Researchers at Penn State have developed a new ceramide-based therapy that targets and destroys breast cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The treatment uses liposomes to deliver ceramide to the tumor, where it disrupts mitochondria and causes cell death.
Researchers at Penn State are developing new approaches to integrating control and condition monitoring systems for Intelligent Vehicle Health Management. This will enable equipment to continue operating when something breaks or is about to fail, reducing the need for human intervention on long, unmanned deep space missions.
Researchers used various models to recreate the rupture history and variation along the fault, revealing the earthquake's length, epicenter, and speed. The study provided valuable insights into one of the largest earthquakes recorded on modern equipment.
Researchers have developed a new purification process that combines high throughput with high selectivity, enabling more fine separations. By attaching a negatively-charged dye molecule to the protein of interest, retention is enhanced in higher proportion than when it wasn't tagged.
Researchers found that Varroa mites reduce bee immunity by suppressing the production of chemicals that sterilize honey, allowing bacteria to increase. This combination with deformed wing virus is causing two-week death collapses in hives across the US.
A new mathematical model, PSP, offers improved predictions of transistor behavior, particularly in high-frequency and miniaturized devices. The model, which focuses on surface potential at the silicon-silicon dioxide interface, has been successfully tested on simulations and measurements.
A recent study published in Diabetes journal found that minocycline limits retinal damage caused by microglia cells in diabetic rats. The antibiotic reduces neuroinflammation and activation of microglia, resulting in less nerve cell death and improved vision outcomes.
Proconsul, a 18 million-year-old creature, holds the key to human and ape origins. The book provides an insider's view on fossil discovery and interpretation, exploring Proconsul's anatomy, diet, and habits.
A new study found that spacing out insulin given by an insulin pump in two doses, one over eight hours, can keep glucose levels more favorable than a single dose or double dose taken over shorter periods. This method showed improved blood glucose control after a pizza meal without causing hypoglycemic events.
AESEDA aims to entice minority students to enroll in Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, with a focus on Africa connection. The program involves partnerships with HBCUs and Nigerian universities to develop natural resources and energy management in Africa.
Dr. Chen will use his Guggenheim Fellowship to research the structures and properties of ferroelectric and multiferroic thin films with potential applications in various functional devices. He aims to develop theories and multiscale computational models for predicting their behaviors.
A study led by Penn State University assistant professor Theresa Vescio found that patronizing behavior, characterized by giving subordinates praise while withholding resources, can lead to negative performance outcomes for women. This subtle form of sexism may allow discriminatory practices to go unnoticed.
A new sensor system combining flame photometer, ion mobility spectrometer and surface acoustic wave array detects chemical vapors with high accuracy. The PSU-developed CINET software reduces false alarms by correlating data from multiple detectors.
A new microbial fuel cell process can produce high yields of hydrogen from biodegradable organic matter in wastewater. This technology uses a small amount of electricity to boost bacterial fermentation, overcoming the 'fermentation barrier' and producing clean hydrogen gas while simultaneously cleaning the wastewater.
Less competition in the healthcare industry is linked to improved health plan performance on measures such as women's care and member satisfaction. However, the relationship between competition and quality is complex and requires further research.
A study on the geography of education found that homeschoolers represent a significant segment of the education universe, estimated at 20% of privately-schooled population in the US. The number of homeschoolers has grown in states with low to moderate regulation, but data is still limited due to varying reporting requirements.
A warmer climate could lead to increased road salt use due to more precipitation falling as sleet and freezing rain, but this might also reduce ski traffic and winter economy. The study aims to model climate change impacts on salt and sand usage in the Adirondack Park.
The NASA-led Swift mission has successfully measured the distances to two gamma-ray bursts, both originating from over 9 billion light years away. These direct distance measurements, achieved with Swift's Ultraviolet/OpticalTelescope (UVOT), represent a major milestone for the mission since its launch in 2004.
A study conducted in South Africa found that mild iron deficiency in mothers can disrupt healthy mother/infant interactions. The research showed that mildly iron-deficient mothers were less sensitive to their baby's cues and appeared bored or distant more frequently, leading to changes in child behavior.
A Penn State-led education program has significantly reduced incidents of shaken baby syndrome in western New York, resulting in a 47% decrease in cases. The program, which costs less than $10 per infant, provides critical information to parents at the time of birth and is designed to be implemented with minimal time and resources.
The SAA's Book Award recognizes 'Ancient Mexico & Central America' for its impact on archaeological research and understanding of Mesoamerica's cultural history. The book, written by Penn State adjunct professor Evans, is an informative and fun guide to the region.
A new protocol provides incentives for federal agencies to trust each other and share accurate, complete information in a timely manner. This increases the efficiency of information sharing and builds trust between organizations.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology·DateMar 31, 2005
Oaxacan migrants prioritize family and community over individual gain, using remittances to fulfill obligations and maintain social status. Most migrants return home for no more than a year to support households, construct homes, and pay for education.
A Penn State study shows that including spending in other service sectors reduces the between-community cost difference from 81% to 18%. The system of care approach also improves youth's chances of finishing high school and making a successful transition to adulthood.
Researchers discovered that targeting mutant B-Raf protein can prevent the spread of melanoma and halt tumor growth. Lowering mutant B-Raf activity reduced melanoma development in human cells, providing a potential breakthrough for treating this aggressive form of skin cancer.
