News

Kateryna Makova IMAGE: PENN STATE

Makova selected as holder of the Verne M. Willaman Chair in the Life Sciences

Kateryna Makova, Pentz Professor of Biology at Penn State, has been appointed as holder of the Verne M. Willaman Chair in the Life Sciences. The appointment, effective on Sept. 1, was made by the Office of the President of the University, based on the recommendation of the dean, in recognition of Makova’s national and international reputation for excellence in research and teaching.

Podcast unpacks interdisciplinary team’s rapid new virus diagnostics

The latest episode of The Symbiotic Podcast welcomes its largest-ever crew of guests, collaborators from a multi-disciplinary, multi-institution team that came together via video conference to talk about their work on a newly developed rapid diagnostic tool for COVID-19 and other viruses.

Penn State researcher part of project to develop novel COVID-19 vaccine

A researcher in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences is part of a team of scientists working to develop a unique COVID-19 vaccine that uses a bovine adenovirus as a safe and effective delivery vehicle.

Evolution of the Y chromosome in great apes deciphered

New analysis of the DNA sequence of the male-specific Y chromosomes from all living species of the great ape family helps to clarify our understanding of how this enigmatic chromosome evolved.

The Oak Road meadow project, located next between Oak Road and Hastings Road, was an original site for the Office of the Physical Plant to pilot its ‘no-mow’ initiative

Designated 'no-mow' turf grass areas provide environmental, economic benefits

University Park campus practice has resulted in reduced carbon dioxide emissions and overall mowing costs, while providing stormwater protection and habitats for local wildlife.

Harvesting vegetation on riparian buffers barely reduces water-quality benefits

Allowing farmers to harvest vegetation from their riparian buffers will not significantly impede the ability of those streamside tracts to protect water quality by capturing nutrients and sediment — and it will boost farmers’ willingness to establish buffers.

D.J. McNeil, postdoctoral fellow in entomology, listened to the nocturnal "songs" of crickets and katydids (shown here) to map their populations across a variety of habitats in central Pennsylvania.

Researchers hear more crickets and katydids 'singing in the suburbs'

The songs that crickets and katydids sing at night to attract mates can help in monitoring and mapping their populations, according to Penn State researchers, whose study of Orthoptera species in central Pennsylvania also shed light on these insects' habitat preferences.

Assistant professor intends to bridge gap between humans and robots

Katie Fitzsimons will join the Penn State College of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) as an assistant professor in January 2021. Through her research, Fitzsimons plans to advance robotics, powered by a greater understanding of human motion and behavior.

Bacteria virus combo may be cause of neonatal brain infections in Uganda

A newly identified bacteria and a common virus may be the underlying cause of infection-induced hydrocephalus in Uganda, according to an international team of researchers.

Mapping a trail of chemical reactions, Howard Hughes Investigator Squire Booker shows how one group of enzymes helps us stay healthy

Mapping a trail of chemical reactions, Howard Hughes Investigator Squire Booker shows how one group of enzymes helps us stay healthy