11/15
Chemistry
Penn chemists to lead NSF-sponsored center for sustainable metals supply chains
Penn chemists to lead NSF-sponsored center for sustainable metals supply chains
The Center for Sustainable Separations of Metals will conduct research on metals recycling to reduce pollution, greenhouse-gas emissions, and energy usage while promoting political and environmental sustainability.
The chemistry behind fireworks
The chemistry behind fireworks
A Q&A with inorganic chemist Eric Schelter about the chemical reactions that create explosive displays and how different metals are used to create bright and brilliant colors.
Protein-linked sugars are crucial for the uptake of proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease
Protein-linked sugars are crucial for the uptake of proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease
A new study shows that glycoproteins, proteins with added sugar molecules, impact how neurons uptake alpha-synuclein, a protein that clusters together and can lead to Parkinson’s disease.
Inside the scientific glassblower’s studio
Inside the scientific glassblower’s studio
A glimpse inside Penn’s glass shop and how the art of scientific glassblowing makes the innovative research happening on campus possible.
Revealing ‘hidden’ phases of matter through the power of light
Revealing ‘hidden’ phases of matter through the power of light
New research shows how materials can be imbued with new chemical properties using a solid phase transition method that relies on extremely fast pulses of light.
Community outreach inspires interest in STEM for kids
Community outreach inspires interest in STEM for kids
Graduate students and postdocs led an afternoon of hands-on science activities and fun for students grades 3-8 in the hallways and labs of Penn Chemistry.
From the bench to bedside, boardroom, and beyond
From the bench to bedside, boardroom, and beyond
Penn’s Life Sciences & Management program empowers the next generation of biotechnology leaders with an education in both business and the natural sciences.
Creating connections with a Nobel laureate
Creating connections with a Nobel laureate
Thanks to their creative approach on a class project, a group of biochemistry students had the opportunity to get to know one of Penn Chemistry’s seven Nobel laureates.
Philadelphia: The new city of science
Philadelphia: The new city of science
Penn researchers will be involved in a weeklong series of interactive activities and events across the city as part of the Philadelphia Science Festival.
Colorful research comes to life when everything ‘clicks’ together
Colorful research comes to life when everything ‘clicks’ together
A collaborative project connects proteins with fluorescent dyes through azide−alkyne cycloaddition, known as a “click” reaction, that provides researchers with a dynamic glimpse inside living cells.
In the News
The Scientist
Artificial chromosomes for disease modeling
A study by Ben Black of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues used a new technique for synthesizing chromosomes to introduce panels of genes into disease models, facilitating drug testing.
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Live Science
Scientists propose ‘missing’ law for the evolution of everything in the universe
Stuart Kauffman of the Perelman School of Medicine comments on a study that proposed a missing scientific law identifying “universal concepts of selection” that drive evolution.
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Nature
Meet the unsung scientists behind the Nobel for quantum dots
Christopher Murray’s lab at the School of Arts & Sciences is delving into the next phase of quantum-dot research to make components for quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
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SciTechDaily
Iontronics breakthrough: Faster thin film devices for improved batteries and advanced computing
Andrew Rappe of the School of Arts & Sciences and colleagues have developed high-quality, single-crystal oxide thin films, aligned in such a way that the lithium ions can move even faster along vertical ionic transport channels.
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Forbes
How fireworks could worsen air quality
A report by chemists from Penn reveals that firework combustion releases harmful chemicals and metals into the environment that impact air quality, drinking water and public health.
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Fast Company
A once-shuttered California mine is trying to transform the rare earth industry
Eric Schelter of the School of Arts & Sciences cautions that the economics of rare earth production are challenging and have worked against U.S. industry in the past.
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