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Bioengineering
At Weiss Tech House, a race from idea to prototype in one semester
At Weiss Tech House, a race from idea to prototype in one semester
The student-run incubator hosted its first hardware accelerator this spring, offering cash, mentoring, and access to specialized equipment to four teams.
Four Penn undergraduates receive Goldwater Scholarships
Four Penn undergraduates receive Goldwater Scholarships
Four Penn undergraduates have been awarded Goldwater Scholarships to pursue research careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering. Sophomore Chloe Cho and juniors Lauren Duhamel, Srinivas Mandyam and Abigail Poteshman.
Strella Biotechnology’s biosensors minimize food waste, one apple at a time
Strella Biotechnology’s biosensors minimize food waste, one apple at a time
With their 2019 President’s Innovation Prize, Katherine Sizov and Malika Shukurova are looking to disrupt the agricultural sector.
Chips in Space
Chips in Space
Microfluidic devices lined with human cells are headed to the International Space Station in early May, part of an effort to understand why astronauts get sick more easily in orbit.
Everyday enzymes, now grown in plants
Everyday enzymes, now grown in plants
Myriad industrial processes rely on enzymes, from making orange juice to manufacturing denim jeans. Research emerging from the School of Dental Medicine is transforming how these enzymes get made.
Cells control their own fate by manipulating their environment
Cells control their own fate by manipulating their environment
Muscle, blood, brain, and skin cells are different from one another, but they all share the same DNA. Stem cells’ transformation into specialized cells is controlled through various signals from their surroundings. A study suggests that cells may have more control over their fate than previously thought.
Engineers can detect ultra rare proteins using a cellphone camera
Engineers can detect ultra rare proteins using a cellphone camera
An innovative strobing system allows individual markers to be differentiated from their neighbors, allowing an accurate count, even in the ultra-low concentrations associated with hard-to-diagnose conditions.
By the Numbers: Pennovation Works’ ascendant 2018
By the Numbers: Pennovation Works’ ascendant 2018
In its second year, Pennovation Works, a strategic blend of offices, labs, and production space that pushes for the advancement of knowledge and economic development, continued to move the needle on activating its space as an innovation destination.
Treating spinal pain with ‘engineered living tissue’ moves closer to reality
Treating spinal pain with ‘engineered living tissue’ moves closer to reality
A multidisciplinary team at Penn successfully demonstrated the feasibility of an innovative new disc replacement made of living material.
Seven Penn researchers receive NIH Director Awards
Seven Penn researchers receive NIH Director Awards
Seven researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, and School of Engineering and Applied Science are to receive National Institutes of Health Director Awards, highly competitive grants to support innovative biomedical research.
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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