Computers help researchers find materials to turn solar power into hydrogen
| news.psu.edu
A Penn State-led team of researchers report they have taken a step toward overcoming the challenge of inexpensive hydrogen production by using supercomputers to find materials to help accelerate hydrogen separation when water is exposed to light, a process called photocatalysis.
With Ford's electric F-150 pickup, the EV transition shifts into high gear
| theconversation.com
Ford’s electric F-150 pickup won’t roll off assembly lines until early 2022, but the company has received thousands of preorders already for a vehicle aimed at the mass market, not eco-buyers.
New flooding risk tool developed for the state of Pennsylvania
| news.psu.edu
A new flood risk tool for the state of Pennsylvania that allows users to see their flood risk status using the latest flood mapping data from FEMA was developed by Penn State and its partners.
New engineering faculty to study structural materials in extreme environments
| psu.edu
Yang Yang, a researcher in the field of structural materials and electron microscopy, joined the Penn State Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics as an assistant professor on June 1. As a part of Yang’s appointment, he will also serve as a faculty member in the Materials Research Institute.
Snapshot USA: First-ever nationwide mammal survey now published
| news.psu.edu
In 2019, researchers from all 50 states and the District of Columbia participated in the first nationwide mammal survey using standardized methods and a common data repository. This unprecedented and inaugural partnership provides novel insight into wildlife distribution and behavior across the entire country.
Novel study looks at nitrogen credit trading to spur growth of riparian buffers
| news.psu.edu
Watershedwide nutrient credit trading has been suggested as a mechanism for reducing pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay, but a new study by Penn State researchers suggests that the high cost of producing nitrogen credits through the establishment of riparian buffers on Pennsylvania farmland currently does not provide an incentive for buffer establishment.
Climate change a bigger threat to landscape biodiversity than emerald ash borer
| news.psu.edu
The invasive emerald ash borer will continue to impact forests in the eastern and midwestern parts of the United States, but climate change will have a much larger and widespread impact on these landscapes by the year 2100, according to researchers.
Innovative batteries put flying cars on the horizon
| news.psu.edu
Jet packs, robot maids and flying cars were all promises for the 21st century. We got mechanized, autonomous vacuum cleaners instead. Now a team of Penn State researchers are exploring the requirements for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles and designing and testing potential battery power sources.
Pennsylvania releases new mapping tool to show flood risk
| fema.gov
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania released a new mobile tool, https://pafloodrisk.psu.edu/home/index.html, that provides the latest flood mapping information. The new mapping tool, which can be used from a desktop computer, cell phone, or other mobile device, brings together data from FEMA and across the Commonwealth into one consolidated application.
PlantVillage team lauded for projects to protect food supply amid COVID, locusts
| news.psu.edu
Penn State researchers responsible for PlantVillage, a mobile app that helps farmers diagnose crop diseases and monitor pests, have been lauded for their work to help African farmers overcome challenges related to desert locusts and COVID-19.
Biological engineering student selected for Cargill Global Scholars Program
| psu.edu
Rising second-year biological engineering major Vancie Peacock was selected to be part of the Cargill Global Scholars Program, an international leadership program sponsored by global food corporation Cargill.
Penn State biologist and colleagues receive $4M to identify heat-tolerant corals
| news.psu.edu
An international team that includes Penn State biologist Iliana Baums has been awarded a $4 million grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation to identify corals that are naturally resilient to climate change. This is one of four newly funded projects supported by the foundation that are focused on the conservation and restoration of coral reefs in the context of the climate crisis.
Storing carbon dioxide underground could offset the record amounts of CO2 that humans emit each year. If this technology is successful, it could be an answer to climate change impacts, such as rising temperatures and acidification of the ocean. However, the process is complex and costly. A team of researchers is exploring one way liquid CO2 could be injected into rock formations, which may efficiently convert the molecule into a solid. Listen to the podcast.
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