News Archives

Expert Comment on the President's Call for Science and Math Teachers

Hai-Lung Dai, a professor in the University of Pennsylvania's Department of Chemistry and director of the Penn Science Teacher Institute, can offer an expert's view regarding President Bush's expected call for science and mathematics teachers in Tuesday's State of the Union Address.

Baboons in Mourning Seek Comfort Among Friends

PHILADELPHIA When Sylvia the baboon lost Sierra, her closest grooming partner and daughter, to a lion, she responded in a way that would be considered very human-like:  she looked to friends for support.  According to researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, baboons physiologically respond to bereavement in ways similar to humans, with an increase in stress hormones called glucocorticoids.  Baboons can lower their glucocorticoid levels through friendly social contact, expanding their social network after the loss of specific close companions.

Dog Owners Hide the Truth from Shelters About Their Pets' Behavioral Problems

PHILADELPHIA --  Many dog owners who relinquish their pets to animal shelters are not entirely honest about their dogs' behavioral problems probably for fear that their pets will be put to sleep, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania and University of California veterinary schools. According to the researchers, these behavioral problems may sometimes pose a risk to an adopting family who could unknowingly take in an aggressive animal.

Penn Symposium Assembles Scholars, Relief Workers to Discuss Cohesive Approach to Disaster Rebuilding

PHILADELPHIA -- Nurses, veterinarians and city planners will talk about their first-hand experiences volunteering in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina at the opening session of the University of Pennsylvania's symposium "Rebuilding Urban Places After Disaster," Feb. 2-3, during which national experts will offer insights into the challenge of rebuilding cities.

Educating Ben

With celebrations in honor of Ben Franklin’s 300th birthday taking place across the city, it may be difficult to decide where to start. Here’s your answer: the Penn Library.

Evaluating 'just-say-no' programs

EXPERT OPINION/A Penn professor says abstinence education programs may be more benign than we think. Evaluating ‘just-say-no’ programs Since 1995 the Federal Government has plowed millions of dollars into promoting sexual abstinence among American youth—and created its share of controversy in the process.

Barb McKinnon

Secrets to living longer—much longer

LECTURE/Longevity expert talks about what it really takes to reach the age of 100. Secrets to living longer—a lot longer Living to 100 may seem like quite an achievement, but according to longevity expert Thomas Perls, centenarians are the fastest growing segment of the population. Reaching 105, though, is “really very special” says Perls, an associate professor of medicine at Boston University Medical Center and director of the New England Centenarian Study.

News briefs

Heart smarts

Remains of the day

Q&A/Penn Museum’s keeper of physical anthropology talks about scanning mummies, making molds of Neanderthals and why human babies are born so small and helpless. “I’m one of those people who have crazy loves and I have a love for everything about evolution.”