A newly discovered Tiwanaku temple in Bolivia provides new insights into the ancient society's highly organized structure and its connection to trade routes. The temple's layout suggests it was used for rituals following the solar equinox, and fragments of keru cups found on its surface point to its function as a central hub for trade.
Mark Ramos developed software to help therapists measure children's skill development in autism therapy, providing a more accurate estimate of mastery. The tool, called MIEBL, employs Bayesian estimates to set performance criteria based on predicted success and observed data.
Researchers at Penn State uncovered the molecular mechanisms controlling how genes inherited from the father and mother determine a honey bee larva's fate. They found that patrigenes were expressed at higher levels in queen-destined larvae, while matrigenes were expressed at higher levels in worker-destined larvae.
A recent study published in Child Development found that early social-emotional learning curriculum led to improved teen behavior and mental health. The intervention, which focused on developing friendship skills and emotional knowledge, had a positive effect on students' social adjustment and parent involvement.
Researchers at Penn State have successfully developed a computer capable of simple operations using two-dimensional (2D) materials, bypassing the need for silicon. The 2D CMOS computer operates at low-supply voltages with minimal power consumption and can perform simple logic operations.
Researchers developed a new analytical chemistry method to identify specific plant compounds responsible for the taste and mouthfeel of foods and drinks. The method, called Condensed Tannin Fragmentation Fingerprinting, was tested on complex samples and found to be highly accurate in characterizing procyanidins present.
A study of isolated Torrey pine populations has identified key genes that enable trees to adapt to local conditions, but may inhibit their long-term adjustment to a new environment. The research, published in Evolutionary Applications, suggests caution when introducing new genetic variation to conserve species with low genetic diversity.
Researchers found that turfgrass lawns have distinct impacts on carbon dioxide levels, and adding them to simulations improves understanding of vegetation's role. Turfgrass photosynthesis can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere even at subfreezing temperatures.
Scientists at Penn State created mats from tiny fibers made from milk protein and cellulose, showing promise for sustainable food packaging, wound dressings, cosmetics, filtration and more. The fiber mats can be transformed into clear films that hold potential for food wrap.
Researchers found that environmental educators improved their teaching and leadership skills after learning from students in an environmental education program. The study revealed the impact of youth-to-adult intergenerational learning on educator attitudes and behaviors.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a mechanism that resets the molecular cycle involved in the fight-or-flight response to stress and starvation. The study used imaging, structural, and biochemical techniques to uncover how this cycle completes and the system resets itself.
A new study found that personal care products like perfumes and unscented lotions disrupt the human oxidation field, a natural protective shield around the body. This disruption can lead to a decrease in ozone barrier strength, making people more vulnerable to indoor air pollutants.
Researchers found that increasing spiciness slightly led to slower eating and reduced food consumption without affecting palatability. The study's results suggest adding chilies as a potential strategy for reducing energy overconsumption.
Researchers use NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to investigate a protoplanetary disk around a young star in the Lobster Nebula. They found sufficient solid material to potentially form at least 10 rocky planets and detected various molecules that contribute to planetary atmospheres.
A study published in Land Economics found that farmers in rural areas of Pennsylvania are more likely to adopt best management practices for clean water conservation when provided with financial incentives. However, farms in urban areas are also adopting these practices voluntarily without incentives.
Researchers at Penn State found that metformin increases fertile egg production, reduces body fat, and improves reproductive hormone levels in broiler breeder hens. The study suggests that metformin can extend the productive lifespan of these chickens, potentially improving animal welfare and efficiency in poultry farming.
A recent study by Ryan Thombs found no association between renewable energy production and fossil fuel production in the US. Despite this, more than 96% of variation in fossil fuel production was explained by fixed factors such as fossil fuel endowments.
A new study suggests that fire-tolerant trees, such as oak and hickory, were significantly more abundant near Indigenous settlements in southern New England over the last 5,000 years. This increase was most evident in cooler areas where oak-pine forests transitioned to northern hardwoods.
Scientists have uncovered fossilized leaves of the Kapur Paya tree, a towering dipterocarp species, at least two million years old. This discovery provides new insights into the ecological importance and historical significance of these forests, emphasizing the need for conservation.
Researchers at Penn State discover a way to stabilize and produce large quantities of carbyne, a one-dimensional chain of carbon atoms, by encasing it in single-walled carbon nanotubes. This breakthrough could lead to new advancements in materials science and technology, with potential applications in electronics and computing.
Researchers found that service robots with male characteristics can be more persuasive when interacting with women who have a low sense of power. Conversely, cute features in robot design can reduce the effect of portrayed gender on persuasiveness, making them effective for both male and female customers.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that chronic energy deficiency in collegiate female endurance runners negatively impacts their performance and training benefits. Runners with insufficient energy intake had slower race times and reduced training benefits, but these effects can be reversed by increasing calories.
A new hairlike electrode made of 3D-printed hydrogel material has been developed to monitor brain activity for extended periods without the need for gels or skin preparation. The device's lightweight and flexible design allows for stable, high-quality recordings and minimizes discomfort, making it suitable for chronic monitoring.
A Penn State research team has documented the first scientific use of ghost pipe in North America, revealing its growing popularity as a medicinal plant. The study found that respondents used ghost pipe for various reasons, including pain management, relaxation, and anxiety relief.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a 'cold' manufacturing approach to create solid-state batteries using advanced ceramic-polymer composite electrolytes. The technique, known as cold sintering, operates at lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing defects and improving conductivity.
