News

Interim associate vice president for research named

Phillip Savage, currently the head of Penn State Department of Chemical Engineering in the College of Engineering, has been named interim associate vice president for research and director of strategic initiatives in the Penn State Office of the Senior Vice President for Research (OSVPR), effective Aug. 22.

Nature-inspired protein creates stretchable, composite layered materials

Using biomimetic proteins patterned on squid ring teeth, circular appendages on the tentacles of squid that are used to grasp prey, researchers have created composite, layered 2D materials that are resistant to breaking and extremely stretchable.

Seed grants to fund projects that tackle huge scientific, societal challenges

Penn State’s Institute for Computational and Data Sciences announce 2022 seed grant awardees

James Wang earns fourth consecutive Amazon Research Award

James Wang, distinguished professor in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology, is the recipient of an Amazon Research Award for the fourth consecutive year.

Torrey pine genetic research may benefit efforts to save chestnut, ash trees

A new genomic study of the rarest pine tree in the world, the Torrey pine, aimed at bolstering the case for a genetic rescue of the species barely surviving in the western U.S., revealed the complexity and risk associated with the endeavor. However, a tree geneticist at Penn State who oversaw the research suggests it may benefit efforts she is involved in to save other species in the East.

Predictive model uses gut microbes to forecast human diseases, health outcomes

A new approach that uses artificial intelligence (AI) shows how to use microorganisms in the body and molecules in cells to predict human health outcomes, according to Penn State College of Medicine and University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center researchers. They say it could improve the accuracy of predicting the development of human diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes.

Agricultural engineers design early step for robotic, green-fruit thinning

Penn State agricultural engineers have developed, for the first time, a prototype “end-effector” capable of deftly removing unwanted apples from trees — the first step toward robotic, green-fruit thinning.

Rebecca Bascom has big plans as new lead of IEE's Health and Environment theme

Accelerating changes to climate and its impact on human health create a renewed urgency for a University-level response that addresses the connections between health and the environment. Among the many areas of development is the Health and the Environment theme of the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE).

Water community introduces new council members, director of research

The emerging Penn State Water Consortium announced personnel updates to the Penn State Water Council and the addition of a director of research.

Rasgon named Huck Chair of Disease Epidemiology and Biotechnology

Jason Rasgon, professor of entomology and disease epidemiology, has been named Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Disease Epidemiology and Biotechnology.