Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for certain types of cancer by inhibiting sphingosine kinase. The study found that targeting this enzyme can reduce tumor growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, offering hope for new targeted therapies.
A study by Penn State researchers found that melatonin supplements can hinder nervous system responses that enable the body to compensate for blood pressure drops when standing. This may exacerbate orthostatic intolerance in individuals with cardiovascular challenges, including astronauts who experience it after space travel.
Scientists at Penn State University have created a novel method for synthesizing cage-like silica structures by combining different templates and heating them in a microwave oven. This innovative approach produces larger particles with improved stability and reduced synthesis time compared to previous methods.
Researchers review new glucose monitoring technologies, including non-invasive options that could lead to better compliance with testing recommendations. Continuous glucose monitoring systems also hold promise for early detection of hidden glucose trends.
A new study from Penn State finds that flavonoids at heart-healthy levels do not automatically increase bitterness but can promote good flavor development and palatability in some food products. The presence of flavonoids was shown to limit the generation of off-flavors in heated food, including ultrapasteurized milk.
Scientists create novel processing methods for producing organic conducting polymer circuits, leveraging micro contact printing for low-cost, adaptable, and fast production. The technique utilizes functionalized polymers that attach to surfaces via chemical reactions, overcoming conventional ink printing limitations.
Researchers have developed an innovative in-place fabrication method for conjugate conducting organic polymers, solving the long-standing problem of creating flexible circuits. This process enables the production of high-performance electronic devices, such as transistors and flexible displays.
Researchers discovered that 'hot pepper' receptors on the heart trigger symptoms of heart attack and may lead to new treatments for angina pectoris. The study found that these receptors cause blood vessels to constrict and increase blood pressure, leading to chest pain.
Dr. Beth Montemurro's study finds bachelorette parties reflect women's growing acceptance of their sexuality and desire for independence. The rise of bachelorette parties is linked to the sexual revolution and changing attitudes toward women's rights and freedoms.
Research suggests that planets with high tilt angles may be habitable if they have suitable geography, such as large oceans or continents near the equator. While extreme temperatures would make it difficult for simple life forms to survive, advanced water-dependent life could thrive in these environments.
Researchers studied two binary star systems, predicting regular flare cycles similar to the Sun's magnetic cycle. The team used continuous monitoring of radio waves to discover patterns in flare strength, indicating active and inactive cycles every 50-120 days.
Researchers found a clear association between ocean tides and ice stream motion in West Antarctica. The study discovered that a one-meter tide variation can cause an ice stream to halt and then accelerate rapidly.
Black students fall further behind White students in both math and reading, with disparities traced to different learning rates, not school differences. Low-income children also lag behind middle-class peers in math and reading during kindergarten and summer before first grade.
A new record of nitrous oxide concentration variations reveals that both land and ocean bacteria contributed equally to atmospheric emissions during glacial periods. This finding contradicts the long-held theory of oceanic storage being responsible for low atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers discovered that glacial erosion is controlled by the relationships of the ground beneath the glacier, the rubble pile, and the glacier itself. Glaciers achieve a steady state existence when the angle between their toe and sediment pile becomes too steep, causing streams to stop flowing and erosion to cease.
First-year, full-time female college students experience emotional distress due to the loss of pre-college friendships. To overcome this challenge, colleges must create opportunities for students to meet new people and form connections on campus.
A Penn State study reveals that low-maintenance lawns harbor higher populations of beneficial arthropods, such as mites and collembolans, while high-maintenance lawns experience reduced diversity due to chemical applications and mowing.
A new study from Penn State found that couples who lived together before marriage reported less happiness and more marital conflict than those who did not. The researchers suggest that personal characteristics and cohabitation experience play important roles in predicting marital quality and stability.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new type of sensor that can detect hydrogen levels with incredible sensitivity. The titania nanotube sensors are 200 times more sensitive than previously used materials and offer several advantages, including high response rates and minimal interference from other gases.
A new three-year grant will help researchers better understand the causes and risk factors of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects 30,000 people in the US. The study aims to investigate the link between a genetic mutation called Hfe and the onset and progression of ALS.
A Penn State sociologist analyzed five NBC sitcoms from 1997-98, finding a high rate of gender harassment and a lower but still troubling rate of sexual harassment. The researcher argues that these incidents perpetuate a hostile work environment and minimize the seriousness of sexual harassment.
A study by Penn State researchers suggests that ancestry mix may be a key factor in obesity prevalence among African-American women. The analysis found an association between body mass index and West African ancestry, with implications for understanding the genetic basis of health disparities.
Researchers tested ancient tree species to disprove the carbon loss hypothesis, which suggested deciduous trees had an advantage in polar forests. The study found that deciduous trees actually lose more carbon than evergreen trees, challenging the long-held theory.
A study by Penn State researchers found that high-credit-consciousness college students owned more credit cards, carrying an average balance of $686 per month. These students also showed lower levels of personal responsibility, blaming external factors for their lives instead of taking control.
The study found significant disparities in self-reported versus diagnosed alcoholism rates among elderly individuals, with certain groups, such as those in poor health or aged 75+, being more likely to be under-diagnosed. The researchers identified key risk factors that can inform targeted screenings and interventions.
