Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Penn State


Tiny bundles seek and destroy breast cancer cells

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 24, 2005

Sumatra-Andaman earthquake modeled and mapped

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2005

Diabetes and pizza: Slow and steady insulin delivery wins the race

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateMay 3, 2005

Chen receives Guggenheim fellowship

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.

Microbial fuel cell: High yield hydrogen source and wastewater cleaner

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 22, 2005

Homeschool numbers growing, tracking difficult

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.

Road salt routine may alter with warming

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.

Education program reduces incidents of shaken baby syndrome

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 4, 2005

Mesoamerican book wins archaeology book award

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.

Men and women: The differences are in the genes

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2005

Company Web sites need re-design to lure job searchers

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternet Research·DateMar 11, 2005

Black holes influence knowledge of the universe

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 10, 2005

New tumor-suppressor gene discovered

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell·DateMar 10, 2005

More elderly residents do not necessarily reduce school tax base

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...

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateMar 7, 2005

Curious female rats survive tumors longer

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.

New software helps with anti-terrorism planning

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

Conversational 'black holes' reveal uncertainty in offices

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology·DateFeb 15, 2005

Preschoolers not getting enough fiber

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Dietetic Association·DateJan 28, 2005

Sunken tanker may help cleanup in future accidents

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientia Marina·DateJan 25, 2005

Linguistics may be clue to emotions

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development·DateJan 20, 2005