Volunteers record bee biodiversity and discover new species in Pennsylvania

August 22, 2024

Community scientists in Pennsylvania have reported multiple new species of bees never before found in the commonwealth through a monitoring program led by Penn State.

Program awarded $750,000 to train future educators in global food security

August 22, 2024

A project aimed at helping prepare undergraduate students to serve as future agricultural educators has received $750,000 in renewed funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

$1.95M NSF grant to fund novel study of environmental DNA fate in streams

August 22, 2024

A bottle of water sampled from a lake or river can reveal what fish, amphibians insects and bacteria are present, thanks to environmental DNA, the genetic material shed by organisms. This way of measuring transforms scientists’ ability to determine the extent of aquatic life in various water bodies, according to a team led by Daniel Allen, assistant professor of aquatic ecology in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

USDA grant to fund robotic precision pesticide sprayer development

August 21, 2024

Pesticides reduce crop loss, helping to stabilize production, but excessive use of pesticides has brought huge negative impacts to the environment and human health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. To address the problem, a team of Penn State researchers is developing a robotic precision pesticide sprayer capable of targeted application while minimizing unintended exposure.

Honey bees may play role in spreading viruses to wild bumble bees

August 21, 2024

Honey bees may play a role in increasing virus levels in wild bumble bees each spring, according to researchers at Penn State who analyzed seasonal trends of parasite and virus transmission in bees. 

Honey bees may play key role in spreading viruses to wild bumble bees

August 21, 2024

Honey bees may play a role in increasing virus levels in wild bumble bees each spring, according to researchers at Penn State who analyzed seasonal trends of parasite and virus transmission in bees. 

Veterans report underemployment, pay frustration up to four years post-service

August 19, 2024

Some veterans continue to struggle with underemployment and dissatisfaction with their pay up to four years after leaving the military, according to a recent survey study by researchers in the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Week of Aug. 19

August 19, 2024

As part of our regular "We Are!" feature, we recognize 12 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what's asked of them in their work at the University.

Penn State students awarded USDA pre-doctoral fellowships for research

August 19, 2024

Ten Penn State students, including nine associated with the College of Agricultural Sciences, have been awarded predoctoral fellowships by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, securing over $1.4 million in total funding.

Long-form audio documentary about dairy farming set for high-profile debut

August 19, 2024

An audio documentary about dairy farming produced by Penn State alumnus Cade Miller as part of the News Lab at Penn State air at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aug. 25 on the “Inside Appalachia” podcast produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Celebrate the world of insects at Penn State’s annual Great Insect Fair

August 16, 2024

Take a deep dive into the wide world of insects — including a special spotlight on the Pennsylvania firefly — at this year’s Great Insect Fair on Sept. 14 at Penn State University Park. 

Scott named associate director of Institute of Energy and the Environment

August 16, 2024

Christopher Scott, a researcher with more than three decades’ experience in international and domestic water, food and energy policy, has been named an associate director of the Institute of Energy and the Environment at Penn State.

Ag Progress Days 2024

August 15, 2024

Ag Progress Days brought thousands of visitors to the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center from Aug. 13-15 for demonstrations, exhibitions and talks on every aspect of the agricultural industry. Visitors learned about wildlife, farm equipment, hot air balloons and even virtual reality as they wandered through the center's booths and stages.

Early life exposure to common chemical permanently disrupts gut microbiome

August 14, 2024

Early life exposure to "forever chemicals" in the environment permanently disrupts the gut microbiome in mice, contributing to the development of metabolic disease in later life, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. The results suggest that human exposure to these chemicals during early childhood may be contributing to the recent epidemic of metabolic disorders, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes among adults.

Researchers earn NSF grant to measure local innovation activity

August 13, 2024

A team of researchers, including two Penn State agricultural economists and an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education fellow, received funding from U.S. National Science Foundation to develop a new method for accurately measuring innovation activity in small geographic regions.

