Agroforests in the tropics provide key conservation landscapes for amphibians

January 25, 2022

Although tropical forest ecosystems around the world have been modified and fragmented by agroforests planted to produce commodities such as coffee, rubber and areca palm, amphibian communities can survive in those transformed landscapes — if the agroforests are managed to support biodiversity.

Penn State gets grant to teach private forest owners to adapt to climate change

January 21, 2022

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will use a newly awarded $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work with 13 other land-grant universities in the eastern U.S. to create an education program that will help private forests owners adapt to and mitigate climate change.

Mining for knowledge: Scientists identify bee that can aid black cherry recovery

January 20, 2022

A ground-nesting bee family — commonly known as miner bees — could play a heightened role in rebuilding black cherry populations in Pennsylvania and beyond, according to Penn State entomologists who investigated pollinators’ contributions to the valuable hardwood species.

Penn State offering chocolate short course this summer

January 20, 2022

The Department of Food Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will offer an innovative bean-to-bar course for both craft and industrial chocolate manufacturers June 20-23.

Students gain research, mentoring skills in Penn State-SFU collaboration

January 20, 2022

An innovative partnership between Penn State and Saint Francis University is enabling Penn State entomology graduate students to gain valuable mentoring skills, while Saint Francis undergraduates get research experience at a major land-grant research university.

USDA grant to support study at Penn State on antimicrobial tolerance in plants

January 19, 2022

Kevin Hockett, assistant professor of microbial ecology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently received a $682,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to study bacterial control methods and their implications for disease prevention in plants.

Farmers in 14 counties will be surveyed on their use of conservation practices

January 17, 2022

If you're a farm operator in 14 central Pennsylvania counties, you now have a chance to highlight what steps you have taken to protect and enhance water quality for your local streams and the Chesapeake Bay.

Entomologists to study how climate change may influence pollinator stressors

January 17, 2022

A Penn State-led team of researchers will use a newly awarded $682,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to examine how climate change may influence and interact with various stressors that affect the health of pollinators.

Integrated modeling of climate impacts on electricity demand and cost

January 17, 2022

A team of researchers led by Penn State has developed a coupled water–power–economy model to capture how the impacts of climate-related water stress and temperature changes can cascade through energy systems.

Land-use webinar to focus on planning walkable and connected communities

January 13, 2022

A design technique aimed at compact, pedestrian-friendly development — also known as traditional neighborhood development — will be the focus of a web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension at noon on Jan. 19.

Researchers use satellites to monitor bat habitat and study virus spillover

January 11, 2022

Penn State Eberly College of Science researchers use satellites to monitor bat habitat and study virus spillover events during a global pandemic.

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.

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)