Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to control the geometry and stability of self-assembled monolayers using different carboranethiol isomers. The new SAMs show exceptional properties, including selective capture of biomolecules and high-quality patterning.
Researchers found evidence of abundant oxygen in ancient ocean and atmosphere, dating back 3.46 billion years. The discovery suggests early life forms like cyanobacteria produced oxygen 3.46 billion years ago.
Increased schooling across sub-Saharan Africa may lower new HIV infections among younger adults, contradicting previous views of education as an AIDS risk factor. Formal education appears to reduce the risk of HIV infections by up to 34 percent in some countries.
Researchers have discovered that motor proteins can be engineered for efficient cargo transport, potentially leading to targeted cancer treatment. By altering the function of these proteins, scientists aim to develop new drugs that inhibit kinesin activity during cell division, slowing tumor growth.
A Penn State professor is evaluating a bilingual school-readiness program called Madres Educando a Sus Niños/Mothers Educating Their Children, which engages mothers through Hispanic culture. The program aims to promote children's literacy and language development by providing mothers with books that focus on cultural experiences.
Researchers modeled West Antarctic ice sheet's past movements and found it collapsed and regrew multiple times due to ocean warming. The study uses deep sea oxygen isotope ratios to deduce Antarctic temperature changes and suggests the ice sheet may collapse if ocean temperatures warm sufficiently.
Researchers at Penn State have developed stainless steel brushes that can produce hydrogen at rates and efficiencies similar to those achieved with platinum-catalyzed carbon cloth. The new design reduces costs by five times compared to traditional platinum catalysts, while maintaining high current densities and energy recovery.
A study by Penn State researchers identified nine factors that can help predict future click-through rates, including number of records in a search and browser type. The positive factors had five effects, while four had negative effects, with user intent having no significant impact on predicting click-throughs.
Researchers at Penn State developed a solar-powered process converting carbon dioxide to methane using titania nanotubes, achieving a 20-times higher yield than previous attempts. The method uses dual catalysts coated on the nanotubes, resulting in significant hydrocarbon production.
Researchers have developed a potent drug against melanoma by combining compounds from green vegetables with selenium. The new compound, isoselenocyanate, targets the Akt3 protein and reduces tumor growth by 50-60%, showing potential for low-toxicity treatment.
A recent study found that team-based diabetes care improves health outcomes for Medicaid patients, including significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1C. However, the study suggests that this approach does not result in lower treatment costs under Medicare and Medicaid.
Researchers found ad clicks on Dogpile.com to be only 15% of total interactions, with 35% of queries yielding no clicks. The study challenges previous reports of a 30% ad click-through rate and suggests advertisers can leverage alternative forms of keyword advertising.
The Greenland ice sheet is expected to melt, causing a 23-foot sea level rise, while Antarctica's ice sheet could add up to 190 feet. Recent studies show that the ice sheets are melting faster than snow replacement.
A study using African Americans with West African and European ancestry found a strong statistical correlation between genetic admixture and facial traits. The researchers measured distances between specific face landmarks to compare genetically determined admixture with facial feature differences.
Climate change is altering malaria patterns due to daily temperature fluctuations, which can affect the incubation period of malaria parasites in mosquitoes. This can lead to changes in transmission rates, with warmer temperatures potentially increasing the risk of infection.
The US has a century-long history of dependence on oil, which remade human life's ecology. A shift to alternative energy sources may require reevaluating petroleum use and government involvement in the transition.
Scientists develop a simple model for complex cell structure by creating artificial cells with molecular crowding and heterogeneity. The system mimics the behavior of proteins and nucleic acids in living cells, allowing researchers to study the effects of macromolecular crowding on chemical reactions.
AfricaArray trains masters and doctoral students in geophysics, supports research on the African superplume. The program combines student education with research and field schools, aiming to improve understanding of the continent's geological phenomena.
Researchers have developed a plasmonic switch using molecular machines, which can transmit electrons and light simultaneously. This technology has the potential to enable ultra-small computers with high storage capacity and processing speed.
The system will enable researchers from seven disciplines to perform virtual experiments and address open problems in their fields, including infectious disease dynamics, material development, and human interactions. The instrument is expected to promote technology transfer and enhance the diversity of computational science talent.
High levels of specific proteins in spinal fluid may signal the onset of Lou Gehrig's disease. Researchers developed a diagnostic kit using these biomarkers, achieving 92% accuracy in identifying ALS patients.
Researchers at Penn State University have discovered a way to produce hydrogen by exposing aluminum clusters to water, leveraging their unique geometric structures. The process enables the production of hydrogen gas without heat or energy input, opening up new possibilities for clean energy applications.
A team of volcanologists developed a new program to quickly and accurately predict areas at high risk for lethal hazards from volcanic eruptions. The program uses existing GIS data to create maps that outline potential surge damage, enabling decision-makers to evacuate or put people on high alert.
The Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) will support the development, integration, and testing of complex defense systems. Penn State's Applied Research Lab, College of Information Sciences and Technology, and Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies are involved in the center.
Researchers found that native fence lizards are adapting to fire ant attacks by developing twitching behavior, running away, and longer hind legs. Lizards from sites invaded longest were more likely to perform these survival behaviors.
