News

Masai giraffes more endangered than previously thought

Giraffes in eastern Africa may be even more endangered than previously thought. A new study led by researchers at Penn State revealed that populations of Masai giraffes separated geographically by the Great Rift Valley have not interbred — or exchanged genetic material — in more than a thousand years, and in some cases hundreds of thousands of years.

Penn State announces non-tenure-line faculty promotions, effective July 1, 2023

List of non-tenure-line faculty promotions at Penn State, effective July 1, 2023.

Penn State College of Ag Sciences presents awards for diversity achievements

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently announced the recipients of the 2023 Dr. William Henson Diversity Achievement Award, which recognizes distinctive and outstanding teaching, research, extension or creative work that advances diversity in the college.

Mouse models of adolescent binge drinking reveal key long-lasting brain changes

Heavy alcohol consumption may cause permanent dysregulation of neurons, or brain cells, in adolescents, according to a new study in mice.

$3M grant to aid researchers testing pregnancy weight-management platform

For women whose Body Mass Index (BMI) is high before they get pregnant, gaining excessive weight during pregnancy is associated with serious health problems for them and their babies, according to the Institute of Medicine.

New center to promote agricultural conservation in Pennsylvania

As part of an ongoing effort to promote soil and water conservation on farms, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has launched the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Pa. winemakers uncork new possibilities with help of Penn State researchers

Pennsylvania winemakers are uncorking new possibilities with the help of Penn State Extension and the College of Agricultural Sciences. Their expertise serves as a vital ingredient in elevating wine quality and diversity, while fueling the growth of the state’s $1.4 billion wine industry.

Life before air conditioning: Curly hair kept early humans cool

Curly hair does more than simply look good — it may explain how early humans stayed cool while conserving water, according to researchers who studied the role human hair textures play in regulating body temperature.

Lora Weiss selected to serve as CHIPS R&D director

Lora Weiss, senior vice president for research at Penn State, has been selected to serve as director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Research and Development (R&D) Office for a two-year appointment beginning July 1, pending final clearance. During Weiss’ assignment, Andrew Read, currently director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Evan Pugh Professor of Biology and Entomology and Eberly Professor of Biotechnology, will serve as interim senior vice president for research.

Andrew Read named interim senior vice president for research

Andrew Read, director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, has been selected to serve as interim senior vice president for research at Penn State during the two-year appointment of Lora Weiss as director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Research and Development Office. Read’s position will be effective July 1.