Equine program celebrates successful online quarter horse sale

May 14, 2020

Despite having only a few weeks to shift an in-person auction to an online event, the 18th annual Penn State Equine Science Showcase and Quarter Horse Sale was a smashing success, organizers said. Twelve horses sold for approximately $94,700, giving this sale the highest average sale price per horse in the program’s history.

Strategies for engaging older adults in this era of 'social distancing'

May 14, 2020

In the wake of the novel coronavirus, it is unfortunate that older adults, many of whom already experience more than their fair share of social isolation, are facing social distancing, according to a Penn State expert.

Richart named outstanding senior by College of Agricultural Sciences

May 13, 2020

Olivia Richart is the recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award for the 2019-20 academic year in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Surviving Social Distancing

May 13, 2020

For many of us, especially older adults, one of the biggest challenges of COVID-19 is coping with the isolation that can result from social distancing. Matt Kaplan, an expert on intergenerational engagement, talks about how to connect—and why we should—even when we can't get together in person.

Tips for finding local meats offered by Penn State Extension livestock expert

May 11, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted supply chains and sickened many workers in meat-processing plants across the country, resulting in a reduced selection in grocery store meat cases. Consumers living in or near rural areas instead may look to local farms that raise meat-producing animals.

Penn State Extension promotes youth leadership in enhancing community health

May 11, 2020

Three Pennsylvania communities are working to develop youth leadership, enhance local food systems and create healthier populations through a project led by Penn State Extension and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Penn State Creamery to reopen today for same-day curbside pickup

May 11, 2020

Here is a bit of sweet news — the Penn State Berkey Creamery is reopening today (May 11) for same-day, curbside pickup.

Tracking spread, testing traps are focus of spotted lanternfly study in Altoona

May 10, 2020

Assessing the potential spread of the spotted lanternfly in the Altoona area is the focus of a study underway by scientists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Penn State Smeal's supply chain experts support COVID-19 response initiatives

May 8, 2020

Smeal's supply chain and information systems experts have provided invaluable contributions to state and national COVID-19 response efforts.

Odd but stellar undergrad research project vital to student’s education, future

May 8, 2020

When Kaylee Kishbaugh arrived at Penn State four years ago, she didn’t even know what prosciutto was, let alone that it could be made from duck. But now, looking back over her undergraduate experience and looking ahead to her career, she realizes the odd meat product was pivotal for her.

College of Agricultural Sciences supports food banks, families in need

May 7, 2020

With thousands of people out of work due to the COVID-19 crisis — and food banks working tirelessly to feed an ever-growing number of hungry families — Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is doing its part to fill empty shelves and refrigerators.

Graduating food-science student parlays undergrad research experience into job

May 6, 2020

Gabriella Pinto provides a great example of what undergraduate research can do for a student. The Penn State food science major, who graduates this month, is headed for a good job armed with a wealth of experience and knowledge from her research, which gives her a leg up on her career.

Plasma medicine research highlights antibacterial effects and potential uses

May 6, 2020

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Engineering, College of Agricultural Sciences and College of Medicine say direct LTP treatment and plasma-activated media are effective treatments against bacteria found in liquid cultures and have devised a way to create plasma directly in liquids.

Institute awards 32 computational and data sciences seed grants

May 6, 2020

The Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, in conjunction with several Penn State colleges, awarded more than $725,000 in seed grants to fund 32 new computational and data sciences projects. The 57 researchers involved in the awards represent 12 Penn State colleges and 31 academic departments.

Plants pass on 'memory' of stress to some progeny, making them more resilient

May 5, 2020

By manipulating the expression of one gene, geneticists can induce a form of “stress memory” in plants that is inherited by some progeny, giving them the potential for more vigorous, hardy and productive growth, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest the discovery has significant implications for plant breeding.

Penn State Extension extends free online courses offer through May 10

May 4, 2020

Penn State Extension is extending its free online courses offer through May 10.

Malaria risk is highest in early evening, study finds

May 4, 2020

Wide-scale use of insecticide-treated bed nets has led to substantial declines in global incidences of malaria in recent years. As a result, mosquitos have been shifting their biting times to earlier in the evening and later in the morning. In a new study, an international team of researchers has found that mosquitoes are most likely to transmit malaria in the early evening, when people are exposed, then at midnight, when people are protected by bed nets, or in the morning. The findings may have implications for malaria prevention initiatives.

Warming Midwest conditions may result in corn, soybean production moving north

May 4, 2020

If warming continues unabated in the Midwest, in 50 years we can expect the best conditions for corn and soybean production to have shifted from Iowa and Illinois to Minnesota and the Dakotas, according to Penn State researchers.

Online newsletter provides updates, recommendations on spotted lanternfly

May 1, 2020

A new online newsletter offered by Penn State Extension will give readers “the scoop” on the spotted lanternfly.

College of Agricultural Sciences stays connected with alumni during pandemic

May 1, 2020

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is staying connected to alumni during the COVID-19 pandemic by moving its monthly Alumni Society board meetings and other alumni activities online.

'Feed the Future' grant to support women's empowerment research project in Ghana

May 1, 2020

A $450,000 grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Peanut Research will aid researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences as they explore the potential to empower women farmers in northern Ghana through peanut production.

Study reveals important flowering plants for city-dwelling honey bees

April 28, 2020

Trees, shrubs and woody vines are among the top food sources for honey bees in urban environments, according to an international team of researchers. By using honey bees housed in rooftop apiaries in Philadelphia, the researchers identified the plant species from which the honey bees collected most of their food, and tracked how these food resources changed from spring to fall. The findings may be useful to homeowners, beekeepers and urban land managers who wish to sustain honey bees and other bee and pollinator species.

First hatches reported: Spotted lanternfly expert provides tips for management

April 28, 2020

Even before the recent news of the season’s first confirmed spotted lanternfly hatches in the Philadelphia region, homeowners in many parts of Pennsylvania were gearing up for their annual battle with the destructive pest.

Penn State Extension cancels or postpones in-person events through June 19

April 27, 2020

In-person, nonessential events and programs sponsored by Penn State Extension through at least June 19 have been cancelled, postponed or moved to a virtual format due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the organization has affirmed.

How do epidemics spread and persist before and after introduction of a vaccine?

April 27, 2020

In the most detailed study to date of epidemic spread, an international team of researchers has modeled measles dynamics based on over 40 years of data collected in England and Wales.

Town hall-style webinar to focus on H-2A visa ag workers in uncertain times

April 24, 2020

Penn State Extension will present a town hall-style, web-based seminar on May 7 to assist Pennsylvania agricultural stakeholders who rely on the H-2A visa program for temporary workers to operate their businesses.

Novel coronavirus not spread by food, according to Penn State experts

April 24, 2020

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Is the novel coronavirus spread by food? As the extreme contagiousness of COVID-19 has become clear, that question has been asked over and over. The answer, according to food safety experts in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is that there is no evidence that it can be spread via food or food packaging.

Penn State Extension educator offers tips on how to avoid scams

April 24, 2020

At a time when individuals should be supporting each other, there are those unscrupulous few who will seize the opportunity to take advantage of others. A Penn State Extension educator offers tips on how to avoid scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Penn State Extension webinars outline process for Paycheck Protection Program

April 24, 2020

Penn State Extension is hosting free webinars aimed at helping farmers and small business owners, including sole proprietors, understand the Paycheck Protection Program, a loan program designed to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Due to COVID-19 outbreak, state temporarily OKs farms applying milk to fields

April 23, 2020

In response to a sharp reduction in the demand for milk due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which has disrupted supply chains, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued emergency guidance that allows dairy farmers to discharge milk on their land.

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)