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Growing Impact

Growing Impact

Written by: Penn State Institute of Energy and the Environment
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 Growing Impact explores cutting-edge projects of Penn State researchers and scientists who are solving some of the world's most challenging energy and environmental issues.Copyright 2026 Growing Impact Biological Sciences Earth Sciences Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Microplastics in the marsh

    Microplastics in the marsh
    Feb 1 2026
    Microplastics are turning up in unexpected places, including tidal freshwater marshes. Researchers are uncovering how these ecosystems trap plastics before they reach the ocean, leading to long-term accumulation in sediments and habitats. Understanding where plastics accumulate and how different materials behave matters for protecting ecosystems, communities, and long-term environmental health.
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    21 mins
  • Decoding wildfire smoke forecasts

    Decoding wildfire smoke forecasts
    Dec 1 2025
    Long-distance wildfire smoke is emerging as a serious health risk in the Northeast U.S., where many residents have little experience navigating hazardous air. Conflicting messages from apps, agencies, media, and social networks often leave people unsure what to trust or how to respond. Researchers are uncovering how people interpret these warnings, why uncertainty slows protective action, and what clearer, more reliable communication could do to better protect communities during future smoke events.
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    17 mins
  • Energy Saving Smart Windows

    Energy Saving Smart Windows
    Oct 1 2025
    How do you keep a building comfortable without wasting energy? A Penn State team is tackling that question with an innovative smart window. Using a responsive polymer, the window can block visible light, infrared heat, or both—automatically, without sensors or electricity. The technology could dramatically reduce energy use in buildings while giving architects new freedom to design spaces that work with, rather than against, the sun.
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    19 mins
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