News

Molecular motor grows cell's microtubules

Motor proteins that pause at the ends of microtubules and produce pushing forces can also stimulate their growth, according to researchers at Penn State.

Response to environmental change depends on individual variation in partnership between corals and algae

New research reveals that some corals are more protective than others of their partner algae in harsh environmental conditions.

Bees to scientists: "We're more complicated than you think"

Chemical signaling among social insects, such as bees, ants and wasps, is more complex than previously thought, according to researchers at Penn State and Tel Aviv University, whose results refute the idea that a single group of chemicals controls reproduction across numerous species.

New technology discovered for brain repair: Chemical transformation of human glial cells into neurons

For the first time, researchers have used a cocktail of small molecules to transform human brain cells, called astroglial cells, into functioning neurons for brain repair.

Stress in adolescence prepares rats for future challenges

Rats exposed to frequent physical, social, and predatory stress during adolescence solved problems and foraged more efficiently under high-threat conditions in adulthood compared with rats that developed without stress, according to Penn State researchers.

Interdisciplinary graduate training at Penn State enhanced by NIH supplemental award

An $80,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), with matching support from the University, will fund five years of advanced training in data reproducibility and entrepreneurship.

Chasing the Six Million Dollar Man

When Steve Piazza was a kid, he was fascinated by "The Six Million Dollar Man." The '70s TV show followed an astronaut who, after a crash, was given bionic limbs and a bionic eye. For Piazza, the show did more than just entertain -- it captured his imagination and set the stage for the rest of his life.

Oligo synthesis service discontinued

The Penn State Genomics Core no longer provides oligonucleotide synthesis as a service. However, IDT and Penn State have established an internet ordering portal for researchers at University Park that automatically discounts your orders and provides free shipping on all non-expedited orders.

Caterpillar deceives corn plant into lowering defenses against it

In a deception that likely has evolved over thousands of years, a caterpillar that feeds on corn leaves induces the plant to turn off its defenses against insect predators, allowing the caterpillar to eat more and grow faster, according to chemical ecologists in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Only above-water microbes play a role in cave development

Only the microbes located above the water's surface contribute to the development of hydrogen-sulfide-rich caves, suggests an international team of researchers.