Researchers found two patterns of irregular sleep schedules that can increase cardiac risk in adolescents. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle may protect them from future adverse cardiac outcomes.
Researchers at Penn State suggest that human-like life is the natural evolutionary outcome for planets like Earth, with conditions becoming hospitable to complex life over time. This new model shifts the focus from improbable events to the interplay between life and environment, opening up exciting new avenues of research.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to analyze bird songs, revealing context dependence and underlying neurobiology. The study suggests that auditory feedback plays a key role in creating context dependence, and may hold insights into the neural mechanisms of human language.
Research found that native bee populations decreased in abundance and diversity when managed honey bees were introduced, but rebounded when apiaries were removed. Native bee phylogenetic diversity increased in areas with managed honey bees due to lower competition for resources.
Researchers developed a new flexible sensor that accurately measures both temperature changes and physical strain simultaneously, enabling clear pinpointing of signals. The sensor, made from laser-induced graphene, can detect small temperature changes and is self-powered, making it ideal for continuous monitoring in clinical settings.
Researchers used satellite data to track ground movements and detect acceleration leading up to the Anak Krakatau eruption. The study found a precursor to the collapse, highlighting the potential of remote sensing techniques for early warning systems.
Penn State researchers developed a portable and wireless device to simultaneously detect SARS-CoV-2 and vitamin C, enabling individuals and healthcare providers to make more effective treatment decisions. The device uses commercial transistors with printed laser-induced graphene, achieving high sensitivity and portability.
Researchers found consistent insect damage on fossil leaves from Argentina and modern gum tree leaves from Australia, suggesting insects tracked their food source through time. The study provides insight into the ecology of ancient forests and could lead to the discovery of new insect species.
Researchers at Penn State developed a novel, living biomaterial that mimics biological tissues and extracellular matrices. The material exhibits self-healing properties and strain-stiffening behavior, enabling precise control of mechanical properties.
A new study from Penn State finds that oral tissue samples significantly affect epigenetic clock accuracy, leading to older age estimates. Researchers tested five tissue types and seven epigenetic clocks, concluding that blood-based samples are more accurate in measuring biological age.
A study led by Penn State's Sara Dommer found that people cheat on tasks like crossword puzzles and calorie tracking when intrinsic rewards are at stake. Participants reported higher scores and attributed their performance to intelligence, rather than cheating, even after being graded objectively.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that low vitamin D levels during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length. Pregnant women with low vitamin D concentrations were four times more likely to experience a preterm birth compared to those with sufficient levels.
SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2025
The 'equity by design' framework proposed by Daryl Lim aims to maximize AI benefits while minimizing harm, particularly for underrepresented individuals. The approach embeds equity principles throughout the AI lifecycle, addressing biases and increasing inequality.
Researchers found that some materials can store and recall sequences under specific conditions, defying mathematical predictions. This phenomenon relies on 'frustrated' hysterons, which are key to forming and recovering a sequence with asymmetric driving.
Researchers at Penn State developed a strategic framework to optimize CSR activities, finding that directly related initiatives create both social and business value. The four-component framework focuses on shared value, enlightened stakeholder theory, resource-based theory, and CSR-fit perspective.
Researchers develop a system to track bees' time out of their hives, revealing that most trips last mere minutes but some can spend over two hours collecting pollen. The technology enables more comprehensive observations, potentially altering the way organic beekeeping standards are set.
The research aims to understand how high-risk genes disrupt neurodevelopment and lead to neuropsychiatric conditions, potentially informing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. A national team of researchers will examine the effects of these genes on brain development, connectivity, and behavior in a mouse model.
A team of researchers from Penn State and the University of California, Irvine, have proposed a novel theory on the molecular basis underlying human scalp hair growth. They suggest that long scalp hair initially evolved to protect early human ancestors in equatorial Africa from intense heat and solar radiation.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a method to store protein-based drugs and vaccines without refrigeration. The approach uses a perfluorocarbon oil solution that is heat-stable and intrinsically sterile, eliminating the need for cold chain logistics.
A study by Penn State researchers found that fake mobile games often use free-to-play models, lack promised content, and make in-app purchases appear optional. The researchers suggest that developers can update their games to align with advertised features, making 'fakeness' a fluid state.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2025
Researchers at Penn State's PSETI Center have been awarded a three-year, $480,000 grant to search for technosignatures from planets outside the solar system. The team plans to use novel laser and radio detection techniques to analyze patterns of humanity's deep-space radio transmissions as a baseline for understanding alien civilizations.
Researchers found significant genomic variation across Oregon ash trees, influenced by location, demography and environmental adaptation. This variability could inform breeding programs for climate-resilient ash trees resistant to emerald ash borers and rising temperatures.
A team led by Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology will use computer vision and machine learning to accelerate weather forecast processing, improving predictions and reducing delays. The research aims to integrate satellite data into current forecasting models, enhancing accuracy and speed.
Richard Alley, a leading expert in Earth sciences, has been recognized with the prestigious National Medal of Science for his decades-long contributions to understanding the planet's ice sheets. His research has revealed key 'switches' and 'dials' in Earth's climate that can lead to significant environmental changes.
Researchers discovered that household dogs are a significant transmission point for zoonotic pathogens like nontyphoidal Salmonella. Proper hygiene and awareness can help mitigate cross-species infections.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a method to create ferroelectric materials without chemical modifications, offering promising future impacts on electronic devices. The technique, called proximity ferroelectricity, enables the creation of ferroelectric materials by stacking them with another ferroelectric material.
