Featured Stories
New test distinguishes vaccine-induced false positives from active HIV infection
A Penn State team has developed a new approach capable of differentiating active HIV infection from false positives — which could potentially accelerate vaccine development and testing.
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Shrinking materials hold big potential for smart devices, researchers say
Wearable electronics could be more wearable, according to a research team at Penn State. The researchers developed a scalable, versatile approach to designing and fabricating wireless, internet-enabled electronic systems that can better adapt to 3D surfaces, like the human body or common household items, paving the path for more precise health monitoring or household automation, such as a smart recliner that can monitor and co
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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.
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News
Feb 11, 2026
Skeleton ‘gatekeeper’ lining brain cells could guard against Alzheimer’s
Brain cells are constantly swallowing material from the fluid that surrounds them — signaling molecules, nutrients, even pieces of their own surfaces — in a process known as endocytosis that is essential for learning, memory and basic neural upkeep. New research by Penn State scientists has revealed this vital process may be governed by a previously unknown molecular gatekeeper: a lattice‑like structure just beneath the surface of neurons called the membrane‑associated periodic skeleton.
Feb 11, 2026
Flipping and reversing mini-proteins could improve disease treatment
For the microbe that gives rise to tuberculosis, a team of researchers from Penn State and The University of Minnesota Medical School found that a potential solution may be chemically changing the structure of a naturally occurring peptide — a building block of proteins — to make it a more stable and effective antimicrobial agent, while reducing potential toxicity to human cells.
Feb 10, 2026
Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates
In recent years, many media reports and social media influencers have emphasized the dangers of eating too many carbohydrates. Though a carbohydrate-heavy diet can be harmful, consuming too many fats may cause more health problems, according to a study in mice led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences.
News
Feb 11, 2026
Skeleton ‘gatekeeper’ lining brain cells could guard against Alzheimer’s
Brain cells are constantly swallowing material from the fluid that surrounds them — signaling molecules, nutrients, even pieces of their own surfaces — in a process known as endocytosis that is essential for learning, memory and basic neural upkeep. New research by Penn State scientists has revealed this vital process may be governed by a previously unknown molecular gatekeeper: a lattice‑like structure just beneath the surface of neurons called the membrane‑associated periodic skeleton.
Feb 11, 2026
Flipping and reversing mini-proteins could improve disease treatment
For the microbe that gives rise to tuberculosis, a team of researchers from Penn State and The University of Minnesota Medical School found that a potential solution may be chemically changing the structure of a naturally occurring peptide — a building block of proteins — to make it a more stable and effective antimicrobial agent, while reducing potential toxicity to human cells.
Feb 10, 2026
Too many saturated fats may be more harmful than too many refined carbohydrates
In recent years, many media reports and social media influencers have emphasized the dangers of eating too many carbohydrates. Though a carbohydrate-heavy diet can be harmful, consuming too many fats may cause more health problems, according to a study in mice led by researchers in the Penn State Department of Nutritional Sciences.
Feb 04, 2026
Helping soil microbes kill weed seeds to aid organic farmers
To better equip organic farmers to control weeds, a team of Penn State agricultural scientists received a four-year, $935,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study how promoting soil microbes to infect and kill weed seeds might reduce problematic weed species.
Events
Monday Feb
16
Neuroscience Seminar
Neuroscience Institute , Neuroscience
Monday Feb
16
Info Session: Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
Info Session: Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
Master of Biotechnology
Monday Feb
16
Structure and Growth of the Plant Cell Wall: Unsettled Issues and Controversies
Plant Biology Seminar Series
Plant Biology
Events
Monday Feb
16
Neuroscience Seminar
Neuroscience Institute , Neuroscience
Monday Feb
16
Info Session: Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
Info Session: Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
Master of Biotechnology
Monday Feb
16
Structure and Growth of the Plant Cell Wall: Unsettled Issues and Controversies
Plant Biology Seminar Series
Plant Biology
Tuesday Feb
17
PacBio Revio Day at Penn State
Genomics Core Facility