Penn State Energy and Environment News

Research Support Transformation Project moves forward, feedback solicited

| psu.edu

Over the past several months, the Research Support Transformation Project core team and its executive sponsors have been documenting and analyzing current processes and engaging stakeholders, including faculty and staff members, through a series of interviews to learn about their experiences. Now, they are sharing progress to date and inviting all faculty and staff members to provide input to help inform the project’s future directions. 

Listen to your gut: Using microbiota analysis for precision health care

| psu.edu

Penn State News spoke to Professor Pak Kin Wong about his recently published paper that discusses the methods available for incorporating microbiota analysis into clinical decision-making, the challenges of doing so and the need for new technologies to capitalize on the potential of microbiota’s role in medicine. 

Landlines are dying out. But to some, they’re a lifeline.

| malaysia.news.yahoo.com

In a small town at the foothills of Mount Rainier, about 45 miles southeast of Seattle, the views are epic, but the cell reception is spotty. Susan Reiter has had a landline in her Enumclaw, Wash., home since 1978. This article, originally published by the Washington Post, quotes Robert Frieden, professor emeritus of telecommunications and law.

Can you develop allergies later in life? Sadly, yes-here's how to deal

| self.com

Here'€™s how to tell if pollen is your enemy now €”and what to do about it. This article quotes Timothy Craig, professor of medicine and pediatrics.

Opportunity: Call for submissions for Penn State Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Symposium

Now being accepted: Abstract submissions for presentations for the 26th annual Penn State Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Symposium (PIERS), formerly the Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology Student Symposium (ECMSS), which is being held on April 5 and 6, 2024.  The final abstract deadline is March 29th, 2024 at 5:00pm ET.

Poll: Storms, heat, drought, floods and wildfires all common experiences in 2023

| mprnews.org

Two-thirds of American adults indicate they experienced at least one of five major weather events in 2023, according to the McCourtney Institute for Democracy’s latest Mood of the Nation Poll. Severe storms led the list, with 45 percent indicating they lived in storm-impacted communities. This article mentions Penn State research.

Ross Student Farm hosts viewing of documentary 'Farming While Black' on March 26

| psu.edu

The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm is hosting a March 26 viewing of the feature-length documentary film, "Farming While Black." The film examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the U.S. and discusses the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership of land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots. 

Two keys needed to crack three locks for better engineered blood vessels

| psu.edu

A team led by Xiaojun “Lance” Lian, associate professor of biomedical engineering and of biology at Penn State, discovered two proteins that differentiate stem cells into the components of blood vessels. The finding, published in Stem Cell Reports, has implications for drug testing and other clinical applications.

Penn State to host second annual Sustainability Summit

| psu.edu

Penn State Sustainability and the University Park Undergraduate Association are partnering again to gather students and others together in visioning and planning for a more sustainable Penn State at the second annual Sustainability Summit from 3 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 1, in Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Margaret Klein Salamon, a clinical psychologist and executive director of the Climate Emergency Fund, will provide the summit’s opening keynote.

These researchers are digging into the understudied science of roots

| smithsonianmag.com

After centuries of neglect, botanists are using new techniques to understand roots. This article quotes Jonathan Lynch, distinguished professor of plant science.

Penn State takes next step in Hammond Building demolition, Sackett Building renovations

| radio.wpsu.org

The State College Planning Commission heard the final university plans for the demolition of the Hammond Building and future Sackett Building renovations.

Wilkes-Barre faculty member receives Geospatial Professor of the Year award

| psu.edu

Dimitrios Bolkas, associate professor of surveying engineering at Penn State Wilkes-Barre, received a leadership award during an industry conference for his work with virtual reality. Bolkas, who is the coordinator of the surveying engineering program at the campus, was presented with the Younger Geospatial Professional award during the Geo Week conference in Denver, Colorado.