Researchers at Penn State found that Beowulf clusters, composed of low-cost personal computers linked together, can offer supercomputer-like capabilities. The clusters can run multiple processors in parallel, providing a cost-effective solution for scientists who need to run complex codes.
A revised geological history of coastal California reveals that the Mendocino Triple Junction is a slab window, too simple to accurately portray events at the northern end of the San Andreas fault. The thickening and thinning of the crust alter the underlying rock characteristics, influencing earthquake responses.
A Penn State meteorologist suggests that tilt is the key to understanding both the Faint Young Sun problem and the Snowball Earth problem, proposing a solution where the Earth's axis is tilted at 70 degrees. This theory could potentially explain why the Earth was warmer in the early Precambrian despite a weaker sun.
Researchers identified how ozone 'chokes up' plants by directly affecting guard cells, inhibiting stomatal opening and reducing photosynthesis. This knowledge may lead to breeding or genetically engineering less ozone-sensitive plant varieties to improve productivity in regions with high ozone exposure.
A new liquid crystal film can protect against continuous glare and intense light, improving visibility for drivers and welders. The material reduces light intensity from 140 milliwatts to 5 microwatts, solving glare problems in optical sensors and communications systems.
The new circular configuration increases the conversion ratio without adding volume or weight, advancing the field of piezoelectric transformers. The devices use a lead, zirconium, titanium ceramic doped with manganese and cerium, providing increased efficiency and higher conversion ratios.
Researchers found iron oxides in concrete up to an inch away from steel bars cause stress and cracking. Colored rust areas indicate metal loss from the bar, compromising its reinforcing action.
A new five-year research study will investigate the economic consequences of cancer survival on patients' work and health insurance. The study will follow a large sample of cancer survivors over time, comparing their experiences with those without cancer.
Research reveals that boys are more vulnerable to stress and lower self-esteem when it comes to dating, particularly if they feel pressured into relationships. Girls, on the other hand, tend to have intimacy skills and handle breakups better than boys.
A Penn State researcher suggests that increasing oxygen levels may have triggered the first of three past episodes when the Earth became a giant snowball, covered from pole to pole by ice and frozen oceans. The study proposes that low methane levels and high carbon dioxide levels were responsible for the glaciation process.
Researchers have discovered iron-rich rock formations dating back 2.3 billion years, indicating the presence of land-based life and atmospheric oxygen during that time. The findings, made by Dr. Hiroshi Ohmoto and Nick Beukes, suggest that life on Earth existed much earlier than previously thought.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that severe poverty can lead to violent behavior in psychiatric patients. The study surveyed 293 patients and found that 23% showed violent behavior after discharge, with 14% committing a violent act during the follow-up period.
Researchers developed a model to predict bird flight patterns, enabling pilots to adjust their routes and altitudes. The model can forecast bird locations and altitudes hours in advance, reducing the risk of bird strikes and damage to windshields and turbine engine blades.
Penn State engineers have developed a new mini-thruster that draws only 80 Watts of power but produces more thrust than any system in its class. The thruster uses microwave technology to create a free-floating plasma, which generates thrust when released through a nozzle.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that dimethyl ether (DME) produced from coal-derived syngas has lower carbon monoxide emissions compared to propane or butane. DME also exhibits similar or lower nitric oxide emissions in most cases, making it a viable alternative fuel.
A Penn State researcher found that nearly three-fourths of women addicted to crack cocaine engage in prostitution to support their habit, highlighting the need for comprehensive support services. The study suggests that programs should offer housing, education, and job training to help these women escape poverty and addiction
Research suggests that strong traditional values among Southern Black women may be a key factor in lower smoking rates among African-Americans. The study found that Black adults in the non-urban South had the lowest smoking prevalence rates, with 11% of those aged 18-24 living smoke-free. This trend holds true for Southern Black women ...
Researchers found that increasing humus content can increase quinoline's movement to groundwater, but mineral interactions play a key role. The study suggests that strongly bound pollutants may still be broken down by microorganisms.
Researchers found that consuming water-rich foods instead of drinking water before meals can curb appetite and reduce calorie consumption. Foods high in water content, such as vegetables and soups, provide a sense of fullness while reducing energy density.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new mobile data access system (MDAS) that enables efficient access to diverse data sources through both wired and wireless connections. The system uses multidatabases to provide integrated access to multiple databases with a single query, reducing traffic jams caused by simultaneous queries.
A Penn State neuropsychologist emphasizes the need for individualized assessment when determining an athlete's readiness to return to play after a concussion. Reliable Change scores can provide a general guideline, but their application is limited by factors such as practice effects and difficulty in determining significant differences.
Researchers found that a single night of disrupted sleep increases levels of interleukin-6, leading to daytime fatigue and decreased well-being. Healthy young men with normal sleep patterns experienced increased IL-6 secretion during the day after missing a night of sleep.
Researchers developed a system that enables users to interact with a computer-controlled map using natural speech and hand gestures. The system recognizes spoken words and gestures, allowing users to locate buildings and parking lots on the Penn State campus.
Long-term societal changes, particularly the aging baby boomer generation, contributed to a significant decline in serious crimes during the Clinton presidency. The strong economy and increased community-based crime prevention initiatives also played a crucial role in reducing crime rates.
A recent study found that U.S. math students in smaller classes (6-18 students) outperform those in larger classes, but the effect size is marginal and unclear. This contradicts findings in other countries where class size has no impact on math scores.
