Monday, November 28, 2011
A team of five students from the College of Engineering and the College of Agricultural Sciences won the 2011 Ag Business Springboard Competition. Students traveled to Benin, Africa, in May to get a first-hand look at how a village cooperative proceses baobab fruit. The team designed a machine they hope will increase the cooperative's productivity. The winning team was chosen on Nov. 14 out of five finalist groups and was awarded the $5,000 grand prize. (more)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
A large group of students majoring in toxicology or in immunology and infectious disease in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences are flocking to the new global health minor. These students are exploiting a rare opportunity to combine specialized coursework in molecular biosciences with courses -- and an international field experience -- in global health and related issues, according to James Endres Howell, program coordinator for the toxicology and immunology and infectious disease majors. (more)
Friday, November 28, 2008
Increasing the production of naturally occurring proteins that contain selenium in human blood cells slows down multiplication of the AIDS virus, according to biochemists. "We have found that increasing the expression of proteins that contain selenium negatively affects the replication of HIV," said K. Sandeep Prabhu, Penn State assistant professor of immunology and molecular toxicology. "Our results suggest a reduction in viral replication by at least tenfold." (more)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Blueberries, pomegranates, green tea, and dark chocolate -- these are just some of the antioxidant-rich "superfoods" found in almost any supermarket today. As well as improving our general health, there is growing evidence that diets high in antioxidants may confer some protection against a long list of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and even HIV. Given their increasing popularity, the fundamental question bears asking: What exactly are antioxidants, and how do they work in our bodies? (more)
