Researchers at Penn State are establishing a unique center for the development of ultrasonic transducer/array technology, improving diagnosis for medical conditions like cardiovascular disease and birth defects. The center will focus on developing high-frequency devices and using new materials to create better clinical images.
A sudden 200-year cold event about 8,200 years ago could provide insights into rapid climate change. The 8k event, as it's called, saw temperatures drop by 11 degrees Fahrenheit in the North Atlantic region.
A team of researchers found that the fairness of final economic outcomes does not significantly rely on the fairness of initial allocation methods. They suggest alternative fair and acceptable rules for sharing cost burdens while ensuring cost-effectiveness. Developing countries must prioritize equitable outcomes, mitigate costs, and p...
Penn State researchers develop a finite difference method to simulate sonic boom noise for both simple and complex ocean surfaces. The new technique allows for accurate predictions of underwater noise, paving the way for the development of supersonic passenger aircraft with minimal impact on marine life.
Researchers found that restrictive policies, such as Medicaid funding limits and 24-hour waiting periods, significantly reduced access to abortion services, leading to a decline in abortion rates. Meanwhile, increased birthrates were observed in regions with limited access to reproductive health services.
A new device has been developed to protect patients from radiation exposure during CT scans, with significant reductions in breast and thyroid radiation exposure reported. The reusable protective garment is expected to cost less than $30, making it a potential game-changer for individuals at risk of increased lifetime breast cancer risk.
Researchers have developed a new protein, IL13-PE38QQR, that penetrates brain cancer cells and kills them without harming healthy cells. The protein is a combination of interleukin 13 and Pseudomonas exotoxin, which can be delivered through the skull via a needle, potentially allowing patients to remain awake during treatment.
Researchers at Penn State will investigate individual variation in health among African American twin pairs aged 65, exploring the role of genetics and environment. The five-year study aims to gain insight into aging in this population, which has experienced different environmental influences than other groups.
A new Penn State research project assesses the effectiveness of Telehealth technology in supplementing traditional home health visits for people with diabetes. The project aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs, while expanding access to care for underserved populations.
Researchers identified education and current health status as significant predictors of improved or maintained cognitive performance in older African Americans. The study also found that women are less likely to experience decline in cognitive functioning than men.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new process for producing ultrafine metal powders, including silver and nickel, using a laser, household blender, and inexpensive reaction materials. The process produces particles in the 1-100 nanometer range, smaller than bacteria or viruses, with improved purity and uniformity.
Dr. Roger J. Cuffey and his students have identified dinosaur footprints at Pipe Spring National Monument, offering a unique opportunity to study the tracks of an ancient three-toed beast. The findings suggest that the animal was likely a medium to large theropod, possibly the Eubrontes species.
A bioreserve system in the DMZ could foster trust and collaboration between North and South Korea, Dr. Ke Chung Kim suggests. Creating such a system would also provide economic opportunities through ecotourism and resource conservation.
Scientists are developing a solution to cool advanced supersonic jets by using jet fuel as a coolant, which can also circulate through the wings and fuselage. The research aims to address the problem of fuel degradation and carbon deposition that could cause maintenance issues with coal-derived jet fuels.
A Penn State poultry nutritionist is developing strategies to balance chicken diets and minimize manure production, reducing nitrogen and phosphorus waste. The approach involves adjusting feed formulation, using better feed additives, and tailoring feeds to the life cycle of birds.
A long-term study of women's reproductive cycles aims to understand the patterns of change leading up to menopause. The researchers plan to collect urine samples from 150 women aged 35-60 for six months each year, analyzing hormones linked to the female reproductive cycle.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a low-temperature nitrogen oxide reduction catalyst that can be used in small production boiler systems. The catalyst, tested at temperatures between 350-400°F, shows promise in eliminating the need for high-temperature baghouse bags and reducing costs.
Research shows that the tannins produced by oak trees inhibit gypsy moth caterpillar growth and viral infection, with enzymes like PPO playing a key role in this process. This discovery could lead to new methods for controlling gypsy moth populations.
Studies found that tree species' moisture preference doesn't always correlate with their growth rate during droughts. Researchers used tree rings to analyze the energy stored in trunks, revealing inconsistencies between leaf physiology and radial growth.
Researchers are analyzing the weathering of spent mushroom substrate over three years to assess leaching, organic composition, and nitrogen content. This study aims to improve the environmental sustainability of the mushroom industry by understanding the best ways to reuse this substrate.
Researchers found that Phyllopod and Sina proteins team up to target the Tramtrack protein for destruction, allowing cells to become neurons. This discovery sheds light on the nervous system and brain development, with potential applications in cancer research.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that forest tent caterpillars can evade trees' defense mechanisms by defoliating branches too rapidly for the tree to respond. This social eating pattern may be their protection against a tree's natural defenses, making them chemically invisible to the tree.
Researchers have discovered dense colonies of flat, pinkish worms living in methane ice mounds on the Gulf of Mexico sea floor. The worms are thought to be grazing off chemosynthetic bacteria, potentially influencing gas deposit formation and energy harvesting.
A team of researchers found that Neandertal mitochondrial DNA falls outside normal human variation, indicating they did not contribute to the genetic makeup of modern humans. The study also confirms the origins of modern humans in Africa and suggests a divergence of 500,000 to 600,000 years ago.
