Is there life on other planets? Learn the latest research on February 3: "Choose Your Own Adventure: Planet Edition"
Sarah Ballard
Forensic scientists have a blast in Happy Valley
Forensics trainees use lasers to establish projectile trajectories in a mock crime scene at the Cottages. Credit: Penn State
"New Tools for Finding the Closest Earth-Like Planets" -- a free public lecture on January 27, 2018
Suvrath Mahadev
Three types of extreme-energy space particles may have unified origin
This image illustrates the "multi-messenger'' emission from a gigantic reservoir of cosmic rays that are accelerated by powerful jets from a supermassive black hole. Credit: Kanoko Horio
New neuron-like cells allow investigation into synthesis of vital cellular components
The enzyme called FGAMS (red) is expressed in human neuron-like cells, which suggests its involvement in the synthesis of purines, a component of DNA involved in many other cellular and metabolic processes. Using a new method to create synthetic neurons from a readily available cell line, a new study explores the role of FGAMS in creating a multi-enzyme complex called the purinosome, which enables faster production of purines. Credit: Colleen Mangold, Penn State
"How to Look for a Liveable Planet" is a free public lecture in a series that begins on January 20
John Johnson
Researchers map druggable genomic targets in evolving malaria parasite
The 48-hour lifecycle of Plasmodium falciparum development in human red blood cells. A team of researchers has used whole genome analysis and chemogenetics to identify new drug targets and resistance genes in the parasite. Credit: Llinás Laboratory, Penn State
Have RNA, will travel: Malaria parasite packs genetic material in preparation for trip from mosquitoes to humans
Because the malaria parasite Plasmodium cannot anticipate when it may be transmitted from a mosquito to a mammalian host, it uses specialized poly(A)-binding proteins to package and protect its genetic material for use after transmission. Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How massive is supermassive? Astronomers measure more black holes, farther away
An artist's rendering of the inner regions of an active galaxy/quasar, with a supermassive black hole at the center surrounded by a disk of hot material falling in. Credit: Nahks Tr'Ehnl (www.nahks.com) and Catherine Grier (Penn State) and the SDSS collaboration
New research agenda for malaria elimination and eradication
Glass sculptures depict the malaria-causing parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. Credit: Artwork by Luke Jerram, graphic design by Rachel Papernick
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