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A group of tiny particles can be made to follow a different group of particles in new experiments demonstrating the first steps in creating intelligent communicating systems involving active particles — sometimes called nanobots — that perform specialized tasks. In the experiment particles coated with the enzyme acid phosphatase (AcP) moved toward a chemical gradient of glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), which it converts to glucose that attracts the particles coated with the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx). The situation is akin to a predator chasing its prey or a police officer pursuing a criminal. Credit: Provided by the Sen Laboratory / Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 09, 2025

Can nanobots play follow the leader?

Researchers at Penn State demonstrate the first steps in the design of tiny particles that can perform specialized tasks, such as targeted delivery of drugs or other cargo.

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When the sidechain bases guanine (G) and uracil (U) are paired in the 3D structure of a molecule of ribonucleic acid (RNA) the unusual pairing creates an unusual molecular conformation called a “wobble," pictured on the left. New research shows that non-covalent modifications to the bases can further alter the conformation creating a “shifted wobble," shown on the right. This conformational diversity could help explain RNAs function versatility, according to the researchers. Credit: Md Sharear Saon/Bevilacqua Lab / Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 09, 2025

Unusual molecular conformation could help explain RNA’s versatility

Researchers at Penn State developed methods to identify and characterize modifications to ribonucleic acid, or RNA, structure that could alter the molecule’s function and serve as unique drug targets.

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Mike Campbell, distinguished professor of biology at Penn State Behrend, serves as director of the Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center. Credit: Penn State Behrend / Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 09, 2025

Erie research vineyard provides opportunities for Behrend students

At Penn State Behrend’s Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center, students gain hands-on experience studying the science behind grape growing while supporting vineyards across Pennsylvania and New York.

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A new method to measure RNA velocity — which describes rate of gene expression in a single cell — overcomes limitations of previous methods and can incorporate spatial information as well as data from cells processed at different times. The new method, called spVelo incorporates two types of neural networks: a Variational Autoencoder that models gene expression and a Graph Attention Network that allows the incorporation of spatial and batch information from the sequencing data. Credit: Provided by the researchers. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 08, 2025

New method calculates rate of gene expression to understand cell fate

Researchers at Penn State and Yale University have developed a new method that combines spatial and temporal data to better capture how gene expression changes over time, offering deeper insight into how cells specialize.

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Flatheads grow fast in this river system, attain large body sizes and can eat a variety of prey. Because adult flatheads have few natural predators, they can exert strong control over the ecosystem. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 04, 2025

Invasive flathead catfish now top predators in Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania

New study suggests that smallmouth bass and channel catfish are changing what they eat to avoid having to compete with or being eaten by the invader.

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Adam Hughes Credit: Adam Hughes. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 04, 2025

Huck Distinguished Lecture Series to host biochemist on Sept. 9

University of Utah professor Adam Hughes will discuss cellular aging and unexpected causes

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Researchers at Penn State are using 3D bioprinting and a novel surgical method to improve blood supply in tissue reconstruction, backed by a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Sep 04, 2025

$3M grant seeks bioprinted solution for reconstructive surgery’s blood problem

Researchers at Penn State are using 3D bioprinting and a novel surgical method to improve blood supply in tissue reconstruction, backed by a $3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

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A team at Penn State has developed a novel wearable sensor capable of continuously monitoring low rates of perspiration for the presence of a lactate — a molecule the body uses to break down sugars for energy. Credit: Provided by Farnaz Lorestani. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 03, 2025

Don’t sweat it: New device detects sweat biomarker at minimal perspiration rate

Non-invasive, wearable sensor can identify and track lactate in low-perspiration conditions, researchers say.

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A watercolor artist’s interpretation of the relationship between the human genome and gut mycobiome. A new genome-wide study by researchers at Penn State uncovered evidence of the first three-way relationships between human genetic variation, variation in the fungal component of the human microbiome — known as the mycobiome — and risk of developing chronic disease. Credit: Amy Bean/Creative Commons. All Rights Reserved.

Sep 03, 2025

Connection among gut fungi, genetics and disease risk in humans identified

Novel genome-wide association study sheds light on the human genetic determinants of the fungal component of the human microbiome and their relation to chronic disease.

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Chemistry graduate students Amanda Gramm (L) and Jessica Thompson (R) will participate in internships with Huck Institutes Core Facilities Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Sep 02, 2025

Grad Students to participate in Core Facilities internships

Two chemistry grad students will participate in novel internships in Core Facilities this fall, supported by the Huck and the Materials Research Institute.

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