News

Jan 12, 2021
Climate change reduces the abundance and diversity of wild bees, study finds
Wild bees are more affected by climate change than by disturbances to their habitats, according to a team of researchers led by Penn State. The findings suggest that addressing land-use issues alone will not be sufficient to protecting these important pollinators.
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Jan 11, 2021
Levels of stress hormone in saliva of newborn deer fawns may predict mortality
The first-ever study of the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the saliva of newborn white-tailed deer fawns yielded thought-provoking results that have Penn State researchers suggesting predation is not the only thing in the wild killing fawns.
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Jan 08, 2021
Students join research team examining the COVID-19 pandemic in Centre County
The coronavirus pandemic is impacting every aspect of daily life with implications including social, psychological and economic well-being and education achievement. The Data 4 Action Research Project aims to better understand such spillover impacts of COVID-19 in Centre County by assessing biological, psychological and social functioning of community members and Penn State students.
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Jan 06, 2021
Resist the resistance: Fighting the good fight against bacteria
In an effort to reduce the potential infection-caused 10 million deaths worldwide, Penn State researcher Scott Medina has developed a peptide, or small protein, that can target a specific pathogen without damaging the good bacteria that bolsters the immune system.
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Dec 23, 2020
Discovery of chemical clue may lead to solving cacao's black pod rot mystery
The finding of relatively high levels of the antimicrobial compound clovamide in the leaves of a disease-resistant strain of cacao has significant implications for breeding trees that can tolerate black pod rot, according to Penn State researchers who conducted a novel study.
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Dec 22, 2020
Study: Bumble bees lacking high-quality habitat have higher pathogen loads
Findings could inform management practices aimed at conserving wild bee populations
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Dec 22, 2020
Researchers investigate an at-home 'scratch-and-sniff' test for COVID-19
A self-administered "scratch-and-sniff" test for COVID-19 may be around the corner, according to researchers at Penn State, the University of Florida, and Arizona State University.
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Dec 18, 2020
Genomics Core Unveils New Capabilities
A new machine and set of reagents recently acquired by the Genomics Core Facility will enable researchers to go beyond bulk gene expression.
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Dec 16, 2020
Some neurons target tiny cerebral blood vessel dilation
Neurons control blood flow in tiny vessels in the brain, but researchers know little about this relationship. Now a team of Penn State engineers has found a connection between nitric oxide expressing neurons and changes in arterial diameters in mice, which may shed light on brain function and aging.
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Dec 10, 2020
Could spotted owls benefit from forest fires?
It may seem counterintuitive, but forest fires are actually beneficial to spotted owls, according to Penn State biologist Derek Lee.
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