News
Dec 01, 2020
Making Connections: Psychologist explores the neuroscience of creativity
Is there anything more mysterious — or human — than the creative impulse? Whatever the field of endeavor: music, art, science, business… What accounts for the inspired burst of innovation? The spark that flits to flame and lights the way to something entirely new?
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Dec 01, 2020
'Anti-antibiotic' allows for use of antibiotics without driving resistance
An inexpensive, FDA-approved drug — cholestyramine — taken in conjunction with an antibiotic prevents the antibiotic from driving antimicrobial resistance, according to new research by scientists at Penn State and the University of Michigan. The team’s findings appear today (Dec. 1) in the journal eLife.
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Nov 30, 2020
Warbler coloration shaped by evolution via distinct paths
Two genes that are important for the diverse colors and patterns of warbler plumage have evolved through two very different processes, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. These evolutionary processes could help explain the rapid evolution of these songbirds into so many unique species.
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Nov 30, 2020
Biomedical engineers find active particles swim against the current
Researchers are beginning to understand the behavior of so-called “active” particles, which, if it can be controlled, has potential implications for engineered drug delivery systems and smart 3D printing, according to an interdisciplinary Penn State research team.
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Nov 19, 2020
Elephant genetics guide conservation
New study recommends preserving wildlife corridors between protected areas to maintain genetic connections between African elephant populations
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Nov 19, 2020
Penn State COVID experts urge students to consider avoiding family gatherings
A pair of University experts, speaking for the clinical and research arms of Penn State's COVID-19 response, have called for caution as students prepare to return home at the end of the semester.
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Nov 19, 2020
Altered 'coat' disguises fatal brain virus from neutralizing antibodies
A genetic modification in the ‘coat’ of a brain infection-causing virus may allow it to escape antibodies, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.
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Nov 17, 2020
Spring symposium, seed grants to promote transdisciplinary biodiversity research
The Sustainability Institute at Penn State is hosting transdisciplinary symposia on biodiversity throughout the spring 2021 semester.
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Nov 11, 2020
Smell and taste changes provide early indication of COVID-19 community spread
Self-reports of smell and taste changes provide earlier markers of the spread of infection of SARS-CoV-2 than current governmental indicators, according to an international team of researchers. The researchers also observed a decline in self-reports of smell and taste changes as early as five days after lockdown enforcement, with faster declines reported in countries that adopted the most stringent lockdown measures.
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Nov 09, 2020
Could SARS-CoV-2 evolve resistance to COVID-19 vaccines?
Similar to bacteria evolving resistance to antibiotics, viruses can evolve resistance to vaccines, and the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 could undermine the effectiveness of vaccines that are currently under development, according to a paper published Nov. 9 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by David Kennedy and Andrew Read from Penn State.
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