Environmental factors such as rainfall and water availability before and during pregnancy predict future growth outcomes of children in Uganda. The study found that children born to mothers living in areas with high rainfall had a lower risk of malnutrition, while those born to mothers experiencing drought had a higher risk.
Researchers found that brook trout exhibit a genetic response to heat stress, with specific genes upregulated and downregulated in response to water temperature change. This adaptive mechanism may help the fish survive in warmer waters, but it also poses risks due to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
Researchers at Penn State propose reusing depleted oil and gas wells to store compressed air, improving efficiency by 9.5% compared to existing technology. This could make the technology more economically viable and provide job opportunities in areas with rich energy industry traditions.
A study published in Arthropod-Plant Interactions found that spined soldier bugs and Carolina praying mantises are effective in controlling spotted lanternfly populations. The research suggests conserving these natural predators could provide a sustainable approach to managing the invasive pest.
A new study suggests that sevelamer, a FDA-approved dialysis drug, can remove off-target antibiotics from the gut in mice. This could potentially prevent antibiotic resistance from emerging and protect current antibiotics from becoming ineffective.
Researchers used TESS data to identify close-in sub-Neptunes and found that their frequency changes over time, suggesting a combination of processes shaping their formation and evolution. The study provides clues about the properties of these planets and addresses long-standing questions about their origins.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that consuming pecans instead of usual snacks improved cholesterol levels and enhanced overall diet quality. Participants who ate pecans demonstrated reductions in cholesterol measurements linked to poorer heart health and higher adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that Zika virus builds tiny tunnels called tunneling nanotubes to transport material needed to infect nearby cells, including in placental cells. This allows the virus to cross the placental barrier without raising alarm in the immune system.
Scientists have developed a technology called 'audible enclaves,' which can create localized pockets of sound zones where only one person can hear. This innovation uses nonlinear ultrasonic beams to generate a privacy barrier between people for private listening, enabling sound and quiet zones.
Researchers discovered a potential protein misfolding mechanism that could help explain unusual refolding behavior in some proteins. The team found that a type of misfolding, called non-covalent lasso entanglement, can create a barrier to the normal folding process.
A new study using landscape transcriptomics identifies genetic signatures of stressors in bumble bees, suggesting this approach could accelerate conservation efforts for at-risk species. The method accurately identified stressors such as heat and cold, even in wild bees, with high accuracy rates.
Researchers have developed a method to control the color and frequency of light emitted from nanodots in 2D materials, which could be used to create higher-resolution monitors and faster quantum computers. By precisely controlling the excitons in these materials, scientists can manipulate the light they emit more effectively.
Researchers used AI to analyze 126 individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and identified key variables predicting recovery and nonrecovery. Higher education level, older age, and positive affect were most important for recovery, while depressed affect and medical visits proved most important for nonrecovery.
A study found that low doses of pesticide imidacloprid can improve the survival of bumble bee queens in diapause, but this effect comes at a cost to their long-term fitness. Researchers are calling for further study on these hormetic responses to better understand their impact.
A new computer vision system, integrating internet of things and artificial intelligence, enables continuous monitoring of plant growth in controlled environment agriculture. The system successfully isolated individual plants and tracked changes in leaf coverage area throughout their growth cycle.
Researchers developed a synthetic microbiome therapy using limited strains of gut bacteria to effectively protect against C. difficile infections in mice. The treatment was as effective as traditional fecal transplants and had fewer safety concerns, offering a new alternative for treating this notoriously difficult-to-treat infection.
Scientists at Penn State have created a new type of computer memory that could revolutionize electronic devices. The material harnesses incipient ferroelectricity to enable faster and more sustainable computing technologies.
Researchers at Penn State have demonstrated that genetic lines of corn contain compounds that inhibit the growth and development of corn earworm larvae, leading to increased mortality and reduced body weight. The compounds, called flavonoids, are produced by high-flavonoid corn lines and have a lethal effect on the larvae.
A Penn State engineering student refined a century-old math problem to unlock new possibilities in wind turbine design. Her work expands research in aerodynamics and determines the optimal aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine for maximum power output.
A new study found that passionate environmental influencers on social media can increase tourists' support for pro-environmental behavior. The researchers also discovered that displaying specific, strong goals in social media posts can mitigate the impact of low passion from influencers.
The Zhurong rover discovered hidden layers of rock under the Martian surface indicating an ancient northern ocean. This finding offers clear evidence that Mars once had a significant body of water and a more habitable environment for life.
A new study in mice found that young adults are more susceptible to nicotine addiction than middle-aged adults, with a greater acute response to nicotine. The effects of nicotine on the body change over the lifespan, affecting how medications and other chemicals are processed.
Researchers developed a novel approach to maintain quantum characteristics in three-dimensional materials by exploiting the magnetic properties of chromium sulfide bromide. This method enables the preservation of excitons' unique optical properties and their ability to carry energy without charge, making it suitable for advanced optica...
Researcher Anne Pisor discusses how group living and perception play a role in triggering the 'us versus them' mindset, which can lead to conflict. She also provides insights on how cultural background, past experiences, and resource availability contribute to this phenomenon.
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.
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.
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.