A study found that police radio transmissions disproportionately involve Black suspects, posing a higher privacy risk for Black people. The researchers analyzed 24 hours of human-transcribed communications and found that Black males were mentioned most often, even in majority white zones.
Researchers analyzed 35 million news links on Facebook and found that around 75% were shared without clicking, with conservative content being shared more often. This suggests social media users tend to merely read headlines rather than engage with core content, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that phosphorus loss from agricultural lands has increased over the past four decades, despite efforts to reduce it. This loss can lead to decreased crop yields and higher food prices, as well as harm algal blooms and aquatic life.
Researchers describe holobiont biology, a multidisciplinary approach uniting seen and unseen realms of life. Microbes outnumber human cells and contribute to biological variation in traits such as disease and body mass index.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that non-white patients have twice the risk of dying within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over half a million patients and highlights persistent racial disparities in medical outcomes.
A new study found that middle-aged people who engage in everyday physical activity show improvements in cognitive processing speed, which can counteract the natural decline in cognitive abilities with age. The study, led by Penn State researcher Jonathan Hakun, used ecological momentary assessment to track participants' daily activitie...
Researchers found that cognitive performance worsened for older adults on days they felt lonelier than usual and the following day. The study suggests a vicious cycle between loneliness and cognitive decline over the short term, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent chronic loneliness.
A new Penn State study found that consistent bedtimes are crucial for children's emotional regulation and behavioral control. Children who followed a regular sleep schedule displayed improved self-regulation skills, while those with inconsistent bedtimes showed increased impulsivity.
New research reveals microplastics can act as ice nucleating particles, affecting cloud formation and potentially influencing weather forecasting and climate modeling. The study found that microplastics can trigger ice crystals to form at warmer temperatures, altering precipitation patterns and aviation safety.
A team at Penn State developed an experimental pipeline called Cleavage High-Throughput Assay (CHiTA) that can test the activity of thousands of predicted twister ribozymes. The study identified approximately 94% of tested ribozymes as active, revealing their function can persist even with slight imperfections.
A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...
A new study by Penn State researchers tracked wastewater and groundwater monitoring data to inform wastewater practices in the Florida Keys. The scientists found that shallow injection of treated wastewater removed over 90% of soluble reactive phosphorus, but some nutrients remained in nearshore waters.
A new study by Penn State researchers finds that microplastics are increasing in freshwater environments and are directly tied to rising global plastic production. The study tracks microplastic levels in freshwater sediment from before the 1950s to today, showing a rise in line with plastic production.
Researchers have found that water fern Azolla does not contain cyanotoxins, which could pose a threat to human health. The plant's symbiotic relationship with Nostoc azollae reduces toxin production, making it a potential solution for global food insecurity.
A team of researchers, led by Ida Djenontin, is investigating the socioecological outcomes of restoration in degraded woodlands ecosystems. The project aims to understand tradeoffs between social and ecological goals and local and global priorities.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to turn stripped-down plant cells into other types of cells, revealing the banding patterns in plant cell walls that increase stability. The study's findings provide insights into how cell walls are created and can inform methods to break down plant cells for biofuels.
Researchers found that AI doctors who recall patients' social information, with privacy control offered, increase patient satisfaction. Human doctors don't require social or medical information to establish a close relationship with patients.
Scientists used photon-counting CT scanner to track changes in protein expression and cartilage degradation in animal model. The approach revealed evidence of osteoarthritis long before clinical symptoms develop, offering potential for early diagnosis and monitoring.
A new study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that people with more positive expectations of aging tend to report less frequent cognitive problems and are less likely to perceive a decline in their cognitive performance over time. Researchers suggest that modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healt...
Scientists at Penn State have engineered a bacterial protein to better separate rare earth elements, enriching neodymium and praseodymium. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize industrial mining, offering a more efficient, greener, and less expensive process.
A new study using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed the presence of proplyds around brown dwarfs in the Orion Nebula. The team discovered 20 cool objects that are too small and cool to undergo hydrogen fusion, with two faint proplyds detected by Hubble previously.
Researchers at Penn State and MIT have discovered a room-temperature non-reciprocal Hall effect, which challenges fundamental principles of physics. The finding has potential implications for developing new technologies such as quantum communication, energy harvesting, and terahertz imaging.
Researchers identify 47 prey species consumed by invasive flathead catfish, including smallmouth bass and blueback herring. The study's findings provide valuable insights for fisheries managers to better manage the waterway.
A new study by Penn State researchers suggests that making AI training data diversity information available can shape users' expectations of algorithmic fairness and trust. Displaying racial diversity cues in AI interfaces can enhance users' perceptions of algorithmic fairness and trust, according to the study's findings.
Twenty-two new species of gall wasps have been identified and named for the first time, thanks to new research led by a Penn State graduate student. The tiny wasps were named after famous thieves and tricksters in history, mythology and pop culture.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have re-engineered natural killer immune cells with blue light-activated protein function, allowing them to infiltrate and kill solid tumor spheroids. The technology has shown promising results in killing breast cancer and melanoma cells within seven days.
