A new understanding of brain activity when we ‘read the minds’ of others
Penn psychologists Anna Jenkins and Dilara Berkay show the role of uncertainty in engagement of the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex. Their findings pave the way for a broader understanding of autism and social anxiety.
Wensi Wu uses digital twins to explore the hidden mechanics of the human heart
Wu, a research faculty member at Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, develops ‘digital twins’ of the human heart through computational modeling that capture both the visible and invisible aspects of cardiac function.
New Penn Vet study uncovers a key guardian of gut health and metabolism
Researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine unveil the critical role of secretory immunoglobulin M (sIgM) in maintaining microbiota balance, regulating metabolism, and protecting against disease.
‘Leukemia-on-a-chip’ could transform CAR T blood cancer treatments
In a collaborative effort with NYU, Penn researchers have helped pioneer a novel 3D platform that mimics the human bone marrow and immune environment, enabling more predictive testing of cancer immunotherapy success in patients, including CAR T cell therapies.
Red Ribbon Connect links Penn with HIV/AIDS researchers worldwide
Organized by a recent Penn alum on the Community Advisory Board of the Penn Center for AIDS Research, the newly launched Red Ribbon Connect program entails a monthly virtual exchange for HIV/AIDS researchers at Penn and worldwide to swap insights and perspectives.
How to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate
Irina Marinov, associate professor at the Department of Earth and Environmental Science, leads a research community focused on understanding global climate impacts, risks, and vulnerabilities to enable local action.
Known for stellar musicianship and dynamic live shows, West Philadelphia Orchestra is a brass band inspired by the Romani brass “orkestras” and “fanfares” of Eastern Europe. They will perform as part of Garden Jams, Penn Museum’s outdoor summer concert series.
The West Philadelphia Orchestra performs at the Sachs 2019 Grant Awards on May 2 at the Penn LGBT Center. (Photo: Dominic Mercier)
Penn’s guiding principles are the University’s enduring values and distinctive strengths: anchored, inventive, interwoven, and engaged. The practices support and strengthen Penn’s core educational mission.
At Penn Today, we focus on some of the ways the University is putting this framework into action. From student, faculty, and staff profiles to research updates and event coverage, Penn Today highlights the latest examples of the University’s principled approach to excellence.
Keeping it local: Penn’s partnerships with Philadelphia-based vendors boost local economy, neighborhood impact
According to the University’s latest Economic Impact Report, Penn helps power Philadelphia’s economy by procuring goods and services from neighboring businesses. Local CEOs discuss the meaningful impact that Penn has on their bottom line and in the community.
Using behavioral economics-based interventions, a 2025 President’s Engagement Prize-winning project will address health and nutrition inequities in a West Philadelphia elementary school.
Penn lends support to Rebuilding Together Philadelphia effort repairing 11 local homes in two days
Marking a milestone block build, 70 Penn volunteers combined forces with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, a nonprofit with roots at the University, to revitalize owner-occupied houses in the West Philadelphia community. The momentous two-day event involved a block build and speaking program—with a local homeowner sharing a heartfelt message.
Supporting a community for learning, research, and thriving
Four months after the launch of the Office of Religious and Ethnic Interests (Title VI), the office is combating discrimination in all forms while leading educational efforts about dialogue and adaptive leadership.
The birth-rate crisis isn’t as bad as you’ve heard—it’s worse
Jesús Fernández-Villaverde of the School of Arts & Sciences says that, as people in developing countries move from rural areas to cities, their economic opportunities expand and children become less crucial as a source of agricultural labor.
Against the odds, Gen Z is breaking into the housing market
According to Susan Wachter of the Wharton School, there’s a growing Gen Z divide between those with stable jobs or financial support who can afford to buy a home in today’s expensive market and those who are priced out of homeownership and the rental market.
