Researchers discovered that recovering addicts who avoid coping with stress experience more cravings and are more likely to relapse. The study found that avoidance coping strategies can weaken a person's ability to deal with stress, leading to increased cravings.
Scientists have discovered how corals respond to ocean warming, shedding light on potential methods for preserving or restoring coral reefs. The research found that some corals cope better with heat stress than others due to genetic variability, offering new insights into coral reef restoration.
Researchers found that tanning is a response to varying levels of ultraviolet radiation, particularly in middle and high latitudes. This adaptation helps protect humans from harmful effects of sunlight, including vitamin D deficiency and folate destruction.
Researchers have identified the complement receptor 1 (CR1) as an alternative protein used by the malaria parasite to invade red blood cells. This finding has significant implications for the development of a vaccine against malaria, and may help prevent the proliferation of parasites that rely on this pathway.
Research suggests that genetics play a role in salt taste preference, with some individuals preferring salty foods over others. The study found that supertasters, who experience tastes more intensely, consume more salt due to their sensitivity to bitter tastes.
Research found that adding straw residue to hairy vetch cover crops can reduce legume nitrogen losses, but may lower crop yields. The study revealed that straw residue reduced soil inorganic nitrogen content by an average of 7.3% compared to treatments with only legume residues.
Consuelo De Moraes at Penn State has received a $100,000 grant to investigate the link between malaria infection and odor cues that attract mosquitoes. Her research aims to identify a chemical signature of malaria infection, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools.
Researchers found that eating pistachios increases blood serum levels of lutein, beta-carotene, and gamma-tocopherol. These antioxidants may help lower oxidized LDL concentrations, which can contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup inside blood vessels.
Researchers found that particulate air pollution from PM2.5 exposure can affect heart electrophysiology up to six hours after inhalation, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated PM2.5 levels may trigger acute cardiac events and contribute to chronic heart disease.
Research suggests that physical prowess was the key factor in human mate competition, with men competing for dominance and access to mates. Men are stronger than 99.9% of women, despite average differences in size, due to increased muscle mass.
By studying fossil plant remains, scientists can gain insights into past temperatures and environmental conditions. The researchers found that water availability and plant type significantly impact the exchange of carbon isotopes between plants and the atmosphere.
Researchers found that serving carrots as a first course increased broccoli consumption by nearly 50-100% among preschool children. The findings challenge conventional beliefs and provide a simple strategy for parents to promote healthy eating habits in their young children.
A new water treatment system, developed by Penn State researchers, utilizes discarded materials and plant communities to remove pollutants from wastewater. The system has shown to be effective in reducing pollutants by over 90% within three days, making it a promising alternative for conserving global fresh water supplies.
Researchers uncover evidence of closed channel water pressure predating European arrival in Palenque. The Piedras Bolas Aqueduct is a spring-fed conduit with engineered water pressure that controlled flooding and preserved urban space.
Research found that earlier puberty in boys triggers chemicals related to antisocial behavior, while later puberty is associated with higher levels of cortisol. This study suggests that parents should be aware of the potential impact of puberty on their children's behavior and provide sensitive support.
A team of researchers discovered a strong sex-chromosome bias in the distribution of transposable elements, which may hold clues to genetic disease mechanisms. The study suggests Alu sequences integrate mostly in the male germline, while L1s integrate in both male and female germlines or early embryogenesis.
In Pennsylvania, school districts set goals to reduce childhood obesity through improved snacks and nutrition education, resulting in a 75% increase in healthy food options. However, physical activity opportunities remained stagnant despite legislation requiring it, leaving room for improvement.
Chunshan Song has been awarded the Henry H. Storch Award in Fuel Chemistry by the American Chemical Society for his outstanding contributions to clean fuels and catalysis research. His work focuses on developing innovative methods for producing advanced thermally stable jet fuels and removing sulfur from liquid hydrocarbon fuels.
Researchers found that vaccinated birds can shed vaccine virus to infect other birds, and live vaccines do not always protect against infection from other viral strains. The use of modified live virus vaccines may be increasing the diversity of Newcastle Disease viruses circulating in wild birds.
A recent study found that family caregivers with dementia experience a wide range of stressors, including behavior issues and financial strain. While existing interventions focus on specific stressors, research suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient, highlighting the need for personalized interventions.
A study led by Penn State researchers found that an educational intervention, combined with home blood pressure monitoring, significantly improved patient knowledge and has the potential to lower blood pressure. The project aims to empower patients with high blood pressure to take control of their health.
Researchers use the GeoViz Toolkit to analyze disease statistics and identify trends in geographic patterns. This allows for better understanding of complex events like the spread of Swine flu.
The Penn State faculty team, led by Renee Diehl, received a $2.85 million NSF grant to develop innovative open-inquiry science curriculum elements related to energy, matter, and materials. The project will foster collaboration and communication skills among STEM graduate fellows and support teacher application of science content.
Researchers found that only a small percentage of children with abnormal urine dipstick results actually developed chronic kidney disease. The high cost of the test, estimated at $3.47 per patient, made it an ineffective screening method. The study validated American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations to discontinue routine screening.
