Researchers found sulfur-eating bacteria infect giant tubeworm larvae through their skin, not stomach as previously thought. The bacteria then induce tissue differentiation to form the trophosome, a specialized organ housing the symbionts.
A study of 167 women in IT across four countries reveals that cultural factors, such as societal messages and family dynamics, play a significant role in shaping career choices. The research suggests that recognizing diversity may lead to more opportunities for women, and challenges traditional assumptions about work-life balance.
A team of researchers at Penn State has discovered a mathematical description of a contracting universe that existed before the Big Bang, with space-time geometry and gravity exhibiting unique properties. The findings rely on loop quantum gravity theory, which proposes a discrete 'atomic' structure to space-time.
Penn State researcher Karen Bettez Halnon finds middle class embracing muscles, motorcycles, and tattoos as new form of gentrification. This symbolic takeover relegates lower classes to the periphery, with extreme measures taken by disaffected groups to defend against encroachment.
A new theory suggests that life emerged in environments with unique biochemistry, such as oxygen-free sediment. The microbe Methanosarcina acetivorans produces both methane and acetate, shedding light on early metabolism and the evolution of microbial production of methane.
A recent study by Penn State researchers suggests that a massive whole-genome duplication event in early flowering plants could explain their rapid evolution. The team detected a concentration of duplicated genes, which is evidence of a whole-genome duplication event.
The PACT software provides a framework that protects metadata while enabling semantic interoperation and sharing of information. It automatically regulates access to data, preserving security while allowing permitted access.
A Penn State study found that perfectionist fathers can reinforce negative eating habits in their sons and daughters, which can lead to anorexia and other clinical illnesses. The researchers suggest that treating maladaptive eating disorders requires a focus on the patient's relational network, including communication with parents.
A new study uses a salivary test to measure alpha amylase levels in children, finding that social relationships with mothers and teachers influence stress responses. The findings suggest that individual differences in alpha amylase levels can be linked to social problems, aggressive behavior, and cognitive/academic difficulties.
A team of researchers, including biological anthropologists and physicians, studied the relationship between the brain and skull in infants with craniosynostosis using CT scans and MRIs. They found a strong correlation between neural structures located near the top of the brain and bony features at the base of the skull.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a one-dimensional gas system that exhibits remarkable stability despite collisions among atoms. The system, dubbed the 'Quantum Newton's Cradle,' has been observed to maintain its momentum profile unchanged even after thousands of collisions.
A study by Penn State researchers found that stricter law enforcement policies have led to an increase in girls' arrests for assault, not a rise in violence. Despite this, other national sources of information on youth violence show little overall change in girls' levels of aggression over the past two decades.
Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies is recycling 500,000 discarded tires into road fill, reducing sediment pollution and mosquito breeding grounds. The project uses bailed tires to fill degraded dirt roads, incorporating drainage structures to prevent water runoff.
A study found that teenage mothers with iron deficiency during pregnancy had children who were less active and responded slower to their environment. The researchers suggest that a mother's nutritional status in pregnancy affects the behavior and personality of the child.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschool children who watched TV during lunch ate significantly less than those who did not. However, children who frequently watched TV also tended to eat more on TV days, suggesting a potential link between TV viewing and overeating in young children.
Researchers have discovered a plant enzyme called Mir1-CP that protects corn from pests by degrading insects' peritrophic matrix. The enzyme accumulates at feeding sites within an hour of caterpillar feeding, causing impaired nutrient utilization and inhibiting growth.
Researchers have developed a coal-based jet fuel, provisionally designated JP900, which produces almost the same Btu as conventional fuels. The fuel has improved flash point, lower viscosity, and higher smoke point, making it suitable for existing engines and interest both commercial and military users.
Researchers created a simple biophysical model of an axon that reproduced catastrophic oxidative stress-induced collapse, characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. The study also revealed the role of free radicals and antioxidants in axon degradation.
A team from Penn State University and the University of Southampton has developed a new way to combine semiconductor devices with microstructured optical fibers. The resulting ability to generate and manipulate signals inside optical fibers could have applications in fields such as medicine, computing, and remote sensing devices.
A recent study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that body image plays a significant role in shaping sexual risks taken by men and women. The research suggests that young women with positive body images are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, while young men with positive body images may actually be more lik...
Researchers analyze gamma-ray burst GRB 050904 to understand the conditions of the early universe. The burst, detected in 2005, provides a probe to study the universe beyond the reach of large telescopes.
A new saliva test detects changes in alpha amylase levels, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the body's response to caffeine and stress. The study found that moderate doses of caffeine improve task performance but excessive amounts can lead to decreased performance.
Researchers found a sizeable and active archaeal community in deep sediment layers using energy from breaking down methane molecules. These microbes live on the slow side, requiring less energy to maintain and taking longer to divide than expected.
Laptop computers combining toy features with innovative tech are accelerating learning and communication ability in disabled children, according to Penn State researchers. The technology has shown a significant improvement in communication skills and vocabulary for early readers among 2-3 year olds.
The InterRidge statement of commitment emphasizes the need for responsible research practices in deep-sea vent areas. The statement aims to establish professional standards and promote awareness about the potential consequences of human impacts on these extreme ecosystems.
