11/15
Research
A new connection between topology and quantum entanglement
A new connection between topology and quantum entanglement
The theoretical work led by physicist Charles Kane reveals an unexpected link between two major principles in physics that may inform future experimentation and an understanding of how to harness quantum information.
Cancer cells selectively load ‘drones’ to keep T cells from infiltrating tumors
Cancer cells selectively load ‘drones’ to keep T cells from infiltrating tumors
Biologist Wei Guo and colleagues elucidate the process of sorting and loading cargo for these biological drones with implications for a more targeted and effective use of checkpoint inhibitor drugs in cancer treatment.
Progress toward a stem cell–based therapy for blindness
Progress toward a stem cell–based therapy for blindness
A multi-institutional effort led by researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine is taking steps to develop an effective technique to regenerate photoreceptors cells and restore sight in people with vision disorders.
TV news top driver of political echo chambers in U.S.
TV news top driver of political echo chambers in U.S.
Duncan Watts and colleagues found that 17% of Americans consume television news from partisan left- or right-leaning sources compared to just 4% online. For TV news viewers, this audience segregation tends to last month over month.
Can nature-inspired designs affect cognition and mood?
Can nature-inspired designs affect cognition and mood?
A team from the Center for Neuroaesthetics created a biophilic room to test the idea. Preliminary findings from a small pilot show promise, but also spur many questions about how to best use such a space.
Intervening to stop bone loss
Intervening to stop bone loss
A study led by Shuying (Sheri) Yang of the School of Dental Medicine identified a new role for a protein that keeps osteoclasts—the cells that break down bone—in check, and may guide the development of new therapies to counter bone loss.
New evidence suggests human brain produces immature neurons throughout lifespan
New evidence suggests human brain produces immature neurons throughout lifespan
Work from Perelman School of Medicine and elsewhere found these neurons in significant numbers in the hippocampus. The findings pave the way for the deeper study of the role this neuron formation plays in memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.
Inspired by nature, artificial microtubules can work against a current to transport tiny cargoes
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.
Inspired by the human heart, Penn Engineers design tear-resistant soft material
Inspired by the human heart, Penn Engineers design tear-resistant soft material
Engineers have designed a soft material for robotics, medical devices, and wearable technologies that are both tear-resistant and able to resist deformation.
Where and when violent crime rates fall, heart disease deaths fall, too
Where and when violent crime rates fall, heart disease deaths fall, too
A study of data from Chicago by Perelman School of Medicine researchers revealed that, as violent crime decreases, so does the area’s death rate from heart disease.
In the News
Business Insider
The hidden risk factor investors may be missing in stocks, bonds, and options
A study by Nikolai Roussanov of the Wharton School and colleagues finds that stocks, bonds, and options strategies could have more correlated risk than is evident on the surface.
FULL STORY →
Inc.
Why the return to office workforce is coming back less diverse
A study by the Wharton School found that changing job openings to remote work at startups increased female applicants by 15% and minority applicants by 33%.
FULL STORY →
The Washington Post
Diversity will suffer with five-day office mandates, research suggests
A 2024 Wharton School study found that changing job openings to remote work at startups increased female applicants by 15% and minority applicants by 33%.
FULL STORY →
Education Week
The more students miss class, the worse teachers feel about their jobs
A study co-authored by Michael Gottfried of the Graduate School of Education finds that teacher satisfaction steadily drops as student absenteeism increases.
FULL STORY →
Interesting Engineering
Superhuman vision lets robots see through walls, smoke with new LiDAR-like eyes
Mingmin Zhao of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and colleagues are using radio signals to allow robots to “see” beyond traditional sensor limits.
FULL STORY →
Phys.org
Rising student absenteeism may be hurting teacher job satisfaction
A study by Michael Gottfried and Ph.D. student Colby Woods of the Graduate School of Education finds that student absences are linked to lower teacher job satisfaction, which could exacerbate growing teacher shortages.
FULL STORY →