Penn State Energy and Environment News

Honey bees may play key role in spreading viruses to wild bumble bees

| psu.edu

Honey bees may play a role in increasing virus levels in wild bumble bees each spring, according to researchers at Penn State who analyzed seasonal trends of parasite and virus transmission in bees. 

Lab Bench to Commercialization Grant Program accepting 2024-25 proposals

| psu.edu

The Penn State Eberly College of Science’s Lab Bench to Commercialization Grant Program is now accepting applications for its 2024-25 funding cycle. The program provides competitive funds for college researchers and their collaborators to explore translation of their research, for example by testing a novel idea and generating a proof of concept. 

USDA grant to fund robotic precision pesticide sprayer development

| psu.edu

Pesticides reduce crop loss, helping to stabilize production, but excessive use of pesticides has brought huge negative impacts to the environment and human health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. To address the problem, a team of Penn State researchers is developing a robotic precision pesticide sprayer capable of targeted application while minimizing unintended exposure.

Stormwater runoff not an issue in solar fields with proper management, study finds

| stateimpact.npr.org

Researchers measured soil moisture at two solar fields near State College that are built on hillsides. This article quotes Lauren McPhillips, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering.

Bug spray won't protect you from itchy mite bites linked to cicada invasion. Here's what to do instead

| nbcchicago.com

The oak itch mites in Illinois are much worse compared to years past, thanks to the massive cicada emergence earlier this year. And they aren’t going anywhere just yet. This article quotes Penn State Extension expertise.

Wet-bulb temperature: What is it, and how is it linked to human survival in extreme heat?

| livescience.com

Scientists use "wet-bulb temperature" to gauge how extreme heat affects the body. But what is it? This article quotes Kathleen Fisher, doctoral student in exercise physiology.

How a Penn State resource is empowering international enterprise

| happyvalleyindustry.com

With an expertise in interdisciplinary research, the nation-leading Penn State Materials Research Institute works to solve complex problems.

Climate change, cities, and net-zero emission buildings

| by Rahman Azari

Despite their small geographical footprints, cities incorporate a high density of buildings and great concentration of urban residents, making them the hotspots of resource and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Long-form audio documentary about dairy farming set for high-profile debut

| psu.edu

An audio documentary about dairy farming produced by Penn State alumnus Cade Miller as part of the News Lab at Penn State air at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 25 on the “Inside Appalachia” podcast produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Nominations sought for award recognizing pioneering materials research

| psu.edu

The Materials Research Institute at Penn State is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Rustum and Della Roy Innovation in Materials Research Awards.

Applied Research Laboratory receives national recognition for internship program

| psu.edu

The Student Opportunities in Applied Research program at Penn State Applied Research Laboratory was recently selected as one of the nation’s top 100 internship programs by Yello and Wayup as part of the National Intern Day program.

Complex, hidden landscape mapped a mile under greenland ice

| scientificamerican.com

Scientists have been trying for decades to uncover the true geology of Greenland, an island one-third the size of Australia and almost entirely concealed under mile-deep ice sheets. This article quotes Sridhar Anandakrishnan, professor of geosciences.