News

Researchers at Penn State found that two proteins thought to operate in harmony to regulate the genetic information-carrying messenger molecules called mRNA actually work in opposition: one protein destabilizes mRNA while the other steadies it. Credit: wildpixel/Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

Opposing forces in cells could hold clues to treating disease

A newly revealed molecular tug-of-war may have implications for better understanding how a multitude of diseases and disorders — including cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and immune disorders — originate, as well as how to potentially treat them, according to researchers at Penn State.

Modern methods in biological research course to be offered in spring 2026

Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences core facilities are offering a new course for spring 2026, Modern Methods in Biological Research, for upper-level undergraduate students and graduate students studying in the life sciences.

Core facilities open house welcomes new researchers

More than 120 researchers attended the first-ever Huck Core Facilities Open House last month, which featured informational posters, opportunities to talk with facilities staff, and even some interactive demonstrations.

Credit: Keith Hickey / Penn State. Creative Commons

September open house to showcase Huck Institutes instrumentation facilities

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences will host an open house event on Wednesday, Sept. 24, to advertise the high-tech instrumentation and expert consulting services available in its 11 core facilities.

Chemistry graduate students Amanda Gramm (L) and Jessica Thompson (R) will participate in internships with Huck Institutes Core Facilities Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Grad Students to participate in Core Facilities internships

Two chemistry grad students will participate in novel internships in Core Facilities this fall, supported by the Huck and the Materials Research Institute.

The activation of Protein Kinase A (PKA) is a critical part in how the body responds to stress and starvation. Using a variety of imaging and biochemical techniques, a team of researchers from Penn State has revealed how the metabolic cycle that activates PKA resets itself between stressful events. Credit: Varun Venkatakrishnan/Anand Lab / Penn State. Creative Commons

Resetting the fight-or-flight response

New study reveals mechanism responsible for resetting key molecular cycle involved in response to stress and starvation.

Craig Praul named director of Huck Core Facilities

Joining Praul on the new leadership team are Rajeswaran Mani, director of the Flow Cytometry Facility, and financial specialist Kelly Foster.

Undergraduate research may contribute to COVID-19 treatments

Brandywine undergraduates worked with professor to investigate potential new therapies to inhibit an enzyme that helps the coronavirus replicate

A structural model of the compact metal-bound form of the lanmodulin protein, which is 100 million times better at binding to lanthanides — the rare-earth metals used in smartphones and other technologies — than to other metals like calcium. IMAGE: PENN STATE

Bacterial protein could help find materials for your next smartphone

A newly discovered protein could help detect, target and collect from the environment the rare-earth metals used in smartphones. Two new studies by researchers at Penn State describe the protein, which is 100 million times better at binding to lanthanides — the rare-earth metals used in smartphones and other technologies — than to other metals like calcium.

Partnership announced between Commonwealth Campuses and shared facilities

The Office of the Vice President for Research at Penn State has announced the launch of a new program to support increased usage of shared core facilities and services by faculty at the Commonwealth Campuses.