NCEMS working groups to answer molecular and cellular bioscience questions
| psu.edu
The U.S. National Science Foundation National Synthesis Center for Emergence in the Molecular and Cellular Sciences at Penn State recently formed 10 initial working groups, which will conduct research in accordance with open science principles, producing peer-reviewed articles, public datasets, reproducible workflows and other forms of openly shared knowledge to advance molecular sciences.
‘Patchy’ thermogels show next-gen biomedical material potential, scientists say
| psu.edu
Special biomedical materials that can be injected as a liquid and turn into a solid inside our bodies — called thermogels — could provide a less-invasive way to deliver drugs or treat wounds. Scientists at Penn State have developed a new design for these materials that further improves their properties and may hold particular promise for use in tissue regeneration, the researchers said.
Penn State Berks to host Earth Day event, tree planting, City Nature Challenge
| psu.edu
Spring has sprung at Penn State Berks, and the college’s Sustainability Council will host its annual Earth Day celebration on Monday, April 21. Later that week, on April 23, the Sustainability Council will plant trees donated by PepsiCo in the student commuter parking lot. Then, Penn State Berks will host an event with Berks County's Parks and Recreation Department as part of the City Nature Challenge on Sunday, April 27.
Penn State Schuylkill biologist recognized as a PERC Campus Sustainability Champion
| psu.edu
The Pennsylvania Environmental Resource Consortium (PERC) has named Mary Ann Smith, lecturer of biology at Penn State Schuylkill, as a 2025 Campus Sustainability Champion. This prestigious award honors individuals in Pennsylvania’s higher education community who have made significant contributions to environmental, social and economic sustainability.
Even sublethal insecticide dose may disrupt pollinator mating process
| psu.edu
Insecticides can help protect crops against troublesome pests, but they also pose a risk for beneficial insects such as pollinators. A new study led by researchers at Penn State provided insight into how even sublethal doses of insecticides can negatively affect pollinators by disrupting the mating process.
Complete genome sequences of six ape species unveiled
| psu.edu
Differences among the DNA of seven ape species — including humans — are greater than originally thought, according to a new study by an international team led by researchers at Penn State, the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the University of Washington.
Penn State Scranton students are ‘planting the moon’ in research challenge
| psu.edu
Penn State Scranton’s Associate Professor of Biology and Biology and Science Program Coordinator Megan Van Etten and five students are working to find out what crops will grow best in space as part of the "Plant the Moon Challenge." They will present their work at the campus’ Undergraduate Research Fair and Exhibition today (April 9) and submit their final report to the national challenge on April 13.
Q&A: Can artificial intelligence growth and sustainability go hand in hand?
| psu.edu
As AI expands, so does its environmental footprint, from high energy use to e-waste. But with efficient models, greener infrastructure and smarter design, the tech industry can curb its impact and improve its sustainability.
Underused radar data may improve severe weather forecasts, scientists say
| psu.edu
Readily available but underused Doppler radar data can help predict the height of the planetary boundary layer — the lowest part of the atmosphere and where weather forms — and, in turn, improve severe weather forecasts, according to scientists at Penn State.
Feeding dairy cows whole cottonseed byproduct boosts milk fat, researchers find
| psu.edu
Despite U.S. per capita-milk consumption falling significantly in recent decades, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultural, Americans are consuming a record amount of dairy in butter and cheese — products made from milk fat. In a new study, a team led by researchers at Penn State demonstrated that supplementing dairy cattle feed with 15% whole cottonseed, a byproduct of processing cotton for fiber, can increase milk fat concentration and yield.
The world is heating up. How much can our bodies handle?
| grist.org
For 12 years, scientists thought they knew how much extreme heat human bodies could cope with. New research shows how wrong they were. This article mentions Penn State research.
Why AI uses so much energy—and what we can do about it
| by Mahmut Kandemir
From powering massive data centers to generating e-waste, AI’s environmental footprint is growing fast. In this Q&A, a computer scientist explains how smarter design, better infrastructure, and interdisciplinary research can help reduce AI’s impact while advancing innovation.