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Breakthrough in energy-saving process could transform data storage
Ritesh Agarwal looks through a microscope in his lab.

Ritesh Agarwal is the Srinivasa Ramanujan Distinguished Scholar and a professor of materials science and engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering Today)

Breakthrough in energy-saving process could transform data storage

Researchers led by Ritesh Agarwal of the School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a groundbreaking, ultra-low-energy method for creating amorphous materials, which could boost the efficiency of phase-change memory technology, potentially revolutionizing data storage.

Extending battery lifespan and capacity through self-healing materials
Electric cars in lines with batteries exposed.

Image: iStock/PhonlamaiPhoto

Extending battery lifespan and capacity through self-healing materials

Eric Detsi, associate professor in materials science and engineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, has developed batteries that heal from the damage sustained by charging, extending their lifespan.

Ian Scheffler

Toward carbon-negative architecture
A rendering of the carbon-absorbing and storage system

A rendering of the carbon-absorbing and storage system developed by the Penn team and its partners suggests how minimized material use and maximized surface area are expressed in the structure's slabs, columns, and beams.

(Image: Courtesy of Weitzman News)

Toward carbon-negative architecture

A multidisciplinary team of researchers from Weitzman and Penn Engineering are working to develop a new building system that would reduce carbon in all aspects of concrete construction.

From the Weitzman School of Design

Twisted sheets yield electrifying outcomes
Artist's rendering of a quantum computing unit.

iStock/Bartlomiej Wroblewski

Twisted sheets yield electrifying outcomes

Researchers uncovered how twisting layers of a material can generate a mysterious electron-path-deflecting effect, unlocking new possibilities for controlling light and electrons in quantum materials.
Mechanics of knitting
Textures knitted through in a pattern.

Randall Kamien of the School of Arts & Sciences and long-time collaborator Geneviève Dion, a professor of design at Drexel University, are investigating the mechanics of knitting, an area of research that represents a significant shift in understanding and using fabrics.

(Image: Courtesy of Geneviève Dion)

  • Q&A

    • Mechanics of knitting

    Randall Kamien of the School of Arts & Sciences and Geneviève Dion of Drexel University share how combining traditional origami techniques with modern textile science can lead to practical applications in various industries.