What a bumble bee chooses to eat may not match ideal diet
| psu.edu
Humans may not be the only species that struggles to eat the right amounts of the ideal foods. A new study led by researchers at Penn State suggests that what bumble bees choose to eat may not line up with their ideal nutritional needs.
Scientists find gut microbes that are PFAS sponges
| npr.org
New research shows that certain bacteria in the microbiome soak up "forever chemicals," or PFAS. The findings raise the possibility that probiotics could help remove some PFAS from our bodies. This podcast episode features an interview with Andrew Patterson, professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences.
Growing Impact: Climate change, extreme heat, and infant health
| Featuring Ruohao Zhang, Kristin Sznajder
Heat significantly affects pregnant women and infants, increasing risks like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and developmental issues in children. Expectant mothers are more vulnerable due to physiological changes, while infants face heightened danger because of immature temperature regulation. These challenges are further intensified for families with limited resources. Researchers are investigating these impacts to provide lawmakers with the knowledge needed to create protective measures for these at-risk groups.
Home electrification and increased production of renewables are the goals, but challenges with infrastructure, policy and markets complicate the green transition
| gridphilly.com
Electrification is catching on. But the International Energy Agency cautions that for electrification to make any dent in global carbon dioxide emissions, energy generation needs to shift to low-carbon sources. This article quotes two IEE faculty members: Seth Blumsack, professor of energy & mineral engineering, and Hannah Wiseman, professor of law at Penn State Law.
Early brain and child development study data now available
| psu.edu
The first wave of data Penn State's HEALthy Brain and Child Development study is now available to researchers interested in addressing a wide-range of questions, including how environments and substances impact infant and child development.
ARISE program provides hands-on training to aspiring anthropologists
| psu.edu
Twenty-five students from universities throughout the country were selected to participate in this year's ARISE program hosted by Penn State's Department of Anthropology.
Grove Center for Excellence in Science Education director retires after 34 years
| psu.edu
In 1984, Jackie Bortiatynski began graduate school at Penn State in a cohort of 40 with only nine women, including herself, and graduated with a doctoral degree in chemistry in 1990. Now, after 34 years of serving Penn State and the Eberly College of Science, the director of Cada R. and Susan Wynn Grove Center for Excellence in Science Education will begin the next phase in her journey — retirement.
Semiconductor, photonics workshop celebrates institutional, industry ties
| psu.edu
The Penn State Department of Electrical Engineering recently hosted the 2025 Semiconductor Technologies and Photonics Workshop, bringing together experts from industry and academia to collaborate and share research and developments in the technologies found at the core of devices like smartphones, computers and radar systems.
Q&A: Can chemical manufacturing become more sustainable?
| psu.edu
Ezra Clark, the Thomas K. Hepler Early Career Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering in the Penn State College of Engineering, was selected to receive $600,000 over four years as a Beckman Young Investigator. He will investigate unconventional ways of performing specific chemical reactions that play a critical role in producing a wide array of the commodity and fine chemicals needed to manufacture everything from plastics to pharmaceuticals.
Mechanical engineering grad student selected as Fulbright scholar for Chile
| psu.edu
Sarah Chekan, a master’s student in mechanical engineering in the Penn State College of Engineering, was selected for the 2025-26 U.S. Fulbright Student Research/Study Program. She will conduct research within the Advanced Center for Electrical and Electronic Engineering on integrating renewable energy into existing power grids in Chile.
Ukrainian scholars reconnect during virtual reunion hosted by Penn State
| psu.edu
As Ukraine works to secure its agricultural future, a growing network of Ukrainian scholars, past and present, recently reconnected virtually to share progress, explore collaboration, and strengthen ties between Penn State and Ukrainian institutions.
CRISPR to help protect citrus industry
| research.psu.edu
A diagnostic test developed by Penn State and USDA scientists could offer a much-needed breakthrough in the fight against citrus greening — a disease that has already cost growers billions of dollars in lost crops and revenue.