News

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Innovative meeting brings scientists and artists together

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

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

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.

New Predictive Models May Transform Personalized Treatment Of Infectious Disease

Penn State’s Steven Schiff wins prestigious NIH research award

Lung inflammation from childhood asthma linked with later anxiety

Persistent lung inflammation may be one possible explanation for why having asthma during childhood increases your risk for developing anxiety later in life, according to Penn State researchers.

Incoming Huck Director Andrew Read

Andrew Read Named Director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Dr. Read was previously director of the Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and will step into his new role January 1.

From L-R: Connie Rogers, Associate Director; Peter Hudson, Director; Kelly Ness, 2017-18 Graduate Adviser; Jim Marden, Director of Operations; Bruce Chen, 2018-19 Graduate Adviser; Troy Ott, Associate Director for Graduate Education

New HGSAC Leadership Looks to Build on Recent Success

Experienced HGSAC member Bruce Chen replaces departing Kelly Ness as Graduate Adviser

Plant virus alters competition between aphid species

In the world of plant-feeding insects, who shows up first to the party determines the overall success of the gathering; yet viruses can disrupt these intricate relationships, according to researchers at Penn State.