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.
Environmental factors such as rainfall and water availability before and during pregnancy predict future growth outcomes of children in Uganda. The study found that children born to mothers living in areas with high rainfall had a lower risk of malnutrition, while those born to mothers experiencing drought had a higher risk.
Researchers found that brook trout exhibit a genetic response to heat stress, with specific genes upregulated and downregulated in response to water temperature change. This adaptive mechanism may help the fish survive in warmer waters, but it also poses risks due to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Researchers at Penn State propose reusing depleted oil and gas wells to store compressed air, improving efficiency by 9.5% compared to existing technology. This could make the technology more economically viable and provide job opportunities in areas with rich energy industry traditions.
A study published in Arthropod-Plant Interactions found that spined soldier bugs and Carolina praying mantises are effective in controlling spotted lanternfly populations. The research suggests conserving these natural predators could provide a sustainable approach to managing the invasive pest.
A new study suggests that sevelamer, a FDA-approved dialysis drug, can remove off-target antibiotics from the gut in mice. This could potentially prevent antibiotic resistance from emerging and protect current antibiotics from becoming ineffective.
Researchers used TESS data to identify close-in sub-Neptunes and found that their frequency changes over time, suggesting a combination of processes shaping their formation and evolution. The study provides clues about the properties of these planets and addresses long-standing questions about their origins.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that consuming pecans instead of usual snacks improved cholesterol levels and enhanced overall diet quality. Participants who ate pecans demonstrated reductions in cholesterol measurements linked to poorer heart health and higher adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that Zika virus builds tiny tunnels called tunneling nanotubes to transport material needed to infect nearby cells, including in placental cells. This allows the virus to cross the placental barrier without raising alarm in the immune system.
Scientists have developed a technology called 'audible enclaves,' which can create localized pockets of sound zones where only one person can hear. This innovation uses nonlinear ultrasonic beams to generate a privacy barrier between people for private listening, enabling sound and quiet zones.
Researchers discovered a potential protein misfolding mechanism that could help explain unusual refolding behavior in some proteins. The team found that a type of misfolding, called non-covalent lasso entanglement, can create a barrier to the normal folding process.
A new study using landscape transcriptomics identifies genetic signatures of stressors in bumble bees, suggesting this approach could accelerate conservation efforts for at-risk species. The method accurately identified stressors such as heat and cold, even in wild bees, with high accuracy rates.
Researchers have developed a method to control the color and frequency of light emitted from nanodots in 2D materials, which could be used to create higher-resolution monitors and faster quantum computers. By precisely controlling the excitons in these materials, scientists can manipulate the light they emit more effectively.
Researchers used AI to analyze 126 individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and identified key variables predicting recovery and nonrecovery. Higher education level, older age, and positive affect were most important for recovery, while depressed affect and medical visits proved most important for nonrecovery.
A study found that low doses of pesticide imidacloprid can improve the survival of bumble bee queens in diapause, but this effect comes at a cost to their long-term fitness. Researchers are calling for further study on these hormetic responses to better understand their impact.
A new computer vision system, integrating internet of things and artificial intelligence, enables continuous monitoring of plant growth in controlled environment agriculture. The system successfully isolated individual plants and tracked changes in leaf coverage area throughout their growth cycle.
Researchers developed a synthetic microbiome therapy using limited strains of gut bacteria to effectively protect against C. difficile infections in mice. The treatment was as effective as traditional fecal transplants and had fewer safety concerns, offering a new alternative for treating this notoriously difficult-to-treat infection.
Scientists at Penn State have created a new type of computer memory that could revolutionize electronic devices. The material harnesses incipient ferroelectricity to enable faster and more sustainable computing technologies.
Researchers at Penn State have demonstrated that genetic lines of corn contain compounds that inhibit the growth and development of corn earworm larvae, leading to increased mortality and reduced body weight. The compounds, called flavonoids, are produced by high-flavonoid corn lines and have a lethal effect on the larvae.
A Penn State engineering student refined a century-old math problem to unlock new possibilities in wind turbine design. Her work expands research in aerodynamics and determines the optimal aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine for maximum power output.
A new study found that passionate environmental influencers on social media can increase tourists' support for pro-environmental behavior. The researchers also discovered that displaying specific, strong goals in social media posts can mitigate the impact of low passion from influencers.
The Zhurong rover discovered hidden layers of rock under the Martian surface indicating an ancient northern ocean. This finding offers clear evidence that Mars once had a significant body of water and a more habitable environment for life.
A new study in mice found that young adults are more susceptible to nicotine addiction than middle-aged adults, with a greater acute response to nicotine. The effects of nicotine on the body change over the lifespan, affecting how medications and other chemicals are processed.
Researchers developed a novel approach to maintain quantum characteristics in three-dimensional materials by exploiting the magnetic properties of chromium sulfide bromide. This method enables the preservation of excitons' unique optical properties and their ability to carry energy without charge, making it suitable for advanced optica...
Researcher Anne Pisor discusses how group living and perception play a role in triggering the 'us versus them' mindset, which can lead to conflict. She also provides insights on how cultural background, past experiences, and resource availability contribute to this phenomenon.