Microbe-stuffed soil crusts menaced by climate change

August 3, 2023

Using a novel method to detect microbial activity in biological soil crusts, or biocrusts, after they are wetted, a Penn State-led research team in a new study uncovered clues that may lead to a better understanding of the role microbes play in forming a living skin over many semi-arid ecosystems around the world. The tiny organisms — and the microbiomes they create — are threatened by climate change.

Webinar to focus on active transportation planning in communities

August 2, 2023

An upcoming Penn State Extension land-use webinar will focus on lessons from 10 years of Pennsylvania Department of Health funding for walking, biking and accessibility. The webinar is scheduled for noon on Aug. 16. 

Penn State faculty member elected to plant pathology society leadership

August 2, 2023

Carolee Bull, professor of systematic bacteriology and plant pathology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has been elected to the presidential lineage of the American​ Phytopathological Society.

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days offering wide range of activities, exhibits

July 31, 2023

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days is back with a full schedule of demonstrations, activities and learning for all ages, from a butterfly tent and corn maze for the youngest visitors to the latest in research and best practices for agriculture professionals and hobbyists. The expo will take place Aug. 8-10 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs in Ferguson Township, Centre County.

Happy 25th birthday, Penn State World Campus

July 31, 2023

A flavor of ice cream at the Berkey Creamery is marking the 25th year since Penn State World Campus launched in 1998.

Workshop empowers beekeepers to breed more resilient honey bees

July 26, 2023

Honey bees are crucial for pollinating crops, but in Northeastern states, more than 40% of honey bee colonies die each winter partly due to susceptibility to parasites and pathogens. Honey bee instrumental insemination is a technique designed to enhance genetic resistance to harmful parasites and pathogens. To learn this advanced skill, participants attended a hands-on workshop July 20-22 at Penn State’s University Park campus.

Farm bill, agricultural policy the focus of Ag Progress Days events

July 26, 2023

Pennsylvania’s priorities for the 2023 U.S. Farm Bill and other agricultural policy matters will be the focus of several events at Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10 at Rock Springs.

Second species of ramp, or wild leek, documented in Pennsylvania

July 26, 2023

The presence of a second species of ramp, Allium burdickii — commonly known as narrow-leaved wild leek — has been documented in southwest Pennsylvania by a team of Penn State researchers in a new study. This plant species never before has been documented in the state, and the researchers suggest the discovery shows a need to protect remaining populations of the plant.

Ag Progress Days highlights biodiversity, climate-smart ag, spotted lanternfly

July 25, 2023

Climate-smart agriculture, the importance of biodiversity and the latest news about the spotted lanternfly will be among the displays and presentations at the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theater during Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10.

Organic vegetable research, water quality highlight Ag Progress Days tours

July 21, 2023

A variety of topics related to agriculture and natural resources will be in the spotlight on several research and educational tours offered during Penn State's Ag Progress Days, set for Aug. 8-10 at Rock Springs.

Philadelphia soil project signals largely positive findings for urban growers

July 21, 2023

Initial findings from a soil testing project launched a year ago in Philadelphia indicate positive news for urban growers — low levels of contaminants and higher than expected levels of nutrients. The project is aimed at helping to ensure safe and productive urban gardening.

Pasto Museum features offerings related to past and present at Ag Progress Days

July 21, 2023

The Pasto Agricultural Museum is always an interesting place during Ag Progress Days, and this year will not be an exception. Visitors will be engaged before they even step through the door.

CDC funding propels Penn State as leader in addressing vector-borne diseases

July 20, 2023

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named Penn State as the lead institution for one of five new Vector-Borne Disease Regional Training and Evaluation Centers.

USDA grant funds study of effectiveness of vegetation to curb water pollution

July 20, 2023

 At a time when Pennsylvania is actively working to achieve water-quality improvements to meet the state’s obligations for cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, a multidisciplinary Penn State research team is studying whether agricultural pollution-prevention devices called riparian buffers are working properly. 

