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hot milk foam

Novel powdered milk method yields better frothing agent

7/23/19

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A novel method of processing — using high-pressure jets to spray milk and then quickly drying the spray — yields skim milk powders with enhanced properties and functionality, according to Penn State researchers, who say the discovery may lead to "cleaner" labels on foods.

Privacy policy

Research aims to automatically answer user questions on online privacy policies

7/23/19

Internet users may soon have a way to have their questions about online privacy policies answered automatically, thanks to a new multi-institution research project that includes Penn State. The project aims to enable people to ask questions about the privacy issues that matter to them when reviewing privacy policies.

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.

Swedish Icebreaker Oden

English professor participates in Northwest Passage Project expedition

7/19/19

Hester Blum, Penn State associate professor of English and a 2019 Guggenheim Fellow, will be tracking climate change in the Arctic Ocean as part of the Northwest Passage Project research expedition. The nautical expedition launched from Thule Air Base in Thule, Greenland, on July 18 and will return Aug. 4, sailing approximately 2,000 nautical miles through the Arctic on the Swedish Icebreaker Oden.

Distance learners

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?

Shawn Murdzek

Meteorology graduate student wins NSF fellowship to study tornado formation

7/17/19

Shawn Murdzek, a graduate student studying meteorology and atmospheric science in Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, received a 2019 Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation. He is one of seven EMS students and 24 Penn State students to receive the honor.

bioprinting cells

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.

Busy intersection

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.

Fake news

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.

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