A team of astronomers at Penn State used the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to detect a cometlike body falling onto a massive, very young star. The infall, which occurred about 3200 years ago, provided dramatic spectral variations in the star's light. This discovery sheds light on planetary formation and the evolution of massive star systems.
A study published in Endocrine Practice found that continuous insulin monitoring and endocrinologist involvement did not increase the cost of treating diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery. The protocol showed significantly better glycemic control, leading to shorter hospital stays and fewer deep sternal wound infections.
A stable cluster of aluminum atoms, Al13, demonstrates properties similar to those of a halogen, retaining its properties during chemical reactions and in reaction products. The research uses experimental evidence and theoretical calculations to show that the cluster can be considered a 'superhalogen' atom.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new marking scheme that can identify the originator of spam, viruses, and illegal file-sharing messages with high accuracy. The approach uses border routers to mark packets with identifying numbers, allowing for efficient traceback of malicious content.
Researchers at Penn State have created a thermally stable coal-based jet fuel, provisionally designated as JP900, which can absorb significant amounts of heat and remain stable up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This fuel has potential benefits in reducing engine deposits and improving cold weather performance.
Researchers have found that alcohols, which are not typically considered good lubricants, can work effectively in tiny machines. The discovery could lead to the development of gas-delivered liquid thin films that regenerate sensors and allow recycling of air bag mechanisms, improving efficiency and reducing power dissipation.
Researchers developed self-cleaning hydrogen sensors using titania nanotubes that can recover from contamination by exposing them to ultraviolet light. The sensors' photocatalytic properties allow for efficient removal of contaminants, enabling real-world applications with minimal sensor error.
A study published in Obesity Research found that customers who were served larger portions of high-calorie foods consumed significantly more calories, often without noticing. The study's findings suggest that portion size can have a significant impact on food consumption and weight management.
A new ribozyme package has been shown to be effective against the hepatitis B virus in an animal model, reducing viral production by over 80% in just three to five days. The treatment uses a specialized cassette that targets and destroys the virus's RNA, making it a promising approach for fighting other viruses as well.
A study published in the American Sociological Review found that exposure to homeless people can increase sympathetic attitudes towards homelessness. The researchers examined how contact between domiciled and homeless individuals affected views on homelessness, finding that all four forms of exposure promote sympathetic attitudes.
Researchers found that ocean acidity influences early estimates of carbon dioxide and temperature link, correcting temperature curves to match glacial records. They applied correction factors for changes in acidity, calcium ions, and carbon dioxide saturation, accurately predicting two major glaciations.
Researchers developed a neural network software that predicts the best dose strategy for individual patients based on 17 characteristics. The new approach showed potential for dose prescription improvement, reducing risk of adverse side effects.
The 'Keepin' it R.E.A.L.' curriculum targets European-American, Mexican-American and African-American cultures, with mixed results. The program helps students understand risks, make prudent decisions and refuse drug offers, leading to better outcomes.
A new US policy has reduced gaming in heart transplant waiting lists, but the competition for scarce organs still exists. The researchers found that before the rule change, heart transplant centers in competitive areas were more likely to list patients in the sickest category.
Researchers found that gene regulation is bipolar, with a small set of genes relying on the TATA box for proper function, while most genes rely on the TFIID complex. This discovery provides clues about how to understand gene function and regulation in yeast and potentially applicable to human genetics.
US state and territorial health departments have limited online resources for reporting infectious diseases, a study found. Updating these sites to provide complete, accessible disease reporting information could strengthen partnerships between clinicians and public health officials and improve disease surveillance.
Patients who develop diabetes after kidney transplant experience poorer outcomes, including higher rates of infection and recurrent infections. Tight control of glucose levels is crucial for these patients to remain healthy.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that Minority Medicaid patients face barriers to quality care due to language and cultural factors. The study analyzed responses from 49,327 adults in 14 states, revealing significant disparities in care reports among linguistic minorities.
Penn State researchers have successfully generated electricity from domestic wastewater using microbial fuel cells, removing up to 78% of organic matter. The technology has the potential to reduce wastewater treatment costs and provide access to sanitation technologies worldwide.
A new computer method called FamClash has been developed to predict the activity of hybrid enzymes, which are created by combining similar enzymes from different organisms. The approach identifies incompatible residue pairs that can lead to reduced enzyme activity, and provides valuable insights for protein engineering interventions.
Scientists have discovered that snakes made their debut on land, not in the ocean, as they evolved from their lizard ancestors. The research resolves a long-debated question about the origin of snakes and provides evidence for why they lost their limbs.
A moderate-fat diet, rich in monounsaturated fats from peanuts and peanut oil, produced a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, with a 14% decrease compared to the low-fat group. The study found that despite weight loss, high fat diets can rebound and cause adverse effects on HDL cholesterol levels during maintenance.
Researchers discover green leafy volatiles (GLV) prime corn plant defenses to respond more strongly against subsequent herbivorous insect attacks. The primed plants produce chemical signals that attract natural parasites and predators, increasing crop protection.
A study by Penn State found that users rate ease of use as crucial for using web-based road weather information systems, with map scale and resolution being key graphical elements. The study suggests that improving usability could increase public adoption of these systems.
Corn earworm moths travel at varying heights influenced by air currents, affecting their migration patterns. By analyzing wind patterns and weather forecasts, researchers aim to forecast the arrival of these pests and develop targeted insecticide strategies to reduce damage.
