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.
Research on caribou in West Greenland reveals that climate change is affecting not only the timing of plant growth but also the availability of nutritious food. This 'trophic mismatch' leads to reduced births and increased deaths among caribou calves, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect seasonal animals.
Astronomers have observed a rare 'normal' supernova for the first time at its moment of birth, thanks to NASA's Swift satellite. The discovery provides unique insights into how these massive star explosions occur, with the radiation pattern giving scientists the clearest picture ever.
A team of Penn State researchers created a simple artificial cell with a mix of PEG and dextran polymers to investigate the organization and function of cell components. The model cell exhibited polarity, a critical step in development, and showed the interrelationship between cytoplasm and cell membrane.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a mechanism that allows information to be recovered from black holes, contrary to Stephen Hawking's previous assertion. By expanding space-time beyond its assumed size, the team finds room for information to reappear in the distant future.
Researchers have mapped nucleosome organization along genes in Drosophila melanogaster, revealing a critical stop sign for transcription. This discovery highlights the importance of nucleosomes in regulating gene expression and has implications for developing effective anti-viral drugs against HIV.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered how a mole develops into melanoma by showing the interaction of two key proteins involved in 60-70 percent of tumors. Targeting these proteins is necessary for effective drugs to treat melanoma, and personalized cancer treatment could be more effective with fewer side effects.
A study by Eric Post at Penn State has found that global warming is causing trophic mismatch in West Greenland's caribou population, where plant growth is advancing ahead of animal births. This phenomenon, linked to climate change, may hinder the species' ability to adapt and persist.
Astronomers are looking for Earth-like planets with liquid oceans in the habitable zone of their star. By monitoring the light curve of a distant planet as it spins on its axis, they can determine if the planet has water.
Researchers have identified a tropical source for the influenza A virus, which infects North Americans each winter and causes an average of 36,000 deaths. The study found that two strains of the virus, H3N2 and H1N1, follow a distinct pattern in their seasonal emergence and evolution.
A recent study found that macadamia nut consumption as part of a heart-healthy diet reduced low-density cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The researchers used a controlled feeding study with participants who consumed either a standard American diet or a diet supplemented with macadamia nuts.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million queries to find that 80% are informational, while 10% are navigational or transactional in nature. An algorithm developed by Penn State researchers achieved a 74% accuracy rate in classifying these searches.
A team of Penn State paleoclimatologists found that a lack of cloud cover led to pre-human supergreenhouse periods during the Cetaceous and Eocene. By altering the Earth's albedo through changes in cloud cover, the researchers were able to recreate temperature regimes with mean annual temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers observed a group of six enzymes forming a cluster in living cells, which are essential for cell replication and DNA production. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by disrupting purine synthesis and halting cancer cell replication.
Researchers found that continuous oral contraceptives significantly improved pain and behavioral changes in women compared to standard 28-day birth control pills. The study also showed a significant decrease in moderate to heavy bleeding days among women who received the continuous birth control regimen.
A computer model developed by Penn State University and the University of Cambridge recommends tailored strategies to manage gypsy moths, focusing on medium-density infestations to reduce high-density ones. The model aims to save time and money for land managers while slowing the spread of invasive species across the US.
A Penn State researcher is developing solar cells with titanium dioxide nanotubes and organic semiconductors for efficient and low-cost large-scale solar energy conversion. The goal is to achieve photconversion efficiencies of 6-8% and commercialize the technology.
A survey of 50 sex therapists found that satisfactory sexual intercourse typically lasts between 3-7 minutes for men and 7-13 minutes for women. The study aims to dispel unrealistic expectations about the length of sexual activity, promoting counseling over medication for addressing existing sexual problems.
A team of researchers has developed a unified theory of lightning discharges, explaining how different types of lightning form. The study reveals that blue jets and bolts from the blue are triggered by specific charge imbalances in clouds, with the height of the cloud influencing their formation.
The Penn State project will focus on gaining a better understanding of factors related to aggressive behavior and social-emotional competence in children when they first enter school. Researchers will develop and evaluate a multi-component prevention program to support healthy social and academic development.
A Penn State study found that early living together, marriage, and parenting can have positive benefits for some young adults, particularly those from low-income families. The researchers compared depressive symptoms between those who made an early family transition and those who did not, and found few differences between the two groups.
Researchers warn that brain imaging technology, such as fMRI, may promote abuse of detainees due to its limitations and open interpretation. The technology's reliance on detecting tiny changes in blood oxygen levels raises concerns about accuracy and potential misuse.
Bruce Logan, a renowned microbial fuel cell scientist, has been named a KAUST Investigator, receiving up to $10 million over five years to develop sustainable energy and water technologies. His research focuses on converting waste into electricity or hydrogen while cleaning water.
A team from Penn State University and the University of Southampton created a single-crystal semiconductor inside an optical fiber, overcoming performance degradation between fibers and devices. The new device enables faster and more efficient electronic signals, opening up potential for next-level applications in various fields.
A combination of an insect protein and Bt toxin kills crop pests more effectively than either ingredient alone, inhibiting growth rate and reducing resistance. Researchers found a synergistic effect increasing mortality rates by over 10 times.