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.
Ayusman Sen, a renowned Penn State chemist, has been awarded the prestigious Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Medal. His research focuses on developing novel catalysts and antimicrobial polymers with diverse applications.
Only one in six Americans who have ever been overweight or obese successfully maintains their weight loss, according to a new study. The researchers found that women, adults aged 75-84, and non-Hispanic whites were more likely to achieve long-term weight management.
Researchers at Penn State University have created the first image of a protein interacting with DNA packed tightly into space-saving bundles. The discovery is expected to aid future investigations into diseases such as cancer and provide new insights into how cells regulate gene expression.
Research by Penn State scientists found that certain polyphenols, such as grape seed extract and EGCG in green tea, inhibit iron absorption. The polyphenols bind to iron in intestinal cells, forming a complex that cannot be transported into the bloodstream.
L. Eric Cross is recognized for his leadership in the science and applications of ferroelectric materials, with current work on flexoelectric composites offering a new generation of lead-free transducers. He has also made significant contributions to sonar undersea transducers and medical ultrasound machines.
The Penn State College of Medicine has received a $54 million grant to act as the data coordinating center for the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute's AsthmaNet. The NHLBI Asthma Network will conduct multiple clinical trials to address key asthma management questions, with a focus on pediatric and adult populations.
Research suggests that responding to infants' cues is key to better sleep outcomes, contradicting past findings on physical contact. Parents who show disinterest or gentle interactions help children fall asleep faster, while those using stern directives hinder sleep.
A Penn State study found that home health aides who received training had lower injury rates and higher job satisfaction. Training also reduced turnover intentions, benefiting both employees and organizations. Employees' perceptions of their training and workplace played a crucial role in their risk of injury.
Researchers aim to improve nurses' assessment skills to better detect delirium in patients with dementia, reducing drug treatments and improving outcomes. The five-year project will integrate electronic medical records and provide decision-making support to encourage evidence-based practices.
Research by Tracy Langkilde reveals that stress hormones increase energy mobilization in lizards, enabling them to flee from fire ants. Elevated glucocorticoid levels in affected species facilitate adaptive responses, improving survival rates and reproductive success.
Researchers identify an ancient gene family regulating nerve excitability in the brain, which may contribute to epileptic seizures. Studies on mice suggest that activating this potassium channel can block seizures, opening up potential new drug targets with fewer side effects.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to create macroscale molds or dies that retain nanoscale features, mimicking biological tissues. The team used blowfly eyes as a template to produce high-quality polymer replicas with precise dimensions.
Paleoanthropologist Pat Shipman suggests that humans' ability to nurture other animal species contributed to the development of language and tool-making, ultimately leading to domestication. This 'animal connection' allowed early humans to develop a system of communication and observation, which became increasingly advantageous over time.
A new initiative aims to improve children's understanding of nutrition and help them make smarter food choices. Researchers will develop innovative menu labeling systems and test their effectiveness with school districts and foodservice providers.
A new species of small fish, the bearded goby, has been found to eat jellyfish and thrive in an oxygen-depleted zone off the coast of southwest Africa. This unexpected predator-prey relationship puts jellyfish back into the food cycle.
Penn State researchers discovered that retroviruses like HIV take a detour through the cell nucleus before assembling new virus particles. Understanding this process could enable the development of drugs to stop the spread of infection.
Astronomers detected a record-breaking X-ray blast from beyond the Milky Way galaxy, temporarily blinding NASA's Swift space observatory. The burst, named GRB 100621A, was more than 140 times brighter than any continuous X-ray source in the sky.
Penn State's Liwang Cui leads a seven-year, $14.5 million project to combat malaria in Southeast Asia. The center will address research needs in regions with high malaria morbidity and mortality rates.
Astronomers have detected a wave of massive star formation within the M17 SWex dark cloud, revealing 488 newly forming stars, including 200 blue-white class B stars. The discovery sheds light on how and when massive stars form, with theories suggesting an expanding shock wave or later formation may be necessary.
Research reveals that North American right whales adjust their calls in response to increased ocean noise levels, maintaining signal-to-noise ratio while incurring costs. This adaptation is crucial for successful communication in a noisy ocean, but its long-term effects on whale behavior and population health remain uncertain.
Researchers have discovered a strain of genetically defective mice that exhibit behavioral, hormonal, and neurochemical characteristics similar to those of human patients with drug-resistant depression. The mice respond to certain antidepressant drugs, offering a potential animal model for understanding human depression.
Women who enrolled in WIC during their first or second trimester were less likely to introduce cow's milk too soon than those who enrolled later. This study highlights the importance of timely nutrition reinforcement for low-income mothers and their children's health.
A new study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that adolescent girls who perceive themselves as overweight but have a healthy weight are more likely to experience depressive symptoms than those with actual obesity. Additionally, underweight boys are also at high risk for distress. The researchers suggest that ...
Researchers discovered a key regulator of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal by manipulating the STAT3 protein. This process may be linked to degenerative diseases in humans, highlighting the importance of understanding stem-cell activity in disease prevention and treatment.