Penn State Extension to offer free virtual walking program

August 12, 2024

Anyone interested in developing healthy habits and increasing stamina can benefit from a free Penn State Extension virtual walking program called “Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania.” The statewide program will take place from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4.

$5M grant to engage Indigenous communities in climate change research

August 12, 2024

Indigenous communities around the globe face profound threats from climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation. Now, an international team that includes researchers from Penn State have been awarded $5 million by the U.S. National Science Foundation, along with funding from Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany, to investigate how to mitigate these threats.

Researchers use CT scanning to study spotted lanternfly anatomy

August 12, 2024

Because basic knowledge about the spotted lanternfly's biology remains limited, a team of Penn State researchers is collaborating with the Center for Quantitative Imaging to detail the spotted lanternfly's anatomy and physiology.

Penn State, Shell announce collaboration focused on energy and sustainability

August 12, 2024

Citing a shared commitment to a sustainable future, Penn State and Shell USA Inc. have announced the launch of a collaboration that will support efforts across the University’s mission of research, education and community impact.

US companies' global market reach linked to cloud computing use

August 12, 2024

Researchers at Penn State and the U.S. National Science Foundation found a significant relationship between cloud-computing use and export performance among U.S. firms. They also found that cloud-using firms exported goods and services even more than exporting firms that do not use cloud-based services.

Master Watershed Stewards offer native trees and shrubs in annual fundraiser

August 8, 2024

Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program will hold its fifth annual native tree and shrub sale this fall in 27 locations across the state. As a fundraiser for the program, the sale offers 18 varieties of native trees and shrubs. Organizers will accept orders through Aug. 28, with curbside pickup available in September or October. Pickup dates and times vary by location.

College of Ag Sciences soil judging team lets students dig deep

August 8, 2024

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning, such as the soil judging team, which provides students interested in soil science with a way to develop field interpretation skills while having fun.

Ag Sciences researchers win award for ‘superior’ paper from engineering society

August 7, 2024

Long He, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, and colleagues in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently received a 2024 Superior Paper Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers for their research presentation titled, “An Advanced Robotic System for Precision Chemical Thinning of Apple Blossoms.”

Bringing health care back to a rural Pennsylvania community

August 6, 2024

Penn State researchers, physicians and medical students came together to start up the LION Mobile Clinic, a mobile clinic providing care to the rural community of Snow Shoe, Pennsylvania.

Aug. 21 webinar to cover finding the right audience for community planning ideas

August 6, 2024

For years, planners and community development professionals have sought support from elected officials for their ideas. This traditional approach often has left innovative ideas behind and the people advancing them disheartened and devalued, according to organizers of an Aug. 21 Penn State Extension land-use webinar.

'Ag Lit Day' to feature local authors and PSU Press books at Pasto Ag Museum

August 5, 2024

Penn State University Press and the Pasto Agricultural Museum have teamed up to present “Ag Lit Day,” a special event featuring authors and books published by the Press on Thursday, Aug. 15, during Ag Progress Days. The event, which is free to the public, will include signings and talks by authors of books on Pennsylvania history, Penn State, and the natural world.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Week of Aug. 5

August 5, 2024

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 14 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.

Ag Progress Days returns for packed schedule of activities, demos and exhibits

August 5, 2024

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days is back Aug. 13-15 with a full schedule of demonstrations, activities and learning for agriculture enthusiasts of all ages, including the latest in tech, an expansive trade show and activities for kids of all ages.

Ag Progress Days events to focus on farm bill, agricultural policy, technology

August 2, 2024

Reauthorization of the federal farm bill, emerging and climate-smart technologies, and other agricultural policy matters will be the focus of several events at Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 13-15 at Rock Springs.

Extension team earns national award for work on active transportation plan

August 2, 2024

A Penn State Extension team won a 2024 Excellence in Teamwork award from the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals for their project, “Partnering to Create PA Municipal Active Transportation Plans.” 

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)