REACH: Why. Research. Matters.

Dr. Eric Ford, director of Penn State’s Center for Exoplanets and Habitable Worlds, explains the search for planets beyond our solar system, focusing on those in the “habitable zone” where liquid water can exist. They use advanced telescopes to detect and analyze exoplanets, focusing on biosignatures like oxygen and methane. Current research combines indirect methods with new technology aiming for direct imaging, paving the way for future missions like the Habitable Worlds Observatory in the 2040s. 

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles under five millimeters found throughout the environment—in oceans, rivers, and sediments. Dr. Nathaniel Warner of Penn State explains they come from everyday sources like water bottles, clothing fibers, and tires. Humans ingest microplastics through food, water, and air, but the often-quoted “credit card worth” in our bodies may be exaggerated. Health impacts remain uncertain, but scientists continue studying to understand the risks better, facing challenges due to limited data and public misconceptions. 

Pennsylvania’s abandoned coal mines cause acidic, metal-contaminated water harming streams and aquatic life. Dr. Bill Burgos studies cleanup methods using active and passive treatment plants. Burgos and his team focus on improving natural biological processes to make water treatment more efficient and sustainable. Despite progress, thousands of miles of streams remain affected, highlighting the ongoing need for research and investment in remediation. 

Dr. Deepak Gupta, a postdoctoral researcher at Penn State, works on 3D bioprinting—using modified 3D printers to create tissues like bone and skin from biocompatible materials and living cells. Though not yet used in humans, this technology could aid healing, personalize implants, and improve surgical training. Challenges include regulatory approval and replicating complex organs like hearts or kidneys. 

Dr. Daryl Cameron is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Penn State. He explains empathy as sharing feelings, perspective-taking, and compassion. It’s flexible, can be learned, and sometimes causes challenges like burnout. His research shows empathy isn’t limited; people can grow empathy for both humans and animals, emphasizing strategic emotional management rather than competition.

A team of Researchers, led by Dr. Dipanjan Pan of Penn State, have been developing synthetic blood for over a decade to address critical needs in emergency and battlefield medicine. Their nanoparticle-based product mimics red blood cells, delivering oxygen safely without the need for blood type matching or refrigeration. Designed as emergency bridging therapy, it helps trauma patients during transport. Biodegradable and long-lasting, this innovation addresses critical gaps in emergency care, supported by a multi-disciplinary team and startup.

Dr. Julie Urban joins us in-studio to discuss the Spotted Lanternfly and the severity of the impact to agriculture. Dr. Urban discusses the origin of this invasive insect, the threat to agriculture, and potential solutions to prevent the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly.

In the 6th episode of the Reach podcast, we discuss diseases in wildlife. We joined Dr. Kurt Vandegrift in the field to learn how research is conducted using ticks and mice, and how he is trying to prevent the next big epidemic. Next, we speak with Dr. Marilyn Roossinck about white-nose syndrome and it is endangering little brown bats.

In the seventh episode of this season of Reach, we talk with Dr. Orfeu Buxton about how your job affects your family. In the second interview, we speak with Dr. Paul Morgan about inequities in special education. The last interview is with Dr. Michael Mann about the politics surrounding the climate change debate.

In this episode of the of the Reach podcast, Beth and Cole sit down with 3 researchers to talk about the work being done at Penn State to help developing countries. First up, we talk with Dr. Jonathan Lynch about developing better plants to produce more food in stressful environments. Second, we speak with Dr. Tak-Sing Wong about slippery surfaces and reverse filters used in waterless toilets. Finally, we interview Drs. Jose Duarte and Shadi Nazarian about the use of 3D printing in the manufacturing of affordable housing.