Bioengineering | Penn Today

For a new generation of antibiotics, scientists are bringing extinct molecules back to life

Marrying artificial intelligence with advanced experimental methods, Penn Engineering’s Machine Biology Group has mined the ancient past for future medical breakthroughs, bringing extinct molecules back to life.

Silicon wafer with chips lightinhg in neon light.

SCALAR: A microchip designed to transform the production of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines

Researchers have developed a platform that could rapidly accelerate the development of mRNA-based lipid nanoparticle vaccines and therapeutics at both the small and largescale, SCALAR.

Microscopic view of a DNA chain disintegrating.

QR code for cancer cells

Researchers from Penn Engineering have created a new synthetic biology approach to uncover why some cells become resistant to anti-cancer therapies.

Smithsonian Magazine

Scientists turn to human ancestors’ DNA in search for new antibiotics

A study co-authored by César de la Fuente of the School of Engineering & Applied Science recreated molecules from ancient humans that could be potential candidates for antimicrobial treatments.

Nature

AI search of Neanderthal proteins resurrects ‘extinct’ antibiotics

A study co-authored by César de la Fuente of the Perelman School of Medicine used artificial intelligence to identify new antibiotic protein snippets produced by ancient humans.

close up image of the laser cutter at the biotech commons

Holman Biotech Commons meets the evolving needs of campus

Resources at the Penn Libraries’ Holman Biotech Commons are available to the entire Penn community to support research, collaboration, and innovation.

Camila Irabien and Dionne Yeung working in a lab side-by-side.

The art and science of ‘living-like’ architecture

Collaborators from Penn Engineering and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design have created “living-like” bioactive interior architecture designed to one day protect us from hidden airborne threats.

Microscopic view of bone marrow slide showing multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.

RNA nanoparticle therapy stops the spread of incurable bone marrow cancer

By creating a roadblock in cancer’s commute through the body, researchers removed a longstanding barrier in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

On a different wavelength, Nader Engheta leads a community in light

2023 Franklin Medal winner Engheta is one of the world’s biggest names in wave physics. The Penn Engineering professor is renowned for his unique approach to science, combining technical brilliance, creativity, and care.

Why is machine learning trending in medical research but not in our doctor’s offices?

Penn Integrates Knowledge Professor Konrad Kording will lead Penn’s NIH-funded cohort for making advancements in the field of machine learning in biomedical research by creating the Community for Rigor, which will provide open-access resources on conducting sound science.

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