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Penn State


Exercise more critical than calcium for adolescent bones

A recent study suggests that exercise is the predominant lifestyle determinant of bone strength in young women, with daily calcium intake showing little impact on adult bone mass. The research found that physical activity accounted for between 16% and 22% of variation in hip bone mineral density and bending strength.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2004

Choice of food helps hungry caterpillar

Researchers found that a caterpillar's adaptation to a specific fruit's chemical composition allows it to survive without triggering the plant's defense mechanism, providing a stable food supply. This unique dietary preference also shields the caterpillar from parasites, enabling it to thrive in an otherwise hostile environment.

Questions on outdoor recreation not seen the same by men & women

A study found that men and women have distinct answers when asked about their favorite outdoor activities, with women often citing family-oriented pursuits. This suggests that traditional questionnaire structures may not account for differences in how men and women interpret questions about outdoor recreation preferences and behavior.

Earthquakes beget earthquakes near and far

Researchers at Penn State found lags between the changes in forces and strength in laboratory simulations, with delays ranging from seconds to weeks after initial earthquakes. The study suggests a competition between compaction and dilation of granules in gouge zones contributes to delayed fault movements.

Reducing black-white test score gap

A Penn State researcher suggests that the black-white test score gap can be reduced by increasing verbal interaction between parents and children. Research shows that professional parents who spoke more words to their children had better vocabulary knowledge and higher reading performance. Interventions like Early Head Start have shown...

SourcePenn State·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateMay 25, 2004

Genetic barrier to self-pollination identified

Researchers have identified a genetic component involved in the self-incompatibility response of plants. The discovery sheds light on how plants prevent self-pollination and could lead to more efficient methods for producing hybrid seeds, such as hand emasculation being replaced by transgenic approach.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateMay 19, 2004

Researchers find a goldmine of seismic information

Small earthquakes with magnitudes zero to three are recorded in South African gold mines, providing a unique dataset for scientists. The researchers are using this data to investigate the properties of small earthquakes and bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and real-world seismic activity.

Distant mountains influence river levels 50 years later

Research suggests that rainfall and snowfall in distant mountains can significantly impact river levels years later, highlighting the importance of water table recharge. This phenomenon has significant implications for development in semi-arid regions, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to ensure sustainability.

Missing chemical important to air pollution estimates

Researchers at Penn State have found a missing chemical that plays a significant role in ozone and aerosol production in the lower atmosphere. The discovery was made through a two-year study of hydroxyl radical reactivity in a forested area, which found that a temperature-dependent chemical was reacting with the hydroxyl radical.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2004

Hobby-Eberly Telescope witnesses vaporizing of a cometlike body by a very young hot star

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 16, 2004

Continuous insulin monitoring does not raise hospital costs

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalEndocrine Practice·DateApr 12, 2004

Coal source of jet fuel for next generation aircraft

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.

Tiny machines need even tinier lubricants

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.

Titania nanotube hydrogen sensors clean themselves

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateMar 24, 2004

Be picky when served large portions

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalObesity Research·DateMar 23, 2004

Ribozyme package effective against hepatitis B virus

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateMar 22, 2004

Exposure to homeless people increases sympathetic public attitudes

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMar 22, 2004

Discoveries reveal that gene regulation is bipolar

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell·DateMar 4, 2004

MCOs shortchange minority Medicaid patients

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2004

Computer method identifies potentially active enzymes

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2004

Dieters decrease heart risk on moderate fat program

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 29, 2004

Signal chemical primes plants for pest attack

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2004

Corn earworm moths get a lift from the wind

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.