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  • ‘Information gerrymandering’ poses a threat to democratic decision making

    Subtle features of social network structure can lead to biased outcomes in group decisions.
    Pixelated image of a brain with red, blue, and purple regions
    Information gerrymandering can change the way we think about political decisions, as depicted in this image of a gerrymandered mind. People must integrate disparate sources of information when deciding how to vote. But information does not always flow freely; it can be constrained by social networks and distorted by zealots and automated bots. Researchers showed that certain structures in a social network can sway the voting outcome of towards one party, even when both parties have equal size and each player has the same influence, a phenomenon they called “information gerrymandering." (Image: Alexander Stewart)

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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

    An illuminating celebration to a brighter, greener future
    The exterior of the Vagelos building lit up with dramatic lighting.

    The new Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology boasts adaptable laboratory spaces to support the dynamic needs of pioneering research.

    nocred

    An illuminating celebration to a brighter, greener future

    Members of the Penn community celebrated an energy research milestone: the unveiling of the new Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology.

    Dec 12, 2024