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Penn State


Hives ferment a yeasty brew, attract beetle pest

Researchers found that small hive beetles can detect some alarm pheromones at levels below those detected by honeybees. The beetles associate the alarm chemicals with a good food source and head for the hive. Domesticated European honeybees are not as diligent in cleaning their hives, making them more susceptible to infestation.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2007

Saliva clue to chronic bullying

Researchers found that chronically bullied kids have lower cortisol levels, linked to anxiety and stress. The study suggests a biological marker for early recognition and intervention of long-term psychological effects on youth.

Parents can sneak veggies into kids' diet

A Penn State study found that decreasing calorie density of foods with added veggies leads to reduced calorie intake and increased veggie consumption in children. Parents can try this strategy to combat childhood obesity and encourage healthy eating habits.

Pistachios lower cholesterol, provide antioxidants

Researchers found that pistachio amounts of 1.5 ounces reduced LDL cholesterol levels by 11.6% and total cholesterol by 8.4%, while the higher dose showed significant reductions in lipoprotein ratios. Pistachios also increased antioxidants in the blood, which may help reduce inflammation.

Pistachios may calm acute stress reaction

A Penn State study found that eating pistachios reduced the body's response to stress in individuals with high cholesterol but normal blood pressure. The 3-ounce pistachio diet was most effective in reducing systolic blood pressure and improving vascular relaxation.

Hawaiian treasure, macadamia nuts good for the heart

A study by Penn State researchers found that incorporating macadamia nuts into a heart-healthy diet can reduce total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The Healthy Heart diet with macadamia nuts was compared to a standard American diet in a controlled feeding study.

Brush anode and tubular cathode scale up microbial fuel cells

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new microbial fuel cell system that uses brush anodes and tubular cathodes to produce more power from wastewater. The system, which uses naturally occurring bacteria, can clean water while generating electricity, reducing the need for energy consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 21, 2007

Population pressure shapes urban parks

A study of 10 Northeastern urban forests found no common urban park plant complex, but shows that population levels impact native and nonnative species diversity. The research suggests that urban park managers should consider the ratio of native to nonnative species when implementing vegetation restoration projects.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society·DateFeb 23, 2007

Plant-derived omega-3s may aid in bone health

A team of Penn State researchers found that plant-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may have a protective effect on bone health. The study, which included a controlled diet with three diets high in PUFA, showed significant decreases in biomarkers of bone resorption.

SourcePenn State·JournalNutrition Journal·DateFeb 19, 2007

High-quality helium crystals show supersolid behavior

Researchers have successfully replicated high-quality helium crystals exhibiting supersolid behavior, a phenomenon initially thought to be exclusive to poor-quality solid helium. The new findings suggest that supersolidity can occur in ultra-cold solid helium with crystallinity above 1%, contrary to previous theories.

Microprinting technique for patterning single molecules

A new microcontact insertion printing technique builds surfaces with specific functions inserted at known intervals, enabling analysis of biochemical mixtures and molecular-scale electronic components. The process allows for precise placement of isolated molecules in a predesigned nano-scale or micro-scale pattern.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 5, 2007

Folded sediment unusual in Sumatran tsunami area

The study reveals that sediment folding may have contributed to the massive 2004 Sumatra tsunami. The unusual shape of the upper plate boundary, resembling a suspension bridge, created an area with multiple peaks and valleys that amplified water displacement when the plate snapped back.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeology·DateFeb 2, 2007

Leeches ferry infection among newts

Researchers found evidence of leech-borne transmission of a fungus-like organism infecting newts' muscles, which may affect their ability to reproduce. The infection is not fatal but can impact newt populations. Human activities, such as fertilizer use in wetlands, could lead to increased leech abundance and disease spread.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Parasitology·DateJan 31, 2007

Nano world off the radar for most

Despite significant research and development, nanotechnology remains largely unknown to the general public due to a lack of critical analysis and debate in popular media. Social scientists are underrepresented in nanotechnology studies, while some activists fear its potential risks without acknowledging its benefits.

SourcePenn State·JournalFutures·DateJan 22, 2007

New system solves the 'who is J. Smith' puzzle

A new system uses machine-learning methods to identify authors based on similar names, affiliations, and publication data, achieving 90.6% accuracy in a large-scale test. The algorithm will be integrated into the next generation of CiteSeer, the largest academic search engine.

Taking nanolithography beyond semiconductors

A new process combines molecular self-assembly with traditional lithography to create multifunctional surfaces in precise patterns. This technique allows for complex patterns of functional monolayers, enabling applications beyond semiconductors.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2006

Pollution knows no borders

A team of researchers found a significant link between ozone levels in Mexico City and US cities like Houston, highlighting the global impact of air pollution. The study used ozonesondes to measure ozone and other atmospheric variables, revealing that pollution from Asia can also affect the Pacific Northwest.

Research yields new insights into the cause of diabetes

A new hypothesis proposes that a deficiency in the enzyme Pancreatic Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) during fetal development can lead to permanent neonatal diabetes. The research found that PERK-deficient mice have impaired beta cell proliferation, differentiation, and clustering, resulting in reduced insulin production.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 5, 2006

Dragonfly's metabolic disease provides clues about human obesity

Research on parasitic-infected dragonflies reveals metabolic disorders similar to human obesity and type-2 diabetes, with parasites triggering an inflammatory response and changes in metabolism. The study suggests that microbial communities found in human intestines may also contribute to these diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2006

Twin star explosions fascinate astronomers

Astronomers have observed a rare phenomenon of two supernovas occurring simultaneously in the same galaxy, with implications for our understanding of galaxy mergers. The high frequency of supernovas in NGC 1316 suggests that massive star formation may be driving this activity.

Touch tracking bypasses mind control

Researchers found that touch tracking bypasses the brain's cognitive system, allowing participants to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. This breakthrough could help individuals with coordination problems improve their hand movements.

Disclosure of advertising tactics reduces odds kids will drink

A weeklong intervention in schools reduced adolescents' inclination to drink by teaching them critical thinking skills and strategies to question alcohol ads. The program, led by Penn State's Marvin E. Goldberg, equipped students with persuasion knowledge and processed advertising messages.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateNov 17, 2006

Edge density key to controlling gypsy moth spread

A team of researchers found that controlling population peaks on the edges of the gypsy moth range can help slow their invasion into virgin territory. The study's findings suggest that suppressing outbreaks near the invasion front could reduce the number of dispersers and prevent periodic surges of growth.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2006

Researchers teach computers how to name images by 'thinking'

Researchers have developed an AI system that enables computers to interpret images and provide accurate annotations, improving the accessibility of online image collections. The ALIPR system can automatically tag images with relevant keywords, facilitating search and retrieval, and has been shown to be correct in over 98% of cases.

Viral marker of human migration suspect

Researchers found that some viruses, like the human polyomavirus JCV, may be evolving at higher rates than previously assumed. The virus is traditionally used as a genetic marker for human migration and evolution, but its reliability has been called into question by this new study.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 24, 2006

Geological feature key to finding, protecting tombs

Researchers have identified a connection between fracture traces and rock-cut tombs in Egyptian valleys, which may aid in locating and protecting previously undiscovered tombs. The discovery also offers insights into preserving the tombs from water damage, ensuring their preservation for future generations.