A Penn State study found that younger generations rely on the internet for travel information, while older populations turn to radio and TV. Internet awareness is increasing, leading to a substitution effect where TV users shift to using the internet and radio, and telephone use also increases.
Tiger's eye was previously thought to be an example of pseudomorphism, but researchers have found that the stone's shimmering appearance is actually caused by the presence of crocidolite fibers. The discovery challenges a long-held theory on the formation of tiger's eye and provides new insights into its structure.
Researchers at Penn State have developed an early flash flood warning system that can potentially save lives and property by forecasting extreme weather events. The system uses a combination of dynamical and statistical models to identify patterns and anomalies in atmospheric conditions, allowing for three-day advance warnings.
Researchers have found evidence of high-speed winds blowing copious amounts of gas from the cores of quasar galaxies, powered by black holes. The winds may regulate black hole growth and create new stars, with a wind transporting substantial amounts of carbon, oxygen, and iron into the interstellar medium.
Researchers found that bacterial polymers, similar to hair, play a crucial role in adhesion. The discovery opens up possibilities for controlling bacterial behavior and improving methods for cleaning groundwater and preventing medical problems.
A study of 664 patients with moderate papulopustular facial rosacea found that azelaic acid 15% gel significantly reduced redness and the number of inflammatory lesions. The treatment also showed promise for improving overall quality of life, with patients reporting comfort and satisfaction with the product.
Researchers developed an underwater sensor system that uses hierarchical, acoustic method to transfer information from sensors in water to the air for monitoring of rivers, lakes, and ponds. The system enables continuous, in-place monitoring, which is easier, more timely, and less expensive than traditional methods.
Penn State researchers found that wives with higher testosterone levels were more adaptive social support providers, while husbands with lower testosterone levels were more positive and less negative during discussions. Lower combined testosterone levels led to better social support givers and improved conflict resolution skills.
A new method, KL clustering, has been identified as more effective than hierarchical clustering in separating gene expression data into dense clusters. The approach uses a novel measure of similarity to create well-separated clusters, offering insights into gene-gene interactions and biological processes.
Penn State scientists are developing genetically engineered plants that can detect and signal harmful chemical or biological agents. These 'sentinel plants' could be used to warn of bioterrorism threats, locate land mines, and even monitor environmental conditions in agriculture.
A study of wild black bears found that they recover from bone loss caused by inactivity through a mechanism involving increased bone formation during remobilization. This suggests that hibernating bears may minimize bone loss and completely recover lost bone, providing potential insights for treating osteoporosis.
A new computer simulation reveals that burning particles of highly reactive gas can leap out in front of an explosive shock wave and ride it, sparking reactions ahead of the wave. The model predicts ultrafast detonations can occur in laboratory experiments.
Researchers found a correlation between fluence and duration for both short and long bursts, but the degree of this relationship is statistically different at a 4.5 sigma significance level. This suggests that short bursts may originate from fundamentally different physical processes than long bursts.
Researchers have analyzed fossil records of plants and insects to understand how the Earth's climate has changed over time. The study reveals that the K-T boundary, which marked the extinction of dinosaurs, was caused by an extraterrestrial impact, while the P-E interval saw a more gradual change due to global warming.
A Penn State cartographer emphasizes the importance of careful color choices in visual representation to reveal relationships and patterns in complex data. An online web tool, ColorBrewer, provides pre-designed color palettes that cater to color blindness and are suitable for various mediums.
The behavior of punishing others for their injury is widespread in the animal kingdom, with humans adding a conscious sense of what to achieve through revenge. This leads to complex social rules governing who can be targeted and when, often prioritizing balance over personal relationships.
Early Mars research suggests that the planet may have been too cold to melt water, contradicting Dr. James F. Kasting's theory of a greenhouse effect. However, Kasting proposes that methane-producing bacteria could have warmed the planet, allowing for the formation of features like Nanedi Vallis.
The Centralia, PA underground coal fire has been burning since 1962 and is still active today. Temperature measurements indicate the fire advances at an average rate of 66 feet per year, with some months showing little movement.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to convert food processing wastewater into energy sources, including hydrogen and methane. This process can reduce treatment costs by up to 80% and produce over 10 billion BTUs of energy per year.
Researchers from Penn State developed expendable microphones to locate survivors in collapsed buildings. The team found that placing microphones in voids reduces surface noise, allowing acoustic search to continue without interfering with rescue operations.
A new protocol developed by Penn State professor Jonghun Park can allocate resources up to 10 times faster than existing technology. The decentralized protocol allows for efficient resource allocation, solves deadlock and livelock problems, and enables collaboration across multiple independent organizations.
The new flat motor can be configured in various formats, including a thin version that can drive changes in airplane wing camber or serve as the drive element in compact laptop computers. The prototype has reached high speeds and maximum torque of 0.4 Nm, with cost estimates as low as $10 for mass production.
A recent study by Dr. Michelle A. Miller-Day found that 70% of adolescents prefer discussing important topics with their mothers. The study, which surveyed 67 African-American and White teens aged 11-17, suggests that teenagers are more likely to confide in their mothers about drug use and extend those conversations to their peer groups.
A study found that iron supplements improved iron status and reduced sick days in anemic children, regardless of the presence of upper respiratory tract infections. The research showed no increase in gastrointestinal side effects from supplementation.
