Using lung-on-a-chip technology to find treatments for chlorine gas exposure Huh’s organ-on-a-chip devices contain human cells, allowing for experiments that could not otherwise be practically or ethically performed. (Image: Penn Engineering Today) Using lung-on-a-chip technology to find treatments for chlorine gas exposure The new lung-on-a-chip platforms will help better understand how chlorine damages lung tissues and to discover specific biomarkers of chlorine gas-induced lung injury.
Penn Nursing’s innovation ecosystem This is the fifth time Marion Leary, Penn Nursing’s first director of innovation, has taught Innovation in Health: Foundations in Design Thinking. Each semester, students use the design-thinking methodology to solve a real-world challenge. They start by empathizing with those facing the struggle and end by creating a prototype, like the one here meant to protect young, active people with irritable bowel syndrome against accidental bowel movements. Penn Nursing’s innovation ecosystem In the past five years, the school has been intentional about creating an atmosphere that rewards risk-taking and supports failures. It’s led to story slams and accelerators and a shift to an innovation-centric mindset.
An ecosystem of innovation fosters tech-based solutions to COVID-19 challenges An ecosystem of innovation fosters tech-based solutions to COVID-19 challenges Clinicians, engineers, and IT specialists work together at Penn on innovations that help doctors provide the best care for patients amid continued social distancing and coronavirus restrictions.
Nanoparticles can turn off genes in bone marrow Nanoparticles delivering messenger RNA to specific organs. (Image: Penn Engineering Today) Nanoparticles can turn off genes in bone marrow Using specialized nanoparticles, researchers from Penn Engineering and MIT have developed a way to turn off specific genes in cells of bone marrow, which play an important role in producing blood cells.
Engineers develop laser-controlled, cell-sized robots One of the researchers’ robot next to a paramecium. (Image: Penn Engineering) Engineers develop laser-controlled, cell-sized robots Researchers at Penn Engineering are creating microscopic robots with semiconductor processing that can be controlled, and made to walk, as small as biological cells.
Penn Engineering and Nursing partner with Hillrom on Internet-of-Things Technology Penn Engineering and Nursing partner with Hillrom on Internet-of-Things Technology A collaboration with nursing, engineering, and the medical device provider will develop new technologies to assist clinicians via “safe AI.”
High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program One student’s “Smile Mask” used a combination of sensors and LED lights to promote social distancing. Get too close and the green smile switches to a red frown. (Image: Penn Engineering) High school students lead ‘Maskathon’ during remote summer program A virtual Maskathon showcased high school students’ problem solving, product development, and creativity with their tech-integrated face masks.
The Detkin Clinic promotes justice with innovation The Detkin Clinic promotes justice with innovation At Penn Law School’s Detkin Intellectual Property and Technology Legal Clinic, students assist creative thinkers with patents, trademarks, and copyright-related ventures.
Pennovation Accelerator moves online Pennovation Accelerator moves online In its third summer, the six-week program for startup companies went entirely virtual, but that didn’t stop the cohort of entrepreneurs from learning, networking, and innovating.
Engineering’s Firooz Aflatouni’s electronic-photonic innovations Aflatouni’s (left) lab works to make the electronic and photonic components of our modern information delivery infrastructure work together. (Pre-pandemic image: Penn Engineering) Engineering’s Firooz Aflatouni’s electronic-photonic innovations Firooz Aflatouni has built his career on designing clever combinations of electronic and photonic technology with applications from laser-based 3D imaging, to microwave “cameras.”