Researchers analyzed over 450,000 web queries, finding half of users enter only one query with 54% viewing just one page of results. Site developers can improve odds by getting indexed by all search engines and crafting clear abstracts about their site's purpose.
The US patient underwent the second procedure in the revised Phase I human clinical trials at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. The Arrow LionHeart device has shown promising results in lengthening and improving the lives of patients with end-stage heart failure.
Researchers studied business models adopted by European mobile operators, finding that interfirm networks offering content services can provide a competitive advantage. The study explores three models and their impact on the role of customers and content providers.
A recent study found that CACFP monitors play a crucial role in ensuring program quality and child nutrition. The researchers recommend focusing on top five training needs, including program regulation and record keeping, to improve monitor training.
A new instrument, Decisional Involvement Scale (DIS), assesses the level of involvement registered nurses have in decisions affecting their work environment and patient care. The DIS can help hospitals identify areas for improvement and implement changes to reduce staff turnover and enhance quality of care.
Despite minimal changes in marital happiness and divorce rates, researchers found a decline in shared activities among couples. Equalitarian marriages have a positive impact on marital quality, while cohabitation before marriage leads to lower marital satisfaction.
Scientists identify enzyme in plants that triggers S1P production, a molecule involved in regulating cell proliferation and death. The discovery sheds light on plant's ability to withstand drought and may lead to development of crop varieties with higher yields and greater resistance.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a possible explanation for restless leg syndrome, finding that brain cells lacking enough iron may cause misfiring of neural signals. This discovery establishes RLS as a sensory motor disorder rather than a psychological one, offering hope for future treatments.
The CAST software anticipates team members' information needs, finds commonalities, and determines data processing. This helps improve team decision-making and collaboration in time-critical environments.
A new study suggests that PTEN dysfunction is responsible for 30-60% of melanomas and offers a potential therapeutic approach to kill cancer cells. The introduction of PTEN into melanoma cells could be a useful treatment option, but the cancer cells may eventually learn to evade this approach.
A Penn State researcher found that few churches have adopted IT tools, leaving them out of funding opportunities. Churches can provide digital literacy to bridge the digital divide and support urban areas.
A Penn State researcher found that less than 30% of drivers recognize the Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign. The sign's inconsistent day/night appearance and potential confusion with other symbols contribute to the low comprehension rate. Improving motorist education and enforcement could help increase recognition.
The study found that African Americans in the Appalachian region are 18% more likely to have proximal colon cancer and 56% more likely to have advanced-stage disease. This disparity may be due to screening disparities leading to delayed detection and lower recovery rates.
A new study reveals that dogs cause a stronger reaction in asthmatics than cats, even though more people are allergic to cats. The study found that dogs triggered a combination of reactions that included reduced air exhalation and increased nitric oxide release due to inflammation.
Researchers found that removing query operators from searches on multiple engines resulted in similar top-ranked results. The 'or' operator was the only marker to significantly change results, while 'must appear' yielded identical results fewer times on MSN than Google and AOL.
A recent study found that daily smokers experience impaired time estimation when abstaining from cigarettes for 24 hours. This impairment may contribute to feelings of stress and decreased focus, highlighting the need for further research on nicotine's effects on attention processes.
A new virtual mockup at Penn State has shown promise in reducing construction costs by enabling more efficient scheduling. Experiments with experienced superintendents and students found that the interactive method saved up to 33% of time.
A new six-month study investigates continuous combined oral contraception for its potential to prevent periods easily and safely. The study hopes to show whether breakthrough bleeding ceases in women taking this new regimen.
According to a Penn State study, African-Americans are more likely to support higher cigarette taxes, particularly among younger Blacks, those at higher educational levels, and former smokers. The study found that increasing taxes can decrease smoking prevalence rates and generate revenue for tobacco cessation programs.
Researchers discovered that PERK enzyme is a key regulator of protein synthesis in humans, leading to growth retardation, skeletal abnormalities and diabetes. Treatments targeting IGF-1 may offer therapeutic interventions for diseases like Wolcott-Rallison Syndrome.
Experts recommend developing strategies to persuade consumers to eat in moderation, including marketing and labeling changes. Modified foods with reduced fat and added water-rich vegetables can also help reduce calorie intake while maintaining palatability.
A recent study by Dr. Lynette Kvasny found that minority women view technology training as empowering, enabling them to connect with their children and overcome poverty and social alienation. They see IT skills as a means to transform and shape inner-city communities, rather than just advancing in the workplace.
A Penn State study found that larger restaurant portions increase calorie intake, regardless of whether consumers eat all or most of the food. In a related two-day study, participants who received more food consumed more calories, even if they had eaten less the previous day.
Researchers found that positive attitudes toward exercise most strongly influenced intention, followed by control over obstructing factors. Pregnant women who exercised reported improved physical condition, reduced discomfort, and increased energy. Postpartum barriers include exhaustion and lack of time.
Researchers found over 100 distinct fossil leaf species, including dicots, monocots, and conifers, at the Laguna del Hunco site. The discovery reveals that high neotropical diversity existed as far back as 52-53 million years ago.