Common crop chemical leaves bees susceptible to deadly viruses

January 16, 2017

A chemical that is thought to be safe and is, therefore, widely used on crops — such as almonds, wine grapes and tree fruits — to boost the performance of pesticides, makes honey bee larvae significantly more susceptible to a deadly virus, according to researchers at Penn State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Considering cattle could help eliminate malaria in India

January 16, 2017

The goal of eliminating malaria in countries like India could be more achievable if mosquito-control efforts take into account the relationship between mosquitoes and cattle, according to an international team of researchers.

Researchers receive $7 million grant to develop deeper crop roots

January 15, 2017

Researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have received a $7 million dollar grant to design a low-cost, integrated system that can identify and screen for high-yielding, deeper-rooted crops. The interdisciplinary team will combine a suite of technologies designed to identify phenotypes and genes related to desirable root traits, with the goal of enhancing the breeding of crop varieties better adapted for nitrogen and water acquisition and carbon sequestration.

Penn State students receive scholarships at 2017 Pennsylvania Farm Show

January 15, 2017

Seventeen Penn State students, including 13 enrolled in the College of Agricultural Sciences, were among 28 who received scholarships from the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation during the 101st Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The foundation awards scholarships to young people who are registered in a post-secondary educational institution and who have exhibited at the Farm Show. To be chosen, students must exhibit leadership qualities and excellent academic performance, according to the foundation.

Project to develop computational tools for coupled human-natural systems

January 10, 2017

Penn State researchers have received a $20 million, five-year project with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) looks to create a state-of-the-art framework of computational tools that will help to assess the impacts of weather-related variability and change.

Free public science minicourse starts on Jan. 21

January 10, 2017

"The Quest for One Healthy Planet" is the 2017 theme of the annual Penn State Lectures on the Frontiers of Science -- a free public minicourse that does not require registration or exams. The lectures take place on six consecutive Saturday mornings beginning at 11 a.m. in 100 Thomas Building on the University Park campus.

Researchers receive $3.6 million to study genetics of plant disease resistance

January 6, 2017

A $3.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation will support a new research project aimed at pinpointing the genes that confer disease resistance in cacao. The ultimate goal of the four-year study is to develop a new approach that plant scientists and breeders can use to identify the genetic basis for disease resistance in a variety of perennial crops.

Dairy of Distinction applications due April 15

January 6, 2017

Pennsylvania dairy producers are invited to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award from the Pennsylvania Dairy of Distinction program. The award is based on the concept that attractive farmsteads enhance consumer confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and stimulate milk sales and public support for the industry.

Extension offers home-study courses on beef, sheep, goat, swine production

January 6, 2017

Beef, sheep, meat-goat and swine producers looking for information on how to make their livestock enterprises more profitable can take advantage of four home-study courses offered by Penn State Extension this winter.

Fourteen named distinguished professors at Penn State

January 6, 2017

Fourteen Penn State faculty members have been honored with the title of "distinguished professor" in recognition of their academic contributions to the University.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

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. 

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

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. 

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

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. 

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

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. 

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters

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. 

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)