Penn neuroscientist solves motor control mystery

Whether it is in a recital hall, operating room, or on a football field, the difference between “good” and “great” often comes down to fine motor control. Even for more mundane activities, the brain must orchestrate complicated combinations of nerve signals to accomplish any given task.

Evan Lerner

Penn Researchers Model a Key Breaking Point Involved in Traumatic Brain Injury

Even the mildest form of a traumatic brain injury, better known as a concussion, can deal permanent, irreparable damage. Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania is using mathematical modeling to better understand the mechanisms at play in this kind of injury, with an eye toward protecting the brain from its long-term consequences.

Evan Lerner

Penn Researchers Show Nuclear Stiffness Keeps Stem Cells and Cancer Cells in Place

Adult stem cells and cancer cells have many things in common, including an ability to migrate through tiny gaps in tissue. Both types of cells also experience a trade-off when it comes to this ability; having a flexible nucleus makes migration easier but is worse at protecting the nucleus’ DNA compared to a stiffer nucleus.

Evan Lerner

Three Penn Researchers Awarded Sloan Fellowships

Three University of Pennsylvania faculty members are among this year’s Sloan Fellowship recipients. Since 1955, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has granted yearly fellowships to early-career scientists and scholars whose achievements and potential identify them the next generation of scientific leaders.

Evan Lerner

LEGO robotics tournament returns to Penn

On Feb. 1, around 400 middle school students assembled on Penn’s campus to test their mettle as part of an international robotics tournament. Organized through FIRST LEGO League (FLL), the competition is aimed at getting students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Evan Lerner

Penn Researchers ‘Design for Failure’ With Model Material

When deciding what materials to use in building something, determining how those materials respond to stress and strain is often the first task. A material’s macroscopic, or bulk, properties in this area — whether it can spring back into shape, for example — is generally the product of what is happening on a microscopic scale.

Evan Lerner

City gets set for Philadelphia Science Festival IV

Starting in late April, Penn will once again take part in the Philadelphia Science Festival, a celebration of the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and math. The popular program is entering its fourth year and continues to expand.

Evan Lerner