Research by Dr. Robert Drago and Carol Colbeck found that both men and women engage in productive and unproductive bias avoidance behaviors. Productive behaviors minimize family commitments to improve work performance, while unproductive behaviors produce the appearance of commitment without actual benefits.
Rapid climate changes during the Pleistocene Holocene transition led to the extinction of mega fauna and forced humans to adapt constantly. The environment became more stable in the Holocene, but with less variety.
The Pennsylvania Nanofabrication Manufacturing Technology Partnership provides a flexible nanotechnology education program for students across the state, offering a capstone semester at Penn State's University Park campus. The program focuses on broadening the scope of nanotechnology applications and social, health, and environmental i...
Researchers have discovered a large number of supermassive black holes, outnumbering initial estimates, using deep X-ray surveys. The findings suggest that these black holes are more stable over time than previously thought.
Researchers found that phytoplankton communities transiently disappear and then recover during abrupt climate changes, with most species adapting to new niches. The study suggests that phytoplankton are more resilient than previously thought, with only specialized and deeper-dwelling species being unable to survive sudden changes.
Research suggests that changes in wetland systematics and natural gas emissions during the glacial period may be responsible for elevated methane levels. The study analyzed ice core samples from Greenland, finding no evidence of clathrates releasing methane into the atmosphere.
Researchers at Penn State have developed titania nanotube dye sensitive solar cells with a 3% initial conversion rate, which they aim to increase to 15% through optimization. The cells use an easier fabrication system than conventional silicon solar cells and have shown promise in producing more electrons that do not recombine.
A recent study by Dr. Jim Jansen found that five popular search engines return nearly identical results in terms of effectiveness, with little benefit for occasional online shoppers. Niche e-commerce search engines may provide a slight increase in relevant results for frequent online consumers.
Researchers found that early lunch periods lead to higher a la carte sales, which often feature lower-nutritional-value foods. Soft drink machines also contribute to vending machine proliferation, decreasing hot lunch participation. Parents' involvement in prohibiting fast food in cafeterias increases school meal program participation.
A study found that 31.4% of non-Latino and 48.4% of Latino WIC clients use medicinal herbs for childhood illnesses, with most being low-risk. The researchers urge herbal education in WIC clinics to address potential risks and ensure safe use.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reveals that more principals than school foodservice directors reported enforced policies, but many expressed misconceptions about nutritional standards. The researchers found few school nutrition policies related to competitive foods, particularly in areas such ...
Researchers at Penn State found that electrolyzed oxidizing water can effectively clean milk pipes without the need for harsh chemicals. The new method is also less expensive and has no skin irritation risks, making it a promising solution for the dairy industry.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new nanofiber fabrication technique inspired by forensic science's fingerprint development method. The technique produces biocompatible materials, including fibers with diameters in the 200-250-nanometer range and nano-sized spheres.
A study found that hazard mitigation grants can save up to $14 billion over 10 years by reducing property damage and loss of life. The grants also help reduce tax revenue losses due to economic disruption caused by natural hazards.
Physicists at Penn State University have developed a new method to study frustration in complex systems, including materials with magnetic moments. The researchers created artificial spin ice using electron beam lithography, allowing them to manipulate the strength of frustrated interactions and probe individual elements within the sys...
Researchers will develop methods to derive and exploit information from diverse data forms, link this information with stored knowledge and analytical reasoning practices, and provide cognitive readiness support. The Penn State team will also apply a cognitive science approach to understanding visual tool usage, enhancing the role of t...
The study reveals that information technologies have increased the quantity of available information in real estate, leading to better-informed consumers who demand specialized services. Virtual tours, online bidding, and national competition have also resulted in additional specializations for professionals and new business models.
The 'play' model of information system design emphasizes collaboration between users and designers to accommodate diverse perspectives. By acknowledging inconsistent views, IT systems can reflect real-world complexities and avoid 'one size fits all' problems.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a system that uses white LEDs to transmit data wirelessly over power lines, achieving gigabit-per-second speeds. The system is more secure than traditional wireless methods due to light's ability to penetrate walls and avoid signal distortion.
Research reveals that pertussis toxin is responsible for prolonging the infection period in immune and vaccinated hosts. The study found that antibodies produced by vaccines are effective only seven days after administration, allowing the bacteria to grow and spread before the body can mount an effective response.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the DNA of a woolly mammoth, comparing it to African and Indian elephant genomes. The study provides unprecedented insight into the evolution and extinction of the species.
Researchers analyzed genes and developed new statistical technique to estimate divergence time. They found that humans and chimpanzees likely shared a common ancestor between 5-7 million years ago, with a maximum limit of approximately 7 million years ago.
A study found that a change in one amino acid in the SLC24A5 gene plays a major role in determining human skin color. Researchers discovered that this mutation contributes up to 38% of the range of skin color in European populations.
A new study finds that the quality of a dog-owner relationship has no impact on thunderstorm-phobic dogs' stress responses. However, dogs living with other dogs in the household exhibited less pronounced stress reactivity and faster recovery times.
A study found that employed mothers' kids consumed fewer calories and less nutritious foods at home but increased consumption of fruits and vegetables at school. The researchers noted a lack of correlation between maternal employment time and nutritional intake, suggesting individual balance is necessary.