The ACIS camera will record the energy of each X-ray detected from high-energy objects as unique charge, converting it into a signal to detect different elements. It has very high angular resolution and spectral resolution, allowing scientists to see individual stars for the first time in crowded regions.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that millions of tiny, previously undetected invaders enter the Earth's atmosphere daily. These micrometeorites are thought to be leftover material from the formation of the solar system and carry significant energy, potentially damaging satellites and spacecraft.
A team of researchers from Penn State is investigating the connection between sedimentation patterns at the river's mouth, land use patterns in the basin, and climate variability. They plan to analyze sediment cores using lead isotope ratios and pollen to link core layers with climate and sedimentary regimes.
Research suggests that ocean heat transport, rather than Milankovitch cycles, is driving the cooling trend in Greenland's climate. The thermometers from the Greenland ice cores indicate that summers have cooled and winters have warmed over the past 8,000 years.
The program, now in its second year, provides four weeks of intensive speech therapy for adults aged 20-50. Participants learn skills and behaviors to overcome stuttering, such as awareness, acceptance, and preparatory techniques like rehearsal and prevoicing. The goal is to improve communication flow and reduce stuttering interruptions.
Researchers have discovered that relaxor ferroelectrics can deform 10 times more under high voltage, making them ideal for medical ultrasound devices and potentially leading to breakthroughs in piezoelectric technology
Researchers found that people demonstrate territorial behavior in parking lots, delaying departure times when another car wants the space, and becoming more aggressive with honking cars. This behavior is counterproductive, wasting time and effort.
Americans have gained almost five hours of free time per week since the 1960s, with women doing more household chores. This extra time is often used for television viewing and other leisure activities, yet many people feel rushed and stressed despite having more free time.
Inadequate warm-up and restricted pitching can lead to Little League elbow injuries, which may result in permanent damage if left untreated. By following guidelines such as warming up before pitching, limiting pitches, and wearing neoprene sleeves, parents, coaches, and players can prevent these serious elbow injuries.
A Penn State study found that teenagers prioritize health concerns when shopping, but primarily rely on front-of-label nutrition claims. Researchers suggest educational programs to improve food shopping and label reading skills.
Research by Penn State scientists has shown that humus can bind up to 40-50% of applied chemicals, including pesticides and other pollutants, rendering them unavailable to plants or groundwater. This natural process is beneficial as bound chemicals are stable and do not leach into the environment.
A Penn State scientist has created a method to stimulate plants to produce valuable chemicals by mimicking their natural defense mechanisms. By using dead fungal cell fragments, the technique can increase production of desired compounds up to 500 times.
A recent Penn State study reveals that older adults have a decreased ability to cool their bodies and pump blood efficiently in extreme heat, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems. Even healthy older individuals with heart disease should take precautions to stay cool and minimize strain on their hearts.
A low-fat diet is safe for children aged 4-10 if parents follow the Food Pyramid guidelines and provide counseling or education, reducing the risk of heart disease. The study found that children on modified diets had adequate intakes of all nutrients while lowering their LDL blood levels.
Research reveals family characteristics and early child care experiences have a greater impact on the mother-child relationship than non-maternal child care. High-quality care reduces negative effects, but family traits and child temperaments play a significant role.
Researchers analyzed obsidian blades from workshops in Mexico, finding that the number and type of mistakes made can indicate a craftsman's level of skill. By ranking workshops according to their aggregate skill, archaeologists can better understand the economic complexity of ancient societies.
Researchers have developed methods to improve efficiency and stability of amorphous silicon solar cells, enabling mass production. Stacking solar cells on panels has increased conversion of sunlight to power, with efficiencies reaching over 14 percent.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may experience menstrual irregularities, infertility, and increased body hair due to hormonal imbalances. Research suggests that PCOS may be inherited, affecting both males and females in the family.
A Penn State engineer has developed liquid crystal fibers that can automatically prevent overload and protect optical sensors from laser damage. The fibers absorb all colors of light and react non-linearly to intensity, allowing low levels of laser light to pass through.
Penn State researchers develop organic thin film technology with potential to replace expensive hydrogenated amorphous silicon in liquid crystal displays. With improved mobility and on/off ratio comparable to amorphous silicon semiconductors, pentacene-based devices show promise for mass production.
A study comparing day care and non-day care groups found that families with access to day care reported higher well-being and lower stress levels. The program provided cost-efficient support, enabling caregivers to continue employment while caring for loved ones.
A recent Penn State study found that high-carbohydrate, low-fat diets may cause a drop in testosterone levels due to inadequate nutrient balance. The study revealed a positive correlation between dietary fat and resting testosterone levels before and after exercise.
According to sports psychologist David Yukelson, athletes can master a quick mental turnaround in a game situation by recognizing problem situations, practicing positive coping strategies, and evaluating their own progress.
Athletes often overconsume carbohydrates while underconsuming fats, leading to inadequate calories. A well-balanced diet with essential fatty acids is crucial for performance enhancement.
A study found that serotonin function declines with age, particularly in the hippocampus region, leading to impaired cognitive function and increased risk of depression. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches based on these findings.
Dr. Ramaswamy Anantheswaran has successfully developed a packaging method that regulates humidity within mushroom packages, improving shelf life and quality. The modified humidity packaging works by utilizing moisture adsorbers to maintain optimal levels of moisture, reducing the growth of bacteria and discoloration.