Cyber-physical heating system may protect apple blossoms in orchards

February 28, 2024

Spring frosts can have devastating effects on apple production, and a warming climate may be causing trees to blossom early, making them more susceptible to the damaging effects of extreme cold events. Growers’ attempts to prevent the flowers from freezing by attempting to heat the canopies of their orchards largely have been inefficient. To deal with the worsening problem, Penn State researchers devised a frost protection cyber-physical system, which makes heating decisions based on real-time temperature and wind-direction data.

Top student teams move to next phase of Nittany AI Challenge

February 27, 2024

Eleven Penn State student teams using artificial intelligence (AI) for good to solve real-world problems in the areas of health, environment, education and humanitarianism are in the final phase of 2024 Nittany AI Challenge.

Penn State Global announces 2023-24 award recipients for global engagement

February 27, 2024

Penn State Global has announced the 2023-24 recipients of its annual awards that recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and academic programs at Penn State who have helped to advance the University’s global engagement goals.

TerraSafe Materials and Penn State partner on sustainable packaging solutions

February 27, 2024

TerraSafe has established a lab in State College and entered a licensing agreement with Penn State to commercialize sustainable packaging solutions developed by researchers at Penn State. The agreement is based on technologies invented by a research team led by Jeffrey Catchmark, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and of bioethics in the College of Agricultural Sciences. Catchmark and his team have worked for years developing technology that can replace conventionally used materials with those that are significantly more environmentally friendly.

Penn State Biorenewables Symposium to unveil new opportunities, April 18-19

February 26, 2024

Professionals and researchers spanning biorenewables-related industries and research programs are invited to join Penn State’s 2024 Biorenewables Symposium, April 18-19, which is designed to help them gain insights into cutting-edge research, cultivate partnerships and explore pathways within the field of biobased energy, products and materials.

Tiokasin Ghosthorse to give public talk on Indigenous knowledge and language

February 26, 2024

Indigenous scholar Tiokasin Ghosthorse will share his extensive knowledge with the community on Mar. 13 in the HUB Flex Theatre and online.

Lecture to discuss behavioral factors that drive what, why and how children eat

February 22, 2024

Kathleen Keller, professor of nutritional sciences and food science at Penn State, will deliver the 2024 Pattishall Research Lecture on March 20. Her lecture will discuss brain and behavioral factors that drive what, why and how children eat, and how these eating behaviors predict the development of childhood obesity.

Ladybug scents offer a more ecologically friendly way to protect crops

February 22, 2024

A team of researchers led by Sara Hermann, assistant professor of arthropod ecology and trophic interactions in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, has developed pest control tools based on chemicals present in interactions between ladybugs and aphids. These tools could offer farmers more sustainable pest-control options.

Master Watershed Steward Cindy Rogers strengthens partnerships in Indiana County

February 21, 2024

After retiring from a career in special education and staff development, Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward volunteer Cindy Rogers said she “jumped into environmentalism with both feet,” connecting local organizations and building partnerships that focus on water conservation.  

Dual-energy harvesting device could power future wireless medical implants

February 20, 2024

A new wireless charging device developed by Penn State scientists could dramatically improve powering capability for implantable biomedical devices — like pacemakers, insulin pumps and neurostimulators — while still being safe for our bodies, the researchers said.

Common plant could help reduce food insecurity, researchers find

February 16, 2024

An often-overlooked water plant that can double its biomass in two days, capture nitrogen from the air — making it a valuable green fertilizer — and be fed to poultry and livestock could serve as life-saving food for humans in the event of a catastrophe or disaster, a new study led by Penn State researchers suggests.

Penn State Extension to host webinars on the impact of war on forests in Ukraine

February 15, 2024

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is affecting human lives and the environment. Penn State Extension will explore these impacts during its webinar series, “The War in Ukraine: Impacts on the People, Forests, and Environment,” scheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m. Fridays, beginning March 1 and continuing through May 3.

Penn State Extension celebrates milestone in engaging Spanish-speaking growers

February 13, 2024

Penn State Extension’s horticulture team and partners offered a full day of Spanish language educational sessions during the recent Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention in Hershey. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Spanish sessions.

