4/22
Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
Shepherding discoveries from the lab to the pharmacy
Shepherding discoveries from the lab to the pharmacy
In a new book, a biochemist, a sociologist, and an economist share insights into how biomedical discoveries become marketable innovations.
Astronomical find
Astronomical find
Penn Libraries has acquired a rare astronomical treatise dated 1481, with unique diagrams in the margins, and original discs of parchment that turn to demonstrate the movement of the sun, moon, and planets.
Perspective: Gas attack in Douma
Perspective: Gas attack in Douma
Ian Lustick, a professor in Penn’s Political Science Department and a leading authority on international terrorism, says this weekend’s atrocities in Douma can be attributed to a Syrian attack. We asked him to elaborate on a few details.
How psychology explains the itch for spring cleaning
How psychology explains the itch for spring cleaning
Wharton Professor Katherine Milkman teases out the “fresh start effect” of temporal landmarks like the first day of spring, New Year’s Day, and other meaningful calendar dates.
Risk tolerance linked to amygdala and prefrontal cortex brain regions
Risk tolerance linked to amygdala and prefrontal cortex brain regions
New research links willingness to take risks to brain structure and function, specifically the amygdala, the prefrontal cortex, and connections between the two.
When ancient technology and high-tech robots intersect
When ancient technology and high-tech robots intersect
In one Penn lab, a stone-sculpting machine is helping archaeologists solve long-held mysteries of very old tools.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s time studying at Penn
A new book chronicles the student years of Martin Luther King Jr., and the time he spent taking secular classes at Penn.
Dispelling ideas about what social work is, and is not
Dispelling ideas about what social work is, and is not
To coincide with the annual "Shout Out" on Locust Walk, students and staff at the School of Social Policy and Practice highlight facts and dispel misinformation about the social work profession.
Best of the Fest: Showcasing student screen stars
Best of the Fest: Showcasing student screen stars
The Penn Student Film Festival celebrated collaboration and creativity with a red-carpet gala and big-screen showing of eight finalists, chosen from 24 entries, at the New College House.
Alumnus Doug Glanville returns home to teach class on sports and social justice
Alumnus Doug Glanville returns home to teach class on sports and social justice
This semester, the former Philadelphia Phillie and ESPN analyst is teaching a course in the Annenberg School for Communication.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
Comcast’s Sports Complex plan for South Philly would make our city less livable
In an Op-Ed, Vukan R. Vuchic of the School of Engineering and Applied Science says that Philadelphia should make transit more accessible rather than striving to accommodate more cars.
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The New York Times
We don’t see what climate change is doing to us
In an Op-Ed, R. Jisung Park of the School of Social Policy & Practice says that public discourse around climate change overlooks the buildup of slow, subtle costs and their impact on human systems.
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Associated Press
Far fewer young Americans now want to study in China. Both countries are trying to fix that
Amy Gadsden of Penn Global says that American interest in studying in China is declining due to foreign businesses closing their offices there and Beijing’s draconian governing style.
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The Wall Street Journal
‘Slouch’ review: The panic over posture
In her new book, “Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America,” Beth Linker of the School of Arts & Sciences traces society’s posture obsession to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
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Associated Press
In death, three decades after his trial verdict, O.J. Simpson still reflects America’s racial divides
Camille Charles of the School of Arts & Sciences says that Black Americans have grown less likely to believe in a famous defendant’s innocence as a show of race solidarity.
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