News

First rapid tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea exhibit 100% sensitivity

Chlamydia and gonorrhea disease currently has a clinically available rapid test, but that could change thanks to a Penn State-led research team. This could be used for a variety of infections.

Plant pathologist to research plant diseases in organic vegetables

Sharifa Crandall will use a $800,000 grant from the USDA’s Organic Transitions initiative to study methods to suppress soilborne pathogens in vegetable high tunnels.

Predicting nationwide crop water availability by understanding soil influences

A USDA grant will fund Penn State researchers to incorporate satellite, sensor and soil core data into predictive models of nationwide crop water availability

CBD and CBG may promote bone fracture healing, manage pain

Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) might someday help bone fracture patients manage their pain, according to a Penn State study.

Biochemist selected as Innovation Fund investigator by Pew Charitable Trusts

Katsuhiko Murakami, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Penn State, has been selected as a member of the 2023 class of Innovation Fund investigators by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Gene integral to initiating, sustaining sperm cell development identified

With male infertility a mounting global concern impacting approximately 12% of men, a Penn State research team has discovered a gene that plays a key role in initiating and sustaining spermatogenesis. The finding may open a door for future therapies to boost sperm counts.

Replacing 3D printing plastics with plant-derived materials

A $650,000 USDA grant to fund Penn State researchers will support developing new and sustainable resin materials from lignocellulosic biomass.

Manuel Llinás named as the Ernest C. Pollard Professor in Biotechnology

Manuel Llinás, distinguished professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and of chemistry in the Penn State Eberly College of Science, has been named the Ernest C. Pollard Professor in Biotechnology.

USDA grant awarded for study on soil health, weed control in organic operations

A nearly $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded to Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will support research on soil health and weed suppression in organic farming.

Grants awarded to Penn State faculty for tropical ecosystems research in Belize

Three projects have been awarded seed grants as part of the Penn State-Belize Foundation for Research and Environmental Education Research and Education Initiative to develop agroforestry systems .