News | The Huck Institutes (en-US)

The speed and error rate of DNA Synthesis differs between regions of the genome that form the usual DNA structure (B DNA) and those regions that can form other structures (non-B DNA). Regions that can form G-quadruplexes (illustrated) slow down DNA synthesis and increase error rates, other non-B DNA structures can have the opposite effect. This phenomenon could help explain increased human genetic variation and increased divergence between human and orangutan at these sites and has implications for understanding cancer and neurological diseases associated with non-B DNA. IMAGE: WILFRIED GUIBLET, PENN STATE

Nov 13, 2018

DNA structure impacts rate and accuracy of DNA synthesis

The speed and error rate of DNA synthesis is influenced by the three-dimensional structure of the DNA. Using “third-generation” genome-wide DNA sequencing data, a team of researchers from Penn State and the Czech Academy of Sciences showed that sequences with the potential to form unusual DNA conformations, which are frequently associated with cancer and neurological diseases, can in fact slow down or speed up the DNA synthesis process and cause more or fewer sequencing errors.

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An Anopheles freeborni mosquito takes a blood meal. Native to North America, An. freeborni is one species that researchers say could spread Mayaro virus in the United States. IMAGE: JAMES GATHANY, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Nov 12, 2018

Anopheles mosquitoes could spread Mayaro virus in U.S., other diverse regions

Mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are well known as primary vectors of malaria. But a new study suggests that Anopheles species, including some found in the United States, also are capable of carrying and transmitting an emerging pathogen, Mayaro virus, which has caused outbreaks of disease in South America and the Caribbean.

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A hibernating little brown bat showing the symptoms of white-nose syndrome. IMAGE: MARVIN MORIARTY/USFWS

Nov 12, 2018

Grant supports research to combat white-nose syndrome in bats

Penn State research aimed at combating white-nose syndrome in bats has received funding from the Bats for the Future Fund, a public-private partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Southern Company, and the Avangrid Foundation.

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A grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will enable Penn State researchers to explore whether high-resolution satellite imagery can accurately identify insect and disease damage to crops on small African farms.

Nov 09, 2018

Gates Foundation grant to support research on satellite crop surveillance

A research team in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has received a Grand Challenges Explorations grant — an initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. A group led by David Hughes, associate professor of entomology and biology, will pursue an innovative global health and development research project, titled "Pest and Disease Surveillance via High-Resolution Satellites."

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Nov 09, 2018

Professor named 2018 distinguished member of Association for Computing Machinery

Vasant G. Honavar, professor and Edward Frymoyer Chair of Information Sciences and Technology, has been named a distinguished member of the Association for Computing Machinery, the world’s largest and most prestigious association of computing professionals. Honavar, who is one of 49 distinguished members named for 2018, was recognized for his outstanding scientific contributions to computing.

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A new study used rice seedlings to demonstrate that the stress of hotter temperatures may trigger a response in a plant’s RNA to manage the change in its environment. IMAGE: PETER NGUYEN

Nov 05, 2018

Hot temperatures can trigger an RNA response in plants

The stress of hotter temperatures may trigger a response in a plant's RNA, or ribonucleic acid — part of a cell's genetic messaging system — to help manage this change in its environment, according to a team of Penn State researchers.

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Oct 31, 2018

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.

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Penn State Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering Andrew Zydney talks with Schreyer Scholars during an Oct. 18 visit to Fresenius Kidney Care in Boalsburg.

Oct 29, 2018

Scholars get firsthand look at kidney care

Andrew Zydney, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Huck Institutes' Center of Excellence in Industrial Biotechnology, accompanied eight undergrad honors students to Fresenius Kidney Care in Boalsburg to see the process of hemodialysis in action.

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Dr. Janet Iwasa presents at the Center for Cellular Dynamics' "Art of Cellular Biology" event

Oct 19, 2018

Innovative meeting brings scientists and artists together

The University of Utah’s Dr. Janet Iwasa headlined the “Art of Cellular Biology” event.

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A metal-free ribonucleotide reductase—an enzyme required for DNA replication—from bacterial pathogens uses a post-translationally modified amino acid (pictured) to initiate an essential DNA biosynthesis reaction. The modification (indicated by arrow) is essential for initiation of ribonucleotide reduction. This metal-free enzyme could allow microbes associated with strep throat and pneumonia infections to more effectively proliferate during iron/manganese limitation imposed by the human immune system. IMAGE: GAVIN PALOWITCH, PENN STATE

Oct 18, 2018

Pathogens may evade immune response with metal-free enzyme

This metal-free enzyme could allow microbes associated with strep throat and pneumonia infections to more effectively proliferate during iron/manganese limitation imposed by the human immune system.

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