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What a ‘silenced’ chromosome can tell us about autoimmunity
female chromosomes

Image: Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library

What a ‘silenced’ chromosome can tell us about autoimmunity

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs more frequently in women. Having multiple X chromosomes has been associated with an increased risk of developing lupus; however, the reason for this link is still not fully understood and may involve how X chromosomes are regulated in female immune cells.

3 min. read

Dean Mark Trodden on what’s next for Penn Arts & Sciences
Mark Trodden with folded arms in front of College Hall.

Mark Trodden, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.

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Dean Mark Trodden on what’s next for Penn Arts & Sciences

Dean Trodden reflects on his first year on the job, how the School of Arts & Sciences is supporting students’ futures through curriculum innovation, the new Physical Sciences Complex, and other initiatives.

6 min. read

Social networks outsmart cognitive biases

Social networks outsmart cognitive biases

A new study from the Annenberg School for Communication shows how herding in networks makes populations more rational.

From Annenberg School for Communication

2 min. read

Tiny, knotted robots jump, fly, and plant seeds
Jiarui Wang holds up one of these programmable knot robots

Jiarui Wang, a member of the Yang Lab, holds up one of these programmable knot robots with forceps showing how something not much bigger than a grain of rice can pack a serious punch in the world of soft, automated robotics.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering)

Tiny, knotted robots jump, fly, and plant seeds

Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed a tiny, soft robot using opposable materials that are capable of leaping meters into the air with flexibility, responsiveness, and programmability.

Melissa Pappas

2 min. read

Helping robotic arms solve problems using tools
Three students working on a robotic arm in the GRASP lab

Image: Sylvia Zhang

Helping robotic arms solve problems using tools

Penn engineers have developed VLMgineer, an AI framework that can design, adapt, and deploy tools in the real world.

Melissa Pappas

2 min. read

A ‘second sight’ on American history
The cast of Sinners on stage at the Oscars receiving an award.

Image: Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images

A ‘second sight’ on American history

In her new book, Annenberg School for Communication professor Sarah J. Jackson traces how historical and contemporary writers, journalists, and filmmakers have strengthened the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

4 min. read

The public health impacts of floods
The Philly freeway submerged in water after flooding from a hurricane.

Image: Philippe Gerber via Getty Images

The public health impacts of floods

Cheryl Bettigole, executive director of the Penn Center for Public Health and former health commissioner of Philadelphia, discusses the many ways communities are affected by floods

3 min. read

Does your insurance protect you from climate risk?
A Colorado wild fire burns behind homes.

Image: milehightraveler via Getty Images

Does your insurance protect you from climate risk?

Research from Wharton’s Parinitha Sastry reveals how climate risk is being mispriced in mortgages and property insurance, leaving homeowners to pay the price.

2 min. read

Q&A: How big, loud trucks quietly shape people’s lives
Fuel prices are displayed at a truck stop next to a parked truck.

With diesel prices on the climb, truckers across the United States are adopting fuel-saving measures like driving more slowly to reduce operating expenses.

(Image: Scott Olson / Staff via Getty Images)

Q&A: How big, loud trucks quietly shape people’s lives

Sociologist Steve Viscelli discusses the pain points many American truckers face as they contend with rising fuel costs and the shifting transportation landscape.

3 min. read

At the intersection of energy and agriculture
Students walking along the Donga boardwalk in Kisumu.

As part of a 2024 landscape architecture studio at Weitzman, students traveled to Kisumu and visited the Donga boardwalk and overlook with students from the University of Maseno and Great Lakes University of Kisumu.

(Image: Courtesy of Weitzman News)

At the intersection of energy and agriculture

Through the Goldsmith Sustainable Agriculture Fund at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, Penn researchers are responding to a significant science-to-policy gap.

From the Weitzman School of Design