The RISE Network: Towards a New Framework for University Interventions in Disasters
In the era of climate change—where the frequency of extreme weather and disaster events is increasing and social inequality magnifies their impact—universities are acting as first responders without being designed or organized to serve in this role. Immediately after major events such as Hurricane…
Penn State's Project ECHO awarded $1.5M to address substance abuse
Project ECHO at Penn State College of Medicine will use a $1.5 million federal grant to address underage drinking and opioid use in 10 rural counties in central Pennsylvania. The five-year grant was awarded by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Blair, Bradford…
How husbands perceive their wives’ weight may affect later marriage satisfaction
Husbands may want to pay careful attention to the messages they send about their wives' weight, according to new research that suggests a husband’s perception of his wife being overweight may predict a decrease in her marital satisfaction.
In a study, Penn State researchers examined the…
College students may get health benefits from less than one extra hour of sleep
College life can be rigorous and exhausting, but new research suggests that just one extra hour of sleep a night is not only possible, but can also have significant health benefits for college students.
In a study led by Penn State, researchers found that when asked to extend their sleep, college…
Why Social Science? - Because It Makes Informed Democracy Possible
By Rush D. Holt, Ph.D., CEO Emeritus, American Association for the Advancement of Science
Einstein said famously, “The eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility.” It gives scientific optimists like me encouragement that great thinkers have concluded it is possible to understand the…
Personality traits may predict problems with problem-solving in older adults
People often blame poor genetics or lack of mental stimulation for cognitive decline with aging. While those can play a role, new research suggests that certain personality and temperament traits in older adults can cause personal problem-solving skills and can impact everyday cognitive functioning…
Symposium focuses on families and food, honors late colleague Leann Birch
The late Leann Birch, a former Penn State distinguished professor of human development and family studies and former director of the Center for Childhood Obesity Research in the Department of Nutritional Sciences, was honored at the 27th Annual National Symposium on Family issues, held recently at…
SSRI cofund donates graduation gowns to alleviate financial burden for students
Graduation caps and gowns are an integral aspect of the traditional graduation process. However, for some students, purchasing a cap and gown can be a financial burden that impacts their ability to attend commencement. Now, thanks to a Penn State faculty member, students in need have an option to…
Popular electronic cigarette may deliver nicotine more effectively than others
When it comes to nicotine delivery, not all electronic cigarettes are created equally, according to Penn State researchers. New research from Penn State College of Medicine shows that JUUL, a popular pod-based electronic cigarette, can deliver more nicotine at a faster rate than most…
Sexual minorities continue to face discrimination, despite increasing support
Despite increasing support for the rights of people in the LGBTQ+ community, discrimination remains a critical and ongoing issue for this population, according to researchers.
In a recent study, researchers found that adults who identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual — as well as people who…
Conference explores role of institutions of higher education in extreme weather
As the number of extreme weather events associated to climate change continues to grow world-wide, it is becoming increasingly important that institutions of higher education reflect on their role both before and after catastrophic events.
The “RISE CONFERENCE 2019: Transforming University…
Registration open for fifth annual Penn State Addiction Symposium on Dec. 10
Registration is open for Penn State Addiction Center for Translation’s fifth annual Penn State Addiction Symposium. This symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Junker Auditorium, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
This symposium will feature…
Krug joins SSRI
Please welcome Public Relations Specialist Melissa Krug to SSRI. Melissa is responsible for the communications efforts of the Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse (CCSA) and is coordinating the Evidence to Impact Collaborative (EIC) podcast series.
Melissa previously worked as a poverty analyst at…
Clearinghouse staff participate in Penn State's Veterans Day ceremony
US Army Veteran Philip Ealy, left, implementation specialist with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, and Renne Kotch, research and evaluation associate with the Clearinghouse and an active duty military spouse, stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem at the…
Personalized gene networks may enhance study of disease
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have developed a new method to model how genes interact with each other — and it may someday contribute to the development of personalized treatments for patients.
According to the researchers, the new model is able to construct personalized…
Professor awarded NSF grant for research in water security in Kenya
Asher Rosinger, assistant professor of biobehavioral health and anthropology and Ann Hertzler Early Career Professor in Global Health, was recently awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant allowing him to further his research in water and its impact on health and well-being.
Rosinger and…
Registration open for a seminar on building community collaborations
Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute presents “Building Effective Community Collaborations” at its next Bench to Bedside and Beyond Seminar Series from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 21.
In addition to being held at 116 Henderson at the University Park campus, the session will…
Seven projects funded through translational science pilot grant program
Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute generates innovative health research ideas and promotes collaboration through its Bridges to Translation pilot grant program. This program seeks to link researchers not traditionally in health research with those who can help mold a new…
Equipping military kids with the tools they need to succeed
Teachers, school psychologists and counselors are frequently called upon to provide emotional support for students so they can achieve positive behavioral and academic outcomes. A new Penn State-led, five-year project will provide additional support for children of military families, who can be at…
Health care provider deserts may leave patients in the cold
People with health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may have access to fewer health care providers — and may also have to drive further to see them — than people with other plans, according to researchers.
In a new study — published today (Nov. 4) as part of the November issue of…
Heard on Campus: VP for Research Lora Weiss on breaking down research boundaries
At the Nittany Lion Inn on Oct. 27, Penn State Senior Vice President for Research Lora Weiss spoke to a crowd of nearly 500 of the nation’s top science journalists about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and how Penn State is fostering research that breaks down traditional…
Penn State, PA team up to promote treatments for substance abuse disorders
The opioid epidemic and larger problems of substance misuse continue to deeply impact communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation. In 2017, more than 70,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States, with Pennsylvania ranking third with the highest rates of death due…
New project to track post-prison trajectories of men living with addiction
Despite widespread national attention, the opioid epidemic and larger problems of substance use and misuse continue to deeply affect communities across Pennsylvania and throughout the nation. The impact of the opioid crisis and other substance abuse problems hits even harder for people grappling…
SSRI Annual Report now available
The Social Science Research Institute’s 2018-2019 Annual Report contains an overview the Institute’s research units and activities and includes the announcement of two new initiatives, the Evidence to Impact Collaborative and the Consortium to Combat Substance Abuse.
Additionally, the report…
SAFE-T Center expands efforts to support sexual assault nurse examiners
Sexual assault rates are higher in rural areas of Pennsylvania than in urban areas, yet many rural hospitals don’t have the resources to provide high-quality sexual assault care.
A $2.4 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission On Crime And Delinquency will expand the efforts of Penn State’s…