Researchers create handheld device to recognize and report on environmental or medical compounds using biologically tagged nanowires and integrated circuit chips. The method allows for accurate placement of nanowires with less than a micron accuracy, enabling simultaneous detection of different pathogens or diseases.
A team of scientists has successfully sequenced the genes of the Tasmanian Tiger from its hair, revealing insights into mammal extinction and potential ways to prevent it. The study also opens up new possibilities for analyzing museum specimens and could potentially lead to the revival of extinct species.
Researchers at Penn State have developed tiny particle syringes that can deliver specific drugs to diseased cells, reducing toxins in the body. The microcapsules are flexible and can be filled with a variety of substances, making them a potential solution for targeted treatment.
Researchers have developed a genetic modification that modifies the connections in lignin, making it easier to break down and access cellulose for ethanol production. The modified plants show increased sugar yields without compromising plant strength or lignin content.
Researchers found a previously unknown form of biofilm in an oxygen-deficient lake within the Frasassi cave system in Italy. The unique microbial ropes grow slowly due to limited energy availability, and are composed of bacteria and archaea species.
A team of researchers used seismic waves to create CAT-scan-like images of the Soufriere Hills Volcano's internal structure. The study found an elongated magma chamber that fills with magma, causing it to decompress and resulting in greater eruptions than expected.
A team of researchers has discovered how the N4 phage injects its own RNA polymerase into E. coli bacterial cells, enabling it to create new proteins without host help. The unique property allows for potential therapeutic applications in killing E. coli bacteria.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that increasing selenium levels in human blood cells can reduce the multiplication of the AIDS virus. By targeting a specific protein called Tat, selenium can slow down viral replication, with results showing a 10-fold decrease.
Scientists have derived a simple law to predict where icebergs will calve off from parent ice sheets. The rate of spreading, width, and thickness of the ice shelf are key factors in this process, accounting for most observed variability.
A Penn State study found that obese rats are less sensitive to sweet tastes and prefer sweeter foods due to a weakened response to weak concentrations, leading to a vicious circle of overeating and sugar cravings. The research suggests that the brain's reward center is affected by the increased consumption of sugary foods.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that not all DNA segments bound to the GATA1 protein are conserved across mammals, challenging previous assumptions. They found that 45% of these segments retain their identical form in other species, suggesting purifying selection maintains most regulatory regions.
Researchers from Penn State and University of Maryland studied Chesapeake Bay's salinity changes due to sea-level rise. They found an increasing trend in salinity, supporting the hypothesis that climate change is impacting the Bay's ecosystem.
The researchers sequenced the mammoth's nuclear genome, yielding information about its evolution and extinction. They found that woolly mammoths separated into two groups around two million years ago and eventually became genetically distinct sub-populations.
A nontoxic nanoparticle can enter cells, dissolve harmlessly, and release therapeutic drugs or fluorescent dyes. This delivery system has shown promise for treating cancer and vascular diseases.
A team of astronomers discovered a new planet closely orbiting the giant star HD 102272, nearly six times the mass of Jupiter. The planet's location near the star raises questions about how aging stars influence nearby planets.
Researchers found that global warming may not be the primary cause of widespread amphibian declines, contradicting previous widely-held views. The study suggests alternative factors, such as a fungal infection and pesticide use, may be driving these extinctions.
A computer model called Diag was developed to predict human behavior and learning in a circuit troubleshooting task. The model learned at the same rate as participants, replicating their strategy and solving problems accurately.
A case study conducted by Penn State researchers found that rural hospitals can benefit financially and operationally by sharing an IT infrastructure with larger hospitals in the same area. The partnership allows smaller hospitals to afford comprehensive IT systems at a lower cost, while also benefiting from shared IT staff and expertise.
Penn State will receive a $5 million NSF grant to establish a National Center for Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK), building on its national leadership in nanotechnology education and workforce development. The NACK Center aims to coordinate micro- and nanofabrication workforce development programs nationally.
Scientists have discovered a way to silence a protein that helps leukemia cells survive by blocking its signals. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient treatments for the disease and potentially even reverse its effects.
The Penn State-Drexel team developed and applied a set of geographically-enhanced visual analytics tools to address a homeland security information analysis problem. They successfully integrated raw data, results, and findings from four mini-challenges to identify hidden patterns and insights.
Consuelo M. De Moraes, a Penn State entomologist, has received the ESA's Early Career Innovation Award for her innovative research on chemical communication in ecological interactions. The award recognizes her contributions to promoting minority and women in science.
A study finds that White and Black Hispanics in the US are more likely to integrate with non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans, while Mexicans show consistent generational assimilation. This trend suggests a decrease in racial segregation and an increase in integration over time.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a way to control certain proteins using light. The team's hybrid protein was engineered to respond to light, increasing or decreasing enzyme activity depending on the illumination, offering new possibilities for treating diseases.
A U.S.-led team of scientists will use advanced radar and seismic tools to explore the Gamburtsev Mountain range in Antarctica. They hope to determine how this massive mountain range formed, defying geological understanding, and whether it played a role in shaping the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.