Health and Human Development

nutritional sciences

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A child sits at a table with one of the sample meals used in the study and looks at a research assistant prior to eating.

Counting bites with AI might one day help prevent childhood obesity

October 15, 2025

Vishal Singh in front of a poster on a wall.

Q&A: How does processed fiber impact human health?

October 10, 2025

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences names 2025-26 seed grant recipients

September 15, 2025

A child, sitting at a counter in a kitchen with apple slices and oranges, eats an apple

Young girls may be less responsive to food fullness cues than young boys

September 11, 2025

An older person, seen from the back, is standing on a scale while a medical professional weighs them

Weight change may contribute to cognitive decline in older adults

September 04, 2025

A nutritionist holds supplements while talking to a woman in a gym.

Department of Nutritional Sciences now offers new minor in sports nutrition 

August 29, 2025

Woman holding her baby and holding a bottle to feed them

Responsive parenting may help reduce behaviors linked to childhood obesity

August 18, 2025

A small wooden bowl overflowing with pistachios and topped with sprigs of mint

Nighttime pistachio snacking may reshape gut microbiome in prediabetic adults

July 07, 2025

fresh produce in baskets on a table with an "Adagio Health" tablecloth

SNAP-Ed supports markets, healthy lifestyles for low-income Pennsylvanians

June 30, 2025

A view of Old Main building through a metal sculpture.

Nutritional sciences faculty receive national recognition for research

June 24, 2025

Health and Human Development Building facade and side door

College of Health and Human Development names 2025 program marshals

April 28, 2025

Tricia Hart stands on stage holding a certificate while shaking hands with Dean Levon Esters

Three graduate students receive awards in 2025 Three Minute Thesis competition

March 31, 2025

The hands of an older man holding a receipt over a shopping cart in a store

Recurring food insecurity linked to unhealthy weight changes in older adults 

March 21, 2025

shelled pecans in a bowl on a cutting board

Replacing other snacks with pecans may improve cholesterol, diet quality

March 17, 2025

Four pregnant women in a line wearing casual clothes, shown from mid-thigh to neck

Vitamin D matters during first trimester, researchers find

February 03, 2025

Small bottles of different herbs and spices

Videos may be more effective than handouts for conveying health information

January 28, 2025

illustration of cellphone with placenta image. baby, mother, earth in background

Placenta assessment tool aims to improve neonatal, maternal care

December 17, 2024

a variety of healthy foods on white plates

With the new year, establish new healthy habits with Volumetrics series

November 20, 2024

Stephen Kodish receiving his award from Dr. Henry Perry, Chairman of the APHA International Health Awards Committee

Penn State professor lauded for contributions to international health

November 13, 2024

Mother in bed with her two young children, reading a book

Consistent bedtime linked with better child emotion and behavior regulation

November 11, 2024

an overhead view of whole and ground herbs and spices, fresh and dried

Nutritional sciences researchers receive funds from McCormick Science Institute

November 04, 2024

USDA grant to support summer research experiences for undergraduates

October 04, 2024

Vishal Singh explains a bacteria on a computer screen to two of his graduate assistants.

Refined dietary fiber may increase risk for inflammatory bowel disease

September 09, 2024

Gretchen Becker

Q&A with returning adult student and nutritional sciences alumna Gretchen Becker

August 27, 2024

Ann Diker and Jessica Torro

Workshop focuses on how inclusive teaching improves learning by design

August 13, 2024

Pregnant woman walking outside carrying a bottle of water

Pregnant women may not be drinking enough water, researchers report

August 12, 2024

Kathleen Keller

Nutritional sciences professor awarded the Hoebel Prize for Creativity

July 30, 2024

Nutrition alumnus creates fund to support graduate research

July 25, 2024

Three people smiling together in a gym

Does a beet a day keep heart disease away?

June 10, 2024

A person hands another person groceries in a paper bag at their front door.

Access to food assistance programs may improve sleep outcomes in older adults

June 04, 2024

Tyler Colon and Brittany Keenan accept their Outstanding Adult Student Awards

Outstanding Adult Student Awards recognize veterans for service on, off campus

April 29, 2024

Health and Human Development Building facade and side door

College of Health and Human Development names 2024 program marshals 

April 23, 2024

A man holds a piece of bread and uses a knife to spread pureed avocado on the bread. The table has a loaf of bread, tomatoes, and other slices of avocado and bread.

