Physicist theorizes that dark matter is a superfluid Physicist theorizes that dark matter is a superfluid A hypothesis by Justin Khoury of the Department of Physics and Astronomy stands to shake up how scientists consider dark matter.
The snow graphics in ‘Frozen’ can predict the mechanics of real avalanches The snow graphics in ‘Frozen’ can predict the mechanics of real avalanches The Department of Computer and Information Science’s Chenfanfu Jiang recently published a study in Nature Communications that accurately models slab avalanches, bringing realistic natural phenomena to movies and practical applications for scientific predictions.
A physics treasure hidden in the pattern of wallpaper The unusual symmetries present in everyday wallpaper and wrapping paper played a role in the discovery of a new type of insulating material. A physics treasure hidden in the pattern of wallpaper Charles Kane and Andrew Rappe of the School of Arts and Sciences were part of an international team that has identified a new form of insulating material that may one day provide a basis for quantum computing. The patterns found in everyday wallpaper played a role in the discovery.
Making complex 3-D surfaces with 2-D sheets Making complex 3-D surfaces with 2-D sheets Using liquid crystal elastomer, researchers are able to transform 2-dimensional rubber-like sheets into malleable, three-dimensional shapes, with a precise amount of control for various shape sequences.
Looking to the stars As part of the annual Simons Observatory Collaboration conference, Penn held a Community Astronomy Night in David Rittenhouse laboratory that included a panel, a mixer with astronomers, and stargazing. Credit: Eric Sucar Looking to the stars This year's Simons Observatory Collaboration conference included a community star party that consisted of a panel, a mixer with astronomers, and stargazing.
Harnessing DNA tricks to boost nanosensors Harnessing DNA tricks to boost nanosensors Researchers have found a way to increase the sensitivity of graphene sensors using a trick of DNA engineering. The sensors might one day be used to monitor and treat HIV.
Earthquakes at the nanoscale Earthquakes at the nanoscale Scientists have gotten better at predicting where earthquakes will occur, but they’re still in the dark about when they will strike and how devastating they will be. Penn researchers hope to tackle this by investigating the laws of friction at the smallest possible scale, the nanoscale.
A topological phenomenon could light the path toward faster optical communications A schematic drawing of the unusual topological energy landscape around a pair of exceptional points (red dots) showing the emergence of a bulk Fermi arc (middle arc) and exotic polarization contours that form a Mobius-strip-like texture (top and bottoms strips). Credit: Hengyun Zhou, Lei Chen A topological phenomenon could light the path toward faster optical communications A new study led by University of Pennsylvania physicist Bo Zhen investigated topological phenomena in open, or non-Hermitian, physical systems which could potentially lead to faster connection speeds in optical communications.
By river, ocean, or wind, rocks round the same way A mathematical formula predicts the way that river rocks, ocean pebbles and dune sands acquire a rounded shape, Penn researchers found. Credit: AniVar/Wikipedia By river, ocean, or wind, rocks round the same way Observations from Puerto Rican river rocks, New Mexican sand grains, Italian ocean pebbles, and the lab lent Douglas Jerolmack and his team insight into a general geophysical process.
Penn's Electric Race Car Team Seeks Fourth Title in Four Years Penn In the News Philadelphia Inquirer Penn's Electric Race Car Team Seeks Fourth Title in Four Years Eighty undergrads from a variety of departments, including Connor Sendel of the Wharton School and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, are building an electric car with four-wheel drive with hopes of winning two competitions this June.