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Bioengineering
Unlocking the brain: Peptide-guided nanoparticles deliver mRNA to neurons
Unlocking the brain: Peptide-guided nanoparticles deliver mRNA to neurons
Researchers in the lab of Michael Mitchell in Penn Engineering have developed a method for delivering lipid nanoparticles across the blood-brain barrier specifically to targeted neurons.
Brain research could help patients with paralysis move again
Brain research could help patients with paralysis move again
Penn Medicine researchers are using machine learning to study the areas of the brain that control movement.
How fungi make a key medicinal molecule
How fungi make a key medicinal molecule
New research from Penn Medicine has uncovered the catalyst that creates a compound in fungi whose derivatives are applied to treatments for cancer and inflammation.
A lipid nanoparticle delivers an mRNA cure for preeclampsia
A lipid nanoparticle delivers an mRNA cure for preeclampsia
Doctoral student Kelsey Swingle developed a lipid nanoparticle that delivers an mRNA therapeutic that reduces maternal blood pressure through the end of gestation and improves fetal health and blood circulation in the placenta.
Refining lipid nanoparticles for better mRNA therapies
Refining lipid nanoparticles for better mRNA therapies
A new method developed by Penn engineers for designing ionizable lipids is expected to have broad implications for mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.
Penn fourth-year Om Gandhi is a 2025 Rhodes Scholar
Penn fourth-year Om Gandhi is a 2025 Rhodes Scholar
Penn fourth-year Om Gandhi, from Barrington, Illinois, has been awarded a 2025 Rhodes Scholarship, which funds tuition and a living stipend for graduate study at the University of Oxford in England. He is among 32 American Rhodes Scholars, and an expected 100 worldwide.
Developing kidneys from scratch
Developing kidneys from scratch
Bioengineering professor Alex Hughes tackles the burden of chronic kidney disease by creating kidney tissue from scratch, which could reduce the need for both dialysis and transplantation.
New class of encrypted peptides offer hope in fight against antibiotic resistance
New class of encrypted peptides offer hope in fight against antibiotic resistance
New research by César de la Fuente finds that nearly 90% of peptides discovered exhibit significant antimicrobial properties, particularly through the disruption of bacterial membranes.
Siloxane-enhanced nanoparticles chart a new path in precision mRNA medicine
Siloxane-enhanced nanoparticles chart a new path in precision mRNA medicine
By adjusting the chemical structure of lipid nanoparticles Penn Engineers have discovered how to target specific organs, a major breakthrough in precision medicine.
Penn’s Gilliam Fellows bridge inclusion and innovation
Penn’s Gilliam Fellows bridge inclusion and innovation
Two Ph.D. students are among 50 graduate students selected to receive this year’s Howard Hughes Medical Institute Gilliam Fellowship, which advances equity and inclusion in science through a mentorship skills development course.
In the News
HealthDay
In mouse studies, new hope against a dangerous complication of pregnancy
Doctoral student Kelsey Swingle in the School of Engineering and Applied Science and colleagues are using mRNA molecules to treat pre-eclampsia, a common pregnancy complication.
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New Scientist
Pre-eclampsia could be treated with mRNA technology
Michael Mitchell and Ph.D. student Kelsey Swingle of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and colleagues are using mRNA molecules to treat pre-eclampsia, a common pregnancy complication.
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Axios
Real vs. fake Christmas trees: The great debate, explained
Lorena Grundy of the School of Engineering and Applied Science says that the debate between real and fake Christmas trees isn’t as black and white as it’s being portrayed.
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Rolling Stone
RFK Jr.’s 10 wildest medical theories
Kenneth R. Foster of the School of Engineering and Applied Science says studies haven’t provided clear evidence that exposure to levels of radio frequency energy below accepted limits, such as Wi-Fi, disrupts the blood-brain barrier.
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Nature
Gut microbes’ genomes are a trove of potential antibiotics
Marcelo Torres of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and colleagues are synthesizing antibiotic microbes from microbiomes in the human gut.
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Smart meter debate: Small group of consumers pushes against a meter mandate in Pennsylvania
Kenneth Foster of the School of Engineering and Applied Science says that the most reliable conclusions are always those of expert panels that conduct systematic reviews according to established procedures.
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