Waste heat to green energy: Approach boosts thermoelectric generator efficiency
| psu.edu
Using high-entropy materials, a team led by Penn State scientists created more efficient thermoelectric materials than previously possible, and the advancement could someday help make the technology as efficient as other renewable energy sources like solar.
Decoteau retires from College of Agricultural Sciences after impactful career
| psu.edu
Dennis Decoteau, professor emeritus of horticulture and plant ecosystem health, recently retired from Penn State after a distinguished 26-year career in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
New material prevents mineral buildup in equipment handling water-oil mixtures
| psu.edu
Penn State researchers have developed a new nanoparticle that can prevent mineral buildup in oil extraction equipment and stabilize a commonly used emulsion, or liquid mixture. This development has the potential to make the oil extraction processes more efficient and less harmful to the environment, according to the team.
$1M USDA grant to perfect weed killing method in organic crop production
| psu.edu
Weeds are a major factor limiting yield in organic vegetable and other horticultural crop systems, and the lack of effective biological weed-management solutions is a significant obstacle to the adoption of organic farming practices. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a four-year, $1 million grant to a team led by plant scientists and an economist from Penn State to investigate anaerobic soil disinfestation, a microbial-driven process to manage weeds, to support transitioning from conventional to organic production systems.
Choctaw historian to speak on Indigenous gardens at The Arboretum at Penn State
| psu.edu
The Penn State Department of Geography, in collaboration with The Arboretum at Penn State and the Indigenous Peoples’ Student Association (IPSA), will host a special "Coffee Hour" lecture on Friday, Sept. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Arboretum’s Overlook Pavilion.
Replacing 3D printing with plant-derived materials
| lewistownsentinel.com
A sustainable resin material comprising agriculturally derived components could potentially replace plastics used in large-format 3D printing, which can produce furniture, boats and other similarly sized objects, according to a team of Penn State agricultural and biological engineers.
Wastewater holds the key to early disease detection
| earth.com
Learn how wastewater surveillance is now being used to detect foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, offering a new tool in public health. This article features Penn State research.
An invasive stink bug is popping up in homes across the country — how to handle them
| audacy.com
If you’ve been celebrating the end of the mosquito season, you may be a little disappointed as a new pest is popping up around the country. This article quotes Penn State Extension expertise.
Earth beneath ice sheet key to predicting sea level rise from warming climate
| psu.edu
Findings from an international team of researchers, including those from Penn State, suggest that Earth's natural forces could substantially reduce the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and its impact on rising sea levels, but only if carbon emissions are swiftly reduced in the coming decades. By the same token, if emissions continue on the current rising trajectory, Antarctic ice loss could lead to more sea level rise in the future than previously thought, according to the researchers.
Chemistry and chemical engineering professor honored with 2024 Cottrell SEED Award
| psu.edu
Bert Chandler, professor of chemistry and chemical engineering at Penn State, is one of 11 distinguished researchers recognized by the Research Corporation for Science Advancement as a recipient of the 2024 Cottrell Plus SEED (Singular Exceptional Endeavors of Discovery) Award.
Scientists skeptical of oil and gas company’s claim that its fracking ‘poses no public health risks’
| wesa.fm
CNX says a research project it is conducting as part of a voluntary collaboration with the state of Pennsylvania has found no health risks near its operations, but scientists remain skeptical. This article quotes Jennifer Baka, associate professor of geography.
Dry weather bringing vibrant, early fall color to Pittsburgh area
| post-gazette.com
Fall foliage is already bursting with color in portions of the Laurel Highlands, running two weeks early. Vivid fall colors are forecasted to run earlier and not last as long in most areas of the state, foresters said this week. This article quotes Brian Wolyniak, urban and community forestry educator with Penn State Extension.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is abundant and stable, making it difficult to convert into something useful without a lot of energy. Researchers are using advanced computational modeling to find a catalyst that can efficiently transform CO2 into valuable products. This could turn CO2 from a climate issue into a valuable resource. Listen to the podcast.
Join Our Mailing List
IEE publishes a weekly email newsletter and event guide during most of the year containing featured news stories, events, and other announcements.