A new AI model developed by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine can predict the progression of autoimmune disease among those with preclinical symptoms up to 1,000% more accurately. The GPS model integrates data from large genetic studies and electronic health records to identify individuals at high risk of disease progression.
Researchers found that horned-face bees prioritize flower quantity, while alfalfa leafcutting bees focus on nutritional quality. This study highlights the need to understand seasonal foraging habits among various bee species to support pollination and plant reproduction.
New research led by Penn State scientists reveals flies are increasingly at risk due to rising global temperatures, compromising their role as prolific pollinators. The study found that bees can tolerate higher temperatures than flies, highlighting the vulnerability of fly populations to climate change.
A concentrated sugar solution was found to be just as effective as antibiotics at treating a common infection in dairy cows, reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery has the potential to minimize antibiotic use and combat antimicrobial resistance in both humans and animals.
Studies activated neurons in different brain regions to make male and female mice resilient to stress, revealing distinct sex-specific mechanisms. Gene expression changes were also observed in brain regions of stressed resilient vs non-resilient mice, suggesting potential for lasting protective changes.
A new study from Penn State found that parents who experienced difficult childhoods provided an average of $2,200 less for their children's college education. This suggests that intergenerational monetary exchanges could influence the next generation's success, with even parents' current socioeconomic status mattering.
A new tool developed by Penn State researchers uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to analyze placenta images, detecting abnormalities and risks such as neonatal sepsis. The PlacentaCLIP+ model has the potential to transform neonatal and maternal care in low- and high-resource settings.
The new book, 'Peace by Peace: Risking Public Action, Creating Social Change,' tells the stories of ordinary individuals who took small steps to make big changes in their local communities. Drift, a feeling of detachment and disconnection, is identified as a major challenge, but practical wisdom is proposed as a tool to counteract it.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a novel technique called strain tuning to precisely manipulate the atomic arrangement of materials. This process enables the creation of thin films with improved ferroelectric performance, paving the way for environmentally friendly advancements in consumer electronics and medical devices.
A team of researchers at Penn State has pinpointed the exact moment of loss of consciousness due to anesthesia by mapping what happens in different brain regions during that moment. The study found that rapid activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus triggers loss of consciousness.
Researchers at Penn State aim to integrate gallium nitride with silicon substrates using 2D materials as seed layers, aiming to improve power electronics efficiency and reduce production costs. This project could lead to more efficient power electronics for electric vehicles and data centers.
Researchers at Penn State are using ultrasound technology to monitor the transport of genetically engineered, cancer-fighting macrophages into brain tumors. The team aims to enhance the effectiveness of these cells in attacking brain cancer cells by delivering drugs via ultrasound.
Researchers at Penn State and Columbia University have observed a type of quasiparticle called a semi-Dirac fermion that has mass when moving in one direction but not in the other. The discovery, made using a technique called magneto-optical spectroscopy, could lead to advances in emerging technologies such as batteries and sensors.
A new study found that Kirtland's warblers have exceptionally long runs of homozygosity (ROH) indicating very recent inbreeding, while also having a high frequency of potentially damaging genetic variants. This suggests that continued management is necessary to ensure the species' survival.
Researchers found a 1.5% decrease in low-birthweight babies across 271 school districts, with each $1,000 increase in income tied to improved infant health outcomes. Income gains also led to increased prenatal care rates, but not changes in pregnancy-related behaviors.
Fossil evidence from Australia and South America challenges prevailing narrative that eucalypt forests are under siege from expanding rainforests. The study suggests that fire became a feature of these vegetation interactions in Australia around five million years ago, making large-scale fire interventions unnecessary.
A team of researchers aims to mitigate toxic organic compounds produced in biochar manufacturing by assessing design and optimization strategies for biorefineries. They will evaluate treatment processes to remove contaminants and develop strategies for widespread use of biochar.
Researchers found tick tubes effective in reducing ticks on mice within one season, with mice using more cotton over time. The study suggests that consistent deployment and replacement of tick tubes are key to effectiveness, targeting cooler months or consistently throughout the year.
A Penn State research team mapped wild leek habitats in Pennsylvania to provide guidance for forest farming. The study identified suitable sites based on soil, topography, and vegetation characteristics, offering a solution to conservation challenges surrounding wild leek overharvesting.
A team of Penn State researchers used mathematical modeling to explain the underlying mechanism at play. They found that an energy feedback process is responsible for accelerating electrons beyond the applied voltage.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses spheroids to create complex tissue, producing tissue 10-times faster and with high cell density. The technique enables the rapid fabrication of functional tissues and organs, opening new opportunities for regenerative medicine.
Astronomers have discovered a fourth planet in the unusual Kepler-51 system, which consists of three ultra-low density 'super-puff' planets. The new planet, Kepler-51e, has a mass similar to the other three and follows a circular orbit of approximately 264 days.
Researchers found that brief scientific literacy interventions can undermine conspiracy beliefs, particularly those built on faulty reasoning. These interventions were most effective against novel conspiracies and among high-conspiracy groups.
Researchers at Penn State found that Indigenous communities played key roles in the adoption and dispersal of peaches across the continent. Peaches were likely widespread across Interior Southeast settlements as early as 1620, 100 years after Spanish expeditions in Florida and Georgia.