An avocado a day may improve overall diet quality, researchers report

March 21, 2024

A few members of the Culinary Medicine club are pictured in the kitchen of their soup kitchen event.

Culinary Medicine club awarded Student Engagement Network Grant 

March 13, 2024

A view of the street near the market in Forecariah, Guinea

Q&A: How can we improve the nutrition of children born in low-income countries?

March 12, 2024

Several people work together in a food donation facility to organize food donations at a table.

Department of Nutritional Sciences now offering new minor in nutrition studies 

March 07, 2024

A yellow background with candy at the top and fruits and vegetables at the bottom.

Lecture to discuss behavioral factors that drive what, why and how children eat

February 22, 2024

People sitting down for a holiday meal, table filled with a variety of holiday food and drink. Image is focused on a single plate filled with holiday food and a person serving themselves from food on the table.

Portion size and variety increase food intake at single- and multi-course meals

December 18, 2023

GivingTuesday graphic with words College of Health and Human Development

Health and Human Development rallies the pride in support of engaged learning

November 17, 2023

Eight people stand on a stage.

Nutritional Sciences trainees share spotlight during conference keynote address

November 16, 2023

On the left, a woman wears a virtual reality headset. On the right, there is a virtual plate of food with broccoli, rice and salmon on it.

Q&A: Can virtual reality help people eat a healthier diet?

November 10, 2023

2023 faculty and staff awards

College of Health and Human Development recognizes 2023 faculty, staff awardees

October 30, 2023

Barbara Rolls awarded The Obesity Society Presidential Medal of Distinction

October 09, 2023

a point-of-view image of a restaurant table with two salads

New grant to fund the study of sustainable food offerings at restaurants

September 06, 2023

Man sits in cubicle wearing a virtual-reality headset with a meal in front of him. He is drinking from a glass.

Mixed-reality technology may improve research on eating behaviors

August 30, 2023

Herbs and spices tout taste and health as saturated fat, salt replacements

August 29, 2023

Penny Kris-Etherton at a lab bench with peanuts

Prominent nutrition scholar and educator Penny Kris-Etherton to retire

July 28, 2023

Five named Big Ten Academic Alliance Department Executive Officer Fellows

June 01, 2023

Health and Human Development building on University Park campus

College of Health and Human Development names 2023 program marshals 

April 21, 2023

College of Health and Human Development names spring 2023 student marshal

April 21, 2023

Older man buying carrots at a farmers market

Food insecurity may increase cognitive decline in older adults

February 17, 2023

hamburger displayed on the monitor of a computer in a dark room

Advertising on Twitch increases viewer engagement with a brand

February 13, 2023

Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence

Schreyer Institute names Advancing Equity and Inclusion grant recipients

February 02, 2023

The book 'Ultimate Volumetrics' on a white background with many vegetables around

Volumetrics again ranked as one of the nation’s best diets

January 03, 2023

Woman sits on a couch breastfeeding a baby

Chronic inflammation may lead to low milk production in breastfeeding moms

December 21, 2022

Penny Kris-Etherton

Nutritional sciences professor recognized by the American Heart Association

December 12, 2022

Peanuts and herbs and spices may positively impact gut microbiome

December 02, 2022

College of Health and Human Development recognizes 2022 faculty, staff awardees

November 18, 2022

College of Health and Human Development recognizes high-achieving alumni

November 10, 2022

Mother wearing hospital gown kisses newborn gently on the head

High-tech tool to perform low-cost health screening for newborns and mothers

November 08, 2022

A young boy in Africa eats a small piece of a biscuit.

Children in sub-Saharan Africa face undernutrition, lack of dietary diversity

September 29, 2022

A hamburger with drawn-on devil horns sits beside an avocado with a drawn-on halo

Schmitt Russell Research Lecture to discuss effects of fats on body responses

September 22, 2022

A banner image that reads Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, Center for Immersive Experiences

Immersive experiences open up new worlds of teaching, learning and research

September 13, 2022

young man sits at computer surrounded by energy drink cans and chip bag wrappers. He drinks from a can while typing with his other hand

Food advertisements on Twitch can lead to cravings, purchases

August 30, 2022

Lessons on nutrition easy to digest in virtual reality spaces

August 08, 2022

Woman using immersive virtual reality to consider food choices.