Dairy cows fed botanicals-supplemented diets use energy more efficiently

February 12, 2024

Supplementing the feed of high-producing dairy cows with the botanical extract capsicum oleoresin, obtained from chili peppers, or a combination of that extract and clove oil resulted in the animals using feed energy more efficiently and emitting less methane from their largest stomach, according to a new study conducted by Penn State researchers.

Stable profits, land preservation matter to farmers debating solar leases

February 12, 2024

While a stable and predictable profit is an important factor to Pennsylvania farmers considering leasing out their land for solar energy development, it’s not enough on its own, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.

Sugar-reduced chocolate with oat flour just as tasty as original, study finds

February 12, 2024

The secret to making delicious chocolate with less added sugar is oat flour, according to a new study by Penn State researchers. In a blind taste test, recently published in the Journal of Food Science, 25% reduced-sugar chocolates made with oat flour were rated equally, and in some cases preferred, to regular chocolate. The findings provide a new option for decreasing chocolate’s sugar content while maintaining its texture and flavor.

Evaluating the quality of civilian transitions in post-9/11 veterans

February 12, 2024

Researchers at Penn State’s Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness have developed a new framework for assessing the quality of military-to-civilian transitions among post-9/11 veterans. They published their work in the journal Armed Forces and Society.

Feb. 21 webinar to focus on harnessing photosynthesis to address climate change

February 9, 2024

Climate change is evident through catastrophic fires in Canada and out West, deadly heat waves in the South, and floods across the mid-Atlantic. According to organizers of a Feb. 21 Penn State Extension land-use webinar, the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human systems are already tragic and worsening. This session will explore harnessing photosynthesis for a carbon-negative bioeconomy.

Penn State Extension to offer ‘Beekeeping Around the World’ webinar series

February 8, 2024

For those interested in learning about how beekeeping is practiced in different parts of the world, Penn State Extension is offering a free, seven-week webinar series that will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays from Feb. 15 to March 28.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

February 7, 2024

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 12 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University. 

Penn State's 'Stories from the Field' returns with spring 2024 lineup

February 7, 2024

Penn State’s “Stories from the Field” conversation series is returning this spring with two new sessions. Topics will include community and economic development work in the changing and diversifying city of Hazelton, as well as helping Pennsylvania’s communities reduce emissions with the Local Climate Action Program.

No place like Antarctica: Students take study abroad trip of a lifetime

February 7, 2024

For the first time, Penn State students could experience Antarctica’s wonders through an embedded course, “Antarctica: Human Impacts on a Fragile Environment,” offered this past fall.

Search launched for new dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences

February 7, 2024

Penn State is seeking nominations and candidates for the next dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.

A Note from Neeli: February 2024

February 7, 2024

President Neeli Bendapudi shares the story of “Together, Tacit,” an inspiring interdisciplinary research and creative collaboration between the College of Arts and Architecture and the College of Engineering.

Annual Global Gallery highlighting international ag research slated for Feb. 23

February 5, 2024

The annual Global Gallery symposium, hosted by the international agriculture and development dual-title graduate program in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and its student association, will feature the international research efforts of faculty and graduate students.

Supplementing financial aid with education may benefit SNAP recipients

February 2, 2024

Pairing education with financial assistance from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could help to improve diet quality, according to new research published in the journal Agricultural Economics.

'Growing Impact' podcast explores effect of solar energy's expansion on land use

February 2, 2024

The latest episode of the "Growing Impact" podcast explores how to minimize the conflict that can occur when considering placement of solar energy installations.

Webinar to focus on the science of addiction and recovery

February 1, 2024

A Feb. 27 Penn State Extension webinar, titled “The Science of Addiction and Recovery,” will focus on several major concepts related to substance use, addiction and recovery. 

Penn State Extension to offer free virtual walking program

January 31, 2024

Anyone interested in developing healthy habits and increasing stamina can benefit from a free Penn State Extension virtual walking program called “Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania.” The statewide program will take place from April 1 through May 27, 2024.

Edge habitats along roads and power lines may be key to conserving rare plants

January 31, 2024

Managing forest edge habitats to maintain a gradient of canopy cover and plant density could be key to conserving some threatened native plant species such as wild lupine, according to Penn State researchers, who said edge habitats along roadways and utility rights-of-way provide prime opportunities to promote rare native plant populations.

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
  • Associate Director of Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
  • Associate Director of Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)