Researchers have manipulated hydrogen atoms below the surface of a palladium crystal, creating a structure predicted to be important in fuel cells, metal catalysis, and hydrogen storage. This breakthrough allows scientists to test theoretical predictions and apply data from direct observation.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of snakes, lizards, and other scaly reptiles has revealed surprising relationships among the animals. The study places primitive-looking iguanian lizards at the top of the tree, near advanced lineages like snakes and monitor lizards.
Researchers at Penn State and Rice University discover how to flip molecular switches by engineering their design and surrounding environment. They demonstrated that single-molecule switches can be tailored to respond in predictable ways, depending on the applied electric field direction.
A recent Penn State study suggests that increasing the truck driver's hours of service beyond 10 hours leads to a significant rise in the risk of crashes. The most concerning increase occurs within the 9th, 10th, and 11th hours of driving.
A new study found that a woman's perception of her own attractiveness has no significant impact on her current sexual satisfaction. Women reported feeling more attractive at younger ages and experiencing declines in desire or activity over time, but still reported high levels of enjoyment during sex.
Scientists discovered new boundary sequences of fossils in the southeastern Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, containing both leaf and pollen fossils. The findings suggest that rapid warming during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) led to changes in vegetation, with plants migrating north from their original southern habitats.
The Swift satellite has received a "Best of What's New" award for its innovative technology, enabling rapid detection and follow-up observations of gamma-ray bursts. This breakthrough has confirmed the origin of gamma-ray bursts and helped pinpoint the birth of a special kind of black hole.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a prototype sonic gas analyzer that automatically detects gas concentrations in air/gas mixtures by analyzing pitch changes. The system can track toxic or flammable gases and detect changes as low as 0.003 percent, making it suitable for monitoring hydrogen levels in microbial fuel cells.
The Eastern California Shear Zone, a wide area in western Nevada, puzzles seismologists due to its unexplained northern end. This zone makes up 25% of the North American Plate's movement and has been displacing 50 kilometers over 5-6 million years.
The Penn State team has successfully developed a method to calculate optimal proportions of niobium powder to binder and temperature for sintering, opening doors to injection-molded niobium parts. The approach can be applied to other materials with irregularly-shaped particles, expanding its potential applications.
The Penn State Earth and Mineral Sciences Library launched a geocache treasure hunt as an orientation tool for freshmen. Participants used GPS coordinates to locate the cache, which was hidden in plain sight within the library. The hunt incorporated library knowledge, including the Library of Congress classification system.
Penn State researchers have designed and fabricated tiny piezoelectric microactuators with controlled force, high resolution, and large displacements. The new actuators have dimensions ranging from 350 to 600 microns in length, 50 to 100 microns in width, and 5 to 6 microns in thickness.
Renal transplant recipients are 3.6 times more likely to develop melanoma than the general population, with a mortality rate up to 6 percent in some regions. Men who have had a kidney transplant face the greatest risk, and risk increases rapidly with age.
Despite exposure to environmental chemicals, breast-feeding remains a healthy option for infants. Research suggests few adverse effects have been documented, and none have been clinically or epidemiologically demonstrated.
Halloween is a festival of inversion where children turn traditional roles upside down, dressing up in grown-up costumes and demanding treats from adults. Cindy Dell Clark's research highlights how the holiday exposes young children to their fears when they encounter death-themed decorations.
Researchers found that a natural product of vitamin A can regulate immunity and enhance vaccine response when combined with PIC. The combination resulted in a four to seven times better immune response compared to individual treatments.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that polyphenols in oats inhibit the Maillard reaction, reducing off-flavors and stale odors. The findings suggest that controlling polyphenol levels could prevent undesirable reactions, including those linked to human diseases.
Researchers develop stealth particles to deliver chemotherapy drugs to tumors, reducing phagocytosis by 24% in cell culture. The system allows for targeted delivery of lower doses, potentially improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Penn State developed implantable glucose sensors to monitor troops' metabolic health in the field. The sensors can detect glucose, oxygen, lactate, and pyruvate levels, providing valuable insights into a soldier's overall metabolic picture.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new assay to quantify ergothioneine in fungi, finding that white button mushrooms have about 12 times more of the antioxidant than wheat germ and 4 times more than chicken liver. Exotic mushrooms contain up to 40 times as much ergothioneine as wheat germ.
Researchers have developed tiny rubber balls that can be embedded in plastics to improve adhesion and toughness. The core-shell particles are tailored to join with any plastic or ceramic, solving issues of adhesion found with untailored rubber particles.
The Next Generation CiteSeer project will expand the database, add services, and provide opportunities for joint authoring. The new architecture will be open source, enabling easier use and greater access to metadata.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new microprinting technique called microdisplacement printing, which enables precise placement of molecules during nanoscale component fabrication. This method relaxes requirements for positioning stamps used to apply consecutive patterns with different molecular inks.
Researchers have found that nearly 42% of ovarian cancer patient tumor tissues contain alterations in the protein km23. This discovery suggests km23 as a possible diagnostic indicator and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Further studies aim to develop a screening test and targeted therapies using km23.
