News

Reuben Kraft, professor of mechanical engineering in the Penn State College of Engineering, is using computational tools — such as mouthguard sensors — to model and predict injury in the human brain. Here, a 3D visualization shows deformation in the brain caused by physical impact during a game of football.  Credit: Kraft Lab. All Rights Reserved.

Research team aims to better understand traumatic brain injuries

Penn State researchers are using computational methods and tools — such as custom mouthguard sensors — to model and predict injury in the human brain.

People who experience depression and concussions simultaneously have significantly worse symptoms for both conditions and disruptions to brain connectivity, according to a new study by kinesiology researchers at Penn State. Credit: Getty Images – FGTrade. All Rights Reserved.

Co-occurrence of depression and concussions amplify symptoms of both conditions

A new study led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Kinesiology demonstrated that the co-occurrence of depression and concussion was associated with significantly worse symptoms for both conditions.

Brianna Hnath, left, is doctoral candidate in biomedical engineering at Penn State and co-author of the study. Credit: Courtesy of the Dokholyan lab / Penn State. Creative Commons

Toxic protein may contribute to ALS development

New study elucidates the physiological processes that may contribute to ALS development and identifies a potential therapeutic target

Laura Cabrera, associate professor of engineering science and mechanics, will develop a patient-centered decision aid to help patients, caregivers and providers make decisions about neurotechnology treatments. Credit: Kate Myers/Penn State. All Rights Reserved.

Q&A: Ethical decision-making around neurotechnology treatments

Laura Cabrera, associate professor of engineering science and mechanics, has received a four-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to research and develop a patient-centered decision aid to help guide patients, providers, and caregivers navigating their options.

New CMIND director named

Janine Kwapis, the Paul Berg Early Career Professor in the Biological Sciences at Penn State, has been appointed director of the University's Center for Molecular Investigation of Neurological Disorders (CMIND), an interdisciplinary research unit within the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Less sleep and later bedtime in childhood linked to future substance use

A good night’s sleep is essential for children’s health and development, but childhood sleep patterns may also be linked to future substance use. A new study led by a team of Penn State researchers found that adolescents were more likely to have consumed alcohol or tried marijuana by age 15 if they went to bed later and slept fewer hours during childhood and adolescence.

Rewriting the evolutionary history of critical components of the nervous system

A new study has rewritten the conventionally understood evolutionary history of certain proteins critical for electrical signaling in the nervous system. The study, led by Penn State researchers, shows that the well-studied family of proteins — potassium ion channels in the Shaker family — were present in microscopic single cell organisms well before the common ancestor of all animals.

Memory problems in old age linked to a key enzyme, study in mice finds

A team of researchers from Penn State has identified an enzyme that contributes to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice were better able to incorporate new information and performed similarly to their younger counterparts. The researchers said the findings may lead to the development of potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.

New high-resolution 3D maps show how the brain’s blood vessels changes with age

Healthy blood vessels matter for more than just heart health. Vascular well-being is critical for brain health and potentially in addressing age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders, like Alzheimer’s disease, according to new study led by Penn State researchers.

HGSAC Co-Chairs Awarded for Service

Outgoing graduate advisers Avery Sicher and Jessica Walnut recognized by Huck Institutes for their leadership efforts during the 2023-2024 academic year