The lab of neuroscientist Johannes Burge (above) focuses on how the human visual system processes the images that fall on the back of the eye. This line of work, closely related to a 100-year-old illusion called the Pulfrich effect, could have serious public safety and public health implications.
One step closer to a clinical fix for the side effects of monovision
Monovision counters the deterioration of the ability to see up close but also causes dramatic visual distortions. New research confirms that a solution that successfully works with trial lenses—the special lenses used by eye doctors—also succeeds with contact lenses.
Qi Long (left), a professor of biostatistics in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and E. Michael Ostap, a professor of physiology, both of the Perelman School of Medicine, have been named 2020 American Association for the Advancement of Science fellows. (Images: Courtesy of Penn Medicine)
Two Penn faculty named 2020 AAAS Fellows
Qi Long and E. Michael Ostap of the Perelman School of Medicine are among a cohort of 489 distinguished scientists recognized with the honor from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
How did echo chambers influence the 2020 election?
Research from the Annenberg School for Communication shows that people are consuming news from more diverse sources, but many don’t consume any news at all. It’s too soon to tell what role that played in the recent race for president.
In the pandemic’s early days, a third of U.S. adults felt depressed, anxious
According to new research from Penn, those feelings worsened as the month of March progressed, and economic worries rather than social distancing or fear of the virus itself played the largest role.
Angela Duckworth has been studying grit for 15 years, including as part of her doctoral work at Penn. In each class session of her new course on the subject, running for just the second time this semester, students experience an interactive section, a lecture, and a conversation with a gritty person, including Penn President Amy Gutmann, retired Yankee Alex Rodriguez, and celebrity chef David Chang, among others.
A lesson in grit from Angela Duckworth
Her new Grit Lab course, part of the Paideia Program, teaches Penn undergrads how to develop more passion and perseverance for long-term goals.
Jennifer Stimpson, a chemist, teacher, and recent alumna of the Graduate School of Education’s mid-career program, was named an IF/THEN ambassador by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Image: Courtesy IF/THEN)
A role model for the changing face of science
Jennifer Stimpson, a chemist, teacher, and recent alumna of the Graduate School of Education’s mid-career program, was named an IF/THEN ambassador. The initiative aims to empower women in STEM to inspire the next generation of learners.
The birds likely have a rare genetic condition called albinism, which stems from a mutation that prevents proper melanin production. (Image: Doug Wiebe)
Rare sparrows make guest appearance at Penn
Earlier this year, Penn Medicine epidemiologist Doug Wiebe glimpsed two small all-white birds outside Van Pelt Library that turned out to be albino house sparrows. Their coloration is likely the result of a genetic condition in which a bird’s feathers lack pigment.
At a community engagement event in 2019, Theodore Schurr of the Department of Anthropology explains DNA test results to Regina Scott, one of the participants involved in the research project. (Pre-pandemic image: Lauren Petracca/Post & Courier)
Uncovered burial ground reveals history of 36 enslaved Africans in 18th-century Charleston
According to the research, many of these individuals originated in sub-Saharan Africa, in line with historical accounts of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. This work, the largest DNA study of its kind to date, was co-led by anthropologist Theodore Schurr and conducted with support from and at the request of the local community.
This is the fifth time Marion Leary, Penn Nursing’s first director of innovation, has taught Innovation in Health: Foundations in Design Thinking. Each semester, students use the design-thinking methodology to solve a real-world challenge. They start by empathizing with those facing the struggle and end by creating a prototype, like the one here meant to protect young, active people with irritable bowel syndrome against accidental bowel movements.
Penn Nursing’s innovation ecosystem
In the past five years, the school has been intentional about creating an atmosphere that rewards risk-taking and supports failures. It’s led to story slams and accelerators and a shift to an innovation-centric mindset.
Angela Duckworth has been studying grit for 15 years, including as part of her doctoral work at Penn. In each class session of her new course on the subject, running for just the second time this semester, students experience an interactive section, a lecture, and a conversation with a gritty person, including Penn President Amy Gutmann, retired Yankee Alex Rodriguez, and celebrity chef David Chang, among others.
Jennifer Stimpson, a chemist, teacher, and recent alumna of the Graduate School of Education’s mid-career program, was named an IF/THEN ambassador by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. (Image: Courtesy IF/THEN)
This is the fifth time Marion Leary, Penn Nursing’s first director of innovation, has taught Innovation in Health: Foundations in Design Thinking. Each semester, students use the design-thinking methodology to solve a real-world challenge. They start by empathizing with those facing the struggle and end by creating a prototype, like the one here meant to protect young, active people with irritable bowel syndrome against accidental bowel movements.