Penn State Energy and Environment News

Bottled water contains thousands of nanoplastics so small they can invade the body’s cells, study says

| edition.cnn.com

In a trailblazing new study, researchers have discovered bottled water sold in stores can contain 10 to 100 times more bits of plastic than previously estimated — nanoparticles so infinitesimally tiny they cannot be seen under a microscope. This article quotes Sherri Mason, associate research professor and director of sustainability at Penn State Behrend.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy to be honored with events at Penn State

| psu.edu

Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 15, the following week and throughout the month with events at several Penn State campuses.

EESI EarthTalks spring 2024 seminar series to focus on urban systems science

| psu.edu

The Earth and Environmental Systems Institute EarthTalks spring 2024 series, “Urban Systems Science,” will explore complex urban systems including interactions between tightly connected human and natural systems both within city boundaries and between cities and the surrounding rural environment. The seminars are scheduled for 4 p.m. on Mondays in 112 Walker Building.

Dropping parking minimums the focus of Jan. 17 land-use webinar

| psu.edu

A Jan. 17 Penn State Extension land-use webinar, “A Case for Communities to Drop Parking Minimums,” will present the experiences of three communities of different sizes that have eliminated parking minimums downtown or throughout the community.

Clinical and Translational Science Institute announces biostatistics seminars

| psu.edu

Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute announces its Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Research Design (BERD) Research Methods Seminar Series schedule for the spring semester. The series features lectures on fundamental research methods in the fall semester and covers more advanced topics in the spring semester.

Office of Rural Health's strategic plan outlines support for rural Pennsylvania

| psu.edu

The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health recently launched its 2024-27 Strategic Plan, which serves as the framework for enhancing the health status of rural Pennsylvanians and ensuring that rural residents have access to high quality, affordable health care.

BR+A establishes architectural engineering memorial scholarship

| psu.edu

The legacy of Eugene "Gene" Bard, a 1968 Penn State architectural engineering alumnus, will live on through a new scholarship, established in his memory by BR+A Consulting Engineers.

Penn State CHANCE Greece program now accepting student applicants

| psu.edu

Penn State CHANCE — Connecting Humans And Nature through Conservation Experiences — is offering students hands-on research experience in Greece this spring. Students will study, develop solutions to reduce plastic pollution in Aegean Sea.

Nominations for University Staff Advisory Council awards now open

| psu.edu

Nominations are being accepted through March 1 for the University Staff Advisory Council's three annual Staff Recognition Awards.

Historically warm temps and record low snowfall: Philly’s weather in 2023

| whyy.org

Scientists say human-caused climate change and El Niño contributed to a record warm year globally. This article quotes Gregory Jenkins, professor of meteorology and atmospheric science, geography and African studies.

Extreme weather has long-term health consequences

| scientificamerican.com

Authorities must take proactive measures to mitigate the damaging effects of extreme weather and climate events on long-term health. This op-ed was written by Asher Rosinger, associate professor of biobehavioral health.

Simplifying Complexity: Predicting power grid failure

| omny.fm

In this podcast episode, Seth Blumsack discusses why blackouts are so difficult to understand and whether or not it's possible to model them. Seth is a Professor of Energy Policy and Economics and International Affairs in the Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State.