New process developed to extract high purity rare earth element oxides
| psu.edu
Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are used to power devices like smartphones and computers and are essential to our nation’s economy and national security. Penn State’s Center for Critical Minerals has developed a new purification process that extracts mixed rare earth oxides from acid mine drainage and associated sludges at purities of 88.5%
What shapes the composition of microbes in a warbler’s gut?
| psu.edu
New research by Penn State biologists suggests that the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that live within birds’ digestive tracts — their gut microbiomes — are influenced more by evolution than diet, contrary to a recently proposed hypothesis.
Penn State researcher to deliver renewable energy talk to Danish Parliament
| psu.edu
As Europe wrestles with energy costs and insecurity, a Penn State researcher has been invited to speak to the Danish Parliament about his research in energy, specifically turning renewable electricity into renewable methane.
New material could replace lead in many energy storage devices
| markets.businessinsider.com
A team of Penn State researchers have observed and reported for the first time the unique microstructure of a novel ferroelectric material, enabling the development of lead-free piezoelectric materials for electronics, sensors, and energy storage that are safer for human use. This article quotes Nasim Alem, Penn State associate professor of materials science and engineering.
Engineering community mourns death of Professor Janna Maranas
| psu.edu
The Penn State College of Engineering community is mourning the sudden loss of Janna Maranas, professor of chemical engineering, who died on Nov. 3 at the age of 57.
Assistant research professor receives innovation, green electrochemistry awards
| psu.edu
Ruggero Rossi, assistant research professor in the Penn State Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has received two awards: the International Society for Microbial Electrochemistry and Technology 2022 Innovation Award for best technological development, and the International Society for Electrochemisty-Elsevier Prize for Green Electrochemistry.
Penn State webinar to address access to low-income energy efficiency programs
| psu.edu
The Penn State Center for Energy Law and Policy and the Hamer Center for Community Design in the College of Arts and Architecture’s Stuckeman School are teaming up to host a one-hour webinar at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 1 to address the substantial challenges low-income individuals in Pennsylvania face in accessing energy efficiency programs.
Despite the collective rampage against spotted lanternflies, the pests are here to stay
| nbcnews.com
Killing spotted lanternflies became part of U.S. culture this summer, and TikTok users spurred a flurry of bug hunting. Did it make a difference? This article quotes Kelli Hoover, professor of entomology, and doctoral student Anne Johnson.
As evidence mounts, new concerns about fracking and health
| e360.yale.edu
Two decades after the advent of fracking, a growing number of studies are pointing to a link between gas wells and public health, particularly among children and the elderly. Researchers are now calling for new regulations restricting where wells can be located. This article mentions Penn State.
International consortium includes Penn State, aims to create data system to assess drought resilience
| collegian.psu.edu
For a lot of people, having clean and drinkable water is something they take for granted. Rain is something some people loathe. But for many around the world, water is a scarcity and not readily available.
Penn State Breazeale Reactor achieves first simultaneous neutron beam operations
| psu.edu
The Penn State Breazeale Reactor is the country’s first licensed and longest continuously operating nuclear research reactor, and now it is one of the most productive. The reactor can now run five beam ports with seven neutron beam lines simultaneously.
Architectural engineering student team recognized in lighting design contest
| news.engr.psu.edu
Two students from the Penn State Department of Architectural Engineering won first place in a lighting design competition sponsored by the Illuminating Engineering Society. They accepted their award at the society’s annual conference held Aug. 3-5 in New Orleans.
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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