Engineering a polymer network to act as active camouflage on demand The researchers’ artificial chromatophores consist of membranes stretched over circular cavities attached to pneumatic pumps. Pressurizing the cavity stretches the membrane, changing the pitch of the helix-shaped liquid crystal inside. Correlating the relationship between diameter, pressure, pitch and color, the researchers are able to treat each cavity like pixel, shifting its color to match the surrounding pattern in this demonstration from their recent study. Engineering a polymer network to act as active camouflage on demand Artificial chromatophores, which consist of membranes stretched over circular cavities attached to pneumatic pumps, allow surfaces squid-like active camouflage capabilities.
A new name and a new director for the Alice Paul Center Melissa Sanchez stands in front of Fisher Bennett Hall, which houses the Center for Research in Feminist, Queer, and Transgender Studies. A new name and a new director for the Alice Paul Center Melissa E. Sanchez speaks about her research and her new position as director of the Center for Research in Feminist, Queer, and Transgender Studies, formerly the Alice Paul Center.
Arthur van Benthem on new cars, old cars, and air pollution today Arthur van Benthem on new cars, old cars, and air pollution today The associate professor of business economics and public policy at Wharton discusses key findings from his research on vehicle air pollution and emissions standards.
Engineering CAR T cells to activate a bodily response to solid tumors Engineering CAR T cells to activate a bodily response to solid tumors A new Penn study shows that CAR T cells expressing RN7SL1, a naturally occurring RNA, can activate the body’s natural immune cells against difficult-to-treat cancers.
Roberto Lugo brings his street graffiti and unique portraiture to the Arthur Ross Gallery Guest curator Roberto Lugo has covered the walls of the Arthur Ross Gallery with the art of graffiti as part of the new exhibition “God Complex: Different Philadelphia,” on view through Dec. 19. In his interpretation, Lugo has divided the gallery, with portraits from the Penn Art Collection on one side, including Ben Franklin and George Washington, and his artworks on the other, including ceramic pieces featuring portraits of people of color. Roberto Lugo brings his street graffiti and unique portraiture to the Arthur Ross Gallery Guest curator Roberto Lugo has covered the walls of the Arthur Ross Gallery with the art of graffiti as part of the new exhibition “God Complex: Different Philadelphia,” on view through Dec. 19.
Gracyn Banks named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week Gracyn Banks named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week The senior defender on the field hockey team anchored a backline that dominated Drexel and shut out Villanova over the weekend.
New ways to reduce waste on campus At Move-In, Penn Sustainability shared tips for a greener return to campus. (Image: Kylie Cooper) New ways to reduce waste on campus Reusable food containers, a new program to recycle flexible plastics, and mask and glove recycling are among the ways that Penn is helping members of the community keep the environment in mind this year.
Protecting and celebrating civil rights heritage and Black histories The two-acre site of the Armstrong School, which has been out of use since the mid-1950’s, includes a church, burial ground, and school house. Researchers at Penn’s Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights Sites and Tuskegee University are collaborating on stabilizing the structure and developing an interpretation plan for the historic site. (Image: Kwesi Daniels) Protecting and celebrating civil rights heritage and Black histories Launched last fall, Penn’s Center for the Preservation of Civil Rights sites is fostering new and ongoing partnerships while preserving the legacy of civil rights in the U.S.
Martin Baron on the future of news and importance of investigative journalism Fels Distinguished Fellow Elizabeth Vale chats with former Washington Post executive editor Martin Baron, part of the Fels Public Policy in Practice series. Martin Baron on the future of news and importance of investigative journalism The former executive editor of The Washington Post spoke with Fels Distinguished Fellow Elizabeth Vale as part of the Fels Public Policy in Practice series.
The Sachs Program debuts whimsical art exhibit in new Arts Lounge “It goes by fast,” displayed at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. The Sachs Program debuts whimsical art exhibit in new Arts Lounge Recalling “purse hoagies” and other encountered utterances, Martha Rich’s “It goes by fast” exhibit showcases the sillier side of the arts.