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Chemistry

Improved fluorescent amino acids for cellular imaging
a light bulb with a chemical structure in front of an image of cells that are all blue tinged

New research describes how proteins in living cells can be engineered to include synthetic fluorescent amino acids that are bright, long-lasting, and have properties that sense their environment. (Image: E. James Petersson)

Improved fluorescent amino acids for cellular imaging

New research describes how to insert synthetic fluorescent amino acids into proteins in living cells, with implications for the study of neurological diseases.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Versatile ‘chemoproteomic probes’ for activity-based protein profiling
an abstract globe with DNA helixes, a brain outline, and chemical symbols

New research from the lab of Megan Matthews describes a versatile method for mapping hundreds of diverse enzyme sites and protein functions. These new findings enable diverse classes of proteins and biological pathways to be profiled and specific, targeted therapeutics to be developed for a broad range of diseases. (Image: Matthews Lab)

Versatile ‘chemoproteomic probes’ for activity-based protein profiling

A new study uses organohydrazine probes to map chemical reactivty across the proteome, allowing for a diverse classes of proteins and biological pathways to be studied.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Identifying an elusive molecule key to combustion chemistry
a close-up of a blue flame of methane on a natural gas burner

Researchers at Penn and Argonne National Laboratory have made the most direct observation of a key intermediate, a carbon-centered radical, formed during the breakdown of hydrocarbons during combustion and in the atmosphere. This benchmark study could help researchers design fuels that burn more efficiently in the future.

Identifying an elusive molecule key to combustion chemistry

Researchers made the most direct observation of a key intermediate formed during the breakdown of hydrocarbons during combustion and in the atmosphere, results that could help in the future design of fuels that burn more efficiently.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Through the thin-film glass, researchers spot a new liquid phase
individual panes of glass in different colors stacked on top of each other

Research from the lab of Zahra Fakhraai describes a new liquid phase in thin films of a glass-forming molecule. These results demonstrate how these glasses and other similar materials can be fabricated to be denser and more stable, providing a framework for developing new applications and devices through better design.

Through the thin-film glass, researchers spot a new liquid phase

A new study on thin films of glass shows how they can be fabricated to be denser and more stable, providing a framework for new applications and devices through better design.

Erica K. Brockmeier

New grant aims to broaden participation in cutting-edge materials research
two people talking to each other inside of a research lab

University of Puerto Rico’s Edgardo Sánchez (left) and Penn graduate Zhiwei Liao working in the lab of Daeyeon Lee. Via the Advancing Device Innovation through Inclusive Research and Education program, researchers from Penn and the University of Puerto Rico will continue their materials science collaboration while supporting STEM career pathways for underrepresented groups. (Image credit: Felice Macera).

New grant aims to broaden participation in cutting-edge materials research

As one of eight teams to be awarded National Science Foundation funding, a partnership between Penn and the University of Puerto Rico will continue its long-running collaboration focused on innovative research and STEM career pathway support.

Erica K. Brockmeier

The alternative fuel life of everyday items
Karen Goldberg, left, and Drew Newman, right.

Karen Goldberg, Vagelos Professor in Energy Research, and Drew Newman, doctoral candidate in chemistry. (Image: OMNIA)

The alternative fuel life of everyday items

Researchers in the Goldberg Group, including Karen Goldberg, Vagelos Professor in Energy Research, and Drew Newman, doctoral candidate in chemistry, focus on alternative fuel sources for items that are part of everyday life.

From Omnia

A blueprint for designing and synthesizing new, multifunctional materials
a side by side of a simulated nanocrystal next to a microscopic image of one

A blueprint for designing and synthesizing new, multifunctional materials

By combining theory, computational simulations, chemical synthesis, and assembly, researchers demonstrate how an “inverse design” strategy can create unique materials using difficult-to-mix nanocrystals.

Erica K. Brockmeier

An updated understanding of how to synthesize value-added chemicals
a methane flare against a blue sky

An updated understanding of how to synthesize value-added chemicals

New research provides key insights on how to add functional groups onto simple hydrocarbons including methane, a crucial first step towards designing the next generation of catalysts.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Three Goldwater Scholars for Penn
three students

Three undergraduates in the School of Arts & Sciences have received 2021 Goldwater Scholarships, awarded to sophomores or juniors planning research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Penn’s newest Goldwater Scholars are (from left) sophomore Emma Keeler from Rochester, Massachusetts; junior Michele Meline from Philadelphia; and junior Max Wragan from Washington, D.C.

Three Goldwater Scholars for Penn

Penn’s newest Goldwater Scholars, awarded to sophomores or juniors planning research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering are sophomore Emma Keeler, junior Michele Meline and junior Max Wragan.