In a new study of tropical amphibians, a team led by Penn State biologists found that amphibians in connected natural forests and aquatic habitats were more likely to host beneficial skin microbes that inhibit a deadly fungal pathogen.

New Virginia Tech research brings safer, compostable packaging closer to everyday use.

A new three-component synthesis strategy enables simultaneous control over both the composition and the high-index surface facets of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles for the first time. 

Did you know that cancers in the head and neck area, including the mouth, throat, nasal cavity and voice box, account for about 4% of all new cancers diagnosed in U.S. each year? Major risk factors include smoking cigarettes as well as the use of smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco and vaping) and alcohol. People with the human papilloma virus (HPV) are also at higher risk of developing head and neck cancer. Symptoms of the disease include a lump or sore in the mouth that doesn’t go away, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the chin or around the jawbone. Although there is no standard screening for head and neck cancers, dentists usually check the mouth for signs of cancer during routine appointments. The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology and the Alliance Foundation Trials have several active trials specifically poised to help people with head and neck cancers.

Researchers have created heart monitoring sensors that conform to the skin, are comfortable, and can be worn while people are moving. With performance comparable to sensors already on the market, the new technology can be made using existing manufacturing processes.

An ultrathin silicone film being developed at Saarland University enables pumps to operate without motors, without compressed air and without lubricants or external sensors. These film-based pumps can be switched on and off as needed and integrated into designs previously thought impossible. Wherever a vacuum is required – from applications in manufacturing and automotive engineering to laboratory and research work – this new technology is opening up access to lightweight, flat and energy-efficient pump architectures. Professor Paul Motzki’s team at Saarland University is showcasing a new vacuum pump prototype at Hannover Messe from 20 to 24 April (Hall 11, Stand D41).

A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is leading a new study that investigates cardio-sarcopenia—the combined loss of heart and muscle health in aging adults.