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Erica K. Brockmeier
Science News Officer
ekbrock@upenn.edu
Chemistry
Before geoengineering, some fundamental chemistry
Before geoengineering, some fundamental chemistry
Research led by Joseph S. Francisco of the School of Arts & Sciences examines the chemistry of a proposal to curb climate change’s effects—creating a sunshade in the upper atmosphere made of sulfuric acid—and finds that there’s more work to do to successfully pull off such a feat.
Improved fluorescent amino acids for cellular imaging
Improved fluorescent amino acids for cellular imaging
New research describes how to insert synthetic fluorescent amino acids into proteins in living cells, with implications for the study of neurological diseases.
Versatile ‘chemoproteomic probes’ for activity-based protein profiling
A new study uses organohydrazine probes to map chemical reactivty across the proteome, allowing for a diverse classes of proteins and biological pathways to be studied.
Identifying an elusive molecule key to combustion chemistry
Identifying an elusive molecule key to combustion chemistry
Researchers made the most direct observation of a key intermediate formed during the breakdown of hydrocarbons during combustion and in the atmosphere, results that could help in the future design of fuels that burn more efficiently.
Through the thin-film glass, researchers spot a new liquid phase
A new study on thin films of glass shows how they can be fabricated to be denser and more stable, providing a framework for new applications and devices through better design.
New grant aims to broaden participation in cutting-edge materials research
New grant aims to broaden participation in cutting-edge materials research
As one of eight teams to be awarded National Science Foundation funding, a partnership between Penn and the University of Puerto Rico will continue its long-running collaboration focused on innovative research and STEM career pathway support.
The alternative fuel life of everyday items
The alternative fuel life of everyday items
Researchers in the Goldberg Group, including Karen Goldberg, Vagelos Professor in Energy Research, and Drew Newman, doctoral candidate in chemistry, focus on alternative fuel sources for items that are part of everyday life.
A blueprint for designing and synthesizing new, multifunctional materials
A blueprint for designing and synthesizing new, multifunctional materials
By combining theory, computational simulations, chemical synthesis, and assembly, researchers demonstrate how an “inverse design” strategy can create unique materials using difficult-to-mix nanocrystals.
An updated understanding of how to synthesize value-added chemicals
An updated understanding of how to synthesize value-added chemicals
New research provides key insights on how to add functional groups onto simple hydrocarbons including methane, a crucial first step towards designing the next generation of catalysts.
Penn seniors target eating disorder risk at Philadelphia public high schools
Penn seniors target eating disorder risk at Philadelphia public high schools
President’s Engagement Prize-winning project Be Body Positive Philly, led by seniors Christina Miranda and Amanda Moreno, is designed to address eating disorder risk among Philadelphia high school students.
Media Contact
In the News
The New York Times
U.S. companies vie for funds in race to build rare earths industry
Eric J. Schelter of the School of Arts & Sciences spoke about rare earth metal mining and the process of separating the metals from ores. “In some sense, the first steps [of rare earth production] are relatively easy and well-understood, but the real challenge to make money is to do the separation,” he said.
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Forbes
Rare earth minerals could be sourced through outdated smartphones, batteries, wind turbines
Eric Schelter and colleagues from the School of Arts and Sciences developed a method to extract rare earth minerals used in high-tech gadgets using common lab equipment.
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Chemistry World
American Civil War Era Tea Yields Modern Day Medicine
Madeleine Jouillé of the School of Arts and Sciences led a team in developing a way to synthesize ceanothine D, a complex cyclopeptide alkaloid found in red root, also known as the New Jersey tea plant, a “staple of American folk medicine.”
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