A team of researchers at Penn State College of Medicine has developed a high-resolution 3D atlas of the developing mouse brain, providing a comprehensive view of brain development and structure. The atlas, published in Nature Communications, will help researchers understand neurodevelopmental disorders and analyze large-scale data sets.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a soft and stretchable tissue-like electronic device that delivers pulsed electricity to the body, showing promise in treating drug-resistant hypertension. The device's design minimizes tissue damage and inflammation by adapting to the carotid artery's expansion and contraction.
Scientists at Penn State and SETI Institute used the Allen Telescope Array to scan the TRAPPIST-1 star system for radio signals similar to those used by rovers on Mars. Although no extraterrestrial technology was found, the project introduced a new method for future searches.
Researchers used DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence to detect anomalies in milk production, such as contamination or unauthorized additives. The new approach could improve dairy safety by identifying microbial signatures associated with anomalies.
A new study found that toxic SOD1 protein trimers interact with various proteins in different tissues, contributing to cellular dysfunction and degeneration in ALS. Septin-7 is identified as a potential therapeutic target, potentially slowing or disrupting ALS progression.
A new study by Penn State researchers reveals that individuals with co-occurring depression and concussion experience more severe symptoms than those with single conditions. The study also found disrupted brain connectivity among participants with both conditions, suggesting a potential need for personalized treatment approaches.
Research led by Penn State scientists found that indigenous hunter-gatherer practices played a key role in seed dispersal and genetic diversity of native plants. The study challenged the conventional notion of agriculture and suggested humans impacted plant populations long before farming began.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that students who feel a sense of belonging at their university are more likely to binge drink than those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from over 4,000 university students, suggests that feeling connected to the university is associated with higher rates of substance use.
Researchers developed an electronic tongue that can identify differences in liquids and detect food safety concerns. The AI-powered system achieved high accuracy when using its own assessment parameters, providing insights into the neural network's decision-making process.
A new study found that babesiosis rates rose 9% annually between 2015 and 2022, with 42% of cases linked to other tick-borne illnesses. Co-infection with Lyme disease did not increase mortality risk, but patients received doxycycline treatment more frequently.
The study found that adding fall blooming plants can alleviate stressors on wild bees caused by developed land and urban beekeeping. Planting late-season forage and leaving bare ground as nesting resources can help.
The team aims to focus on 6G technology, the ultra-high frequency, high-speed successor to 5G networks. They will work to integrate three technologies into a single device to create compact electronic devices that overcome limitations to performance, functionality, size and thermal management.
A new study found that completing a six-month substance use disorder treatment program instead of arrest and prosecution reduces the risk of arrest, incarceration, or fatal overdose. Participants who completed the program had a more favorable crime and overdose profile compared to those who did not engage or complete the program.
African wormwood, a plant used for centuries to treat various illnesses, contains a compound that can kill the bacteria causing tuberculosis. Researchers have identified this compound, an O-methylflavone, as effective against both active and inactive states of the mycobacterium.
Two Penn State researchers propose an alternative theory: the moon was captured in a binary-exchange capture, where Earth's gravity snagged one of two objects, resulting in its current orbit. This new possibility opens up new questions and opportunities for further study.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new nanoparticle that can prevent scaling and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions, potentially making oil extraction processes more efficient and less harmful to the environment. The material is bio-based, environmentally safe and cost-effective.
Researchers found that injecting dairy farm manure into a live cover crop in early spring reduces ammonia escape and nitrous oxide emissions, while maintaining soil nitrogen loss. This approach achieves multiple conservation goals, including reduced pollution and improved soil fertility.
Researchers at Penn State created more efficient thermoelectric materials than previously possible, reaching 15% conversion efficiency. This advancement could lead to smaller devices and increased energy production, making long-distance space exploration more feasible.
Research found a significant increase in sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and SIDS rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in 2021. The study suggests a link between infection, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SUID, highlighting the importance of safe sleep practices despite infections.
Research shows that poverty and inadequate food supply drive poaching in East African national parks. The study found that alleviating food insecurity and poverty are key to building cooperation between parks and local villages. By addressing these needs, conservation efforts can be more effective.
Researchers found Salmonella enterica in wastewater treatment plant samples, indicating a foodborne pathogen. The study suggests domestic sewage monitoring can detect infectious diseases circulating in a community, enabling health officials to swiftly trace the source of contaminated food.
A new computational tool, FRNSIC, developed by Penn State scientists can help decision-makers explore possible futures of the Colorado River and identify consequential scenario storylines. The tool uses exploratory modeling to investigate a large number of plausible future conditions and classify relevant storylines for stakeholders.
Laura Cabrera's research aims to develop a patient-centered decision aid to help guide patients, providers, and caregivers navigate neurotechnology treatments like deep brain stimulation. The project seeks to enhance shared decision-making processes, ensuring that treatments align with individual values and preferences.
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that high-level collegiate sports stress can lead to unhealthy attitudes about eating and inadequate caloric intake. Athletes, especially female ones, are at risk for energy deficiency, eating disorders, and bone loss if they don't consume enough calories.