Penn State researchers examine how environmental chemicals affect gut microbiome

July 19, 2023

Investigating how environmental chemical exposure impacts the gut microbiome to exacerbate inflammatory conditions and chronic diseases is the goal of a new $7 million grant awarded to Andrew Patterson, professor of molecular toxicology and the John T. and Paige S. Smith Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Crop physiologist to study phosphorus availability and storage root growth

July 19, 2023

A researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $650,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lead a multi-university team in a study focused on the anatomical, physiological and genetic factors underlying phosphorus-stress-induced reprogramming of storage root architecture. 

Penn State student wins second place at Equine Science Society Symposium

July 19, 2023

Penn State was well-represented at the recent 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium, with eight oral and poster presentations given by undergraduate and graduate students and faculty, the most that Penn State ever has had.

Equine science faculty represent Penn State at Equine Science Society Symposium

July 19, 2023

Two researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences were recently recognized at the 2023 Equine Science Society Symposium.

Hands-on activities and exhibits planned for youngest Ag Progress Days visitors

July 18, 2023

4-H is an opportunity to introduce kids and teens to the wide world of agriculture, and the 4-H Youth Building has a slate of activities planned for youth of all ages at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10.

Penn State announces faculty recipients of 2023-24 U.S. Fulbright Scholar awards

July 14, 2023

Ten Penn State faculty have received Fulbright Scholar Awards for the 2023-24 academic year, according to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program.

Precision technology, machine learning lead to early diagnosis of calf pneumonia

July 13, 2023

Monitoring dairy calves with precision technologies based on the “internet of things,” or IoT, leads to the earlier diagnosis of calf-killing bovine respiratory disease, according to a new study. The novel approach — a result of crosscutting collaboration by a team of researchers from Penn State, University of Kentucky and University of Vermont —will offer dairy producers an opportunity to improve the economies of their farms, according to researchers.   

Growing cover crops under vineyard vines is a sustainability strategy

July 12, 2023

The perfect pairing for certain fine vines may be grasses. A new study by Penn State researchers shows that in regions with fertile soils that receive plenty of rainfall, growing cover crops under the vines so that the vineyard floor is completely covered with vegetation is a sustainability strategy.

Penn State Master Gardeners honored internationally for bee monitoring work

July 11, 2023

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners triumphed at the International Master Gardener Conference held June 18-22 in Overland Park, Kansas, earning first place in the research category of the David Gibby Search for Excellence Awards for their exceptional volunteer work and dedication to bee monitoring.

Gardening expertise blooms at Ag Progress Days Yard and Garden Area

July 11, 2023

Need expert gardening advice? Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences experts will offer consultations in the Yard and Garden Area during Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10.

Crop exhibits, renewable energy, hay contest featured at Ag Progress Days

July 11, 2023

Crop management, wildlife and conservation education, as well as the signature hay show, will be offered in and around the J.D. Harrington Crops, Soils and Conservation Building during Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10. 

Kaplan named ‘International Ambassador’ at Intergenerational Ambassador Awards

July 11, 2023

Matthew Kaplan, professor of intergenerational programs and aging in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was recognized as the “International Ambassador” at the inaugural Intergenerational Ambassador Awards gala presented by the Macrosad Chair in Intergenerational Studies at the University of Granada, Spain.

'Growing Impact' podcast examines effects of flooding on substance use, support

July 7, 2023

The latest episode of the "Growing Impact" podcast explores the world of substance use and addiction through the lens of environmental disasters, specifically how flooding in rural areas can affect drug use and the support needed by those impacted by substance use disorder.

Webinar to focus on utilizing cargo shipping containers for housing

July 6, 2023

An upcoming Penn State Extension land-use webinar will focus on using cargo shipping containers to create housing. The webinar is scheduled for noon on July 19.

Penn State to hold third annual Solar Symposium

July 6, 2023

The third annual Penn State Solar Law Symposium will be held virtually on Aug. 23, from noon to 4:30 p.m., for attorneys and energy professionals.

Field demos, commercial exhibits provide ‘one-stop shopping’ at Ag Progress Days

July 6, 2023

Farmers and others involved in production agriculture who want to learn about the latest in agricultural goods and services, equipment and technology can enjoy “one-stop shopping” by attending Penn State’s 2023 Ag Progress Days, Aug. 8-10, according to organizers.  

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)