Microbiologist in food science, E. coli Reference Center gets grant for research

October 27, 2022

A Penn State microbiologist and the huge collection of bacteria he oversees recently received a four-year, $371,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to be part of a multi-institutional $2.5 million research project aimed at predicting “bacteriophage” resistance from only a genome sequence.

Research team gets CDC grant to strengthen infectious disease surveillance

October 6, 2022

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has funded a $750,000 grant for research by a team of Penn State scientists to strengthen infectious disease surveillance, detection, and preparedness by developing an accessible bioinformatics platform and tools for utilization by the CDC’s Laboratory Response Network.

Berkey Creamery products nab top awards at national dairy product contest

October 5, 2022

At this year’s World Dairy Expo Championship Dairy Product Contest, the Berkey Creamery earned two first-place awards for its butter pecan ice cream and black raspberry frozen yogurt. It also brought home a third-place trophy in the sharp cheddar category. 

Tailgating this football season? Avoid a food safety fumble

September 22, 2022

Planning to tailgate or “homegate” this football season? As fans fire up grills in anticipation of the game, Penn State Extension food safety experts offer tips and strategies to help block foodborne illness before it intercepts your fun.

College of Ag Sciences students taste Greek cuisine and culture on trip

September 14, 2022

Students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences explored Greece’s rich culture — and its food — while studying abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece, this summer.

Microbiome Center announces inaugural Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellows

September 13, 2022

The first-ever round of Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellowships will support the work of Microbiome Center members and allow them to acquire knowledge and techniques to then share with other University colleagues.

After a two-year hiatus, College of Ag Sciences resumes study abroad programs

July 28, 2022

After a two-year pause due to the pandemic, students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences once again are taking advantage of study abroad opportunities. In the spring semester, students visited countries around the world, including Spain, Ireland, Germany and Kenya.

Sigler wins awards for academic advising excellence from College of Ag Sciences

June 22, 2022

Chris Sigler, assistant teaching professor and academic adviser in the Department of Food Science, recently received both the 2022 Excellence in Academic Advising Award and the 2021-22 Community of Advising Excellence Award from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Food safety from farm to fork: Resources for farmers markets vendors

May 11, 2022

As farmers markets kick off this season, vendors and producers may benefit from Penn State Extension educational materials on controlling food safety risks from farm to fork — including a resource guide and an online course.

Microbiologists get grant to study biofilms guarding foodborne pathogen Listeria

April 29, 2022

Microbiologists in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have received a $605,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study how microbial biofilms protect Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes the deadly foodborne illness listeriosis. 

Gamma Sigma Delta lauds outstanding College of Ag Sciences faculty, students

April 5, 2022

The Penn State chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the agricultural honor society, recognized Penn State faculty and students during its annual meeting, which was held March 31.

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains not seen in migrating wild birds

March 22, 2022

Although many wild birds carry Salmonella, the strains of the bacteria they convey usually do not harbor antimicrobial-resistance genes, according to Penn State researchers, who led a team conducting a new, nationwide study.

Dudeks expand support to Ag Sciences, Earth and Mineral Sciences

March 9, 2022

Frank and Janet Glasgow Dudek, longtime supporters of Penn State’s colleges of Agricultural Sciences and Earth and Mineral Sciences, have expanded their prior support for graduate and undergraduate students. The couple has updated their estate plan, pledging an additional $2.3 million for a total of $4.8 million, and will give $125,000 over five years for the early activation of two awards included in their future commitment.

Power out? Consider these food safety tips from a Penn State Extension expert

February 25, 2022

This time of year, winter storms can bring freezing rain and heavy snow to Pennsylvania — downing trees and power lines in their wake. A food safety extension specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences shares advice on how to prepare for a power outage and how to preserve and manage food when one occurs.

Children eat what they like, but food intake driven more by what they dislike

February 22, 2022

It is often said that “children eat what they like,” but the results of a new study by Penn State nutritionists and sensory scientists suggests that when it comes to meals, it is more accurate and more relevant to say, “children do not eat what they dislike.”

