The new five-year grant from NASA's Astrobiology Institute will focus on developing indicators of life, including analyzing cells, metals, and DNA. The team will search for microbial life in extreme locations on Earth and study ancient rocks for signs of past life.
David A. Gonzales II wins ConocoPhillips Energy Prize for his innovative Layered MagWheel technology, increasing energy conversion and efficiency. The prize recognizes new ideas to improve energy development and use.
A team of researchers found that magma is continuously supplied from deep in the crust but a valve acts below a shallower magma chamber, releasing lava to the surface periodically. The upper reservoir is open and the lower reservoir refills at half the rate it was lost during lulls in eruption.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a new approach called Automatic Linguistic Indexing of Pictures in Real-Time (ALIPR) that enables computers to recognize the contents of photographs. The system uses statistical models to assign keywords to images based on pixel information, improving accuracy rates up to 90%.
A recent study found that African-American blogs provide a unique platform for discussing HIV and AIDS, allowing individuals to express themselves freely and anonymously. The researchers identified three key risk factors for the Black community: ineffective leadership, Black cultural practices, and individual behaviors.
The Penn State MRSEC will continue its research in four areas: nanoscale motors, nanowires, optical metamaterials, and multiferroics. The center aims to design new materials with unprecedented properties and functions.
Penn State researchers found that teams working in Second Life provided the most accurate answers despite taking longer to finish the task. Face-to-face teams felt most confident but struggled with basic tasks due to the complex keyboard strokes required for avatar movement.
Researchers have identified a gene in rice that controls the size and weight of grains. The GIF1 gene is responsible for controlling invertase activity, which is essential for starch production. By overexpressing the GIF1 gene in transgenic lines of rice, scientists were able to increase grain size and weight.
Researchers at Penn State found that smaller grains require less force to initiate movement through sandy soils than larger ones. This discovery could lead to more efficient designs for power-line towers and industrial mixer blades in sandy environments.
Researchers found that pistachio diets can beneficially affect cardiovascular disease risk factors in a dose-dependent manner. The study suggests that pistachios may decrease CVD risk profile through effects on Stearoyl CoA Desaturase (SCD) and other bioactive substances.
Penn State researchers have developed a method to rapidly and inexpensively copy biological surface structures using the conformal evaporated film by rotation (CEFR) technique. This technique enables the creation of coatings that capture the micro and nanostructure of biological surfaces, including metallic finishes and iridescent colors.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that deliver siRNA to cancer cells, reducing tumor growth and size by up to 70%. Targeting multiple genes simultaneously leads to synergistic effects, offering a promising personalized medicine approach.
A Penn State bioethicist and Georgetown University law professor argue that the US Army continues to involve physicians in interrogations despite professional medical associations' adoption of restrictive policies. The Army's Behavioral Science Consultation Memo attempts to justify physician participation in interrogations.
Research found that a specific gene variation associated with pair-bonding in voles also affects human males, leading to weaker relationships and increased marital problems. Women married to men carrying the variant reported lower marital quality without lower satisfaction.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a computational method to trace evolutionary histories of proteins back to cells or viruses, aiming to settle the debate on which came first. The new approach uses phylogenetic profiles and tree-like diagrams to provide clearer insights into retroelement evolution.
Researchers confirm that surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere were warmer over the last 10 years than any time during the last 1300 years. The study uses a variety of proxy data, including tree rings, marine and lake sediment cores, ice cores, and coral cores, to derive a long-term temperature record.
Researchers have developed a ceramic material that heats up in the microwave without causing damage, allowing for faster cooking times. The material, made from petalite and magnetite, can retain heat for up to 15 minutes, enabling innovative food preparation methods.
A researcher is collecting coral spawn to study how corals respond to global warming. She hopes to acquire information about the impact of water temperature changes on corals and will use this knowledge to identify gene variants that provide resistance to abnormal water conditions.
Researchers developed ferroelectric polymer-based capacitors that deliver power more rapidly and are much lighter than conventional batteries. By tuning the dielectric property and energy density, they created materials with high performance and flexibility.
A team of researchers discovered a novel fungus in the gut of Asian longhorned beetles that helps break down lignin, a protective barrier for plants. The fungus produces enzymes that enable the beetles to digest hard wood, leading to potential breakthroughs in pest control and biofuel production.
A new study suggests that grazing animals in the Arctic can reduce the expected expansion of shrub growth, which would otherwise help mitigate climate change by absorbing more carbon dioxide. The researchers found that muskoxen and caribou reduced shrub growth by 19-46% in plots with increased temperatures.
Researchers found unprecedented levels of fluvalinate and coumaphos in beeswax, while pollen and bees showed lower levels of other pesticides. A new method using gamma radiation reduced acaricide load in beeswax by 50%. The study highlights the need for monitoring pesticide interactions and potential links to Colony Collapse Disorder.
Inwood Hill Park faces challenges preserving native species due to human impact and invasive species proliferation. A collaborative research approach can help understand plant losses and address causes, ensuring the survival of future plantings.
The New Zealand mud snail is outcompeting native species, altering food chains and ecosystems in the Great Lakes. Research suggests the snails can survive being frozen for short periods, making control difficult.
