Nine new faculty join Penn State’s Social Science Research Institute

August 28, 2024

The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) is welcoming nine new co-funded faculty members to Penn State. By helping to support co-funded faculty members, SSRI also supports interdisciplinary research within the social and behavioral sciences.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Aug. 27

August 27, 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.   

STEM Libraries announce fall 2024 events for graduate, undergraduate students

August 27, 2024

The STEM Libraries at Penn State University Park have announced the calendar of events for the fall 2024 semester.

College of Ag Sciences faculty, students lauded at annual national conference

August 26, 2024

Several faculty members and graduate students associated with Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently received awards at the 70th annual North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Conference in Wooster, Ohio.

USDA grant to fund project developing AI-powered database on water quality

August 26, 2024

Nitrate, a common chemical compound that occurs naturally and is found in plants, water and soil, can break down into molecules harmful to human, animal and ecological health and accumulate as a pollutant. Nitrate contamination in streams, lakes and estuaries is a critical problem in many agricultural watersheds, but water-quality data is limited, making monitoring stream health and making management decisions difficult, according to researchers at Penn State. To enhance available data, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a four-year, $650,000 grant to a research team at Penn State.

Salamanders are surprisingly abundant in Northeastern forests, study finds

August 26, 2024

Two recent studies involving Penn State researchers shed light on the ecological importance of red-backed salamanders and confirmed that proactive measures could prevent costly impacts from a wildlife disease spreading across Europe that has not yet reached North America.

Lisa Holden named interim head of the Department of Animal Science

August 23, 2024

Lisa Holden, associate professor of dairy science, has been appointed interim head of the Department of Animal Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Testing confirms that Penn State dairy herd is free of avian influenza

August 23, 2024

After three weeks of testing as required under a voluntary state monitoring program for bird flu in dairy cattle, animal health experts in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences announced that the University’s dairy herd has been certified as free of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.

USDA grant funds cocoa benefits research to combat obesity-related health issues

August 22, 2024

Cocoa may be the dark horse in the race against obesity, according to researchers at Penn State. Nearly one in three adults are overweight and more than two in five have obesity in the U.S., both conditions that come with inflammation-related health concerns. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a research team, led by Joshua Lambert, professor of food science in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, a three-year, $650,000 grant to characterize the sex-specific beneficial effects of cocoa against obesity-related inflammation and fatty liver disease.

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.

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
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  • 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)