Only one approach could plausibly have avoided catastrophe in Syria This striking depiction, from work by University of Pennsylvania political scientist Ian Lustick, shows that U.S. retaliation against Assad in Syria in 2013 would have likely led to higher civilian casualties than the numbers without such an intervention. (Image: Courtesy Ian Lustick) Only one approach could plausibly have avoided catastrophe in Syria Could the U.S. have better protected civilians from mass atrocities during the Syrian conflict in 2013? Research from political scientist Ian Lustick reveals that only one approach—persuading Assad to treat the protests as a reform movement rather than a violent revolution—might have helped.
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.
When ancient technology and high-tech robots intersect Harold Dibble and his team research how humans might have made stone tools and flakes, from as far back as 2 million years ago to as recently as 10,000 years ago. 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.
Risk tolerance linked to amygdala and prefrontal cortex brain regions A new study from Penn researchers Joseph Kable and Caryn Lerman linked the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex to risk tolerance. 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.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s time studying at Penn nocred 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.
Faith and a passion for music fuels a cappella group Dischord's president Faith and a passion for music fuels a cappella group Dischord's president Dischord president and undergraduate Evan Thomas on his passions, music and life journeys so far.
Wolf Humanities story slam taps into thriving ASL storytelling culture Windell “Wink” Smith, the emcee of a March 27 Wolf Humanities Center story slam combining ASL and English-speaking storytellers, is an ASL performer who tours the country. ASL storytelling has historically been a way to share the culture of the deaf community. Wolf Humanities story slam taps into thriving ASL storytelling culture The Wolf Humanities Center’s latest “Afterlives”-themed event recognizes a shared thread of humanity among us all: We all tell stories.
Bike lanes experiment measures cyclist response to infrastructure design A PennDesign pilot study tracks riders in urban bike lanes to visualize a safer redesign. Bike lanes experiment measures cyclist response to infrastructure design A PennDesign pilot study tracks riders in urban bike lanes to visualize a safer redesign.