Read the latest news about research conducted by investigators in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Our faculty and students are continually advancing technology, creating solutions and expanding knowledge with new and innovative research.
Hands-on experience: Undergraduate at the forefront of ‘cutting-edge innovation’
12/05/2023
12/05/2023
When Julia Chen, a junior Schreyer Scholar studying materials science and engineering, first joined the Penn State glass research group, she thought she’d have the opportunity to learn a bit about the industry, receive mentorship from experts in the field and learn the art of glassblowing.
Reefs recovered slower than broader ecosystem following ancient extinction
11/29/2023
11/29/2023
Coral reefs, among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth, are under threat due to the changing climate.
Using machine learning, existing fiber optic cables to track Pittsburgh hazards
11/09/2023
11/09/2023
Existing fiber optic cables used for high-speed internet and telecommunications, in combination with machine learning, may be able to help scientists track ground hazards in Pittsburgh. Tieyuan Zhu is leading an NSF $937,000 grant to further develop the low-cost monitoring approach.
Window to the past: New microfossils suggest earlier rise in complex life
11/07/2023
11/07/2023
Microfossils from Western Australia may capture a jump in the complexity of life that coincided with the rise of oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere and oceans, according to an international team of scientists
Melting ice falling snow: Sea ice declines enhance snowfall over West Antarctica
11/07/2023
11/07/2023
As the world continues to warm, Antarctica is losing ice at an increasing pace, but the loss of sea ice may lead to more snowfall over the ice sheets, partially offsetting contributions to sea level rise, according to Penn State scientists.
First rapid tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea exhibit 100% sensitivity
10/25/2023
10/25/2023
More than half of the estimated 374 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in 2020 were either chlamydia or gonorrhea, which are often asymptomatic and co-occurring, according to the World Health Organization.
Petroleum engineering faculty receive regional achievement awards
10/23/2023
10/23/2023
SPE recognized Hamid Emami-Meybodi, Luis Ayala, and Zuleima Karpyn for their exceptional service and leadership, as well as their significant professional contributions within their technical disciplines at the regional level.
Curiosity rover finds new evidence of ancient Mars rivers, a key signal for life
10/23/2023
10/23/2023
New analysis of data from the Curiosity rover reveals that much of the craters on Mars today could have once been habitable rivers.
Scientists develop new method to create stable, efficient next-gen solar cells
10/19/2023
10/19/2023
A new technique developed by a team of international scientists could simplify the development of efficient and stable perovskite solar cells, named for their unique crystalline structure that excels at absorbing visible light.
Can AI crave a favorite food?
10/04/2023
10/04/2023
A team of Penn State researchers is developing a novel electronic tongue that mimics how taste influences what we eat based on both needs and wants, providing a possible blueprint for AI that processes information more like a human being.