Chemistry | Penn Today

a large group of people in front of the Franklin Institute building with a science demonstration (with smoke and the aftermath of an explosion that caused colored balls to fly into the air) in the foreground

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.

a neuron with colored dots showing where protein aggregates form; there is also an inset image showing a hand holding up two glowing vials in front of a UV light

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.

a cartoon of the HIV virus being wrapped by a can and opened by antibodies

New imaging study reveals previously unseen vulnerabilities of HIV

The breakthrough, Published in the journal Cell Host and Microbe, opens new paths to fight against the deadly virus.

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.

a silhouette of a woman with a cape standing on top of a hill

STEM legacies: Five researchers reflect on the women who inspire them

For Women’s History Month, Penn faculty share their perspectives on enterprising women in STEM who have been sources of inspiration in a field with a large gender imbalance.

Groundbreaking chemistry research at record speeds

The state-of-the-art High-Throughput Experimentation Laboratory helps chemistry researchers make new discoveries in record time.

amy chu smiles while adjusting a knob on a metal piece of lab equipment

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.

Illustraion showing Percec cell morphology

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.

head shots of Jessica Anna and Davi Maximo

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.

students in a classroom with a large periodic table behind their seats

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.

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