News | The Huck Institutes (en-US)

The researchers collaborated with veterinarians in Centre County and several Pennsylvania horse farms, testing nearly 200 horses — some healthy, some sick — to determine the new references and indices. This study is a step toward using routine blood tests to spot inflammation before it becomes serious, they said. Credit: catnap72/Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

Nov 11, 2025

New method may improve blood test’s ability to detect inflammation in horses

Inflammation can signal healing or harm, and distinguishing between the two is especially challenging in horses. To improve early detection, Penn State researchers created new inflammatory indices that combine routine complete blood count values into a clearer picture of a horse’s inflammatory status, helping veterinarians address problems before they become chronic.

Full Article

Patrick Drew is leading a research team in investigating a rare neuron that appears to play a significant role in regulating blood flow in the brain of mice. Credit: Kelby Hochreither/Penn State. All Rights Reserved.

Nov 11, 2025

It’s not just in your head: Stress may lead to altered blood flow in the brain

Researchers at Penn State find a rare, stress-sensitive neuron appears to help regulate blood flow in the brain of mice.

Full Article

Thomas Bosch, senior research professor at Kiel University, will deliver a talk at Penn State University Park on Dec. 12. Credit: Thomas Bosch Lab. All Rights Reserved.

Nov 11, 2025

Host-microbiome interaction biologist to receive inaugural Microbiome Medal Thomas Bosch, senior research professor at Kiel University, will receive the inaugural Microbiome Medal and speak about his wo

Thomas Bosch, senior research professor at Kiel University, will receive the inaugural Microbiome Medal and speak about his work on Dec. 12

Full Article

Zhaoyang Jiang, Biology Ph.D. candidate, records ion channel activity in a living cell with Timothy Jegla, associate professor of biology, overlooking.

Nov 06, 2025

Penn State Eberly College of Science launches new neurobiology major

The Penn State Eberly College of Science is launching a new major in neurobiology, a degree that will prepare students to tackle the cross-disciplinary questions and problems related to the brain, the nervous system and its interactions with the body and environment, and brain health. The Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology will provide a comprehensive framework of training to fill an increasing student interest and need for wide-ranging skillsets in neuroscience research, preparation for medical and healthcare careers, and beyond.

Full Article

An illustration of neurons. Credit: Benedict Campbell, Wellcome Images/CC. All Rights Reserved.

Nov 05, 2025

Penn State launching two neuroscience undergraduate degrees

Penn State has launched two new majors in neuroscience, degrees that will prepare students to tackle cross-disciplinary questions and problems related to the brain; the nervous system and its interactions with the body and environment; behavior; and health. The programs launched this fall, and students can begin enrolling immediately.

Full Article

Penn State Beaver Associate Professor of Biology Sarah Nilson discovered Allium buridckii, a second species of wild ramps, growing in southwestern Pennsylvania. Credit: Sarah Nilson/Penn State Beaver / Penn State. Creative Commons

Nov 04, 2025

Second species of wild ramps discovered, solving long-standing debate

Overharvesting has led to conservation concerns for a popular foraged plant, but improved genetic understanding could help conservation efforts, researchers say.

Full Article

César de la Fuente, pioneer in artificial intelligence and bioengineering, will speak at Penn State on Dec. 5. Credit: César de la Fuente. All Rights Reserved.

Nov 04, 2025

World leader in AI and antibiotic discovery to deliver lecture at Penn State

César de la Fuente, Presidential Associate Professor at University of Pennsylvania and pioneer in AI-assisted antibiotic development, will visit Penn State on Dec. 5.

Full Article

Leonid Berlyand and his research group apply mathematical principles to better understand and improve deep learning artificial intelligence. Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

Nov 04, 2025

Q&A: Can mathematics reveal the depth of deep learning AI?

In the following Q&A, Penn State Professor of Mathematics Leonid Berlyand and graduate student Oleksii Krupchytskyi spoke about how they are applying mathematical principles to elucidate the black box nature of deep learning.

Full Article

To see how microbial activity changes near and inside roots, the researchers chose crimson clover, or Trifolium incarnatum, as a test plant. It’s a legume commonly grown as a cover crop in the U.S. Northeast that forms root nodules with bacteria like the one shown here. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Nov 03, 2025

Novel technique reveals insights into soil microbe alarm clock

New study yields clues about when dormant microscopic bacteria and fungi in soil ‘wake up’ and colonize roots, which influences plant growth and health.

Full Article

Scott Medina, William and Wendy Korb Early Career Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and director of the Center for Biodevices.

Oct 31, 2025

New director expands Center for Biodevices scope for higher impact

Scott Medina, William and Wendy Korb Early Career Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, was recently named the director for the Center for Biodevices within the Huck Institutes for Life Sciences.

Full Article