Researchers detect first P Cygni profile in X-rays, revealing a 4.5-million-mile-per-hour wind from a compact pair of stars. The discovery provides new insights into stellar winds and their role in astrophysics.
Astronomers use a flickering quasar image to estimate the expansion rate of the Universe and measure distances to extragalactic objects. The Chandra X-ray Observatory's mirage technique provides a promising method to avoid uncertainties in classic distance-ladder techniques.
A study of 1,277 elderly people found no correlation between left-handedness and mortality rate. Instead, factors such as pressure to switch hands, gender differences, and adaptation to a right-hand world influenced the prevalence of left-handedness among older adults.
Children of divorced parents are more likely to drop out of middle or high school due to economic hardships, not family disruption. The resulting financial stress raises the odds of offspring dropping out to supplement the family income.
A team of Penn State researchers has developed a scale to measure an individual's visioning ability, which is the capacity to summon a vivid mental image of their organization's future. The scale was validated through five survey groups and showed significant correlation with positive outlook and inspirational motivation.
A new study by Penn State and University of Nebraska researchers found that men who are moderately aggressive have stronger immune systems. The study analyzed data from 4,415 men aged 30-48 years and found that those with higher levels of aggression had higher concentrations of specific white blood cells, which could help them better f...
A study by Penn State researchers found that consuming larger portions of puffed-up food servings can reduce hunger and lead to a lower calorie intake. The study suggested using whipped foods like low-fat frozen desserts or air-popped popcorn as alternatives to manage weight.
Research by Penn State and University of Nebraska found that moderate aggression is associated with a stronger immune system, particularly among CD4 cells. Men who reported engaging in occasional fights or aggressive acts had higher levels of lymphocytes, indicating a more rapid and intense response to pathogens.
Physicists have calculated a property known as Cooper instability that produces superconductivity in electrons, suggesting composite fermions can achieve quantum superconductivity. The research, published in Nature, provides convincing evidence for the formation of magically mobile Cooper pairs.
Researchers at Penn State used atomic force microscopy to study the surface of glass and found that molecular-scale roughness is a key factor in bacterial adhesion. The study suggests that traditional theories on bacterial adhesion may need to be revised.
Researchers found that lard and choice white grease produce less nitrogen oxides, ash, and carbon monoxide when burned compared to No. 6 fuel oil. The study suggests that these alternatives could be a cleaner and more sustainable option for the food processing industry.
Penn State researchers have created a rapid test method to identify adulterated honey using spectroscopy, capable of detecting as little as 1% beet sugar invert. The new approach aims to meet US standards for natural honey products with nutraceutical properties.
Researchers have found that large aggregates of bacteria and plankton collide with particles millions of times faster than predicted, leading to enhanced coagulation in wastewater treatment and industrial manufacturing. This discovery has significant implications for the ocean's carbon dioxide balance and global atmospheric conditions.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a procedure that virtually eliminates tissue growth and subsequent blockages after angioplasty, reducing the risk by 90%. The ceramide-coated balloon catheters inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell growth, preventing arterial obstruction.
A new study found that parents who value autonomy are less likely to respond harshly to sibling conflicts, leading to reduced fighting between teens. The amount of time spent together with teen children is also crucial in maintaining a warm sibling relationship.
A Penn State researcher finds that curriculum tracking in US middle schools tends to work against poorer students, with factors such as attitude and course complexity contributing to this outcome. The system often discourages low-income families from questioning or contesting the placement offered by the school.
A Penn State researcher finds that churches in lower-income areas offer fewer opportunities for learning civic skills, despite their importance. Church members from upper-class congregations are more likely to develop these skills, but they are less common among lower-class individuals.
A study by Penn State researcher Dr. Mark D. Hayward found that people with childhood illness are more likely to develop cancer, lung disease, and arthritis in adulthood, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Investing in children's health could lead to significant benefits for adult healthcare.
A five-year study found that people who snore are one and a half times more likely to have high blood pressure, with risk increasing with severity of sleep problem. The study suggests that physicians should consider hypertension when SDB is present.
Researchers have discovered that ozone directly affects plant aging genes, accelerating leaf yellowing and growth retardation. The findings may lead to the development of ozone-resistant plant varieties, reducing agricultural losses estimated at $3 billion annually.
Researchers discovered a simple geometric explanation for protein spiral shapes, which could aid in understanding protein functions and structures. The finding uses mathematical ideas to optimize protein shape for maximum 'thickness,' leading to the natural occurrence of helical motifs in proteins.
Researchers found a potential for water trapped in sediments to surge out and cause undersea landslides that can produce tidal waves. The study suggests a new explanation for expulsive events in the continental slope along the East Coast, potentially triggering landslides without warning.
A computer simulation, known as a cyberkid, was used to study how children's problem-solving behavior changes across ages. The study found that 7-year-olds' thinking improves in strategy selection as they grow towards adulthood.
A three-year study of 351 people from Sweden aged 80 and over reveals that psychoactive medications have negative effects on cognitive performance. The results show that individuals taking these medications experience lower performance scores and a more severe decline in cognitive function compared to those not on medication.
A team of researchers at Penn State's College of Medicine has isolated and characterized a gene, BRMS1, that plays a role in blocking tumor cells' ability to spread. The gene provides a target for developing therapies to keep cancer localized and may aid in proper diagnosis.