Research suggests that increased testosterone in male mice increases their ability to transmit diseases, driving transmission through close social contact. The study found that treated mice made significantly more contacts with both males and females than untreated mice, leading to a higher risk of disease spread.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new way to cool using ferroelectric polymers that exhibit temperature changes under an electrical field. The technology could lead to the development of flat panel refrigerators without coils or compressors, providing a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solution.
A new report reveals that recreation and park professionals are actively involved in health partnerships, with 88% of agencies involved in at least one partnership, and an average of four partnerships per agency. Successful partnerships depend on trust, collaboration and administrative support.
The Leptotyphlops carlae is the world's smallest known snake species, with adults measuring just under four inches in length. This tiny threadsnake was discovered by Blair Hedges in a forest fragment on Barbados and is believed to be rare due to habitat destruction.
Researchers have digitally reconstructed a nearly complete skull of the extinct lemur species Hadropithecus stenognathus, providing new insights into its diet and body size. The study reveals that the lemur was as large as a male baboon and had a brain size comparable to some large monkeys.
Researchers found insulin resistance in young girls with PCOS mother, suggesting high risk of disease; future studies aim to identify earliest sign of susceptibility. Excessive insulin may be primary culprit behind reproductive abnormalities.
Researchers used topographic analysis to identify active faults in the Sichuan earthquake, which can help refine existing maps of earthquake risk. This approach can shed light on blind and hidden faults in remote mountainous areas.
Researchers discovered that microbes beneath the sea floor are genetically distinct and dominate life's biomass, with a unique metabolism and slow growth rate. The study found that these microbes could survive major Earth impacts and potentially be a reservoir of novel genetic material.
Scientists have developed a new method to produce hydrogen from water and solar energy, reducing the carbon footprint of traditional production methods. The process uses nanotube diodes that can harness the entire spectrum of sunlight, producing hydrogen and oxygen.
A new Penn State study found that a variety of recruitment strategies are used to recruit and retain older workers, including employee incentives and flexible work schedules. Employers can benefit from tapping into the experience and knowledge of baby boomers and other older workers.
Researchers used a model to study stress changes on faults after the May 12 China earthquake and found heightened rupture likelihood for some faults. The study suggests that potential for failure exists on some faults, but does not predict when or if an earthquake will occur.
Researchers found that diversity among ancient marine creatures like clams and lobsters showed only a modest rise beginning 144 million years ago. The study contradicts previous work suggesting dramatic increases in diversity, providing insight into future diversity and the impact of global warming.
Dr. Dennis Scanlon will evaluate the impact of 'Aligning Forces for Quality' in 14 US communities, focusing on chronic illness care and hospital processes. The initiative aims to improve healthcare quality, reduce racial disparities, and provide models for national reform.
A network of sensors proposed by Penn State researchers could monitor cars in parking lots, tracking their location and sending alerts if a vehicle is stolen. The system relies on trust among monitored cars to protect against false positives and false alarms.
Researchers have developed a technique to attach light-sensitive organic molecules to metal surfaces, enabling reversible switching between two configurations in response to different wavelengths of light. This technology has potential applications in molecular motors, artificial muscles, and molecular electronics.
A recent study found that regional health care markets play a crucial role in implementing the national patient safety initiative. Despite initial high response rates, hospitals' progress in meeting Leapfrog standards was minor due to budget and strategic planning challenges.
Researchers at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility confirmed theoretical predictions that fast-moving protons form pairs with neutrons or other protons, with 100% of fast-moving nucleons paired. This discovery may help understand nuclear systems and structure.
A team of scientists is living and working at 60 feet below the sea surface for an eight-day mission to investigate ways to improve coral reef restoration. They are transplanting corals into shallow and deep sites to study how different species respond to stressors.
A large genetic study of the extinct woolly mammoth has revealed that it did not have much genetic diversity and was split into two groups. The discovery rules out human hunting as a contributing factor to its extinction, instead pointing to climate change and disease.
A researcher at Penn State is examining how users choose a search engine, evaluate its performance, and react to individual results. The study aims to build a multi-layer model of branding in search engine selection and final web page evaluation.
A Penn State team has shown that non-magnetic materials can have more properties than previously thought, thanks to their unique structure and symmetry. The researchers found that certain non-magnetic materials can exhibit roto second harmonic generation, a property previously associated with magnetic materials.
The Safety Professionals Handbook is a comprehensive two-volume book featuring real-life examples and applied nature from experienced safety and health professionals. The publication covers 12 topic areas, including workers' compensation, fire prevention, and industrial hygiene.
A team of Penn State scientists has discovered a novel bacterial species, Chryseobacterium greenlandensis, that has survived for over 120,000 years in the ice of a Greenland glacier. The microorganism's ability to persist in extreme conditions makes it useful for studying life in various environments on Earth and potentially elsewhere.
Researchers used LIGO data to analyze the Crab Pulsar, detecting signals that reveal no more than 4% of energy loss is due to gravitational radiation. The findings suggest other mechanisms, such as electromagnetic radiation and high-velocity particles, are responsible for the pulsar's slowing spin.
Researchers found that college students who used interactive career websites were more likely to apply to companies, and attributed meaning to the site based on its features. The study suggests that organizations can control their public image by optimizing website interactivity for their target audience.
Researchers discovered that video games can boost creativity when players are highly energized and in a positive mood. Conversely, low arousal and negative emotions lead to the highest levels of creativity. The study suggests harnessing emotional elements in games to spark creative thought and problem-solving skills.