Researchers Chan and Kim create a supersolid by compressing helium-4 gas into a glass disk with miniature pores at extremely low temperatures. The experiment suggests that all three states of matter can enter the 'super' state, known as Bose-Einstein condensation.
Researchers have developed smaller and lighter power adapters that can convert AC to DC power for laptops, enabling compact designs. The piezoelectric transformers are suitable for various appliances requiring an AC-DC converter and transformer.
A study by Penn State researchers found that high school merit scholarships can lead to a ceiling in student test scores, with limited improvement over time. The scholarships also disproportionately benefit students from more affluent schools, exacerbating existing racial achievement gaps.
The Penn State project aims to create interactive maps of cancer rates in specific geographic areas, enabling better planning and evaluation of cancer interventions. Based on prostate and colorectal cancers, the model can be expanded to other states, utilizing available screenings and interventions to reduce cancer burden.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a coating made of molecules that binds to glass and grabs onto DNA strands, improving DNA retention on microarrays by over 50%. The coating, which is single molecule thick, allows DNA to act as if it were free-floating.
Researchers from Penn State have developed an approach that improves existing local area networks and shows copper wire is a competitive option for new installations. The scheme jointly codes and decodes signals, eliminating crosstalk and achieving high bit error rates.
Researchers have developed a conceptual model examining how young people learn to use and abuse credit cards. They found that parents have the greatest influence on a young person's credit card behavior, with children learning from direct teaching and modeling of their own behavior. The study highlights the importance of understanding ...
A new study reveals that residents of Appalachia experience a disproportionate increase in cancer incidence, particularly lung, colon, rectum, and cervix cancers. The study found that rural residents had even higher rates of these cancers compared to the general population.
A simulation study by Penn State found that underride guards with diagonal struts increase impact resistance, while a height of 16 inches provides the best balance between risk reduction and vehicle penetration. The study aimed to inform the development of rear crash protection devices for heavy trucks.
The study, which took place from October 1999 to December 2002, showed a lower sepsis and device infection rate compared to the REMATCH trial. Patients lived an average of nine months with the device, with three still living as of November 1, 2003.
The Penn State Earth 101 course uses B-movie clips to engage students in learning about natural disasters, promoting critical thinking and science-based decision-making. Students work on projects such as public affairs manuals for cities with earthquake histories, debating topics like government response to natural disasters.
Researchers suggest that hydrogen sulfide gas, produced in the oceans through sulfate decomposition by sulfur bacteria, could have caused the largest mass extinction. The high levels of hydrogen sulfide would be toxic to most oceanic and terrestrial organisms, leading to a significant loss of life.
A Penn State study identified attitudinal barriers to school breakfast programs, including parents' lack of perceived role in promoting programs and administrators' concerns about scheduling, cost, and food quality. The study highlights the need for parent support and strategies to overcome these barriers.
A study by Penn State researchers found that school service personnel who participated in a Project PA workshop recognized the importance of nutrition education and healthy eating behaviors in addressing childhood obesity. The participants identified parental attitudes, peer pressure, and media as barriers to students' healthful eating...
Researchers have developed doped liquid crystals that allow for real-time holography with significantly improved optical properties. These materials can be used in various applications, including focusing optical telescopes and creating real-time holographic movies, due to their high sensitivity to light.
Researchers found that bilingual speakers' brains actively use both languages when speaking, not suppressing one over the other. This challenge traditional views on how languages are managed in the brain. By presenting subjects with pictures and tones, the study demonstrated that both languages are active at once.
Researchers at Penn State have created innovative design methods for a new class of antennas composed of fractal-shaped tiles, offering improved bandwidth and radiation patterns. The fractile arrays are generated recursively and offer advantages over conventional square boundaries.
A study by Dr. Emilie Phillips Smith found that family, school, and community factors play a significant role in shaping children's racial-ethnic attitudes and academic achievement. The research used interviews and questionnaires to assess the attitudes of African American child and parent pairs in South Carolina.
A new report by Penn State highlights the importance of coordinated broadband service access and quality in Pennsylvania's rural areas. The report emphasizes that advanced telecommunications infrastructures are crucial for spurring entrepreneurial activity, creating jobs, and supporting telecommuting workers in rural areas.
Researchers discovered that portion size and calorie density both contribute to caloric intake, with combined effects leading to a 56% increase. By choosing water-rich foods or smaller portions, individuals can reduce their risk of overeating.
The ACRN, a partnership of NHLBI and eight clinical centers across the US, conducts well-designed clinical trials for asthma treatments. Penn State's Data Coordinating Center leads expertise in biostatistical design and analysis.
Researchers found that higher religiosity levels in countries do not necessarily lead to stricter moral standards on sex. In fact, individual religiosity has a minimal effect on cheating on taxes due to existing laws.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of US elderly have unmet needs for help with daily activities, whereas in Sweden, less than four percent experience such gaps. The US healthcare policy has been criticized for directing few resources towards community-based services.
A study by Penn State researchers found that employer understanding of the Marine Corps experience is crucial in seeing its value, with those who comprehend core values and life skills leading to higher salary offers. However, a majority of employers lack clear understanding, resulting in no difference being seen between hiring civilia...
A Pennsylvania inventory reveals that fossil fuels are the largest source of carbon dioxide, while motor vehicles contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The study also highlights the need for policy makers and others in the state to take action to reduce emissions.