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Materials Science

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)

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.
Shu Yang manipulates materials to create climate change-fighting inventions
Shu Yang.

Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering Today

Shu Yang manipulates materials to create climate change-fighting inventions

The Joseph Bordogna Professor and chair of Materials Science and Engineering has introduced simple yet effective technologies, including kirigami-inspired structures that aid in breast reconstruction, to the manipulation of knots to create stronger sutures.

From Penn Engineering Today

A twist on atomic sheets to create new materials
Crystal rainbow lights effect, lens colorful diamond light. Vector bright ray or beam glowing light. 3d gem shining iridescent glare. Flare reflection from prism

A collaborative team of researchers led by Bo Zhen of the School of Arts & Sciences have created new materials by artificially twisting and stacking two-dimensional atomic “sheets.” New materials control light-matter interaction differently from constituent 2D atomic sheets, paving the way for next-generation laser, imaging, and quantum technologies.

(Image: istock / Sensvector)

A twist on atomic sheets to create new materials

A collaborative team of physicists in the School of Arts & Sciences have found that putting a twist on tungsten disulfide stacks illuminates new approaches to manipulate light.
Scientists observe composite superstructure growth from nanocrystals in real time
Artist's impression of spherical binary nanocrystal superlattices featuring semiconductor (emissive) and magnetic/plasmonic (non-emissive) nanocrystals.

A collaborative team of researchers led by PIK Professor Christopher B. Murray has observed for the first time composite superstructure growth from nanocrystals in real time. The discovery could enable engineers to more reliably manufacture next-generation materials by combining different nanocrystals. Shown here is an artist's impression of spherical binary nanocrystal superlattices featuring semiconductor (emissive) and magnetic/plasmonic (non-emissive) nanocrystals.

(Image: Courtesy of Emanuele Marino)

Scientists observe composite superstructure growth from nanocrystals in real time

The findings could enable engineers to more reliably manufacture next-generation materials by combining different nanocrystals.
Meet the unsung scientists behind the Nobel for quantum dots
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.

Delving into quantum dots
Seven vials filled with liquid water and quantum dot semiconductors.

Quantum dots are not just any nanoparticles. Often described as artificial atoms, these nanometer-sized semiconductor crystals possess unique attributes largely governed by their size, which chiefly dictates how they interact with light.

(Image: iStock / Tayfun Ruzgar)

Delving into quantum dots

Christopher B. Murray shares his excitement, thoughts, and knowledge on quantum dots, a nanoparticle that just earned his Ph.D. advisor the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
A suit of armor for cancer-fighting cells
3d render of T cells attacking cancer cells

Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy has delivered promising results, transforming the fight against various forms of cancer, but for many, the therapy comes with severe and potentially lethal side effects. Now, a research team led by Michael Mitchell of the School of Engineering and Applied Science has found a solution that could help CAR T therapies reach their full potential while minimizing severe side effects.

(Image: iStock / Meletios Verras)

A suit of armor for cancer-fighting cells

New research from the University of Pennsylvania offers a safer path for CAR T cell immunotherapy.