News
Sep 07, 2021
New tool reveals genetic influence of some sex-biased diseases, including lupus
Many human diseases can differ between males and females in their prevalence, manifestation, severity or age of onset. Examples include Lupus, where more than 80% of patients are females; Alzheimer’s disease, where females have higher incidence and tend to suffer quicker cognitive decline; and COVID-19 infections that are frequently more severe in males.
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Sep 01, 2021
Penn State centers collaborate on pollinator education project
A recently awarded USDA grant will allow CPR researchers and Center for Science and the Schools partners to partner with elementary school teachers in Pennsylvania to develop cross-disciplinary curricula that support students in understanding pollinator research in the areas of food, agriculture and natural resources.
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Aug 30, 2021
Staying home, primary care, and limiting contagion hubs may curb COVID-19 deaths
Staying home and limiting local travel, supporting access to primary care, and limiting contacts in contagion hubs — including hospitals, schools, and workplaces — are strategies that might help reduce COVID-19-related deaths, according to new research.
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Aug 26, 2021
Researchers use stem cells to make insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells
The human body can be genetically inclined to attack its own cells, destroying the beta cells in the pancreas that make insulin, which helps convert sugar into energy. Called Type 1 diabetes, this disorder can occur at any age and can be fatal if not carefully managed with insulin shots or an insulin pump to balance the body’s sugar levels.
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Aug 25, 2021
HGSAC Chair Thanked as Term Wraps Up
Outgoing Graduate Adviser to the Huck Institutes Maria Isabel da Silva was recognized by the Executive Board for her leadership during the COVID-hit 2020-21 Academic Year.
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Aug 25, 2021
New sensor can detect valuable rare earth element in non-traditional sources
A new luminescent sensor can detect terbium, a valuable rare earth element, from complex environmental samples like acid mine waste. The sensor, developed by researchers at Penn State, takes advantage of a protein that very specifically binds to rare earth elements and could be harnessed to help develop a domestic supply of these metals, which are used in technologies such as smart phones, electric car batteries, and energy efficient lighting.
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Aug 24, 2021
Introducing our new Insect Biodiversity Center Education Specialist!
The IBC is expanding! Please join us in welcoming our newest member, Heather Desorcie, who will be linking IBC outreach efforts with the arboretum and other nature learning centers across Centre County.
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Aug 23, 2021
Here and Now: Hayes Ready to Lead Center of Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology into the Next Phase of Impact
Dan Hayes, Ph.D., replaced Andrew Zydney, Ph.D., as the Center of Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology's Director.
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Aug 23, 2021
Will COVID-19 become a mostly childhood disease?
Within the next few years, as the SARS-CoV-2 virus becomes endemic in the global population, COVID-19 may behave like other common-cold coronaviruses, affecting mostly young children who have not yet been vaccinated or exposed to the virus, according to new modeling results. Because COVID-19 severity is generally lower among children, the overall burden from this disease is expected to decline.
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Aug 19, 2021
Researchers help track the growth of ginseng forest farming in Pennsylvania
There is good and bad news about ginseng collection and production in Pennsylvania, and likely much of Appalachia, according to a new study conducted by Penn State researchers.
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