News

Improved, self-healing medical sensor responds to temperature, adapts to skin

For wearable electronics to live up to their promise for health care monitoring, they need to do at least two things: transform from rigid to soft to accommodate changing structural needs, and heal their own normal wear-and-tear.

Structured Nucleic Acids Day, Robert Simpson and Sons Lecture set for April 18

A half-day symposium on structured (noncanonical) nucleic acids will be held on Tuesday, April 18, in Foster Auditorium, Paterno Library, Penn State University Park.

Podcast explores the roots of narcissism and its effects on U.S. politics

For the latest episode of the Tracking Traits podcast, Pete Hatemi, distinguished professor of political science, microbiology and biochemistry at Penn State, was interviewed about his research on the effect of narcissism on civil society.

How does an aging-associated enzyme access our genetic material?

New research provides insight into how an enzyme that helps regulate aging and other metabolic processes accesses our genetic material to modulate gene expression within the cell. A team led by Penn State researchers have produced images of a sirtuin enzyme bound to a nucleosome — a tightly packed complex of DNA and proteins called histones — showing how the enzyme navigates the nucleosome complex to access both DNA and histone proteins and clarifying how it functions in humans and other animals.

Seed grants to foster research collaborations with Minority Serving Institutions

Penn State’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences has initiated a new grant program to seed collaborative, interdisciplinary projects that would bring together researchers from Penn State and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs).

T-cell vaccine for COVID-19 may last longer than current vaccines

The current COVID-19 vaccines are designed to trigger an antibody response to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is vulnerable to mutations that could make the vaccine less effective over time.

The Medical Minute: How to alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergies

Welcoming spring this year has been bittersweet for the millions of allergy sufferers already experiencing itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing and runny noses. What causes someone to be allergic to seasonal allergens and other irritants is unknown.

Standalone sensor system uses human movement to monitor health and environment

For mere dollars, a Penn State-led international collaboration has fabricated a self-powered, standalone sensor system capable of monitoring gas molecules in the environment or in human breath.

Penn State announces 2023 University-wide faculty and staff awards

Each spring, Penn State recognizes outstanding faculty and staff with annual awards in teaching and excellence. These awards highlight many of the University's faculty and staff who go above and beyond in their work at Penn State.

Keiler honored with 2023 Graduate Program Chair Leadership Award

Kenneth Keiler, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and associate department head for graduate education in Penn State's Eberly College of Science, is the 2023 recipient of the Graduate School Alumni Society Graduate Program Chair Leadership Award.