$500,000 grant to focus on how rural innovation happens, how to inspire more

July 11, 2018

Rural communities are often tied to agriculture, but finding new ways to inspire innovation in those communities may help create new companies, improve farming, and create more diverse economies. A $500,000 grant from USDA is aimed at doing that.

Electric markets, procurement strategies for businesses, groups topic of webinar

July 11, 2018

Deciding which factors businesses and organizations should consider in choosing an electricity supplier will be the topic of a free, one-hour, web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension, at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 26.

Ag Sciences faculty members honored for teaching, innovation with Bixler award

July 11, 2018

Two faculty members in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently received the 2017 Anna and Guy Bixler Memorial Award in Food Science in recognition of their teaching innovation.

Working together for global good: Penn State, Oxfam join forces

July 10, 2018

Developing lasting solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger and social injustice is the cornerstone of a new partnership between Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and Oxfam America, the U.S. affiliate of Oxfam, the global organization working to end the injustice of poverty in 90 countries around the world.

Global Programs announces Penn State/Split 2018 Fund Awardees

July 10, 2018

The Global Engagement Network is a group of strategic peer partnerships around the world, developed around the natural links between faculty and research interests. Global Programs supports these collaborative research projects through a development fund and has announced the awardees, whose projects primarily focus on long-term sustainability.

Franklin County Extension office to host spotted lanternfly meeting at Mont Alto

July 6, 2018

The Franklin County Penn State Extension office will host a community meeting about the spotted lanternfly at 6:30 p.m. on July 26 in the General Studies Building Auditorium at Penn State Mont Alto.

Student Farm to host 'Art on the Acre' on July 15

July 6, 2018

The Student Farm at Penn State will hold “Art on the Acre,” a relaxing evening of arts and crafts, farm tours and farm-fresh snacks, from 4 to 6 p.m. July 15.

Research aims to prevent deaths related to gypsum-laced manure emissions

July 5, 2018

When gypsum — a source of sulfate — finds its way into low-oxygen manure-storage facilities via removal as soiled bedding, this innocuous product can turn into a deadly gas with a few moves of an agitation device, a dangerous threat that researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences believe can be counteracted with an additive.

Field day to focus on using genetics for herd improvement

July 3, 2018

An upcoming field day, hosted by Penn State Extension, will help beef producers take advantage of new technology that can take some of the guesswork out of breeding — the use of genomic tools to improve a herd. The event is open to all purebred and commercial breeders from Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

Land-use webinar to focus on regulating short-term rentals

July 3, 2018

Concerns about community tensions caused by the onset of short-term rental services will be the topic of a web-based seminar presented by Penn State Extension at noon on July 18.

Back to the future: Low-tech food-safety training still best for some audiences

July 2, 2018

While current training for food safety and sanitation usually incorporates high-technology presentations, such as videos and slide shows, there is still a need for low-tech approaches, according to Penn State researchers.

Food for thought: Eight tips for making good choices at farmers markets

June 28, 2018

When it comes to shopping at farmers markets, a little know-how can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe from foodborne illness, advises a food safety educator with Penn State Extension.

Gut microbes may partner with a protein to help regulate vitamin D

June 28, 2018

Microbes in the gut may use a protein in a process that helps the body regulate vitamin D production.

New website helps parents talk to kids about inclusivity

June 27, 2018

A new online portal designed to help parents teach tolerance and acceptance to their children has been developed by Penn State's Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Defense.

Penn State announces fixed-term faculty promotions, effective July 1, 2018

June 25, 2018

The following is a list of fixed-term faculty promotions at Penn State, effective July 1.

Climate projections suggest Lancaster County corn yields in jeopardy by 2050

June 25, 2018

Climate projections indicate more warming will occur in the Northeast than other sections of the United States, and that has implications for corn crops and dairy farms in the region by 2050, researchers warn.

