Institute awards seed grants for computational, data science projects
May 11, 2022
Penn State’s Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) has awarded eight new seed grants to bolster computational and data science research projects throughout the University. The support will benefit researchers from five Penn State campuses studying topics ranging from weather…
Researchers to study COVID-19 effects on maternal, child health during pregnancy
Feb 15, 2022
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has awarded Penn State College of Medicine $3.9 million through May 2025 to study the impact COVID-19 has on pregnancy. The researchers will conduct a multi-site study to examine the health outcomes for pregnant women and their infants before and after…
Hydration can impact pregnancy and birth outcomes
Jul 12, 2021
Water needs increase during pregnancy to support fetal development and maternal health, however little is known about the relationship between hydration status and outcomes on both mother and child. A Penn State study recently examined the hydration status of pregnant women, the impact of a…
When COVID-19 hits home: Understanding the fight with fear
Feb 24, 2021
When the first U.S. case of COVID-19 due to community spread was diagnosed in late February 2020, it set off a rapid series of events. As cases surged, many states issued stay-at-home orders, and schools and childcare centers shut down. With such rapid, widespread disruption, it’s no wonder that…
Examining state policies governing opioid use and pregnancy
Sep 19, 2019
Opioid use disorders during pregnancy have risen at alarming rates in the U.S. in recent years, increasing the risks of preterm labor and delivery, poor fetal growth, prolonged hospital stays, maternal death and stillborn infants. Maternal opioid use can also result in neonatal abstinence syndrome…
Opioid-exposed newborns may react to pain differently after birth
May 16, 2019
Babies exposed to opioids while their mothers were pregnant with them may need special care even before they start to experience withdrawal symptoms, according to Penn State research. Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine found that as soon as 24 and 48 hours after birth, babies who were…
'Ask the Experts' addresses the opioid epidemic on cesarean sections
Nov 30, 2018
The latest episode in the “Ask the Experts” series features Danielle Symons Downs, professor of kinesiology and obstetrics and gynecology, and associate director of the Social Science Research Institute at Penn State, discussing her research on the links between cesarean section deliveries and…
New research shows sexual abuse unique risk factor for teenage pregnancy
Sep 12, 2018
Children who suffer childhood sexual abuse early are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, adolescent pregnancy, and teenage motherhood, according to new Penn State research. The findings are important, because becoming a mother during adolescence can have consequences for not only the…
Suppressing negative emotions during health scare may whip up spiral of fear
Jul 11, 2018
Trying to suppress worries during a health scare, like the recent Zika outbreak, may lead to an ever-intensifying cycle of emotional suppression and fear, according to a team of researchers. In a study of pregnant women in areas of the United States vulnerable to the Zika virus, the researchers…
Intervention program targets gestational weight gain
Jun 26, 2018
Being overweight or obese during pregnancy can have major health impacts for both mother and baby. Penn State researchers are evaluating an intervention program for women who need help managing their weight during pregnancy. Danielle Symons Downs, professor of kinesiology, and obstetrics and…