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Nanotechnology
New chip opens door to AI computing at light speed
A new silicon-photonic (SiPh) chip design from the lab of Nader Engheta, alongside Firooz Aflatouni, uses light waves, the fastest possible means of communication, rather than electricity, to perform mathematical computations.
The Singh Center for Nanotechnology turns 10
Since its founding, the Center’s multidisciplinary approach has been a strength, where researchers from Penn Engineering, Arts & Sciences, and more come together in one space.
‘In vivo’ RNA-based gene editing model for blood disorders developed
Researchers from Penn Medicine and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia show that gene editing tools can be delivered via lipid nanoparticles, which would reduce cost and increase access to cutting-edge gene therapies.
RNA lipid nanoparticle engineering stops liver fibrosis in its tracks
A successful lipid nanoparticles drug delivery system targets notoriously hard-to-target activated fibroblasts in the liver.
Tiny swimming robots can restructure materials on a microscopic level
Penn Engineers are working to make controlling microscopic processes, such as transporting drugs to tumors for precise therapies, faster, safer, and more reliable through the use of microrobots.
Rethinking the computer chip in the age of AI
A team of researchers from the School of Engineering and Applied Science has introduced a computing architecture ideal for AI using an approach known as compute-in-memory.
Inspired by nature, artificial microtubules can work against a current to transport tiny cargoes
Technology developed by Arnold Mathijssen of the School of Arts & Sciences and colleagues could one day clear blockages in blood vessels or precisely target chemotherapy drugs to a tumor.
Making chemical separation more eco-friendly with nanotechnology
Chemical separation processes are essential to manufacturing, but also consume high levels of energy. Penn Engineers are developing new membranes for energy-efficient membrane-based separations on a nanoscale level.
A new class of materials for nanoscale patterning
Recent research demonstrates how a new class of polymers can produce small, precise patterns on the nanometer scale, with future implications for large-scale computer chip fabrication.
A new method to increase effectiveness of nanomedicines
Penn Medicine researchers have developed a new technique that uses complement inhibitor Factor I to prevent proteins from attacking treatment-carrying nanoparticles so they can better reach targets within the body.
In the News
These Philly profs working on VR education, deepfake spotters, and tiny robots make predictions for next-gen tech
Mark Miskin of the School of Engineering and Applied Science is using tools from the semiconductor industry to develop nanotechnologies for microscopic robots.
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Liquid crystals bring robotics to the microscale
In collaboration with the University of Ljubljana, Kathleen Stebe of the School of Engineering and Applied Science has built a swimming microrobot that paddles by rotating liquid crystal molecules.
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University of Pennsylvania researchers develop microrobots that can brush, floss your teeth
Hun Michel Koo of the School of Dental Medicine, Edward Steager of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and colleagues have created automated shapeshifting microrobots with the ability to brush, floss, and rinse teeth.
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Penn spinout Capstan Therapeutics launches with $165M and an all-star lineup of founders
Capstan Therapeutics, a Penn spinout whose founders include Carl June, Bruce Levine, and Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine, has launched with $165 million raised to develop a new type of CAR therapy that incorporates mRNA.
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Philadelphia science prize goes to climate change and electronics researchers from Penn, UCLA
Charles Kane and Eugene Mele of the School of Arts and Sciences have been honored with the John Scott Award, given annually to innovators in science, for their work developing ways to predict the behavior of atomic particles.
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