A random-forest, machine-learning method for identifying copy number variation from exome-sequencing data.

New method helping to find deletions and duplications in the human genome

A new machine-learning method developed by researchers at Penn State accurately identifies regions of the human genome that have been duplicated or deleted — known as copy number variants — that are often associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Research

diagram of phase separation over temperature gradient

Maintaining shelf-stable drugs

7/22/19

A new mathematical model describes how highly concentrated antibody solutions separate into different phases, similar to an oil and water mixture, which can reduce the stability and shelf-life of some drugs.

Fall armyworm caterpillar on tobacco leaf

Plants defend against insects by inducing 'leaky gut syndrome'

7/22/19

Plants may induce "leaky gut syndrome" — permeability of the gut lining — in insects as part of a multipronged strategy for protecting themselves from being eaten, according to researchers at Penn State. By improving our understanding of plant defenses, the findings could contribute to the development of new pest control methods.

Parasitic plants use stolen genes to make them better parasites

7/22/19

Some parasitic plants steal genetic material from their host plants and use the stolen genes to more effectively siphon off the host’s nutrients, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State and Virginia Tech.

Reducing farm greenhouse gas emissions may plant the seed for a cooler planet

7/22/19

Farms — and particularly dairy farms — can play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet, by adopting beneficial management practices, according to a team of researchers.

How do distance learners connect?

7/19/19

In a typical college classroom, social connections are formed through face-to-face interactions. Through informal chats before and after class, group project meetings, and other exchanges, students are able to build community with their classmates and peers that often enrich their academic experience.

But how do distance learners connect?

A single measurement may help determine kneecap instability risk

7/18/19

Knee injuries can be a scourge to collegiate and pro athletes alike, but Penn State researchers say a single measurement taken by a clinician may help predict whether a person is at risk for knee instability.

New tuberculosis tests pave way for cow vaccination programs

7/17/19

Skin tests that can distinguish between cattle that are infected with tuberculosis (TB) and those that have been vaccinated against the disease have been created by an international team of scientists.

Companies' political leanings influence engagement with activists

7/17/19

Liberal-leaning companies are more likely to work in concert with the demands of activists of all kinds than conservative-leaning companies, according to researchers at Penn State and the University of Washington.

NSF mid-scale award sets off the first extension of IceCube Neutrino Observatory

7/16/19

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory, the Antarctic detector that identified the first likely source of high-energy neutrinos and cosmic rays, is getting an upgrade.

Engineering faculty member receives grants totaling $1.5M for bioprinting

7/16/19

Ibrahim Tarik Ozbolat, Hartz Family Career Development Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, has received four grants totaling about $1.5 million to explore ways to bioprint biological tissues like bone, lungs and other organs for use as models in a variety of studies.

Using deep learning to improve traffic signal performance

7/15/19

Traffic signals serve to regulate the worst bottlenecks in highly populated areas but are not always very effective. Researchers at Penn State are hoping to use deep reinforcement learning to improve traffic signal efficiency in urban areas, thanks to a one-year, $22,443 Penn State Institute for CyberScience Seed Grant.

Illustration of an animal cell in blue with a magnifying glass showing alternating purple and green layers on the surface of the cell.

Bioengineered cell walls open new medical, research possibilities

7/15/19

Biomedical engineers at Penn State have developed a process to build protective, synthetic plant cell walls around animal cells. The work could hold significant potential for a variety of medical and biomanufacturing applications for human health.

What makes a piece of news fake?

7/15/19

Social media exposes users to a myriad of misinformation including fake news, or news stories with intentionally false information. In fact, during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, fake news engaged more people than real news, according to a BuzzFeed News analysis. A team of researchers is working to help explain why a piece of news is detected as being false.

Curiosity rover photographs strata at the base of Mount Sharp on Mars

The Philadelphia Inquirer: July 18, 2019
Penn State has major role in Saturn moon mission
Three Penn State aerospace engineers are helping design Dragonfly, a “dual quadcopter” that will make the eight-year trek to Saturn's moon Titian.
Wired: July 17, 2019
Now we know how the zombie ant gets its bite
Penn State researchers used a scanning electron microscope to look at mandibular muscles in dying ants.

Other Voices

Marijuana is on the ballot, legalization may stall
Our research indicates that medical marijuana progress may well stall after this latest round of ballot initiatives.
from:
The Conversation
Social impact bonds, explained
A new approach to fighting some of society’s big problems is emerging at a time when the federal government and states are cutting back on safety-net spending.
from:
The Conversation

Find out more about Penn State research

Research Matters

The blog that tells the stories behind the news of research and creative activity at Penn State. We are a team of writers in the Research Communications unit at the University.

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New method helping to find deletions and duplications in the human genome

Research

Research

Maintaining shelf-stable drugs

Plants defend against insects by inducing 'leaky gut syndrome'

Parasitic plants use stolen genes to make them better parasites

Reducing farm greenhouse gas emissions may plant the seed for a cooler planet

How do distance learners connect?

A single measurement may help determine kneecap instability risk

New tuberculosis tests pave way for cow vaccination programs

Companies' political leanings influence engagement with activists

NSF mid-scale award sets off the first extension of IceCube Neutrino Observatory

Engineering faculty member receives grants totaling $1.5M for bioprinting

Using deep learning to improve traffic signal performance

Bioengineered cell walls open new medical, research possibilities

What makes a piece of news fake?

Penn State researcher sees potential for ancient life on Martian surface

2D perovskite materials found to have unique, conductive edge states

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