Read the latest news about research conducted by investigators in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. Our faculty and students are continually advancing technology, creating solutions and expanding knowledge with new and innovative research.
Satellite data reveals bonds between emissions, pollution and economy
01/26/2021
01/26/2021
A new analysis of nearly two decades of satellite data shows that economic development, fossil-fuel combustion and air quality are closely linked on the continental and national scales, but can be decoupled at the national level, according to Penn State scientists.
Scientists identify flank instability at a volcano with history of collapse
01/26/2021
01/26/2021
A method to detect long-term movements of these mountains using satellite images could help identify previously overlooked instability at some volcanoes, according to Penn State scientists.
Inexpensive battery charges rapidly for electric vehicles, reduces range anxiety
01/18/2021
01/18/2021
Range anxiety, the fear of running out of power before being able to recharge an electric vehicle, may be a thing of the past, according to a team of Penn State engineers who are looking at lithium iron phosphate batteries that have a range of 250 miles with the ability to charge in 10 minutes.
Engineers find antioxidants improve nanoscale visualization of polymers
01/08/2021
01/08/2021
Reactive molecules, such as free radicals, can be produced in the body after exposure to certain environments or substances and go on to cause cell damage.
Leaf fossils show severe end-Cretaceous plant extinction in southern Argentina
01/04/2021
01/04/2021
Fossil leaf assemblages from Patagonia, Argentina, suggest that vegetation in South America suffered great losses following an astroid impact but rebounded quickly.
Putting on the pressure improves glass for fiber optics
12/22/2020
12/22/2020
Researchers from Penn State and AGC Inc. in Japan suggest that the silica glass used for fiber optic cables would have less signal loss if it were manufactured under high pressure.
Deep, slow-slip action may direct largest earthquakes and their tsunamis
12/21/2020
12/21/2020
A team of geoscientists thinks the key to understanding some destructive earthquakes may lie in the deep, gradual slow-slip behaviors beneath the subduction zones.
Nanoengineered cement shows promise for sealing leaky gas wells
12/11/2020
12/11/2020
Leaking natural gas wells are considered a potential source of methane emissions, and a new nanomaterial cement mixture could provide an effective, affordable solution for sealing these wells, according to a team of Penn State scientists.
2D-materials center ready to move to new phase, add industry partners
12/07/2020
12/07/2020
The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC), a center focused on the study and development of 2D materials that is part of the National Science Foundation's Industry/University Cooperative Research Center project, is preparing to move from Phase I to Phase II of the program.
Penn State seeks nominations for Earthshot Prize for environmental solutions
12/03/2020
12/03/2020
Penn State was selected as an official nominator for the Earthshot Prize, a competition aimed at identifying the most promising solutions to environmental challenges.