News

May 23, 2023

Orchids’ ability to grow on other plants independently evolved multiple times

The most extensive study of the genetic relationships among orchids to date reveals that the flower’s ability to grow on other plants evolved independently multiple times.

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Mar 22, 2023

Penn State biologist to present free public lecture on MicroRNAs in plants

Michael J. Axtell, the Louis and Hedwig Sternberg Chair in Plant Biology and distinguished professor of biology, will present the inaugural Louis and Hedwig Sternberg Chair in Plant Biology Lecture at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 27, at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the Penn State University Park campus.

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Feb 02, 2023

Eissenstat retires from College of Ag Sciences after three decades at Penn State

David Eissenstat, professor of woody plant physiology, retired recently after a distinguished 28-year career on the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences faculty, including a two-year stint as interim head of the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.

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Dec 14, 2022

Corn-colonizing fungus may help the crop repel disease, grow larger

A fungus that can colonize, or grow within, corn plants doesn’t just leave the plant unharmed — it also can help the plant stave off harmful bugs and other fungi, according to a new study by Penn State researchers.

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Dec 07, 2022

Study shows ‘steep, cheap and deep’ roots help corn plants deal with drought

Rarely in nature does less turn out to be more. But that’s the case when it comes to the roots of corn dealing with drought conditions, according to a Penn State-led international team of researchers who discovered evidence of the benefits of a “parsimonious” root phenotype in a new study.

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Nov 30, 2022

Huck Grad Students Work Towards Inclusion

A discussion and advocacy group started by student leadership is pushing for dialogue and solutions to make the Huck a more welcoming and empowering space for scientists from all backgrounds.

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Nov 15, 2022

Michael Axtell named Louis and Hedwig Sternberg Chair in Plant Biology

Michael Axtell, distinguished professor of biology at Penn State, has been named the Louis and Hedwig Sternberg Chair in Plant Biology in the Eberly College of Science.

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Nov 02, 2022

Scientist sees Penn State as a 'living lab' for climate action

With the University working to draw down greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its carbon footprint, plant biologist Charlie Anderson is likewise advancing the cause of a greener, more-sustainable future through research and advocacy.

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Oct 21, 2022

Penn State alum presents her NASA space garden research to current students

Scientist Gioia Massa conducts space plant biology research at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, growing edible vegetables on the International Space Station. Massa, who earned her Ph.D. at Penn State, presented a talk about her extraordinary career.

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Sep 14, 2022

Huck graduate students elect co-chairs for new academic year

This year, HGSAC members elected two students to serve as the graduate co-advisers for the Huck Institutes for 2022-23; Plant Biology student Alenka Hafner and Bioinformatics and Genomics student Corrine Smolen.

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