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.
Hydrogen battery: Storing hydrogen in coal may help power clean energy economy
05/22/2023
05/22/2023
The quest to develop hydrogen as a clean energy source that could curb our dependence on fossil fuels may lead to an unexpected place — coal.
Particle size is key factor in coal mining-related respiratory disease
05/17/2023
05/17/2023
One of the major occupational health hazards for coal workers in the U.S. is coal mine dust-related respiratory diseases. New findings by Penn State researchers shed light on the causes of respiratory diseases related to coal mine dust.
More research is needed to spread the benefits of electric vehicles equitably
05/12/2023
05/12/2023
Electric vehicles, or EVs, promise to reduce carbon emissions and serve as a tool to help mitigate climate change, but a team of Penn State researchers report there has been little research to determine how equitable the benefits of EVs are and, in fact, whether the technology may unfairly harm some areas and populations.
Energy, environmental seed grants awarded to interdisciplinary research teams
05/02/2023
05/02/2023
Nineteen interdisciplinary research teams received funding through the Institutes of Energy and the Environment’s (IEE) Seed Grant Program for 2023. This includes more than 75 researchers who are affiliated with 10 colleges and research units across seven Penn State campuses.
Bio-inspired device captures images by mimicking human eye
05/02/2023
05/02/2023
Drawing inspiration from nature, Penn State scientists have developed a new device that produces images by mimicking the red, green and blue photoreceptors and the neural network found in human eyes.
Breakthrough in waste heat to green energy: Materials boost record efficiency
04/28/2023
04/28/2023
Thermoelectric generators can convert waste heat to clean electricity, and a new design breakthrough may make these devices more efficient than previously possible, according to scientists at Penn State and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
EMS honors faculty and student excellence at annual awards celebration
04/26/2023
04/26/2023
Penn State's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) recognized exceptional students and faculty for their academic excellence, service and leadership during its annual Wilson Awards Celebration, held on Sunday, April 23.
Professor awarded DOE grant to study corrosion in nuclear salt reactors
04/19/2023
04/19/2023
FeiFei Shi, assistant professor in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, received a $400,000 research and development award from the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) in the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) to develop foundational research on the corrosive damage caused by molten salt in nuclear salt reactors (MSRs).
First rapid test for mpox developed, tech adaptable for other emerging diseases
04/18/2023
04/18/2023
The first rapid test for mpox, more commonly known as monkeypox, has been developed by a team of researchers led by Penn State.
Real-time monitoring may improve understanding of fracture dynamics
04/18/2023
04/18/2023
Fractures in Earth’s subsurface play an important role in our energy systems – from providing pathways to extract fossil fuel from rock deep underground to supporting emerging green technologies like carbon storage and enhanced geothermal heat – but predicting the properties of these fractures remains challenging.