At least 8,500 U.S. schools at greater risk of measles outbreaks
| msn.com
The falling school-age vaccination rates are alarming scientists and doctors across the country, many of whom are concerned more people could be at risk of being infected with measles. Earlier this month, cases were identified in Philadelphia, and 82 children in Ohio contracted measles in 2022. This article, originally published by CBS News, quotes Matthew Ferrari, professor of biology and director of Penn State's Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics.
EarthTalks: Urban development effect on weather, climate change vulnerability
| psu.edu
Melissa Allen-Dumas, research scientist in the Computational Sciences and Engineering Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will give the talk “Urban Morphological Feature Inputs in Numerical Weather Predictions” at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5, in 112 Walker Building on the University Park campus.
Journey in glass takes EMS doctoral student to Japan
| psu.edu
Katelyn Kirchner, a doctoral candidate at Penn State studying with John Mauro, the Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, is using thin films to better understand the properties of glass. Her research journey took her to Japan, where she spent seven months studying disordered silica thin films.
Aspiring natural resource professionals showcase skills in Dendro Cup contest
| psu.edu
On a brisk afternoon in December, students in a forestry course in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences ventured into a wooded field on the University Park campus, eager to discover woody plant specimens and claim bragging rights in the second annual Dendro Cup competition. Designed by instructors Eric Burkhart and Calvin Norman, the competition evaluates the expertise gained by students in the morning and afternoon sections of their fall semester field dendrology course.
Penn State delegation: Reflection on COP28
| by Olivia McMahon, Esther Obonyo, Mark Ortiz, Brandi Robinson, Vikrant Sapkota, Erica Smithwick
A six-person Penn State delegation traveled to Dubai for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's COP28. A month after the event, the delegation reflects on COP28, what was important, and what the future may bring.
$4M grant funds project to make robotic prostheses more like biological limbs
| psu.edu
Prosthetic hands that incorporate robotics can perform dexterous self-care tasks, but they are often hard to operate, requiring a user’s constant attention with a limited number of hand functions. With a five-year, $4 million U.S. National Science Foundation grant, Penn State researchers aim to make robotic protheses more useful for people living with amputations.
What is herd immunity and why does it matter?
| cbsnews.com
Penn State University professor of biology and infectious diseases Dr. Matt Ferrari explains how herd immunity works.
Why is a 95% vaccination rate so important?
| cbsnews.com
Penn State University professor of biology and infectious diseases Dr. Matt Ferrari explains why a difference of a few points in the vaccination rate can greatly increase the risk of a measles outbreak.
San Diego's flooding shows the toll of climate change on low-income communities
Many communities affected most by San Diego's flooding were low-income, with a majority of Latino and Black residents. The impact highlights the inequality in public investment for climate resiliency. This article and National Public Radio segment quotes Gregory Jenkins, professor of meteorology and atmospheric science, geography and African studies. It was also aired by nearly 100 local stations across the country, including WHYY in Philadelphia and WESA in Pittsburgh.
New exhibit will explore ways to create a more sustainable campus environment
| psu.edu
With goals of educating students about sustainability and creating a more sustainable campus environment, the Student Sustainability Council in the Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences is developing a new museum series highlighting sustainability efforts taking place in the college.
Evolutionary origin of mysterious immune system molecule in humans revealed
| psu.edu
The human immune system appears to have evolutionarily co-opted a molecule from another biological process, according to a multi-institute collaboration that includes Penn State's Associate Research Professor of Anthropology Kazuhiko Kawasaki. They published their findings, which could have implications for the design of future therapeutics like personalized immune responses, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
2024 Online Data Summit set for Feb. 28-29
| psu.edu
The 2024 Penn State Data Summit from the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research will inlcude two free half-day sessions from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Feb. 28-29. This year's theme is “Illuminating Pathways to Insight and Action."
The global push to involve youth in climate action is gaining momentum, harnessing their innovative spirit, deep investment in the future, and strong collective voice to combat climate change. Getting young people involved ensures that climate policies are forward-thinking and geared towards sustainable development, while their global solidarity and use of digital platforms amplify the call for urgent action. At the forefront of this movement, Penn State's Global Youth Storytelling and Research Lab aims to become a pivotal transnational research hub, empowering young leaders to shape the future of climate and environmental justice. Listen to the podcast.
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