A new $2.7 million NIH grant aims to develop a one-step confirmatory laboratory test for active syphilis infection, which can be diagnosed within 10 minutes. The proposed platform uses electrochemical sensors to detect both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies, providing a more definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
Penn State researchers have patented a technique that enables fast and efficient lithium extraction using low temperatures and simple water-based leaching. This approach produces over 99% of available lithium in minutes, compared to hours of conventional extraction.
A team of researchers has comprehensively predicted the location of non-B DNA structures in great apes using newly available telomere-to-telomere genomes. The study suggests that non-B DNA is enriched in these segments and may play a role in genetic diseases and cancer, with potential new functions discovered.
Researchers are developing microscopic robots that can carry and deliver drugs inside the human body and detect microplastics. These tiny particles will be used in confined environments, such as delivering medication into the bloodstream and breaking down harmful chemicals.
A new analysis found that oral hormone therapy can lower levels of lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor associated with higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Hormone therapy also improved biomarkers of cardiovascular health, including cholesterol levels.
A new study analyzed the genomes of 30 Malus species to understand their evolutionary relationships and how their genomes have evolved over 60 million years. The research identified genes associated with desirable traits like tastiness and disease resistance, which can inform future breeding programs.
Researchers at Penn State have identified key immune system proteins that trigger severe inflammatory responses to parasitic eggs, which cause the disease. The study provides a better understanding of the body's response and could lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers created a stretchable sticker that can detect real human emotions by measuring physiological signals. The device combines facial expression analysis with other important physiological signals to better distinguish between genuine emotions and acted ones.
The study uses novel visualization techniques to quantify the economic benefits of infrastructure investments, with bridges having the highest county-specific impact. Investments in roads and traffic safety infrastructure have the greatest economic improvement on neighboring counties.
A new study found that over 50 million people in the US live in counties with no air-quality monitoring, increasing their exposure to air pollution. Rural areas, particularly those in the Midwest and South, were more likely to lack monitoring sites, often due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
The Clearinghouse has received a major grant to expand access to evidence-informed parenting programs for Air Force families, aiming to strengthen military family resilience and well-being. The Thrive Initiative will provide research-backed resources tailored to the specific challenges faced by these families.
A new coastal management model provides a dynamic approach to adapting to rising sea levels, considering future scenarios and real-time conditions to minimize costs. The model's sequence of suggested actions is generated through advanced mathematical techniques, including Markov Decision Processes and dynamic programming.
A team led by Penn State researchers has developed a method to detect, measure and localize porosity defects inside 3D-printed metal parts using acoustic sensors built into the printing platform. This technique aims to improve efficiency, quality control and reliability of 3D-printed metal parts.
A study found that even sublethal doses of insecticides like imidacloprid can reduce successful mating in bumble bees and alter their chemical signaling, affecting sperm viability and lipid storage.
Satellites in traditional orbits face challenges such as crowding, lower resolution imaging, and longer distances for data transmission. Researchers are developing novel thruster systems to address these issues, including a self-neutralized air-breathing plasma thruster that uses the surrounding air as a propellant.
A leadership trap known as the 'accidental dictator' can be avoided by embracing circumscribed empowerment, shared vision, and long-term perspective. Leaders must empower their team members within defined boundaries, engage them in the process of creating a shared vision, and prioritize a long-term perspective to build effective teams.
A new study models cholera transmission after interventions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the importance of environmental reservoirs in maintaining endemic diseases. The research suggests that vaccination may have a smaller impact on preventing transmission compared to water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements.
A new study published in Sleep reveals a strong connection between insomnia symptoms, sleep medication use, and disability in older adults. The research found that incremental increases in insomnia symptoms and sleep medication use were associated with a 20% increased risk of disability the following year.
Researchers found that foraging behaviors, physical characteristics, and diet are more nuanced than previously thought. The birds partition their habitat by foraging in different areas of the tree, but diet differences are minor.
A tiny, soft robot developed by Penn State researchers can navigate through debris and deliver medicine inside the body. The flexible electronics system enables smart sensors to interact with its surroundings, allowing the robot to operate with minimal human intervention.
A new randomized clinical trial found that mindfulness-based therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy improved physical function, quality of life, and reduced pain among adults with opioid-treated chronic low back pain. The benefits persisted for up to 12 months.
A new study finds that the daily cycles of plant aromas shape the dietary habits and evolution of butterflies and moths. Research suggests that day-active insects have evolved to be picky eaters with larger antennae, while night-active species have more generalized diets due to reduced chemical information.
A new study found that people with PTSD symptoms experience greater fear of their emotions, which is associated with less constructive communication and more unproductive communication in romantic relationships. This fear can lead to a vicious cycle where behavior triggered by PTSD symptoms strain relationships, maintaining PTSD symptoms.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a next-generation synthetic blood substitute called Nano-RBC, which mimics the shape and movement of human red blood cells. The new blood substitute aims to address the shortage of safe blood sources quickly enough for trauma patients, with potential applications in rural or war-torn areas.
Using insecticides preventively at planting may not be the best approach due to potential negative consequences on certain weeds. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which uses insecticides only when necessary, can help reduce these issues.