Recent Changes

Some corn plants are genetically predisposed to develop longer, less constricted water-conducting tissues and deeper roots, which helps them deal with drought. That’s the conclusion of a team led by Penn State researchers that conducted a study of the plant’s xylem tissue that moves water upward from the roots out to the leaves.

The latest advances in agricultural technology — including a robotics exhibit, commercial exhibits and live field demonstrations — will take center stage at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, Aug. 11-13.

An advanced technology that could benefit farmers’ bottom line and help answer the rising demand for domestic energy production borrows a key ingredient from a centuries-old practice of burning dried manure to warm homes where trees were sparse or expensive: animal waste. According to Christine Costello, associate professor of agricultural and biological engineering in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, anaerobic digesters may help not only manage animal waste but also generate renewable energy and additional income streams.

Government officials will discuss agricultural innovation and other key issues affecting agriculture during events at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, Aug. 11-13, at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs.

Severe flooding may contribute to higher mortality rates from opioid use in rural Appalachia, according to a study by researchers at Penn State.

Government officials will discuss agricultural innovation and other key issues affecting agriculture during events at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, Aug. 11-13, at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs.  

The Social Science Research Institute’s Community-Engaged Research, Action and Partnerships unit recently awarded six seed grants to support interdisciplinary community-engaged research. 

Penn State faculty members Erika Ganda, Jasna Kovac and Wenrui Hao have been named Huck chairs by the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences in recognition of their research endeavors and track records of service to key Huck units.