In brief: Did Europeans know the 1918 flu was a pandemic in 1918?
| psu.edu
John Eicher, associate professor of history at Penn State Altoona, published an article on the 1918 influenza pandemic in the journal Contemporary European History. The article concludes that the average Europeans who endured the 1918 influenza pandemic had no idea it was a pandemic in real time.
Penn State mourns loss of beloved teacher and ecologist Christopher Uhl
| psu.edu
The Penn State Eberly College of Science, Department of Biology and University community are mourning the loss of Christopher F. Uhl, professor emeritus of biology, who died on Feb. 11.
Common diabetes drug helps chickens lay more eggs
| psu.edu
What do chickens and people with a common reproductive disorder have in common? More than one might think — and a widely-used diabetes medication might just be the surprising link.
Some water conservation programs may get more value by targeting rural farms
| psu.edu
Conservation programs aimed at boosting environmentally friendly practices by incentivizing farmers may get more bang for their buck by targeting rural farms rather than more urban ones, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State.
Biological physicist Réka Albert elected to National Academy of Sciences
| psu.edu
Réka Albert, Evan Pugh University Professor and professor of physics and biology at Penn State, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Albert was recognized for her work in the field of network science, mapping complex biological systems through computational modeling.
Nature and wellness unite at the Arboretum’s 'Wild Wellness' event
| psu.edu
The Arboretum at Penn State's "Wild Wellness" event on May 17 is intended to foster community while showcasing the benefits of nature in promoting mental health and overall well-being.
Unlocking profit potential: beef-on-dairy is gaining momentum
| agriculturefertilizer.farm
Crossing beef cattle with dairy cattle is nothing new, but in recent years, industry professionals have been working to help dairy farmers select beef genetics that produce profitable “beef-on-dairy” cattle. This article quotes Tara Felix, associate professor of animal science.
Satellites tracked a volcano’s secret collapse for 12 years – then it sparked a killer wave
| scitechdaily.com
Anak Krakatau’s deadly 2018 collapse was preceded by years of unnoticed ground movement, now exposed through satellite radar analysis. This article quotes Christelle Wauthier, associate professor of geosciences.
Penn State students advise researchers at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus
| psu.edu
Three Penn State undergraduate students who have been part of the University’s Sustainable Labs Program were invited to Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus in April to help make the facility’s research labs more sustainable. Ella Clobes, Gavin Maxson and Kay Smith, all members of the program’s Sustainable Lab Consultant cohort, advised researchers on how to implement changes to evaluate and improve lab efficiency and resource management.
Behrend conference showcases student design projects
| psu.edu
More than 210 students presented their capstone projects at Penn State Behrend’s Fasenmyer Engineering Design Conference. The projects included sustainable bioplastics, an AI camera system and a smartphone app that can identify human bones at forensic recovery sites.
Schreyer Honors College announces 2025 Student and Faculty Award winners
| psu.edu
Seven Scholars and two faculty members to receive the Schreyer Honors College’s 2024-25 awards.
Jin Wen named head of architectural engineering department
| psu.edu
Professor Jin Wen has been named head of Penn State’s Department of Architectural Engineering, effective Aug. 1. Wen follows Professor Jim Freihaut, who has served as interim head since January 2023. Wen will step down from her current position as interim vice dean for research, innovation and faculty advancement and professor of civil, architectural, and environmental engineering for the College of Engineering at Drexel University.