News
Mar 01, 2022
A new molecular family tree of grasses
The evolutionary relationships among grasses — including important crop plants like wheat, rice, corn, and sugarcane — have been clarified in a new molecular study of the grass family tree. Having a clear picture of the relationships among the grasses can help understanding of how important crop traits like seed size or disease resistance evolves and eventually could inform manipulation of these traits to increase crop yields.
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Feb 25, 2022
Repurposing FDA-approved drugs may help combat COVID-19
Several FDA-approved drugs — including for type 2 diabetes, hepatitis C and HIV — significantly reduce the ability of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 to replicate in human cells, according to new research led by scientists at Penn State. Specifically, the team found that these drugs inhibit certain viral enzymes, called proteases, that are essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication in infected human cells.
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Feb 25, 2022
Microscopy director propagates new discoveries and new scientists
The directors of the core facilities at Penn State’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences work behind the scenes on many successful research projects; often they are accomplished scientific researchers themselves. In many cases, these experts — and their facilities — bring insight, diverse experience, and decades of expertise to Penn State.
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Feb 22, 2022
Penn State establishes the Geroscience and Dementia Prevention Consortium
There is growing evidence that cognitive decline and dementia can be slowed. According to a recent report commissioned by the Lancet, an estimated 40% of dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by targeting modifiable behavioral, physical health, and psychosocial risk factors. There are also new drug therapies being created, behavioral interventions, and other areas that have shown promise in research.
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Feb 21, 2022
Omicron detected for first time in white-tailed deer
Some white-tailed deer living in Staten Island, New York, are actively infected with the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2, according to new research led by scientists at Penn State. The team also found neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in one of the Omicron-infected deer, suggesting that, like humans, deer can be reinfected with the virus.
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Feb 17, 2022
Penn State biologist Michael Axtell named distinguished professor
Michael Axtell, professor of biology at Penn State, has been selected to receive the title of distinguished professor of biology in recognition of his exceptional record of teaching, research, and service to the University community.
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Feb 17, 2022
Penn State biochemist Manuel Llinás named distinguished professor
Manuel Llinás, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and of chemistry at Penn State, has been selected to receive the title of distinguished professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in recognition of his exceptional record of teaching, research, and service to the University community.
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Feb 16, 2022
New video series highlights game-changing life sciences researchers
The Huck institutes of the Life Sciences has launched a new monthly series of short video essays to feature highly innovative Penn State researchers who are pushing boundaries and forging new pathways in their respective fields. “Life From All Angles” tells the stories of these risk-takers in a condensed, easy to digest, 5-minute format.
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Feb 15, 2022
World’s first gene editing tools for ticks may help decrease tick-borne diseases
Reducing tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, may now be possible thanks to two new gene editing methods developed by researchers at Penn State; the University of Nevada, Reno; and the University of Maryland. The methods could allow scientists to alter parts of the tick genome that are involved in harboring and transmitting pathogens.
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Feb 15, 2022
Researchers to study COVID-19 effects on maternal, child health during pregnancy
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has awarded Penn State College of Medicine $3.9 million through May 2025 to study the impact COVID-19 has on pregnancy. The researchers will conduct a multi-site study to examine the health outcomes for pregnant women and their infants before and after childbirth.
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