Proposed all-climate battery design could unlock stability in extreme temps
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Despite lithium-ion batteries’ role as one of the most widely used forms of energy storage, they struggle to operate at full power in low temperatures and sometimes even explode at high temperatures. Researchers at Penn State, however, have proposed a novel design that could hold the key to effective and stable power storage in a variety of climates.
Nov. 12 seminar to spotlight sources, perceptions of environmental information
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Shotaro Nakamura, an assistant professor of agricultural economics at Penn State, will deliver a free talk titled "Beliefs, Signal Quality, and Information Sources: Experimental Evidence on Air Quality in Pakistan" at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 12, in 157 Hosler Building on the University Park campus. The talk is hosted by the Initiative for Energy and Environmental Economics and Policy.
Ice Age trees helped stabilize Earth's atmosphere by suffocating
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Ancient trees may have played a key role in regulating Earth’s climate during the last ice age — by breathing less efficiently. Researchers made the finding by examining chemical fingerprints in subfossil wood, or preserved trees, from across North America to understand how plants responded to the low carbon dioxide levels and cooler temperatures of the last glacial period.
Penn State research town hall highlights growth and strategic focus
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Penn State’s research enterprise continues to grow, despite continued shifts in the federal funding landscape, Senior Vice President for Research Andrew Read said during a conversation with the Penn State community on Nov. 3.
World leader in AI and antibiotic discovery to deliver lecture at Penn State
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César de la Fuente, Presidential Associate Professor and leader of the Machine Biology Group at University of Pennsylvania, will speak at 11 a.m. on Dec. 5 in Foster Auditorium in the Paterno Library at Penn State University Park. Registration is required in advance.
Second species of wild ramps discovered, solving long-standing debate
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There’s a long-standing debate in the wild ramp community, with one faction arguing that there is only one species of the plant, while others maintain there are up to four species. Now, a team led by researchers at Penn State Beaver have provided the first genetic evidence supporting a second species of ramps.
Penn State New Kensington engineering students to present on climate resilience
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Engineering students at Penn State New Kensington are applying research and practical tools to develop solutions for climate-related challenges in electric power systems. Their final projects will be presented on Monday, Dec. 8, at the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Design Symposium in the campus Art Gallery.
Novel technique reveals insights into soil microbe alarm clock
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A novel technique developed by researchers at Penn State has revealed that activity matters more than abundancy for which soil microbes can help plants with nutrient uptake and disease resistance.
EarthTalks: Data illuminates ore containing critical minerals
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Associate Professor Jesse Reimink will discuss critical mineral deposits found in certain ore-grade concentrations. His presentation is part of the fall EarthTalks series put on by the Earth and Environmental Systems Institute.
Graduate students to share research at Coffee Hour on Nov. 7
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Suraiya Parvin and Naser Lessani, two doctoral candidates in Penn State’s Department of Geography, will deliver research talks as part of the department’s Graduate Student Coffee Hour series at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7.
Fermentation waste used to make natural fabric
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A pilot-scale production run and product lifecycle analysis revealed that fiber made from fermentation waste is stronger and cheaper than wool and uses far fewer resources than traditional fibers.
Center for Biodevices expands scope for higher impact
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Since its inception in 2020, the Center for Biodevices has united Penn State’s interdisciplinary research in engineering, science and medicine, accelerating innovation by creating a dynamic community focusing on the advancement of biodevices across the medical field. Recently named the director of the Center for Biodevices, Scott Medina, William and Wendy Korb Early Career Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, is expanding the center’s impact beyond medicine to encompass agricultural and environmental applications.