News Archives

The dream lives on

Martin Luther King Jr. had a vision of what he called “the beloved community”—a multiracial society committed to equality and social justice. Penn’s King commemoration, which continues through Feb. 1, embodies the spirit of that community through events that bring the entire campus together. Here’s what’s coming up:

News briefs

Midas sat here A trash pit uncovered in 1939 at Delphi held a statue that may be one of King Midas’ many treasures. Penn’s Keith DeVries believes the ivory statue of a lion tamer was part of the king’s gift to the god Apollo. King Midas ruled Phrygia, now Central Turkey, from at least 717 to 709 B.C. After sifting through archaeological finds and ancient written texts, DeVries, associate curator in the Mediterranean section of Penn’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, said the statue, long thought to be Grecian, is in fact Phrygian.

Protein fights nerve loss

A new research development holds promise that some day, people with Parkinson’s disease may be able to live free of its debilitating effects with help from a chaperone.

Do ads get teens to just say no?

This is your brain. This is your brain on anti-drug ads. Any questions? Yes. You in the back there. But do these anti-drug ads really work? “We do see that [the anti-drug ad campaign] has a positive effect on parents,” said Robert Hornik, professor of communication in the Annenberg School. “We don’t have any evidence that it’s affecting kids yet.”

Of mice, men and embryonic stem cells

Penn researchers may have found a way to untangle the mire which is the embryonic stem cell controversy. Professor of Animal Biology Hans R. Schöler and his team of researchers have identified a receptor, the germ cell nuclear factor or GCNF, that could lead to new ways of creating embryonic stem cells. Stem cells are valuable because they have the potential to form a number of different tissues and consequently be used to treat various conditions, such as generating new nerve cells for spinal cord injuries.

Courses for a better you

Human Resources is offering courses to help you be better at your job and courses for your well-being. Professional advice Need a guide to a strange new territory called management? HR’s Learning and Education department now offers one.

Turnaround: The neighborhood is looking good

In the mid-1990s, when urban problems were emerging in West Philadelphia, University President Judith Rodin (CW’66) took stock of the two places she loved—her hometown, West Philadelphia, and her alma mater, Penn—and bonded the two through an impressive set of initiatives. Now, six years after Penn refocused its attention on the neighborhood and four years after the official launch of the West Philadelphia Initiative, the Current takes a look at Penn’s investments and how the neighborhood has changed. The results cannot be missed.

Business success means streets are jumping

Jack Shannon remembers 36th and Walnut streets. Shannon, director of economic development in the Office of the Executive Vice President, was a Penn Law School student in the ’80s, and he recalls how the area stretched dismally from 34th to 38th streets, holding mostly empty spaces and a large parking lot. Zoom ahead several years later, and a different picture emerges. The area now teems with foot traffic and boasts shops such as the Penn Bookstore, Douglas Cosmetics and Cosí.

Get to know the neighbors

In the market for fun

The world’s only arts market devoted exclusively to young people’s programming is coming to campus next week, and you and your family are invited to take a peek at what’s for sale. The 24th International Showcase of Performing Arts for Young People will take place at the Annenberg Center Jan. 30 through Feb. 2. Eighteen performing arts groups will present 45-minute performances offering Showcase participants and the general public a chance to sample their offerings. Showcase highlights include: