Ordering online can make for dicey deliveries where food safety is concerned

January 11, 2022

As the omicron variant continues to rage, many people turn to food delivery as a safer alternative to eating in a restaurant or shopping in a grocery store. But consumers should keep a few safety tips in mind before digging into that latest DoorDash or Uber Eats delivery, according to a Penn State Extension food safety specialist.

International agriculture minor helps put Penn State grad on path to vet school

January 7, 2022

During her senior capstone class in international agriculture, Penn State alumna Abigail Seeley worked on a grant proposal that has proved valuable as she works to become a veterinarian.

Noted ornithologist Margaret Brittingham retires from Penn State after 33 years

January 7, 2022

Margaret Brittingham, professor of wildlife resources, extension wildlife specialist and one of the state’s leading ornithologists, recently retired from Penn State after a 33-year, innovative career in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Pa. pre-COVID jobs picture marked by resilience, industry-specific gains, losses

January 7, 2022

Pennsylvania's labor economy showed resilience throughout the first two decades of the 21st century, with overall modest employment growth and relatively low joblessness by the end of 2019. But certain industry sectors and regions of the state continued along a trend line of job loss in the run-up to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to economists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Research suggests foliar fungicides help increase soybean yield in some regions

January 6, 2022

While previous studies have shown little economic benefit associated with using foliar fungicides in soybean as a preventive measure, new research aided by a Penn State plant pathologist suggests otherwise, especially in southern regions.

'Growing Impact' podcast talks biofiltration, greenhouse gas emissions

January 5, 2022

The latest episode of the "Growing Impact" podcast features a seed grant project that investigates how biofiltration could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane and carbon dioxide.

Dairy farmers can adapt to climate change

January 5, 2022

Dairy farmers in the Northeast — facing a warming climate that exacerbates nutrient pollution but lengthens the growing season — can reduce the environmental impact of their operations and maximize revenues by double cropping and injecting manure into the soil, rather than broadcasting it.

Spotted lanternfly lore: Penn State experts clear up falsehoods about pest

January 4, 2022

With endless information available 24/7 on the internet and social media, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. That certainly is true in the case of the spotted lanternfly. This destructive pest has bewildered and frustrated many people since it first appeared in North America in Berks County in 2014.  It’s a new insect to the U.S., and like anything new, people are seeking any bit of information they can get.

Honeydew contaminated with systemic insecticides threatens beneficial insects

January 3, 2022

Neonicotinoids and other systemic insecticides can contaminate honeydew, which is an important food source for beneficial insects in agroecosystems, according to an international team of researchers who conducted a review of the scientific literature.  

Peter and Ann Tombros endow Ag Sciences dean's chair

December 17, 2021

As part of their new $26 million commitment to the University, longtime philanthropic and volunteer leaders Peter and Ann Tombros have created the Peter and Ann Tombros Dean’s Chair in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. The chair, one of only six named dean’s chairs at the University, will provide flexible funding for the college’s leader.  

Extension offers home-study course on meat goat production

December 17, 2021

Meat-goat producers looking for information on how to make their livestock enterprise more profitable can take advantage of a home-study course offered by Penn State Extension this winter.

David Hughes makes Newsweek’s inaugural list of 'America’s Greatest Disruptors'

December 15, 2021

Penn State entomologist and biologist David Hughes is among a set of eight “Planet Protectors” on the list of 50 luminaries and leaders who are included in Newsweek’s inaugural list of "America’s Greatest Disruptors," for his work on PlantVillage.

Although most support avian conservation, few recognize current plight of birds

December 15, 2021

The vast majority of Pennsylvanians responding to a recent survey conducted by Penn State researchers said they strongly support bird conservation and indicated they believe future efforts will be needed to protect avian species. But there is good and bad news in those responses to questionnaires that were part of a study to examine public attitudes toward bird conservation, government involvement in private lands issues, and private forest management.

Cannabis may contain heavy metals and affect consumer health, study finds

December 14, 2021

A new meta-analysis, led by researchers at Penn State, examines the ability of cannabis plants to absorb heavy metals and discusses the resulting health impacts on consumers.

Libraries announces 'Through the Woods' Short Stories fall contest winners

December 14, 2021

The winning selections from Penn State University Libraries Short Stories’ “Through the Woods” fall 2021 contest have been announced, representing five Penn State campuses. Each of the four Editorial Board winners and the People’s Choice winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card. All winning entries, including nine honorable mentions, will be added to the Libraries’ Short Edition short-story dispensers

Penn State secures funding to continue assisting farmers with disabilities

December 13, 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded funding to Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences to help farmers with disabilities remain productive and successful. The grant of nearly $184,000 will support AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians, which is a collaboration between Penn State Extension and United Cerebral Palsy of Central Pennsylvania.

’Tis the season for food waste

December 13, 2021

As food prices soar — and many people struggle with food insecurity — how can consumers avoid wasting food this holiday season? A food safety extension specialist in the College of Agricultural Sciences offers advice.

Two Penn State students win $10,000 AgChoice Farm Credit grants

December 13, 2021

Two Penn State students this fall were among 15 young, beginning and small-scale Pennsylvania farmers who received $10,000 AgChoice Farm Credit Jumpstart Grants. Mikara Anderson, of Hustontown, and Jake Grim, of Biglerville, will use the funding to develop their farm-related businesses.

Black bears could play important role in dispersal of pathogen-carrying ticks

December 13, 2021

The spread of the blacklegged tick, the primary vector for the pathogen that causes Lyme disease, may be facilitated in Pennsylvania by animals that people rarely associate with it — black bears, according to researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Symposium provides undergrads a showcase for research, communication skills

December 10, 2021

The fourth annual WISER/MURE/FURP undergraduate research symposium gave Penn State students across STEM fields a chance to showcase their research and communications skills. 

Giving gifts of food this holiday season? Chew on these food safety tips

December 9, 2021

As the holidays approach, a food safety extension specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences shares advice for safely giving and receiving gifts of food this season.

Penn State Schuylkill Alumni Society announces 2021 Alumni Award winners

December 7, 2021

Each fall, the Penn State Schuylkill Alumni Society announces the Alumni Award winners for that year. Honorees are selected based upon the impact they have in their communities, outstanding professional achievements, and embodiment of Penn State values. This year’s cohort includes Michael G. Messina (class of 1979), Scott C. Price (class of 1985), and Abigayle Kaiser (class of 2020).

Remembering Lou Moore: Agricultural economics mentor, extension educator

December 6, 2021

Long-time Penn State faculty member Lou Moore was highly regarded for his vast knowledge of agricultural economics and policy, his enthusiasm for helping others, and his dedication to building the next generation of agricultural and extension leaders.

Stuckeman School professor receives research grant for biodegradable structures

December 2, 2021

A research team led by Benay Gürsoy, assistant professor of architecture, was awarded the American Institute of Architects Upjohn Research Initiative grant to advance the study of biodegradable building composites made from mycelium, which comes from the root of fungi.

Cover crops make vineyards more sustainable; strategy can be marketing tool

December 2, 2021

Growing cover crops under grapevines in vineyards can reduce erosion, enhance soil health, reduce herbicide use and improve water quality, according to a team of Penn State researchers, who suggest that growers can promote improved sustainability in production as part of a marketing strategy that may result in consumers being willing to pay more for wine.

College of Ag Sciences helps students offset carbon footprint when traveling

December 2, 2021

A new program in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is helping students reduce their carbon footprints while studying abroad.

Penn State unveils new Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Building

December 1, 2021

Faculty, staff and students joined University leaders, HOK architectural firm and Turner Construction Co. executives, donors, and guests on Dec. 1 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences Building on Penn State's University Park campus.

With modified mashing process, gluten-free grains can produce quality beers

December 1, 2021

Using a modified, lower temperature mashing procedure to retain enzyme activity, brewers can use malts from gluten-free grains to produce high-quality beers, according to Penn State researchers who conducted a new study.

Barnes & Noble announces 2021-22 grants benefiting 11 Penn State initiatives

November 29, 2021

Working through the Penn State Corporate Engagement Center, Barnes & Noble Inc. has awarded $165,000 in grants to support 11 initiatives across the University. The grants support a range of colleges, campuses and units to advance programs where Penn State and Banes & Noble share mutual interest. 

College of Ag Sciences junior grows ag education knowledge through internship

November 24, 2021

Morgan Bear, a third-year agricultural and education extension major in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, exchanged a typical classroom setting for a mobile agriculture education lab last summer as an educational intern for the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation.

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)