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The January episode of “Growing Impact” discusses cement replacements made from leftover agricultural materials that could be more environmentally friendly. Credit: Brenna Buck. All Rights Reserved.

'Growing Impact' examines sustainable cement replacements

The January episode of “Growing Impact” discusses the search for cement replacements that are more environmentally friendly.

Flies play a crucial role as pollinators, second only to bees in terms of the volume of crops and habitat they pollinate. Pictured here is a blue fly pollinating common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca).  Credit: Martha B. Moss/Penn State Extension Master Gardener / Penn State. Creative Commons

Pollinators most vulnerable to rising global temperatures are flies, study shows

New research led by Penn State scientists suggests flies are increasingly at risk due to rising global temperatures.

Biochar comprises organic waste material and is made by pyrolysis, a process that involves heating the organic material in a limited oxygen environment.  Credit: Penn State. All Rights Reserved.

Researchers to study how to make carbon-storing product safer, more sustainable

Funded by a USDA grant, an international team led by Penn State researchers aims to mitigate toxic organic compounds produced in manufacturing of the biomaterial known as biochar.

Penn State Associate Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Mohammad Rezaee and his team founded Intel-E-Waste, a startup offering a sustainable e-waste recycling process.  Credit: Provided by Mohammad Rezaee. All Rights Reserved.

Penn State research-based startup tackles e-waste recycling challenges

Intel-E-Waste leverages Invent Penn State’s NSF I-Corps program to transform lab research into market-ready technology.

A research plot after dairy manure slurry was injected into a growing cover crop in early spring when temperatures were cooler, A new study demonstrated that the practice achieved multiple conservation goals while maintaining corn yield. Credit: Sailesh Sigdel/Penn State. All Rights Reserved.

Injecting manure into growing cover crops can cut pollution, support corn crops

A team of Penn State agricultural scientists conducted a new study on dairy manure management strategies for ecosystem services in no-till crop systems.

Penn State researchers have developed a new nanoparticle, depicted here, that can prevent mineral buildup in oil extraction equipment and stabilize a commonly used emulsion, or liquid mixture. Credit: Provided by Amir Sheikhi. All Rights Reserved.

New material prevents mineral buildup in equipment handling water-oil mixtures

Penn State researchers have developed a new nanoparticle that can prevent scaling and stabilize a commonly used emulsion, or liquid mixture, potentially making the oil extraction processes more efficient and less harmful to the environment.

Nine faculty members were named the 2024 IEE Fellows. In the front row, from left, are Heather Preisendanz, Nilanjan Ray Chaudhuri, Li Li and Miriam Freedman. In the back row, from left, are Adri van Duin, Charles Anderson, Armen Kemanian, Siela Maximova, Enrique Gomez (Not pictured: Karen Fisher-Vanden) Credit: Kevin Sliman. All Rights Reserved.

Nine researchers named Institute of Energy and the Environment Fellows

Nine Penn State researchers have been named fellows of the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) for 2024. The program recognizes and assists the exceptional achievements and unparalleled research impacts of highly successful researchers in the areas of energy and the environment. Nominees for the fellowship were submitted by the University community.

Why is breaking down plant material for biofuels so slow?

Breaking down cellulose for biofuel is slow and inefficient but could avoid concerns around using a food source while taking advantage of abundant plant materials that might otherwise go to waste. New research led by Penn State investigators has revealed how several molecular roadblocks slow this process.

Penn State Biorenewables Symposium to unveil new opportunities, April 18-19

Professionals and researchers spanning biorenewables-related industries and research programs are invited to join Penn State’s 2024 Biorenewables Symposium on April 18-19.

Modified soft material promises better bioelectronics, researchers say

Soft bioelectronic devices hold potential for many advances in the health care field, but researchers have faced hurdles in identifying materials that are biocompatible while still maintaining all necessary characteristics to operate effectively