Pennsylvania State University

Scientists at Pennsylvania State University are putting forward a new solution to one of the key problems plaguing lithium metal batteries so far, demonstrating a self-assembling layer that helps to keep them in working order.

Materials that can heal themselves after becoming damaged have opened up some interesting new possibilities over the past decade or so, and a newly developed example inspired by squid ring teeth is claimed to act faster than most.

A new study out of Pennsylvania State University has offered up an exciting possibility in cancer treatment, demonstrating how a newly developed nanoparticle can target specific tumor tissue after being activated by light.

Although we're hearing more about 3D-printed replacement body parts, those parts need to be implanted via large incisions. That may not always be the case, however, thanks to a new "bio-ink" that could allow parts to be printed within the body.

Scientists at Pennsylvania State University and Stanford University are reporting a breakthrough that could greatly improve on methods to detect kidney stones, demonstrating a novel type of urine test that can return results in just 30 minutes.

While the high cost of production has proven a limitation to the widespread adoption of carbon fiber, scientists have found that a small amount of graphene could not only make it more affordable, but possibly stronger and stiffer at the same time.

Geneticists at Penn State University have manipulated the expression of one gene in a plant that makes them more resilient to environmental change – and found that this is passed down to future generations.

Scientists at Pennsylvania State University have discovered that adding a single supplement to the feed of cows can cut their methane emissions by around 25 percent, without affecting their milk-producing capacity.

The light from stars usually pulsates uniformly across the whole surface, but now astronomers have discovered a star that only pulses on one side. That’s thanks to its teardrop shape, as a close binary companion pulls it out of whack.

We've recently heard about a number of experimental antibacterial food-wrap films, that could replace conventional polyethylene. The latter does have some desirable qualities, though, so scientists have now developed a composite made from it.

Ordinarily, when biological samples are being tested to see which (if any) viruses are present, it can take up to several days to get results. An inexpensive new tool, however, is claimed to capture and identify viruses within minutes.

Given the current worldwide push for water conservation, it's certainly ironic that people are still flushing great quantities of the stuff down their toilets. They may soon be using much less, however, thanks to a slippery new toilet bowl coating.