Tick tubes help reduce the parasites on mice, but time and frequency matters

December 3, 2024

Ticks are a nuisance across many areas of the U.S., capable of spreading harmful pathogens to both animals and humans. A new study led by researchers at Penn State analyzed the effectiveness of a simple, inexpensive strategy for controlling ticks that homeowners can use in their backyards.

‘Plant Yourself in Ag Day’ highlights careers in agricultural education

November 27, 2024

In conjunction with National Teach Ag Day, undergraduate students in agricultural and extension education in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently put their budding teaching skills to work during a pilot career immersion event for high school students.

Researchers to study how to make carbon-storing product safer, more sustainable

November 26, 2024

Funded by a USDA grant, an international team led by Penn State researchers aims to mitigate toxic organic compounds produced in manufacturing of the biomaterial known as biochar

American soil losing more crop nutrients due to heavier rainstorms, study shows

November 18, 2024

Loss of phosphorus from agricultural lands is increasing due to heavier storms, potentially threatening crop growth, according to team led by researchers at Penn State

Microplastics increasing in freshwater, directly related to plastic production

October 30, 2024

Microplastics have been steadily increasing in freshwater environments for decades and are directly tied to rising global plastic production since the 1950s, according to a new study by an interdisciplinary team of Penn State researchers. The findings provide insight into how microplastics move and spread in freshwater environments, which could be important for creating long-term solutions to reduce pollution, the researchers said.

Thompson, Pennsylvania in the Balance among those receiving Ag Council awards

October 29, 2024

Pennsylvania in the Balance was awarded the 2024 Leadership in Action Award for fostering collaborative efforts between agriculture and environmental stakeholders in Pennsylvania. Since 2008, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and other partners have organized four "Pennsylvania in the Balance" conferences.

AI decodes microbes’ message in milk safety testing approach

October 10, 2024

By combining the genetic sequencing and analysis of the microbes in a milk sample with artificial intelligence (AI), researchers were able to detect anomalies in milk production, such as contamination or unauthorized additives. The new approach could help improve dairy safety, according to the study authors from Penn State, Cornell University and IBM Research.

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences faculty honored by national society

October 9, 2024

Two faculty members in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Ali Demirci and Juliana Vasco-Correa, recently received awards from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

New project to support microgreens producers with risk management education

October 8, 2024

Faculty members in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have launched a new project to help agricultural producers tackle the challenges of microgreens production.

Adding fall blooming plants may help both managed and wild bees in cities

October 7, 2024

There are nearly 4,000 native bee species in the United States, contributing to pollination in agricultural, urban and natural landscapes. Honey bees, however, are not native to the U.S., which has led to concerns that managed honey bee populations might negatively impact wild bees via competition for resources and sharing of pathogens, according to researchers at Penn State. However, the team recently found that of the 33 genera of native bees studied, only a small number seemed to be negatively affected by the presence of honey bees.

Climate change researcher appointed to federal program advisory committee

September 30, 2024

Karen Fisher-Vanden, distinguished professor of environmental and resource economics and public policy in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, has been appointed as a member of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)’s Committee to Advise the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP). She will serve as a committee member for three years.

$1M USDA grant to perfect weed killing method in organic crop production

September 24, 2024

Weeds are a major factor limiting yield in organic vegetable and other horticultural crop systems, and the lack of effective biological weed-management solutions is a significant obstacle to the adoption of organic farming practices. To address this problem, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded a four-year, $1 million grant to a team led by plant scientists and an economist from Penn State to investigate anaerobic soil disinfestation, a microbial-driven process to manage weeds, to support transitioning from conventional to organic production systems.

Nine researchers named Institute of Energy and the Environment Fellows

September 13, 2024

Nine Penn State researchers have been named fellows of the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) for 2024. The program recognizes and assists the exceptional achievements and unparalleled research impacts of highly successful researchers in the areas of energy and the environment. Nominees for the fellowship were submitted by the University community.

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.

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 (NACTA) in Wooster, Ohio.

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.

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 continue their work studying the effects of dietary cocoa on the gut health of mice by characterizing the sex-specific beneficial effects of cocoa against obesity-related inflammation and fatty liver disease.

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.

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

Pennsylvania Dairies Get $25M Boost for Climate-Smart Practices

May 16, 2024

Penn State is seeking more than 100 Pennsylvania dairy farms to receive assistance in planning and implementing practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Concerns over declining firefly population prompts 15-year Penn State research study

May 3, 2024

Did you know that the firefly is the Pennsylvania state bug? Fireflies, or lightning bugs as many people call them, have been lighting up our summer nights for as long as we can remember.

NSF CAREER Award enables Penn State scientist to study new 3D printing materials

April 19, 2024

Six Penn State faculty elected to 2023 cohort of AAAS Fellows

April 19, 2024

Six Penn State faculty members in areas ranging from neuropharmacology to computer architecture have been elected to the 2023 cohort of fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society. This year, AAAS recognized a total of 502 scientists, engineers and innovators with this lifetime honor, bestowed by their peers, for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements.

Type of plastic film on high tunnels can filter sunlight, influence plant growth

April 16, 2024

High-tunnel growing systems, sometimes called hoop houses, have gained popularity for their ability to enhance growth conditions and extend the growing season of horticultural crops. Now, a team led by Penn State researchers has demonstrated that growers can select various plastic film coverings on the structures — depending on their desired light-filtering properties — to protect plants and enhance their health.

Penn State Extension to host agricultural conservation conference June 4-6

April 16, 2024

Individuals working in agricultural conservation can dive into professional development opportunities by attending the “ACAP Ag Conservation Con,” June 4-6 at Toftrees Golf Resort, located at 1 Country Club Lane in State College.

Penn State-hosted summit highlighted collaboration on climate-smart ag projects

March 5, 2024

Climate change profoundly impacts farmers, introducing challenges such as erratic weather patterns, shorter growing seasons, extreme temperatures, and heightened pest and disease pressure.

'Growing Impact' examines PFAS water contamination, evaluation of existing tech

March 4, 2024

The latest episode of the "Growing Impact" podcast explores PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and their impact on drinking water. For decades, PFAS have been manufactured and used in thousands of products that people use every day. Emerging evidence has associated PFAS exposure with potential negative health outcomes. This prompted a research team to evaluate existing technologies, designed to decontaminate drinking water, to determine if they can also remove PFAS. This project aims to safeguard drinking water, especially in communities reliant on well water.

Cyber-physical heating system may protect apple blossoms in orchards

February 29, 2024

Spring frosts can have devastating effects on apple production, and a warming climate may be causing trees to blossom early, making them more susceptible to the damaging effects of extreme cold events. Growers’ attempts to prevent the flowers from freezing by attempting to heat the canopies of their orchards largely have been inefficient.

Penn State Biorenewables Symposium to unveil new opportunities, April 18-19

February 27, 2024

Professionals and researchers spanning biorenewables-related industries and research programs are invited to join Penn State’s 2024 Biorenewables Symposium, which is designed to help them gain insights into cutting-edge research, cultivate partnerships and explore pathways within the field of biobased energy, products and materials.