Loerch retires as senior associate dean in College of Agricultural Sciences
| psu.edu
Steven Loerch forged an illustrious career as a land-grant animal scientist, teacher, extension specialist and administrator spanning more than four decades. He reflected on his experiences as he approached his retirement as senior associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences, effective Dec. 31.
Addressing wicked environmental problems through engaging stakeholders
| by Kathryn Brasier
Complex environmental problems—such as climate change, excess nutrients in waterways, and droughts and wildfires—require collaborative approaches that seek to engage multiple stakeholders in defining and addressing the causes and consequences versus past techniques that pushed top-down solutions.
Poor hydration may be linked to early aging and chronic disease, a 25-year study finds
| nbcnews.com
Findings from the National Institutes of Health suggest that people who don't drink enough fluids could face a higher risk of disease, but some researchers aren't convinced. This article quotes Asher Rosinger, Ann Atherton Hertzler Early Career Professor in Global Health.
Growing Impact: Cleaner community air
| Featuring Natasha Miles, Jennifer Baka, Lisa Iulo
A lot of our lives is impacted by the air we breathe, both inside and outside. And where we live is an important factor in this equation. For those living in the Pittsburgh area, it is likely that they could be impacted by poor air quality related to large industrial sites that dot the western Pennsylvania landscape. To better understand the air quality concerns of this region and how it's impacted by complex terrain, a team of interdisciplinary researchers is working closely with communities and organizations in the region to explore what concerns exist and how they might be addressed.
This group of ‘science moms’ is working to make a cleaner, better future for their children: ‘Moms have superpowers’
| msn.com
"Moms don’t shy away from the work that needs to be done because we’re passionate about our children." This group of ‘science moms’ is working to make a cleaner, better future for their children: ‘Moms have superpowers’ first appeared on The Cool Down. This article quotes Erica Smithwick, professor of geography.
2022 has been one of Philly’s warmest years on record
| whyy.org
“This is the new normal,” one expert said. “And that should be alarming.” This article quotes Gregory Jenkins, Professor, Meteorology and Atmospheric Science.
Penn State engineers optimizing water purification system for the U.S. Marines
| happyvalleyindustry.com
Thanks to a $570,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research, Penn State engineers are conducting research to develop a mobile desalination system for the U.S. Marines. Ultimately this research may lead to durable, high-performance, emergency water purification for everyone.
What happens to all those unsold Christmas trees? A look at their afterlives
| usatoday.com
Some Christmas trees go unsold and some find a temporary cozy home. But, the same thing happens to virtually all Christmas trees after Christmas. This article quotes Richard Bates, professor of horticulture, and was also published by dozens of regional outlets.
5 scientific breakthroughs in 2022 that should give you hope for the future
| fastcompany.com
It’s been a challenging year on many fronts, but where science is concerned, the future is brighter than it is bleak. This article mentions research out of the College of Engineering, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and the Materials Research Institute.
Weather forecasts have radically improved. Have you noticed?
| bigthink.com
Weather forecasts are far better than they used to be. A modern five-day forecast is as accurate as a one-day forecast in 1980. This article quotes a 2018 paper co-written by Richard Alley, Evan Pugh University Professor of Geosciences, and the late Fuqing Zhang, distinguished professor of meteorology.
Some no-till crop rotations on dairy farms could benefit from strategic tillage
| psu.edu
Many no-till growers are reluctant to implement any soil disturbance due to concerns about negative impacts on soil health. However, a new study by a team of Penn State researchers suggests that plowing fields once after five years in a crop rotation that includes coverage with cover crops and perennials can maintain soil health and provide other benefits.
Mechanical engineer’s work named in The Guardian’s top 10 science stories of 2022
| news.engr.psu.edu
Electric vehicle battery research conducted by Chao-Yang Wang, the William E. Diefenderfer Professor of Mechanical Engineering in the Penn State College of Engineering, was named one of the top ten most significant scientific developments of the year by The Guardian.
Once a frozen haven, climate-driven rising temperatures are rapidly thawing the Arctic permafrost, posing a major threat to communities and infrastructure. Researchers are investigating how these changes will transform rivers, with potential consequences for erosion, sediment transport, and the entire Arctic landscape. Additionally, their project incorporates art to communicate these critical findings in an engaging way. Listen to the podcast.
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