Nei's work has developed statistical methods to study genetic diversity, evolutionary relationships, and species divergence. He pioneered the neighbor-joining method for constructing phylogenetic trees, widely used worldwide.
Researchers have resolved terrestrial paleoclimate records near the K-T boundary, correlating with marine data. Climate changes occurred globally, with warming events occurring 66 million years ago, and cooling trends preceding the K-T collision.
Researchers created a unique model to study earthquake fault friction forces using angel hair pasta, glass beads, and sand. They found that initial conditions and particle dimensionality have a significant impact on friction, with smooth particles producing different results than irregular ones.
A recent study published in Media Psychology found that stereotypes can impact memory when identifying criminal suspects, with participants more likely to misidentify African-American suspects than White suspects. The study suggests that deeply imbedded biases can tamper with memories, leading to tragic consequences.
A study of two Georgia cities reveals that basic IT literacy has only marginal success in helping underserved groups access economic opportunities. Most disadvantaged social groups face difficulties sustaining their use of technology beyond initial classroom training, leading to frustration and limited benefits.
Researchers have successfully used Non-Contact Ultrasound (NCU) to inactivate bacterial spores, opening up potential for sterilizing mail, medical equipment, food, and more. The technology uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate materials without causing harm.
A study by Lynette Kvasny and Eileen Trauth finds that technology skills alone do not bridge the digital divide for underrepresented groups. Social and cultural barriers, including institutionalized biases, limit access to IT careers.
A recent study suggests that music selection is influenced by multiple factors, including anticipated pleasure, mood, activity, and social context. Participants showed significant changes in their opinions about disliked songs after listening, highlighting the complex nature of music enjoyment.
Scientists analyzed 40 years of daily weather data to understand the NAO's two-week cycle and its effects on European winters. They found that positive NAO events lead to milder winters, while negative events bring colder temperatures and more precipitation.
Researchers have discovered that coral layers in the Atlantic Ocean hold a key to understanding the region's climate dynamics. By analyzing calcium carbonate skeletons, Dr. Lisa Greer and her team found a periodic pattern of oxygen isotope composition with peaks every 12-15 years, mirroring sea surface temperature data.
Dr. Richard B. Alley, a leading expert on abrupt climate change, cautions that current models may underestimate the severity of future climate changes. He suggests policymakers should plan for contingencies to address resource scarcity and conflicts.
Methane-based greenhouse and anti-greenhouse events contributed to the Archean climate's stability. The presence of methanogenic bacteria played a crucial role in these processes.
The Automatic Linguistic Indexing of Pictures (ALIP) system uses a pictorial dictionary to associate images with keywords, allowing for more accurate image annotation and search. The system has demonstrated great potential for use in biomedicine, digital libraries, and other fields.
A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a compact chiller that uses sound waves to cool ice cream, achieving temperatures below freezing point with minimal energy consumption. The innovative system, powered by high-amplitude sound energy, has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume refrigerated foods.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that larger portion sizes result in consuming 30% more calories, regardless of individual eating habits. This suggests that portion control is crucial for weight management and suggests alternatives like low-calorie vegetables and broth-based soups.
A study published in Nature found that changes in the North Atlantic Oscillation synchronize population fluctuations of caribou and muskoxen across Greenland. The researchers used local and global weather data to show cross-species synchrony, indicating the North Atlantic Oscillation's influence on their population dynamics.
The Dialogue-Assisted Visual Environment for Geoinformation (DAVE_G) is a new system that enables crisis managers to visualize geospatial information on a large map using verbal and gesture commands. The system aims to improve decision-making in emergency management by providing real-time access to critical data.
Preliminary study finds that modified structural steel connections may fail under small bomb blasts, compromising building stability. Researchers aim to address issues and consider progressive collapse of multi-story buildings.
Researchers develop theoretical models to understand the spatial component of insect outbreaks and predict their spread. By analyzing the Larch budmoth infestation in the European Alps, they confirmed that space-time models accurately predict geographic spread and timing, even with complex dynamics involved.
A study by Penn State researchers found that slow download speeds increase arousal in some individuals, leading to greater physiological excitement and improved memory. Slower speeds also encourage more active browsing behaviors.
A new database technology developed by Dr. Peng Liu can detect single, multiple or simultaneous attacks, isolating malicious transactions while preserving benign ones. The software also repairs the database by containing corrupted data objects and undoing the effects of the attack, allowing for static and on-the-fly repairs.
Researchers will study ultra high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to develop clearer, more precise images of the body's interior. The goal is to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients.
A study published in the journal Appetite found that energy density labels do not lead to increased food intake among normal-weight women. The research suggests that people take the same portion sizes regardless of calorie content, making it easier for manufacturers and restaurants to create healthier products.
The Big Ten university consortium is enhancing its research and training reactors to improve nuclear education and infrastructure. The four universities will share $1.97 million in funding to design the next generation of nuclear research facilities.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that adding as little as 10% vegetable oil to diesel fuel reduces friction and wear, achieving similar performance to high-sulfur diesel. The team's tests also showed that oxygen-treated vegetable oil mixtures can meet current emission regulations with minimal oil usage.
Researchers create DOAS system that separates fresh air supply from cooling and heating functions, reducing carryover of recirculated air and eliminating damp spots. This approach could save $2 per square foot in new construction and reduce operating costs by up to 60-70%.