A decline in burglary rates since 1980 is attributed to a shift towards drug trafficking and various forms of non-index crimes. Researchers suggest that the abundance of stolen goods has reduced demand, making burglary less lucrative, while improvements in security measures have also deterred potential burglars.
Penn State researchers found that working outside school affects not only U.S. children but also children worldwide, leading to negative effects on math and science achievement. Light work such as babysitting also has detrimental effects on academic progress.
A Penn State study reveals that unmarried mothers, particularly young and African American women, predominantly live with their parents before and after childbirth. The data indicates that co-residence with parents remains the most important living arrangement for first-time, never-married mothers.
Research reveals psychological uncertainty about pregnancy is a major barrier, rather than immigrant status, for Puerto Rican women seeking adequate prenatal care. Despite being U.S. citizens, some women report inadequate care due to unwanted pregnancies or lack of awareness.
Sociologists analyzed daily rituals and activities to understand the mechanisms of biculturalism in Chinese Americans. They found that both older and newer generations retain their cultural heritage through practices like family gatherings, language classes, and cultural events.
Research by Dr. Daniel B. Lee finds that elite colleges transmit cultural advantages from one generation to the next, including social skills and valuable networks. These advantages can lead to increased chances of joining the highest social stratum after graduation.
A Penn State study found that restructuring public schools can be detrimental to student performance, particularly in low-income communities. The researchers argue that complex educational technologies and instructional practices require skilled teachers and substantial resources, which may not be available in disadvantaged schools.
Penn State engineers have developed a new manufacturing process that produces stronger and stiffer carbon fiber grids, which can be tailored to specific applications using computer simulations. The grids offer advantages over traditional steel reinforcing rods, including corrosion resistance and reduced weight.
Penn State researchers developed a neural network-based model to predict tire stress on roads, providing engineers with improved capabilities for designing better tires and roads. The software can accurately predict outcomes even without training data, using precisely measured contact-stress distribution patterns.
Young and old rats show distinct responses to compromised circulation, highlighting the need for age-based treatment for ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Studies reveal that neutrophil accumulation plays a key role in young rats but not older ones.
Research by Penn State engineers shows mechanical forces exert equivalent roles in some aspects of cardiovascular health and disease as bio-regulators like cholesterol and dietary fat. The study found a one-to-one correspondence between effects of shear stress and growth factor VEGF on blood vessel health.
A team of scientists discovered that polymer molecules in ultra-thin films of 14 nanometers retain their shape and size comparable to their bulk counterparts. This finding challenges previous simulations, which suggested minimal changes in molecular structure with decreasing film thickness.
A team of Penn State researchers successfully used microwave sintering to produce machine components with improved mechanical properties in just 10-30 minutes, compared to traditional sintering methods which take long periods of time and large amounts of energy.
Penn State engineers discovered that graphite flake shape and microstructure significantly impact cracking and chipping during casting and machining. They found that increasing machinability can reduce product breakage and costs by supporting the development of consistently machinable cast iron.
A new study by Penn State researchers improves the regional climate assessment of the Mid-Atlantic Region. The research involved gathering input from over 95 stakeholders representing industry, environmental groups, government, and research organizations. Key findings highlight the importance of human health in addressing global change...
Penn State researchers have found a statistically significant correlation between the presence of Helicobacter pylori in private wells and cases of stomach ulcers. The study reveals that even coliform-free water samples can contain the ulcer-causing bacterium, raising questions over the safety of current drinking water testing methods.
Researchers at Penn State found a correlation between jet stream strength and precipitation in the Sahel region, which has been experiencing drought since the 1970s. The Tropical Easterly Jet was mostly weaker during dry periods, while the African Easterly Jet showed slightly stronger patterns in very dry years.
A Penn State study found that female athletes with poor body image and excessive exercise schedules are more likely to experience menstrual irregularities, including transient infertility. The research highlights the importance of addressing psychological and behavioral factors alongside dietary and exercise habits.
A team of astronomers has discovered a unique cluster of young stars, approximately 8 million years old, located 97 parsecs from Earth. The cluster, centered around eta Chamaeleon, is one of the nearest to our planet and exhibits unusual characteristics.
A Penn State-led study found lower concentrations of a stress hormone in pregnant teens are linked to greater numbers of depression and conduct disorder symptoms. The hormone, corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), is associated with emotions and behavior during pregnancy.
A Penn State study suggests that eating low-energy-density meals, which contain fewer calories per ounce and are rich in fruits, vegetables, or grains, can help individuals manage their weight while still feeling full and satisfied. The study found that the energy density of food, rather than fat content, plays a key role in satiety.
The Hobby-Eberly Telescope has successfully observed a distant quasar candidate, confirming its status and providing insight into the universe's early evolution. The instrument will also enable detailed study of objects in and near the Milky Way with the addition of two new facility-class spectrographs.
A study found that middle-aged men with higher testosterone levels are less likely to experience high blood pressure, heart attacks, and obesity. However, they are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and excessive drinking.
Alan Walker, a distinguished professor at Penn State, has been recognized by the British Royal Society for his groundbreaking work on human origins. He is one of forty-two new Fellows elected this year and was honored for his distinguished contributions to the world's knowledge of human origins.
Recent feminism has brought deeper changes to specific sciences like medicine, anthropology, archaeology, biology, physics, and mathematics. Medicine has seen increased funding for women's health, such as osteoporosis and heart disease research.