'Art of Discovery' booth to bring together art and science at Arts Fest

June 25, 2018

Join Penn State at “The Art of Discovery,” the University’s booth at the Arts Festival, to learn how art detectives use technology to solve art history mysteries; make your own handmade paints the way early humans did hundreds of thousands of years ago; learn about the bizarre science behind zombie ants; explore mankind’s relationship to plastics, and more.

'Nuru' becomes African farmers' newest ally against fall armyworm

June 25, 2018

Penn State researchers have joined forces with the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization to release the first app, called Nuru, to help African farmers recognize fall armyworm — a new and fast-spreading crop pest in sub-Saharan Africa — so that they can take immediate steps to destroy it and curb its spread.

Penn State's funding increases 3 percent as General Assembly passes state budget

June 22, 2018

Penn State’s 2018-19 general support appropriation increased by 3 percent — or roughly $6.9 million — as the University’s non-preferred appropriations bill today (June 22) passed the General Assembly as part of Pennsylvania’s $32.7 billion budget package. The bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Tom Wolf.

Scientists find evidence of 27 new viruses in bees

June 21, 2018

An international team of researchers has discovered evidence of 27 previously unknown viruses in bees. The finding could help scientists design strategies to prevent the spread of viral pathogens among these important pollinators.

Renewable natural gas project will be the topic of June 28 webinar

June 15, 2018

Biomethanation, a unique and sustainable approach to renewable natural gas, will be the topic of a one-hour, web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension, beginning at 1 p.m. on June 28.

Lanternfly's penchant for -- and potential to harm -- grapevines focus of study

June 14, 2018

The spotted lanternfly is starting to sour the grape and wine industries in southeastern Pennsylvania, and research underway in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences aims to spoil the invasive pest's party.

Gift from Skip Smith and sons to create Bird Garden in Arboretum

June 13, 2018

Charles H. “Skip” Smith, the Penn State alumnus and philanthropist whose giving has fueled the creation and supported the growth of The Arboretum at Penn State, has made a major new gift to enrich this University resource.

ICIK names 2018 Whiting Indigenous Knowledge Research Award winners

June 13, 2018

Penn State graduate students Marie Louise Ryan, Johann Strube and Megan Griffin have been recognized with the 2018 Whiting Indiginous Knowledge Research Award to help fund their research pursuits. The award is funded by the Marjorie Grant Whiting Endowment for the Advancement of Indigenous Knowledge and supported by Penn State’s University Libraries and the Interinstitutional Center for Indigenous Knowledge (ICIK).

Analysis of post-recession job trends suggests existence of 'two Pennsylvanias'

June 11, 2018

An analysis of employment change in the state since 2001 suggests the existence of "two Pennsylvanias" during the period from 2001 to 2017, according to economists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. The newly released report shows a sharp divide between southeastern Pennsylvania, with mainly job growth, and the rest of the state, with primarily job decline.

Ribbon-cutting marks reopening of renovated Agricultural Engineering Building

June 8, 2018

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today (June 8) to mark the official opening of Penn State’s rebuilt and renovated Agricultural Engineering Building, which houses the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Doctoral degree student awarded scholarship by national soil society

June 8, 2018

A graduate student in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recently was named the recipient of a scholarship from the Soil Science Society of America.

Unique food-microbiology workshop offered to select visiting students

June 7, 2018

A faculty team in Penn State's Department of Food Science is offering a novel microbiology workshop in June and July to visiting college students from around the Commonwealth and Puerto Rico.

Penn State scientists spotlight spotted lanternfly research on Capitol Hill

June 6, 2018

As the emergence of the spotted lanternfly continues to threaten portions of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry, two researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences who are studying the invasive insects joined colleagues from more than 20 universities on Capitol Hill today (June 6) to show members of Congress and their staffs the importance of funding agricultural research.

Penn State senior one of 16 young leaders taking part in international forum

June 6, 2018

For his commitment to building a more sustainable future for his country, Shah Chowdhury, a community, environment and development major in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been invited to participate in this year's Young Leaders Programme at European Development Days, currently taking place in Brussels, Belgium.

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)