Biology | Penn Today

Searching for resilience in our reefs

Some corals survive hotter temperatures better than others. In the lab of biologist Katie Barott, School of Arts & Sciences second-year students Alex Piven and Angela Ye have spent the summer trying to understand why.

Chasing the mysteries of microbiome communication in our bodies

Penn Medicine’s Maayan Levy and Christoph Thaiss, both assistant professors of microbiology, pursue an understanding of the the microbiome, the entirety of microbial organisms associated with the human body, and its relation to fundamental bodily systems.

A museum of ‘electrifying frankness’ weighs dialing it down

Dean Richardson of the School of Veterinary Medicine says that biology is a marvel, better understood if people recognize that its complexities must inevitably lead to some “errors.”

Scientists turn to human ancestors’ DNA in search for new antibiotics

A study co-authored by César de la Fuente of the School of Engineering & Applied Science recreated molecules from ancient humans that could be potential candidates for antimicrobial treatments.

AI search of Neanderthal proteins resurrects ‘extinct’ antibiotics

A study co-authored by César de la Fuente of the Perelman School of Medicine used artificial intelligence to identify new antibiotic protein snippets produced by ancient humans.

Could eating like our ancestors make us healthier?

PIK Professor Sarah Tishkoff says that humans have continued to evolve since the Paleolithic period.

A person in a hazmat suit removes a piece of roofing from a roof.

Using marine bacteria to detoxify asbestos

Researchers from the School of Arts and Sciences have shown that bacteria from extreme marine environments can reduce asbestos’ toxic properties.

Developing human embryos imaged at highest-ever resolution

Nicolas Plachta of the Perelman School of Medicine discusses being able to view an early human embryo at the very early stages of development with cellular resolution.

Exploring the relationship between cooking and scientific discovery

Penn physicist Arnold Mathijssen and colleagues have authored a review article discussing the history of food innovations and the current scientific breakthroughs that are changing the way we eat.

Taurine may extend life and health, scientists find

Joseph Baur of the Perelman School of Medicine and med student Joseph McGaunn caution that a singular focus on increasing dietary taurine risks driving poor nutritional choices.

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