More intense roasting of cocoa beans lessens bitterness, boosts chocolate liking

February 22, 2022

Confection makers who want to develop products containing 100% chocolate and no sugar for health-conscious consumers can reduce bitterness and optimize flavor acceptance by roasting cocoa beans longer and at higher temperatures, according to a team of researchers.

Penn State food scientist Greg Ziegler named distinguished professor

February 20, 2022

Penn State’s Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs has named Greg Ziegler, professor of food science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, as a distinguished professor.

Ag. Sciences students top all US universities with $1.1M in USDA funding

February 14, 2022

Seven students in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have received predoctoral fellowships from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The students received a combined total of nearly $1.1 million — the most received for this year's fellowships among U.S. universities.

Soil tillage reduces availability of ‘longevity vitamin’ ergothioneine in crops

February 7, 2022

Soil tillage on farms may significantly reduce the availability in crops of ergothioneine, an amino acid produced by certain types of soil-borne fungi and bacteria that is known as a “longevity vitamin” due to its potent antioxidant properties, according to new research by an interdisciplinary team at Penn State.

Penn State offering chocolate short course this summer

January 20, 2022

The Department of Food Science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences will offer an innovative bean-to-bar course for both craft and industrial chocolate manufacturers June 20-23.

Ordering online can make for dicey deliveries where food safety is concerned

January 11, 2022

As the omicron variant continues to rage, many people turn to food delivery as a safer alternative to eating in a restaurant or shopping in a grocery store. But consumers should keep a few safety tips in mind before digging into that latest DoorDash or Uber Eats delivery, according to a Penn State Extension food safety specialist.

’Tis the season for food waste

December 13, 2021

As food prices soar — and many people struggle with food insecurity — how can consumers avoid wasting food this holiday season? A food safety extension specialist in the College of Agricultural Sciences offers advice.

Giving gifts of food this holiday season? Chew on these food safety tips

December 9, 2021

As the holidays approach, a food safety extension specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences shares advice for safely giving and receiving gifts of food this season.

With modified mashing process, gluten-free grains can produce quality beers

December 6, 2021

Using a modified, lower temperature mashing procedure to retain enzyme activity, brewers can use malts from gluten-free grains to produce high-quality beers, according to Penn State researchers who conducted a new study.

Keeping chocolate milk smooth, stable without carrageenan | Penn State University

November 12, 2021

Fat-free chocolate milk processed for the first time with high-pressure jet technology exhibits enhanced viscosity, stabilizing cocoa particles in the fluid and eliminating the need for adding a controversial emulsifier.

Penn State researchers developing genomic resources to identify novel pathogens

October 4, 2021

To enhance the early detection of novel infectious bacteria that could cause outbreaks of infectious diseases, a team of researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will sequence the genomes of 700 Bacilli bacteria — near relatives of the biothreat pathogen that causes anthrax — in a study intended to enhance the early detection of novel infectious bacteria that could cause outbreaks of infectious disease and public health emergencies.

Penn State's Department of Food Science, Discovery Space partner on outreach

September 9, 2021

Undergraduate students participating in a summer internship opportunity through Penn State’s Department of Food Science recently co-led the “On Deck Genetic Tech” program at State College’s Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania.

Cellular agriculture development has potential to change food industry, society

August 24, 2021

Depending on how it occurs, the development of cellular agriculture has the potential to either accelerate socioeconomic inequality or provide beneficial alternatives to the status quo. That’s the conclusion of a new study led by Penn State researchers.

'Sweet' scholarship takes Penn State food science student to Austria

July 12, 2021

Aaron Wiedemer, a senior majoring in food science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has an envious area of study: chocolate. He will be taking his research abroad in fall 2021 with the help of the Marshall Plan Scholarship.

Studying the effects of food ads on childhood obesity

May 27, 2021

Food advertisements targeting kids can encourage poor eating habits that contribute to obesity; however, not all children are susceptible. Penn State researchers are exploring the factors that protect children from overeating in response to food ads in a $2.3 million NIH (National Institutes of Health) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders funded project.