Ecology News | Ecology | The Huck Institutes (en-US)

Study first author Yanxin Lin, left, and senior author Misha Kwasniewski examine the structure of the chemical catechin, an important polyphenol and building block of tannins. The new tannin-measurement method breaks large, complex structures into catechin ions and other fragments to characterize the original structure. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Jun 11, 2025

‘Fingerprinting’ plant compounds helps explain food, drink tastes

Researchers develop method to determine what compounds affect bitter taste, mouthfeel in wine, dark chocolate, and other foods and drinks.

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The arc of health frameworks grew over time from one that siloed human, agricultural and environmental ecosystems from each other to a One Health structure that focused on pathogen spillovers shaping the risk of disease across ecosystems. An expanded vision of One Health microbiome sciences from Penn State incorporates the ecology of all microbes. It emphasizes that the flow of both disease-causing and health-promoting microbes links humans, environment and agriculture together to shape the sustainability of ecosystem wellness and resilience. This One Health framework intentionally unifies the microbiome sciences to advance core disciplinary theories and principles with cross-system validation and comparative studies, according to the researchers. Credit: Provided by the researchers. All Rights Reserved.

Jun 11, 2025

Q&A: Unifying the microbiome sciences for global health and sustainability

Recently, members of Penn State's One Health Microbiome Center published an article in the American Society for Microbiology’s flagship journal, mBio. In this Q&A, a few of the paper’s authors discussed how the center is leading the charge to breakdown traditional disciplinary silos and expand the One Health focus to include more than just pathogenic microbial threats.

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Study co-first author Alayna Mead, postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, stands among Torrey pine trees in southern California. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Jun 03, 2025

Isolated Torrey pine populations yield insights into genetic diversity

Researchers find a few genes that allowed trees from insular populations to adapt to local conditions may inhibit their adjustment long term to a new location.

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Jun 02, 2025

Huck opens search for Associate Director for Graduate Education

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences is seeking an innovative Penn State faculty member with a strong background in interdisciplinary life sciences research and a passion for teaching and mentoring graduate students to join our Huck leadership team as an Associate Director for Graduate Education.

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Credit: Dan Lesher. All Rights Reserved.

May 29, 2025

Biology professor, Huck associate operations director to retire

After a decade of service to the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and a distinguished academic career spanning four decades, James Marden, professor of biology and associate director of operations, will retire from Penn State at the end of June.

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A team of researchers at Penn State found that increasing spiciness slightly using dried chili pepper slowed down eating and reduced the amount of food and energy consumed at a meal, all without negatively affecting the palatability of the dish. The study was led by Paige Cunningham, pictured, a postdoctoral researcher who earned her doctorate in nutritional sciences from Penn State in 2023. Credit: Patrick Mansell / Penn State. Creative Commons

May 22, 2025

Looking to cut calories? Try adding chilies, study suggests

Throwing a little heat on your meal might be an effective strategy for cutting back on calories, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State.

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The research team for "Assessing Climate Futures through Environmental Data Analytics," led by Professor Erica Smithwick (middle). Credit: Erica Smithwick. All Rights Reserved.

May 14, 2025

Second round of Penn State-Auckland seed grant recipients complete projects

The 18-month term for the 2023-24 seed grant-funded projects recently concluded, with the teams submitting their final reports.

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A printed prototype using the current version of the custom extrusion system for in-place 3D concrete printing. This iteration demonstrates the successful integration of continuous reinforcement with concrete deposition, marking a key step in the ongoing development toward structural-scale applications. Credit: Ali Baghi. All Rights Reserved.

May 12, 2025

Manufacturing PA Innovation Program funds two Stuckeman-led research projects

Two projects led by Stuckeman School architecture researchers have garnered grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Manufacturing PA Innovation Program

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The results of this study strongly suggest that Native Americans did, indeed, extensively use fire to manage their environment and both directly and indirectly promoted fire-adapted trees such as oak and beech. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

May 08, 2025

Cultural burning by Indigenous peoples increased oak in forests near settlements

New study shows fire-tolerant trees were more abundant around historic Native American villages in southern New England

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Apr 30, 2025

Celebrating James Marden: A Decade of Impact and a Lifetime of Achievement

After a decade of exceptional service to the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and a distinguished academic career spanning four decades, James Marden, professor of biology and associate director of operations, will retire from Penn State at the end of June 2025.

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