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Engineering a polymer network to act as active camouflage on demand
Multicolored, multisized circles forming a patttern to serve as camouflage.

The researchers’ artificial chromatophores consist of membranes stretched over circular cavities attached to pneumatic pumps. Pressurizing the cavity stretches the membrane, changing the pitch of the helix-shaped liquid crystal inside. Correlating the relationship between diameter, pressure, pitch and color, the researchers are able to treat each cavity like pixel, shifting its color to match the surrounding pattern in this demonstration from their recent study.

Engineering a polymer network to act as active camouflage on demand

Artificial chromatophores, which consist of membranes stretched over circular cavities attached to pneumatic pumps, allow surfaces squid-like active camouflage capabilities.

Evan Lerner

New grant aims to broaden participation in cutting-edge materials research
two people talking to each other inside of a research lab

University of Puerto Rico’s Edgardo Sánchez (left) and Penn graduate Zhiwei Liao working in the lab of Daeyeon Lee. Via the Advancing Device Innovation through Inclusive Research and Education program, researchers from Penn and the University of Puerto Rico will continue their materials science collaboration while supporting STEM career pathways for underrepresented groups. (Image credit: Felice Macera).

New grant aims to broaden participation in cutting-edge materials research

As one of eight teams to be awarded National Science Foundation funding, a partnership between Penn and the University of Puerto Rico will continue its long-running collaboration focused on innovative research and STEM career pathway support.

Erica K. Brockmeier

The hills are alive with the flows of physics
The New York Times

The hills are alive with the flows of physics

In the lab of Douglas Jerolmack, researchers led by doctoral candidate Nakul Deshpande of the School of Arts & Sciences explored how landscapes gradually move over time.

Paving the way for ‘next-generation’ lithium-ion batteries
Array of multi-sized lithium batteries.

Paving the way for ‘next-generation’ lithium-ion batteries

A new study from Penn Engineering details the complex electrochemical process that causes certain types of batteries to degrade, insights that could aid in the design of longer lasting, more efficient batteries in the future.

Evan Lerner

A blueprint for designing and synthesizing new, multifunctional materials
a side by side of a simulated nanocrystal next to a microscopic image of one

A blueprint for designing and synthesizing new, multifunctional materials

By combining theory, computational simulations, chemical synthesis, and assembly, researchers demonstrate how an “inverse design” strategy can create unique materials using difficult-to-mix nanocrystals.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Paving the way for new light-powered devices
scientific rendering of a light-powered device.

Ring microlasers are eyed as potential light sources for photonic applications, but they first must be made more powerful. Combining multiple microlasers into an array solves only half of the problem, as this adds noisy “modes” to the resulting laser light. Penn Engineers have achieved single-mode lasing from such an array. By calculating the necessary properties for “superpartners” placed around the primary array, they can cancel out the unwanted extra modes. (Image: Penn Engineering Today)

Paving the way for new light-powered devices

By combining cutting-edge concepts from theoretical physics, researchers from Penn Engineering developed “sypersymmetric microlaser arrays” that are both stable and have high power density.

Evan Lerner

A new platform for creating material blends
Microscopic view of nanoparticle materials in a repeating hexagonal pattern.

A new platform for creating material blends

A novel way to rapidly create and characterize blends of polymers, nanoparticles, and other materials could significantly accelerate material development.

Evan Lerner

Penn joins ‘cryo revolution’ by adding Nobel-winning microscope
closeup of below-freezing liquid poured into a vessel.

Penn joins ‘cryo revolution’ by adding Nobel-winning microscope

The Singh Center’s Krios G3i, an electron microscope for studying samples at extremely low temperatures, allows researchers to look at cells, proteins, and nanoparticles like never before.

Erica K. Brockmeier, From Penn Engineering Today

Embracing digital dentistry
A gloved hands holds two small pieces of ceramic dental technology.

Embracing digital dentistry

The School of Dental Medicine is enhancing and integrating its digital capabilities, opening up new possibilities for training students, conducting research, and delivering seamless and cutting-edge patient care.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Plato was right. Earth is made, on average, of cubes
Statue of Plato against blue sky

The ancient philosopher Plato conjectured that the universe was composed of particular geometric shapes; the earth, of cubes. Findings from a multidisciplinary research team found truth in Plato's belief. 

Plato was right. Earth is made, on average, of cubes

The ancient Greek philosopher was on to something, the School of Arts & Sciences’ Douglas Jerolmack and colleagues found.

Katherine Unger Baillie