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.