Travis Masterson named Broadhurst Career Development Professor

August 03, 2022

Latest News

Penn State News RSS Feed

A child sits at a table with one of the sample meals used in the study and looks at a research assistant prior to eating.

Counting bites with AI might one day help prevent childhood obesity

October 15, 2025

Vishal Singh in front of a poster on a wall.

Q&A: How does processed fiber impact human health?

October 10, 2025

The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences

Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences names 2025-26 seed grant recipients

September 15, 2025

A child, sitting at a counter in a kitchen with apple slices and oranges, eats an apple

Young girls may be less responsive to food fullness cues than young boys

September 11, 2025

An older person, seen from the back, is standing on a scale while a medical professional weighs them

Weight change may contribute to cognitive decline in older adults

September 04, 2025

A nutritionist holds supplements while talking to a woman in a gym.

Department of Nutritional Sciences now offers new minor in sports nutrition 

August 29, 2025

Woman holding her baby and holding a bottle to feed them

Responsive parenting may help reduce behaviors linked to childhood obesity

August 18, 2025

A small wooden bowl overflowing with pistachios and topped with sprigs of mint

Nighttime pistachio snacking may reshape gut microbiome in prediabetic adults

July 07, 2025

fresh produce in baskets on a table with an "Adagio Health" tablecloth

SNAP-Ed supports markets, healthy lifestyles for low-income Pennsylvanians

June 30, 2025

A view of Old Main building through a metal sculpture.

Nutritional sciences faculty receive national recognition for research

June 24, 2025

Health and Human Development Building facade and side door

College of Health and Human Development names 2025 program marshals

April 28, 2025

Tricia Hart stands on stage holding a certificate while shaking hands with Dean Levon Esters

Three graduate students receive awards in 2025 Three Minute Thesis competition

March 31, 2025

The hands of an older man holding a receipt over a shopping cart in a store

Recurring food insecurity linked to unhealthy weight changes in older adults 

March 21, 2025

shelled pecans in a bowl on a cutting board

Replacing other snacks with pecans may improve cholesterol, diet quality

March 17, 2025

Four pregnant women in a line wearing casual clothes, shown from mid-thigh to neck

Vitamin D matters during first trimester, researchers find

February 03, 2025

Small bottles of different herbs and spices

Videos may be more effective than handouts for conveying health information

January 28, 2025

illustration of cellphone with placenta image. baby, mother, earth in background

Placenta assessment tool aims to improve neonatal, maternal care

December 17, 2024

a variety of healthy foods on white plates

With the new year, establish new healthy habits with Volumetrics series

November 20, 2024

Stephen Kodish receiving his award from Dr. Henry Perry, Chairman of the APHA International Health Awards Committee

Penn State professor lauded for contributions to international health

November 13, 2024

Mother in bed with her two young children, reading a book

Consistent bedtime linked with better child emotion and behavior regulation

November 11, 2024

an overhead view of whole and ground herbs and spices, fresh and dried

Nutritional sciences researchers receive funds from McCormick Science Institute

November 04, 2024

USDA grant to support summer research experiences for undergraduates

October 04, 2024

Vishal Singh explains a bacteria on a computer screen to two of his graduate assistants.

Refined dietary fiber may increase risk for inflammatory bowel disease

September 09, 2024

Gretchen Becker

Q&A with returning adult student and nutritional sciences alumna Gretchen Becker

August 27, 2024

Ann Diker and Jessica Torro

Workshop focuses on how inclusive teaching improves learning by design

August 13, 2024

Pregnant woman walking outside carrying a bottle of water

Pregnant women may not be drinking enough water, researchers report

August 12, 2024

Kathleen Keller

Nutritional sciences professor awarded the Hoebel Prize for Creativity

July 30, 2024

Nutrition alumnus creates fund to support graduate research

July 25, 2024

Three people smiling together in a gym

Does a beet a day keep heart disease away?

June 10, 2024

A person hands another person groceries in a paper bag at their front door.

Access to food assistance programs may improve sleep outcomes in older adults

June 04, 2024

Tyler Colon and Brittany Keenan accept their Outstanding Adult Student Awards

Outstanding Adult Student Awards recognize veterans for service on, off campus

April 29, 2024

Health and Human Development Building facade and side door

College of Health and Human Development names 2024 program marshals 

April 23, 2024

A man holds a piece of bread and uses a knife to spread pureed avocado on the bread. The table has a loaf of bread, tomatoes, and other slices of avocado and bread.