A new Penn State study reveals that restrictive feeding practices can pass eating problems from mother to daughter as early as five years old, increasing the risk of childhood overweight. Mothers who control their own weight tend to use more restrictive feeding practices, which can actually promote patterns of intake influenced by pala...
Researchers discovered that low nitric oxide levels in mouse newborns with hypoplastic lungs hinder the proper development of blood vessels, leading to persistent pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress. The study aims to identify genes affecting lung development and function.
Falling fertility rates in sub-Saharan Africa may signal the first steps towards a balanced population, adequate food supplies, and relative economic stability. The region's population is expected to increase from 650 million to 1.5-2 billion by 2050.
A recent study found that children of divorce are more likely to develop a lingering mistrust of their fathers, regardless of the child's age at which it occurs. However, maintaining good relationships with both parents after divorce can mitigate this effect and promote trust in later life.
Men who live with their biological children are more involved in community organizations and connected to family members through phone calls and visits. They also take the good provider role seriously and invest more hours in work and career than non-fathers and fathers of adult children.
A study by Dr. Karen Fingerman found that older mothers and daughters have a different perception of pleasant interactions, with fewer references to the mother-daughter bond itself. Instead, they often discuss family-related topics and the daughter's children, siblings, or husband.
Research at Penn State reveals vitamin D deficiency worsens symptoms of Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis in mice, while treatment with Vitamin D supplements reduces inflammation. The connection between vitamin D status and inflammatory bowel disease incidence is also suggested by geographical distribution.
A study by Penn State researcher Dr. S. E. Specter found that young men who ate mashed potatoes prepared with heart-healthy mono unsaturated oil stayed satiated longer than those who ate the same lunch with rice or polyunsaturated oil.
A Penn State researcher suggests listing energy density on Nutrition Facts labels to encourage people to choose lower-calorie, yet still satisfying foods. This approach can help reduce calorie intake and combat the current obesity epidemic.
Researchers have successfully engineered cancer cells that can suppress growth at secondary sites, a breakthrough with implications for the treatment of cancers that metastasize. By inhibiting cell growth at the site of metastasis, these cells may be able to treat existing tumors by blocking their ability to grow.
A Penn State biologist has identified 13 sunfish and sucker species as being at high risk of extinction, primarily due to their isolated distributions and limited geographical range sizes. The study found that larger body size is associated with a higher risk of extinction in sunfish, but not in suckers.
New research reveals that menstrual function matures rapidly after the first period, accompanied by a surge in hormones, rather than gradually over four to six years as previously thought. This finding has significant implications for adolescent pregnancy prevention and contraception initiation.
A recent study found that nearly half of undergraduate students (18-19 years old) had fantasized about committing homicide recently. The study suggests that homicidal fantasies may be a relatively normal phenomenon with roots in the evolutionary history of the species, rather than psychopathology.
Dr. Guoray Cai's research highlights the importance of considering geographical space in understanding cyberspace. The study found that variations in access bandwidth can generate feelings of distance due to faster communication channels, and existing infrastructure biases towards certain categories of consumers.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Assessment of climate change impacts identifies severe consequences for the region's population and ecosystems. The study finds that rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events will have devastating effects on agriculture, water resources, and coastal communities.
Researchers have developed a new and painless way to measure glucose levels in diabetics using low-frequency ultrasound. The method, described in a recent study, involves making the skin permeable with ultrasound waves, allowing glucose to cross the skin and be measured continuously for up to 12 hours.
Integrated Regional Assessment framework considers human activities, climate change impacts, economic responses, and social implications to inform local decisions. The approach aims to mitigate problems and create jobs in regions heavily dependent on coal production.
The Earth's oceans are predicted to evaporate within 1 billion years as the sun's temperature increases, leading to a waterless planet. The process is driven by the sun's increasing brightness, which will eventually cause water to evaporate into space.
Penn State graduate student Ray Wakeland will demonstrate the fire organ, a heat-driven instrument producing musical sounds, and the daxophone, a unique sound-producing instrument. He will also showcase the Long String Instrument, a large bronze harp-type string instrument that produces ethereal music.
A Penn State researcher found that elementary school teachers face enormous time pressure, with those having children feeling the most stressed. Schools need to incorporate the value of teacher's work and family commitments into policy-making.
A Penn State study found that serving larger portions to 5-year-olds but not 3-year-olds leads to increased food intake and calorie consumption. This early learning period marks a significant milestone in children's eating habits, highlighting the importance of portion control for healthy development.
Researchers have identified two new grouts for bonded post-tensioning applications, which may increase the service life of bridges up to twice as long. The grouts, with specific water-cement ratios and admixtures, can prevent corrosion in coastal and inland environments.
Tubeworms living in cold, calm hydrocarbon-seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico have surprisingly long life spans, growing up to 2 meters over 170-250 years. In contrast, their cousins at hot and dynamic hydrothermal vents grow just one meter in a year. The researchers aim to understand why these animals live so long and grow slowly.
A new study from Penn State suggests that healthy eating habits and good health status can help maintain the ability to fight off germs and reduce illness in older adults. The research found that well-nourished women between 60 and 80 years old have immune systems that function similarly to younger women.
A Penn State engineer has developed a computer-based technique that reliably predicts the probable number of accidents due to wet pavement on a particular section of highway. The approach suggests corrective actions to improve safety, focusing resources on eliminating problems where the risk is highest.