News

Penn State researchers receive USDA-NIFA grant to study male cattle genetics

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a grant to a team of researchers in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences to study the genetic mechanisms underlying the development of the testis, the male organ that produces reproductive cells, in cattle and its role in sperm production.

Eating prunes daily may protect bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women, slowing the progression of age-related bone loss and reducing the risk of fracture, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. Credit: Ligora/Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

Got prunes? Prunes may preserve bone density and strength in older women

Dairy isn’t the only food that’s good for bone health. Prunes may also protect bone structure and strength in postmenopausal women, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. The findings, published in Osteoporosis International, suggest that daily prune consumption slows the progression of age-related bone loss and reduces the risk of fracture.

Nikki Crowley named director of Neuroscience Institute at University Park

Nikki Crowley, assistant professor of biology and of biomedical engineering and Huck Early Career Chair in Neurobiology and Neural Engineering, has been named director of the Penn State Neuroscience Institute at University Park.

New USDA grant to support graduate reproductive microbiome training program

The USDA NIFA has awarded Penn State a five-year, $238,500 grant to establish a graduate training pipeline in reproductive microbiome research.

Gene integral to initiating, sustaining sperm cell development identified

With male infertility a mounting global concern impacting approximately 12% of men, a Penn State research team has discovered a gene that plays a key role in initiating and sustaining spermatogenesis. The finding may open a door for future therapies to boost sperm counts.

Newly identified protein function may reveal understanding of lifetime fertility

A protein in mouse ovaries regulates the formation of the ovarian follicle reserve, which comprises a mammal’s lifetime supply of egg cells and surrounding support cells, according to new study conducted by a U.S.-Canadian team.

Animal scientist receives USDA grant to study reproductive dysfunction in cattle

A Penn State animal scientist has received a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lead a team conducting research on reproductive dysfunction in cattle.

Penn State dairy cattle geneticist finds mutant gene threatening Holstein calves

In the fall of 2020, when Chad Dechow got a call from veterinarians in New York describing a strange condition affecting Holstein calves on two farms under their care, he was unfamiliar with the condition that came to be known as calf recumbency.

Chronic inflammation may lead to low milk production in breastfeeding moms

Eighty percent of mothers breastfeed their newborns, but only 25% breastfeed exclusively for the six months recommended by United States Dietary Guidelines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Physiology Graduate Student Wins Top Prize at Graduate Exhibition

Huck Graduate Student Advisory Committee President Isabel da Silva was given top honors in the Health & Life Sciences category of the 2021 Graduate School Exhibition