The global threat of salt contamination to water supplies Image: Oleg Kovtun via Getty Images News The global threat of salt contamination to water supplies Research from Weitzman’s Allison Lassiter and an international team of researchers highlights how a combination of climate change impacts and localized human activities are intensifying the increase in salt in vital freshwater sources.
Preventing falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment Image: Angel Santana via Getty Images Preventing falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment A team led by researchers in the School of Nursing has developed a multicomponent intervention that uses passive monitoring and behavioral support to help reduce falls in at-risk older adults. 4 min. read
Beneath the surface: Diving into water’s hidden carbon-cleaning capabilities Water molecules become increasingly disordered at the surface of a catalyst. Researchers found that this disordered interfacial water, shown transitioning from structured (left) to disorganized (right), plays a key role in speeding up the conversion of carbon monoxide into ethylene, a valuable fuel and chemical building block.(Image: Courtesy of Shoji Hall) News Beneath the surface: Diving into water’s hidden carbon-cleaning capabilities Penn materials scientist Shoji Hall and colleagues have found that manipulating the surface of water can allow scientists to sustainably convert greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to higher energy fuel sources like ethylene.
Early challenges to the immune system disrupt oral health Image: Dr. Paul Akhigbe (Courtesy of Modupe Coker) News Early challenges to the immune system disrupt oral health
A new recipe for safer, stronger mRNA vaccines Bioengineering researchers Emily Han (left) and Dongyoon Kim.(Image: Bella Ciervo) A new recipe for safer, stronger mRNA vaccines Penn engineers have found a way to redesign mRNA vaccines that sidestep the the most common side effects. 2 min. read
Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain A penguin watching a vessel at sea.(Image: Michael Beaulieu—French Polar Institute) Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain New research from Penn Medicine shows the negative, yet reversible, impact of spending time in isolated, confined, extreme environments—such as an Antarctic research station. 5 min. read
Study finds children’s health broadly declining in the U.S. Image: Maskot via Getty Images Study finds children’s health broadly declining in the U.S. Using data from 2007 to 2023, researchers from Penn Medicine and CHOP found measures like mental health and obesity, as well as infant and child mortality rose. They urge policy interventions and improved societal infrastructure to prioritize health of the country’s youngest generation. 4 min. read
Collaborative initiative highlights successes and challenges in global bioethics training Collaborative initiative highlights successes and challenges in global bioethics training A new Penn Nursing initiative explores the impact of federally funded international bioethics training programs. The collaborative initiative, published in the Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, highlights both the significant achievements and ongoing challenges in building bioethics research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
AI finds hundreds of potential antibiotics in snake and spider venom Image: McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc. via Getty Images AI finds hundreds of potential antibiotics in snake and spider venom Research from the lab of César de la Fuente on an AI-powered screen of global venom libraries uncovers dozens of promising drug candidates. 2 min. read
Higher ed leaders on ‘college promise’ programs in the Midwest Higher ed leaders on ‘college promise’ programs in the Midwest A report commissioned by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and written by Penn GSE’s Laura Perna recommends reliable funding and targeted outreach. 2 min. read