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Ecology
What secrets might 2-million-year-old DNA hold?
What secrets might 2-million-year-old DNA hold?
Scientists from Denmark recently extracted and sequenced the oldest-ever DNA, from permafrost in Greenland, revealing a robust ecosystem of 135 species. Penn Today spoke with four faculty members about the potential power of ancient DNA.
Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable?
Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable?
Charcoal energizes everything from backyard barbecues to industrial metallurgy, but its environmental impact is worse than once thought. Research from the School of Arts & Sciences finds that policy changes could make charcoal more sustainable.
Through public art, the U.N. sustainability goals come to life
Through public art, the U.N. sustainability goals come to life
In FDR Park, a 10x10-foot mural sponsored by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and painted by Penn grad student Eliza Nobles represents the global target of clean energy for all.
Where biodiversity, climate risk, and urban growth collide
Where biodiversity, climate risk, and urban growth collide
A project led by researchers at The Ian L. McHarg Center for Urbanism and Ecology aims to highlight points of conflict between climate risks, biodiversity, and urban growth in a few of the world’s poorest cities.
Environment influences coral’s resilience to acidification
Environment influences coral’s resilience to acidification
Ocean acidification is an effect of climate change that threatens the health of coral. A new study examines how coral samples from the Great Barrier Reef fare in acidic conditions.
Landscape and climate factors can predict prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria
Landscape and climate factors can predict prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria
Environmental models, developed by biologist Dustin Brisson of the School of Arts & Sciences, former graduate student Tam Tran, and colleagues, could help forecast disease hotspots.
Goodbye to an iconic tree
Goodbye to an iconic tree
More than a century old, the American elm located in the heart of the Quadrangle residences has been ailing and is due to be removed the week of July 25. The site will be replanted at a later date with three native white oaks.
The future of forests
The future of forests
Faced with an onslaught of changes—heat, drought, fire, flood, pests, and disease—forests are under stress.
Earth Week offers immersive opportunities to connect with nature
Earth Week offers immersive opportunities to connect with nature
Organized by Penn Sustainability, Earth Week, with nearly 50 events running April 17-24, offers a diverse slate of both in-person and online chances to learn about and engage with the environment.
Protecting a singular ecosystem in the Galápagos
Protecting a singular ecosystem in the Galápagos
Michael Weisberg, the Bess W. Heyman President's Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, students, and Ecuador's Ambassador to the United States reflect on the momentous expansion of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.
In the News
The New Yorker
The little-known world of caterpillars
Dan Janzen of the School of Arts & Sciences explains how the climate crisis has led to catastrophic declines in insect numbers.
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CNN
Wealthy American homes have carbon footprints 25% higher than low-income residences, study says
Vincent Reina of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design said that the large homes owned by wealthy people require excess energy, but that low-income homes may also produce significant emissions because of the high cost of energy-efficient renovations and new appliances.
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Bloomberg
How to grow green
Daniel Aldana Cohen of the School of Arts & Sciences has proposed that grants be made to help replace aging utility systems in low-income and public housing.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Not over the hill: ‘Design With Nature,’ Ian McHarg’s landmark book of ecological design turns 50
Bill Whitaker of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design spoke about Penn landscape architect Ian McHarg’s influence on ecological design and city planning. “He realized that people paid attention when you had scientific information and you had hard facts,” said Whitaker.
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