Penn State Energy and Environment News

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.

Revealing invisible educational opportunities through CT scanning

| psu.edu

From Penn State students to industry professionals, the Center for Quantitative Imaging provides training on CT scanning equipment, techniques and software.

Are spotted lanternflies on the decline in Western Pennsylvania?

| triblive.com

Spotted lanternflies are still a pest in Western Pennsylvania, but populations are trending lower in certain regions. This article quotes Sandy Feather, educator with Penn State Extension.

Cows face the hot new reality of climate change

| bostonglobe.com

A N.H. dairy farm finds new ways to deal with the animals that contribute to the problem, but also suffer from it. This article quotes Alexander Hristov, Distinguished Professor of Dairy Nutrition.

Planting a seed in your garden can help counter climate change

| msn.com

Here’s a way you can help protect the U.S. food system from pests, disease and climate change. All you have to do is plant a seed. This article quotes Karl Zimmerer, professor of environment and society geography.

Three in four crop varieties have gone extinct. You can save the rest in your garden.

| washingtonpost.com

A citizen science project gives gardeners the chance to preserve heirloom crops that could be resistant to disease, pests and climate change. This article quotes Karl Zimmerer, professor of geography, ecology and rural sociology.

Gov. Josh Shapiro visits Penn State to promote grants funding sustainable farming

| alleghenyfront.org

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program will begin accepting applications on September 30.