A new approach to diagnosing adult malnutrition, proposed by an international committee of nutrition researchers, could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. The strategy classifies patients into three categories: starvation related, chronic disease related, or acute disease/injury related.
André Boehman, professor of fuel science at Penn State, will receive the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers' John Johnson Award. He co-authored a paper on increased NOx emissions from fueling heavy-duty compression-ignition engines with soy biodiesel.
A study by Penn State researchers found that women undergoing in vitro fertilization had lower success rates if exposed to high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,400 women, suggests that air pollution may be a factor in reproductive health.
Scientists have developed a low-cost behavioral assessment that can detect changes in the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and predict Alzheimer's disease. The test measures information processing capacity, which correlates with hippocampal degradation and decline in brain function.
Researchers found a positive correlation between individuals with a positive attitude towards physical activity and those who performed more unintentional physical activity. Unintentional activity, such as climbing stairs or walking further to reach a parking spot, can help burn extra calories.
Scientists have found that blindsnakes, a group of worm-like snakes, are one of the few organisms that inhabited Madagascar when it separated from India 100 million years ago. The study reveals that continental drift played a crucial role in their evolution, with populations separating as continents moved apart.
The new Multiple Collector Inductively-Coupled Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) will help researchers interpret the Earth system's history and understand connections in weathering-climate systems. It will enable faster data analysis, expand isotopic techniques to new fields, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
A longitudinal study by Penn State researchers found that adolescents' input into decisions increases gradually, with more autonomy in areas such as appearance, activities, and schoolwork. The study also revealed differences in decision-making autonomy among children with varying family characteristics.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a set of 17 proteins in the blood that accurately predict alcohol usage 90% of the time. These proteins can distinguish between excessive and responsible drinking levels, offering a potential diagnostic test for alcohol consumption.
Researchers are using songbirds to understand how the human brain produces complex vocal behaviors, including speech. By studying the neural mechanisms that govern birdsong, they hope to develop a better understanding of speech disorders and language processing.
A team of scientists has discovered that the drastic decline in Arctic musk ox populations began due to a warming climate rather than human hunting. The researchers used ancient DNA to test for human impacts on musk ox populations and found that humans were not responsible for their decline.
Nannoplankton extinction correlates with latitude, with higher rates in the Northern Hemisphere. Toxic metals from the asteroid impact likely delayed recovery due to impaired photosynthesis and reduced nannoplankton reproduction.
A rare ancient polar bear fossil has yielded essential information about the species' evolutionary history and response to past climate changes. The research confirms that polar bears evolved recently and adapted quickly, with a split from brown bears around 150,000 years ago.
Researchers found that depression is associated with spikes in cortisol levels for both boys and girls after stress tests. However, higher cortisol reactions to stress are only linked to obesity in girls. Early treatment of depression could help reduce stress and control obesity in this demographic.
Researchers have found that shallow-rooted bean plants can thrive in poor soil conditions, improving crop production by 600% and decreasing erosion. Shallow-rooted soybeans are also being developed for low-phosphorus soils, while efforts are underway to improve nitrogen efficiency in corn.
A team of scientists has sequenced human genomes from Southern African Bushmen and Bantu individuals to better understand human genetic variation. The study identified 1.3-million genetic variants, showcasing the distinct genetics of Southern Africans compared to other populations.
Researchers discovered diverse corals harboring unusual, thermally tolerant algae species in the Andaman Sea. These findings suggest some coral reefs may persist despite future global warming.
Researchers studying supra-glacial lakes on the Greenland ice sheet seek to understand their role in shaping the ice sheet's topography. The lakes form when melting water collects in pools in the lower levels of the ice sheet, and drain rapidly through cracks in the ice.
Researchers study how parents use feeding to soothe infant distress, exploring its relation to rapid weight gain in infancy and subsequent childhood obesity. The study examines the role of genetics and dopamine in the brain's reward system, potentially linking parent feeding practices to increased energy intake.
A study by Penn State researchers found that health information from doctors on websites is considered more credible than blogs. Participants were more likely to trust expert sources and act on their advice, with a greater emphasis on the role of editors in presenting accurate information.
Researchers developed an algorithm to target local scanning worms, which can evade worm defenses. The algorithm estimates susceptible host population size and quarantines the worm if scans exceed a threshold value.
A common plant virus attracts aphids by elevating the odor cue of infected plants without changing it. The insects transmit the disease efficiently despite leaving quickly, implying a persistent mode of transmission beyond agriculture.
Researchers create a high-speed optical system using multi-element transmitters and receivers for secure, low-interference communications in restricted areas like hospitals and aircraft. The system can transmit at gigabit per second speeds over gigahertz bands.
Researchers examine delivery of end-of-life care in Pennsylvania prisons, developing intervention toolkit and educational strategies to address racial/ethnic disparities and optimize patient care. The study aims to provide insights into delivering high-quality healthcare in complex organizations.
Researchers found that a mix of purchasing options can significantly lower costs and increase available water, while avoiding supply failures during droughts. This hybrid approach combines the benefits of buying diverse stocks with water risk management.
A nearly $1.9 million grant from the National Science Foundation will support research on the potential effects of climate change on infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, which annually infect 500 million people worldwide. The project aims to quantify how environmental temperature influences disease transmission and risk.