News

Pulsed light technology effectively kills harmful pathogens in new study

A light-based, food sanitization technique successfully eliminated multiple harmful pathogens in a new study carried out by Penn State researchers.

Plant molecular geneticists discover, and begin to crack, the epigenetic code

When plants sense environmental challenges such as drought or extended periods of extreme temperatures, they instinctively reprogram their genetic material to survive and even thrive.

Irreversible declines in freshwater storage projected in parts of Asia by 2060

Most comprehensive study to date on water storage in Tibetan Plateau projects dramatic losses of freshwater storage in parts of Asia by mid-century under modest climate policy scenario

Penn State funds study of student mental health, well-being for five more years

The coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of college students nationwide, according to recent studies. To better serve its own students, Penn State recently funded a five-year extension of a study with researchers at the University to gain further insight into its students’ mental health status and needs.

New at-home, saliva-based COVID test as effective as PCR in preliminary analysis

PCR tests, also called molecular tests or nucleic acid tests, are considered the gold standard in detecting the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that gives rise to COVID-19. However, they can take a few days to process, resulting in unnecessary quarantine for negative individuals or delays for those who require proof of negative testing for travel or other commitments.

New SciArt installation reflects on viruses in our everyday lives

"The BioMachine," a new art installation designed and fabricated by the SciArt team at the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at Penn State, offers an interactive exploration of the viruses — like those which cause COVID-19 — that permeate our world.

Close ties with industry fuel success for master of biotechnology degree program

Looking back over more than two decades leading Penn State’s master of biotechnology degree program, Loida Escote-Carlson concluded: “We’ve been tremendously successful.”

New options for health, environmental monitoring with water-resistant gas sensor

Accurate, continuous monitoring of nitrogen dioxide and other gases in humid environments is now possible, thanks to a new water-resistant gas sensor developed by Huanyu “Larry” Cheng, the James L. Henderson Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, and his team.

Undergrads to present research at public symposium on climate science, solutions

Four summer research programs that task undergraduate students with exploring pressing research related to climate science and solutions are culminating in a combined event that is open to the public.

Researchers get $2M NSF grant to develop Africa water-food-energy network

Michael Jacobson, professor of forest resources in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to lead a three-institution team developing the “Sustainfood Network,” which links scientists, communities and policymakers to address challenges in Africa at the nexus of water, energy and food security.