An avocado a day may improve overall diet quality, researchers report

March 21, 2024

A few members of the Culinary Medicine club are pictured in the kitchen of their soup kitchen event.

Culinary Medicine club awarded Student Engagement Network Grant 

March 13, 2024

A view of the street near the market in Forecariah, Guinea

Q&A: How can we improve the nutrition of children born in low-income countries?

March 12, 2024

Several people work together in a food donation facility to organize food donations at a table.

Department of Nutritional Sciences now offering new minor in nutrition studies 

March 07, 2024

A yellow background with candy at the top and fruits and vegetables at the bottom.

Lecture to discuss behavioral factors that drive what, why and how children eat

February 22, 2024

People sitting down for a holiday meal, table filled with a variety of holiday food and drink. Image is focused on a single plate filled with holiday food and a person serving themselves from food on the table.

Portion size and variety increase food intake at single- and multi-course meals

December 18, 2023

GivingTuesday graphic with words College of Health and Human Development

Health and Human Development rallies the pride in support of engaged learning

November 17, 2023

Eight people stand on a stage.

Nutritional Sciences trainees share spotlight during conference keynote address

November 16, 2023

On the left, a woman wears a virtual reality headset. On the right, there is a virtual plate of food with broccoli, rice and salmon on it.

Q&A: Can virtual reality help people eat a healthier diet?

November 10, 2023

2023 faculty and staff awards

College of Health and Human Development recognizes 2023 faculty, staff awardees

October 30, 2023

Barbara Rolls awarded The Obesity Society Presidential Medal of Distinction

October 09, 2023

a point-of-view image of a restaurant table with two salads

New grant to fund the study of sustainable food offerings at restaurants

September 06, 2023

Man sits in cubicle wearing a virtual-reality headset with a meal in front of him. He is drinking from a glass.

Mixed-reality technology may improve research on eating behaviors

August 30, 2023

Herbs and spices tout taste and health as saturated fat, salt replacements

August 29, 2023

Penny Kris-Etherton at a lab bench with peanuts

Prominent nutrition scholar and educator Penny Kris-Etherton to retire

July 28, 2023

Five named Big Ten Academic Alliance Department Executive Officer Fellows

June 01, 2023

Health and Human Development building on University Park campus

College of Health and Human Development names 2023 program marshals 

April 21, 2023

College of Health and Human Development names spring 2023 student marshal

April 21, 2023

Older man buying carrots at a farmers market

Food insecurity may increase cognitive decline in older adults

February 17, 2023

hamburger displayed on the monitor of a computer in a dark room

Advertising on Twitch increases viewer engagement with a brand

February 13, 2023

Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence

Schreyer Institute names Advancing Equity and Inclusion grant recipients

February 02, 2023

The book 'Ultimate Volumetrics' on a white background with many vegetables around

Volumetrics again ranked as one of the nation’s best diets

January 03, 2023

Woman sits on a couch breastfeeding a baby

Chronic inflammation may lead to low milk production in breastfeeding moms

December 21, 2022

Penny Kris-Etherton

Nutritional sciences professor recognized by the American Heart Association

December 12, 2022

Peanuts and herbs and spices may positively impact gut microbiome

December 02, 2022

College of Health and Human Development recognizes 2022 faculty, staff awardees

November 18, 2022

College of Health and Human Development recognizes high-achieving alumni

November 10, 2022

Mother wearing hospital gown kisses newborn gently on the head

High-tech tool to perform low-cost health screening for newborns and mothers

November 08, 2022

A young boy in Africa eats a small piece of a biscuit.

Children in sub-Saharan Africa face undernutrition, lack of dietary diversity

September 29, 2022

A hamburger with drawn-on devil horns sits beside an avocado with a drawn-on halo

Schmitt Russell Research Lecture to discuss effects of fats on body responses

September 22, 2022

A banner image that reads Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, Center for Immersive Experiences

Immersive experiences open up new worlds of teaching, learning and research

September 13, 2022

young man sits at computer surrounded by energy drink cans and chip bag wrappers. He drinks from a can while typing with his other hand

Food advertisements on Twitch can lead to cravings, purchases

August 30, 2022

Lessons on nutrition easy to digest in virtual reality spaces

August 08, 2022

Woman using immersive virtual reality to consider food choices.

Travis Masterson named Broadhurst Career Development Professor

August 03, 2022

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