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.
Sébastien Tremblay (front), a postdoctoral fellow in the Platt Labs, works in a specialized field of neuroscience called optogenetics, which shows clinical promise for treating conditions like epilepsy. To foster the open exchange of information, Tremblay spearheaded a crowd-sourced, free database that includes data from 45 labs in nine countries. (Pre-pandemic image: Kevin Monko)
Crowd-sourcing optogenetics data to tackle neurological diseases
The specialized field of neuroscience, optogenetics, shows clinical promise for conditions like epilepsy and Parkinson’s. But before human trials can get fully underway, the field must better understand a crucial intermediate step, aided by 45 labs in nine countries sharing information.
Exhibition showcases the brilliance of Black women writers
A major exhibition and symposium organized by two Penn graduate students highlighting African American women literature is open in the Penn Libraries’ Kamin Gallery.
SEPTA’s University City transit hub gets a new name
The Regional Rail Station serving University City will become Penn Medicine Station, just in time for the final stage of construction on Penn Medicine’s newest hospital, the Pavilion.
Virginia Man-Yee Lee leads a team of researchers at Penn’s Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, investigating the causes of disorders that occur more frequently with advancing age.
An Alzheimer’s research pioneer, right here at Penn
Virginia Man-Yee Lee, a professor and researcher at the Perelman School of Medicine, is the 2020 recipient of a Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, earning $3 million for her innovative, inspiring work that could one day cure various neurodegenerative diseases.
Drops of liquid crystal molecules branch out into strange structures
Shaped by surface tension and elasticity, spherical drops of chain-like liquid crystal molecules transform upon cooling into complex shapes with long-reaching tendrils.
Charles Addams took this “new look at College Hall” for the March 1973 cover of The Pennsylvania Gazette magazine. And, he said, “I did enjoy working on it.” Design by Charles Addams. (Image courtesy: The Pennsylvania Gazette)
The Addams Family legacy lives on
Former Penn student Charles Addams’ creations are back on the silver screen in a new 3D computer-animated film, more than 80 years after the characters were created by the artist.
The Climate & Sustainability Action Plan 3.0 outlines the University’s goals from 2019-2024 around seven initiatives: academics, utilities and operations, physical environment, waste minimization and recycling, purchasing, transportation, and outreach and engagement.
A road map for climate action and sustainability
Ten years after releasing its original Climate Action Plan, the University of Pennsylvania has launched the Climate & Sustainability Action Plan 3.0, outlining Penn’s goals for improved environmental performance from 2019 to 2024.
Penn Leads the Vote set up tables on College Green on Sept. 24, National Voter Registration Day, to encourage the Penn community to register to vote.
Get out the student vote
Penn Leads the Vote, the Netter Center for Community Partnerships, and the Office of Government and Community Affairs work in tandem to make Penn a civic-minded population of voters in all elections.
