winners of the Penn State University plant-biology video contest are being announced, with $2,000 in Grand Prizes awarded for innovative and informative videos showcasing plant life. The competition is part of the nonprofit collaborative project ChloroFilms, which promotes fresh and attention-getting videos about plant biology.