Most cancer survivors can return to work after treatment, but a minority face ongoing problems requiring comprehensive support services. The study found that similar numbers of men and women stop working during treatment, with the lowest rates among those with certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that storing spinach at 39 degrees Fahrenheit slows down nutrient loss compared to warmer temperatures. The study's findings have implications for the shipping process, where produce is often kept at warm temperatures for extended periods.
A recent study published in Nature found that genes on the inactive X chromosome can escape inactivation and be expressed in females, leading to a stronger overall concentration of particular genes. This discovery could explain some of the differences between men and women that aren't attributable to sex hormones.
Researchers analyzed 7,000 job-related queries and found that online job searches have a higher percentage of non-relevant returns (60%) compared to general web searches (50%). The study suggests that company web sites need re-design to highlight geographical information and use user-friendly terms for better search engine indexing.
Researchers found that rotating black holes can cause negative refraction in electromagnetic radiation, affecting our knowledge of the universe. This discovery highlights the importance of considering gravitational forces when studying the origin of the universe.
A new tumor-suppressor gene called mats has been discovered by researchers at Penn State, which works with another tumor suppressor to control tissue growth. The study found that the mats gene can shrink tumors in flies and may regulate cell number and tissue growth by restricting cell proliferation.
A new study by Penn State researchers suggests that elderly residents do not necessarily reduce school tax bases, but policy changes like property tax rebates can decrease spending. The study found that loyal senior citizens willing to pay higher taxes for the school district can support educational funding if they feel an emotional at...
Researchers found that curious female rats with spontaneous breast or pituitary tumors lived an average of six months longer than cautious ones. The study suggests that personality traits may have a significant impact on health and resilience to disease, consistent with earlier findings in human studies.
Ultra-cold atoms can help researchers understand quantum systems, including superconductivity. The atoms' interactions can be precisely calculated and controlled.
The end-Permian extinction was caused by a combination of factors, including volcanic carbon dioxide emissions, which warmed surface ocean water. This reduced the amount of oxygen available in the deep oceans, leading to an increase in hydrogen sulfide production and ultimately, mass extinctions.
Research suggests Arctic sea ice is shrinking, contradicting current climate models. Mountain glaciers are also losing mass due to temperature changes, raising concerns about sea level rise.
Researchers warn that economic models of climate change often neglect potential threshold responses, leading to biased policies. The development of observation systems that can detect early warning signals about these events could improve climate policies and have significant economic benefits.
Researchers developed an automated, personalized assistance system that monitors users' query patterns and provides help in finding needed information. The system achieved a 54% implementation rate among college students, outperforming passive help systems.
Scientists have discovered how climate change causes simultaneous increases or decreases in abundance of multiple species within a large geographical area. A study found that severe weather conditions directly affect the transmission of parasites, which drives populations into synchrony.
A new software developed for the U.S. Marine Corps helps organizations prioritize resources and allocate funds to protect critical infrastructure from terrorist attacks. The system considers factors such as protecting people, mission importance, and acceptable risks.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology·DateFeb 16, 2005
Deep-sea tubeworms have adapted to thrive near hydrothermal vents by binding hydrogen sulfide molecules with zinc ions in their hemoglobin. This discovery could lead to the development of new oxygen carriers and medical applications.
A survey of 74 students found that subordinates were more likely to use name avoidance towards their boss's boss and CEO compared to immediate supervisors. This phenomenon is rooted in socialization patterns and the tendency to rank lower in organizational hierarchies, creating tension between power and equality.
Researchers found that UTI-causing E.coli strains matched genetically with bacteria from cows and are resistant to antibiotics. The discovery has major public health implications due to the practice of administering subtherapeutic antibiotic doses in animals.
Parents can significantly boost their credibility in drug talks with teens by offering personal examples of how drugs affected them or their loved ones. Regular communication and ongoing socialization efforts are key to helping teens make healthy lifestyle choices, including avoiding peer pressure and drinking safely.
Astronomers have discovered the smallest extra-solar planet to date, orbiting a pulsar in a planetary system resembling our own inner solar system. The new planet is estimated to be one-fifth the mass of Pluto and has an orbit approximately six times larger than its third planet.
Researchers developed a new method to evaluate complex systems, finding four types of benefits: measurable, tangible, intangible, and unrealized. The scenario-based evaluation (SBE) approach encourages consideration of contextual factors and provides rich recommendations for system redesign and organizational initiatives.
The Swift satellite's Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT) has captured an image of the Pinwheel Galaxy, revealing regions of star formation in the galaxy's spiral arms. The UVOT will also help scientists determine the distance to closer gamma-ray bursts and study their afterglows.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that preschoolers who consumed more fiber had more nutrient-rich diets. Experts suggest increasing fiber consumption through whole-grain products and high-fiber cereals to support healthy growth and development.
Researchers have developed a model that accurately recreated the series of events surrounding the Prestige oil spill, highlighting its potential for future cleanup and analysis. The study's focus on asphaltenes and resins not easily degradable underscores the need for efficient containment strategies.
A recent linguistics study found that people from different cultures use varying numbers of emotion words, with a greater emphasis on negative emotions. The researchers discovered that older adults tend to have more diverse vocabularies when describing their emotional experiences.