News

Aug 04, 2026

How does a deadly chicken virus escape vaccines designed to slow it?

A new genome-wide study of the virus that causes Marek’s disease in chickens has identified 10 regions in the virus genome that are associated with an increase in virulence. The study could inform the development of next-generation vaccines that are more effective at preventing future breakthroughs.

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Jul 31, 2026

Honey from continental US may be as pesticide-free as imported organic honey

Honey from the continental U.S. can’t currently be certified organic due to specific land requirements, but farms in the Northeast may still produce honey that is as low in pesticide residue as imported organic honeys, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State, Cornell University and Auburn University.

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Jul 31, 2026

Industrial noise may alter bluebird behavior but not cognitive ability

Scientists have long wondered whether loud, human-caused noise interferes with wild animals’ cognition — their ability to think and learn — by causing stress, distraction or making it harder for them to focus. The results of a novel study of Eastern bluebirds conducted by a team of researchers at Penn State suggests that, at least in some cases, short-term noise doesn’t affect them much.

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Jul 28, 2026

Huck Institutes announces recipients of nine interdisciplinary seed grants

Penn State’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences has awarded nine research teams seed funding for 2026-27. These grants support high-impact, innovative research projects that align with the Huck’s strategic research priorities and have the potential to drive scientific breakthroughs and generate significant return on investment.

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Jul 28, 2026

Diets high in a particular type of fat help protect bees against pesticides

Diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids — a type of fat that supports brain function, cell growth and heart health — may help protect honey bees against the toxic effects of pesticides, according to a study led by researchers at Penn State.

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Jul 21, 2026

Community-engaged research unit awards seed grants

The Penn State Social Science Research Institute’s Community-Engaged Research, Action and Partnerships (CERAP) unit recently awarded six seed grants to support interdisciplinary community-engaged research. According to CERAP co-director and professor of biobehavioral health, Lori Francis, the funding will help develop new or strengthen existing community-engaged research partnerships.

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Jul 10, 2026

Penn State Master Gardeners to share gardening expertise at Ag Progress Days

Whether diagnosing plant problems, identifying insects or planning a landscape, Penn State Extension Master Gardeners can help visitors tackle gardening questions with research-based advice in the Yard and Garden Area during Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, Aug. 11-13, at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs.

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Jul 01, 2026

Fourteen interdisciplinary research teams receive 2026 IEE seed grants

Fourteen interdisciplinary research teams have received funding through the Institute of Energy and the Environment’s (IEE) 2026 Seed Grant Program. The program supports basic and applied research that lays the groundwork to pursue external funding and is guided by IEE’s five strategic research themes. This year, the program awarded seed funding to more than 40 researchers across 10 colleges and campuses and 21 departments and units.

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Jun 10, 2026

Huck names Leadership Fellows for 2026-27

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences has selected three faculty members to serve as Huck Leadership Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year. The competitive program prepares faculty for future leadership roles while engaging them in strategic initiatives that advance interdisciplinary research at Penn State.

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May 26, 2026

Q&A: What can plant evolution teach people about breeding better crops?

May 22 is United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity, drawing attention to a critical resource for developing crops that are resilient or resistant to extreme weather and other threats to their health, according to Jesse Lasky, associate professor of biology at Penn State.

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