Chemistry

Answering big questions by studying small particles

Using electronics designed at Penn, particle physicists study neutrinos, incredibly small and nearly massless subatomic particles, to understand the fundamental nature of the universe.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Championing scientifically driven energy policy

In the lab, chemist Amy Chu is aiming to make the chemical reaction that converts carbon dioxide into methanol more sustainable. Her work reflects her philosophy that scientists should have a stronger role in both public policy and education.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Cells use sugars to communicate at the molecular level

A recent study reveals the chemistry behind cellular communication using a new method that holds promise for future applications ranging from materials science to nanomedicine.

Erica K. Brockmeier , Erica K. Brockmeier

Two Penn faculty named 2019 Sloan Research Fellows

Jessica Anna and Davi Maximo of the School of Arts and Sciences are among the 126 recipients of this year’s Sloan Research Fellowships, which recognize early-career researchers and scholars in North America. Each will receive a two-year, $70,000 Fellowship for research.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Celebrating 150 years of the periodic table

Judith Currano of Penn Libraries and Jenine Maeyer of the School of Arts and Sciences share their perspectives on how all types of chemists still use the periodic table of elements.

Erica K. Brockmeier

The dynamics of light-harvesting chemistry

A new paper provides insights into the chemistry that underlies human-made, light-driven catalytic systems and paves the way to better understand how light-induced reactions can be controlled more effectively.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Celebrating science

Eight Penn faculty share their favorite general interest books about science.

Erica K. Brockmeier



In the News


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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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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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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Business Insider

Study: Heat-temperature marine bacteria help detoxify asbestos

Ileana Perez-Rodriguez of the School of Arts & Sciences says that iron has been identified as a major component driving the toxicity of asbestos minerals.

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