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.
Digging into the past
High on the craggy cliffs of Oman’s rocky desert landscape, Sarah Ivory squeezed into narrow, dark caves in search of a different kind of goldmine.
Scientists create road map for improving carbon estimates
Penn State researchers found that a common tool used to understand carbon dioxide fluxes, or how the gas moves between the atmosphere and ecosystems, may be overconfident because of uncertainties in the release of carbon dioxide by the combustion of fossil fuels.
When bonding noble metals to 2D materials, interfaces matter
Researchers at Penn State and Purdue University have developed new materials for improved single-atom catalysis and future electronics.
Earth and Mineral Sciences student finds bright future in solar energy
When Zoë Rauscher arrived at Penn State as a first-year student, she “knew nothing about solar," she said.
Cold sintering produces capacitor material at record low temperatures
Penn State researchers have produced barium titanate at record low temperatures, and the discovery could lead to more energy efficient manufacturing.
New research center will focus on socially responsible artificial intelligence
Penn State will be well positioned to recognize and interpret the social implications of artificial intelligence (AI), thanks to a new, multi-unit research center launched this spring.
Forest soils release more carbon dioxide than expected in rainy season
Current carbon cycle models may underestimate the amount of carbon dioxide released from the soil during rainy seasons in temperate forests like those found in the northeast United States, according to Penn State researchers.
Researchers track dust pollution, health to spot dangers in West Africa
Comparing dust simulations and health data for Senegal, an international team of researchers found dust to be responsible for poor air quality, which is followed by a rise in poor health outcomes.
New WPSU podcast highlights Penn State researchers' work, community impact
A new podcast that highlights the work of Penn State researchers and how their findings impact communities near and far is now available through central Pennsylvania’s public media station.
Penn State receives five-year $3.7 million grant to study virus evolution
The evolution of viruses will be the focus of a five-year $3.7 million dollar grant from the National Science Foundation’s new program on convergence research, to an interdisciplinary team led by Penn State.