Researchers studied tiltmeter data from the Soufriere Hills Volcano to understand its behavior and inner workings. They found that pressure is centered around a half mile below the dome or nearly 2.5 miles above the magma chamber, suggesting a more extensive region involved in pressurization.
Researchers found that plants grow more and longer secondary roots on the non-self side, suggesting a mechanism based on physiological coordination. This coordination might involve internal pulsing of hormonal or electrical signals that desynchronize when plants are separated.
Researchers used a novel technique to study the diets of ancient humans, Australopithecus africanus and Paranthropus robustus. The analysis revealed significant overlap in their diets, with P. robustus consuming both hard and tough foods.
A study by Dr. Mihai Covasa and colleagues found that a high-fat diet can reduce the body's sensitivity to cholecystokinin, a hormone that helps regulate appetite, in rats. This reduced sensitivity leads to increased overconsumption of highly palatable foods high in dietary fat.
The Penn State Regional Center will conduct research on climate change's effects on regional terrestrial ecosystems, including the Northeast region with high population density and urbanization. The center aims to develop models predicting climate change impacts and analyze carbon exchange between ecosystems and the atmosphere.
Researchers tested a new software called R-CAST in a military command-and-control simulation, where human teams made incorrect decisions under pressure. The software improved team performance by sharing information and identifying key information quickly, enabling humans to maintain acceptable decision-making levels.
A study by Penn State researchers found that invasive brushy honeysuckle hybridized with the Rhagoletis pomonella fruit fly, creating a new insect species. The discovery suggests that hybridization is a common mechanism for speciation in animals, similar to what occurs in plants.
Despite similar educational backgrounds, IT women earn on average $15,000 less than men and are 2.5 times more likely to leave the industry. Organizations need to recognize these differences and provide support for part-time work arrangements, job sharing, and child-care subsidies.
A new artificial intelligence-based drying process for wood products could significantly reduce energy costs and improve product quality. The proposed method analyzes the kiln environment to predict optimal conditions and minimize deviations, potentially saving the $250 billion US wood industry millions of dollars.
The 'Deep Impact' collision released tens of thousands of tons of material, enough to bury a football field under 30 feet of comet dust. Scientists are analyzing X-ray data to better understand the evaporation process on comets and their interaction with solar wind.
Researchers found that providing nutrition information at point-of-selection increased sales of lower-fat and calorie foods. Students opted for healthier options, such as plain cheese pizza instead of pepperoni, and chose dishes with fewer calories but similar fat content.
A study found significant variation among pediatricians in interpreting 'reasonable suspicion' for child abuse, with varying thresholds and inconsistent responses. This discrepancy has profound implications for victims, families, and caregivers, emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines and training.
Swift detected a quick rise in ultraviolet light after the Deep Impact probe struck a hard surface on the comet, revealing secrets about the impact.
A new Penn State study found that a balanced diet with both polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) is essential for lowering cholesterol levels. The study compared two heart-healthy oils, sunflower oil and olive oil, in a diet designed to reduce blood cholesterol.
Researchers can analyze patient demographics, clinical data, and gene expression using the online toolbox. The platform enables integrated analysis of diverse data sets, potentially leading to better disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new type of ultrathin film made from spherical cages of carbon atoms, which can enable more precise patterning of electronic and sensing devices. The material's unique properties allow for easier replacement of molecules, expanding the range of molecular components that can be incorporated.
Researchers have found that adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The study suggests that AAV2 recognizes abnormal cancer cells and induces apoptosis, making it a promising candidate for an anti-cancer therapy.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that individuals with elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels cannot lower their LDL-cholesterol numbers with a Step 1 diet, even when soy protein is added. The study suggests that habitual consumption of a Step 1 diet may be beneficial for those with low CRP levels but delete...
The new assessment tool, ADAPT, provides a platform for tracking participant data by demographics, activities, and institution data warehouses. The researchers found that comprehensive assessment techniques can help evaluate and revamp existing programs, leading to better outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
A team of researchers found that plant-insect interactions were diverse and abundant in Patagonia 52 million years ago. The study reveals a legacy of ancient biodiversity that will help understand modern South American diversity.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that senior citizens are becoming more supportive of educational spending, defying expectations. The data contradicts long-held assumptions about the role of aging and retirement in shaping attitudes towards school funding.
Researchers found that women who exercised during and after chemotherapy had improved activated lymphocytes and reduced inflammation. The exercise program improved physical functions and overall quality of life compared to non-exercisers.
A study by Penn State researchers found that 80% of participants preferred organic search results over sponsored links. Despite identical content, participants rated sponsored links as less relevant due to biased perception. To address this, businesses should prioritize organic visibility alongside paid advertising.
A study of 589 college students found that parents are the primary source of information about credit cards, with a significant negative relationship between parental influence and credit use. Educational institutions can reassess their personal finance education to better prepare students for managing credit.
Penn State researchers are using neutron activation analysis to measure gold in tree rings and link them to volcanic eruptions. By analyzing the rings' chemical composition, they can identify patterns and correlations with known volcanic events.
Researchers monitoring two PennDOT-installed data loggers measure high salt levels in runoff wetland, reaching half the salinity of seawater. The effects on species and soil quality are still unknown but may include decreased midge populations and increased algae growth.