News | The Huck Institutes (en-US)

A new method to measure RNA velocity — which describes rate of gene expression in a single cell — overcomes limitations of previous methods and can incorporate spatial information as well as data from cells processed at different times. The new method, called spVelo incorporates two types of neural networks: a Variational Autoencoder that models gene expression and a Graph Attention Network that allows the incorporation of spatial and batch information from the sequencing data. Credit: Provided by the researchers. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 08, 2025

New method calculates rate of gene expression to understand cell fate

Researchers at Penn State and Yale University have developed a new method that combines spatial and temporal data to better capture how gene expression changes over time, offering deeper insight into how cells specialize.

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Researchers at Penn State are using 3D bioprinting and a novel surgical method to improve blood supply in tissue reconstruction, backed by a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Sep 04, 2025

$3M grant seeks bioprinted solution for reconstructive surgery’s blood problem

Researchers at Penn State are using 3D bioprinting and a novel surgical method to improve blood supply in tissue reconstruction, backed by a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

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Adam Hughes Credit: Adam Hughes. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 04, 2025

Huck Distinguished Lecture Series to host biochemist on Sept. 9

University of Utah professor Adam Hughes will discuss cellular aging and unexpected causes

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Flatheads grow fast in this river system, attain large body sizes and can eat a variety of prey. Because adult flatheads have few natural predators, they can exert strong control over the ecosystem. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 04, 2025

Invasive flathead catfish now top predators in Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania

New study suggests that smallmouth bass and channel catfish are changing what they eat to avoid having to compete with or being eaten by the invader.

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A team at Penn State has developed a novel wearable sensor capable of continuously monitoring low rates of perspiration for the presence of a lactate — a molecule the body uses to break down sugars for energy. Credit: Provided by Farnaz Lorestani. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 03, 2025

Don’t sweat it: New device detects sweat biomarker at minimal perspiration rate

Non-invasive, wearable sensor can identify and track lactate in low-perspiration conditions, researchers say.

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A watercolor artist’s interpretation of the relationship between the human genome and gut mycobiome. A new genome-wide study by researchers at Penn State uncovered evidence of the first three-way relationships between human genetic variation, variation in the fungal component of the human microbiome — known as the mycobiome — and risk of developing chronic disease. Credit: Amy Bean/Creative Commons. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 03, 2025

Connection among gut fungi, genetics and disease risk in humans identified

Novel genome-wide association study sheds light on the human genetic determinants of the fungal component of the human microbiome and their relation to chronic disease.

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Chemistry graduate students Amanda Gramm (L) and Jessica Thompson (R) will participate in internships with Huck Institutes Core Facilities Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 02, 2025

Grad Students to participate in Core Facilities internships

Two chemistry grad students will participate in novel internships in Core Facilities this fall, supported by the Huck and the Materials Research Institute.

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Andrew Patterson, John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor, professor of molecular toxicology and of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Huck Chair in Molecular Toxicology at Penn State, has been named associate director for shared and core facilities at the Huck Institutes. Credit: Mike Houtz / Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 01, 2025

Andrew Patterson named Huck associate director for shared and core facilities

Patterson, Huck Chair in Molecular Toxicology, champions discovery through collaboration at Huck’s core facilities.

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Images of of a lychee seed and a mouse brain scanned in the Huck Institutes' High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Core Facility. Credit: Thomas Neuberger / Penn State. Creative Commons

Aug 29, 2025

Huck launches new seed grant program to support research in MRI Core Facility

Penn State’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences is requesting proposals for a new “Life at All Scales” seed grant program that will afford researchers opportunities to explore the capabilities of the High-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Core Facility. Proposals are due Sept. 30.

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Penn State will utilize the petition in communication with Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation as a clear demonstration of widespread support for the University’s research mission and its statewide impact. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Aug 28, 2025

Penn State petition calls for support of federally funded research

A petition launched by Penn State invites the University community to support continued federal investment in research that plays a vital role in life-changing solutions, powering economic growth across the commonwealth and beyond, and driving transformational discovery.

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