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.
News
Scientists identify flank instability at a volcano with history of collapse
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Penn State was selected as an official nominator for the Earthshot Prize, a competition aimed at identifying the most promising solutions to environmental challenges.
No nanoparticle risks to humans found in field tests of spray sunscreens
People can continue using mineral-based aerosol sunscreens without fear of exposure to dangerous levels of nanoparticles or other respirable particulates, according to Penn State research published in the journal Aerosol Science and Engineering.