School of Arts & Sciences

a series of three abstract and disordered patterns made of different geometric shapes

Researchers use a material’s ‘memory’ to encode unique physical properties

A new study shows that, as materials age, they “remember” prior stresses and external forces, which scientists and engineers can then use to create new materials with unique properties.

In memoriam: Penn remembers those who passed in 2019

Penn professors and faculty reflect on the giants in art, academia, and beyond who left us this year.

Person leaning against a wall of books, arms crossed, smiling at the camera.

Impeachment, conspiracy theories, and facts

Historian Sophia Rosenfeld shares her take on the hearings leading up to President Trump’s impeachment, the wealth of conspiracy theories surrounding them, and tips on how to absorb it all without feeling dazed.

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.

‘May the force be with you’ and other fan fiction favorites

Researchers have created a unique digital humanities tool to analyze the most popular phrases and character connections in fan fiction based on blockbuster film series, starting with “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings,” and “Harry Potter.”

Cluster of luminescent sperm swimming upstream

Uncovering a defective sperm epigenome that leads to male infertility

A new mouse model allows researchers to track defective sperm and potentially find ways to correct it.

Dakota Play on Words handwriting sample with word diagramming.

Restoring Indigenous knowledge systems and languages

Penn’s Educational Partnerships with Indigenous Communities builds alliances with Native Americans.

The Palace of Westminster and Big ben in London

Five things to know about the British election

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party won a decisive victory in last week’s general election. Political scientist Brendan O’Leary, an expert on U.K. politics, tells Penn Today his five main takeaways from the election results.

Engaging Minds speakers with provost and president

Engaging Minds showcases best part of Penn in New York

Penn Alumni’s Dec. 14 event featured a trio of impressive faculty: Michael Weisberg, Sarah J. Jackson, and Duncan Watts.

rendering of silhouettes of refugees walking with children and a few possessions.

On the condition of alienage for refugees

Eilidh Beaton, doctoral candidate in philosophy, argues for the reconsideration of the alienage condition for refugee status.

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