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  • Everyday enzymes, now grown in plants

    Myriad industrial processes rely on enzymes, from making orange juice to manufacturing denim jeans. Research emerging from the School of Dental Medicine is transforming how these enzymes get made.
    Plant leaves from two different species are surrounded by images of four different applications: denim biowashing - endoglucanase, bioscouring - pectate lyase, fruit juice clarification - pectate lyase, and stain removal - mannanase.
    Plant-derived enzymes were effective in a variety of applications, from removing dye, clarifying juice, removing stains, and processing cotton textiles. Compared to other commercially available enzymes, the ones developed by a Penn-led team are less costly, shelf stable, and more environmentally friendly. (Image: Uma Kumari)

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  • From a desert to an oasis: Penn engages in ambitious greening effort in the Sahel
    People gather around a large map placed on the floor.

    In Senegal, the ambitious Dakar Greenbelt project seeks to create an extensive network of ecological infrastructure in and around the city to sustainably address environmental concerns and enhance urban life. With support from David Gouverneur and Ellen Neises, Ph.D. candidate Rob Levinthal in the Weitzman School of Design led two courses that included a field trip to Dakar, that culminated in students presenting their visions for parts of the Greenbelt.

    (Image: Courtesy of Chaowu Li)

    From a desert to an oasis: Penn engages in ambitious greening effort in the Sahel

    Students from the Weitzman School of Design journeyed to Senegal to help with a massive ecological and infrastructural greening effort as part of their coursework. The Dakar Greenbelt aims to combat desertification and promote sustainable urban growth.

    Jan 31, 2025