Using stress to shape microlevel structures Using stress to shape microlevel structures A new study describes how external forces drive the rearrangement of individual particles in disordered solids, enabling new ways to imbue materials with unique mechanical properties.
What to do when cutting emissions alone is no longer enough What to do when cutting emissions alone is no longer enough Four factors to consider in the race to solve the climate crisis, including how to scale up a tool called negative emissions and why the oceans can only help so much.
Magnetic microrobots use capillary forces to coax particles into position Shown in 4x speed, a flower-shaped microrobot approaches plastic beads, uses capillary forces to stick them to one of its petals, then releases them at the desired location by spinning in place. (Image: Penn Engineering) Magnetic microrobots use capillary forces to coax particles into position A new study shows how microscopic robots, remotely driven by magnetic fields, can use capillary forces to manipulate objects floating at the interface between two liquids.
Self-healing liquid brings new life to battery alternative Self-healing liquid brings new life to battery alternative In Penn engineers’ new anode design, gallium repeatedly melts and solidifies, “healing” the cracks that would otherwise gradually decrease the battery’s ability to hold a charge.
Inspiring young women in STEM Inspiring young women in STEM Over two days, nearly two dozen female STEM role models at Penn welcomed more than 100 high school students and teachers to campus as part of the Girls Advancing in STEM (GAINS) Initiative Conference on campus.
Customizable ‘bundlemers’ poised to become new material building blocks Customizable ‘bundlemers’ poised to become new material building blocks New research describes a novel type of synthetic polymer subunits that form rigid structures that could be used in applications ranging from high-performance fibers to superstrong materials.
From the classroom to the lab and back again From the classroom to the lab and back again Senior Adithya Sriram is busy earning two degrees, researching new applications for graphene, and preparing physics courses for students in West Philadelphia.
Solving complex problems with purpose Solving complex problems with purpose Senior Angelica Padilla, who recently completed research through the Laboratory for Research on the Structure of Matter undergraduate summer program, shares her passion for fluid mechanics.
Training the next generation of globally minded researchers Training the next generation of globally minded researchers As part of the Research and Education in Active Coatings Technologies for the Human Habitat program, students conduct fundamental research on materials that can improve lives while engaging in international collaborations and educational activities.
How to make a better water filter? Turn it inside out How to make a better water filter? Turn it inside out Penn engineers describe a novel approach for making antimicrobial nanoscale water filters while demonstrating new approaches that can be used to develop a broad range of materials.