June 16, 2025
Researchers find 18% of sampled wells have PFAS levels beyond drinking water standards; compounds detected most often, and in the highest concentrations, in wells in the southeastern part of the state
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
August 7, 2024
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.
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.
April 19, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
