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New ways to modulate cell activity remotely
3D rendering of cells on a blue backdrop

Cells are dynamic, fast-changing, complex, tiny, and often hard-to-see in environments that don’t always behave in predictable ways when exposed to external stimuli. Now, researchers led by Lukasz Bugaj of the School of Engineering and Applied Science have found new ways to modulate cell activity remotely.

(Image: iStock/Maksim Tkachenko)

New ways to modulate cell activity remotely

Penn researchers use temperature to guide cellular behavior, promising better diagnostics and targeted therapies.
Developing kidneys from scratch
Rendering of kidneys.

Image: iStock/Vladyslav Severyn

Developing kidneys from scratch

Bioengineering professor Alex Hughes tackles the burden of chronic kidney disease by creating kidney tissue from scratch, which could reduce the need for both dialysis and transplantation.

Ian Scheffler

Pioneering robotic triage
remote controlled robotic vehicle

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Pioneering robotic triage

By combining the power of autonomous systems and medical expertise, a team of engineers and physician scientists from Penn are tackling the challenge of mass casualty triage.
How everyday stress impacts cigarette smoking
Gabriella Jean stands on Locust Walk while wearing a pants suit.

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How everyday stress impacts cigarette smoking

Supported by PURM, second-year Gabriella Jean worked in the AHA! Lab over the summer on a research project examining the association between everyday life stressors and cigarette smoking.
Novel coupled nanopore platform offers greater precision for detecting molecules
Artist depiction of DNA moving through a nanopore system.

Marija Drndić of the School of Arts & Sciences and Dimitri Monos of the Perelman School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia led a team of researchers who developed a new nanostructure platform that allows for more precise detection and control of biomolecules, such as DNA and proteins. This exciting new platform signals a new era of synthetic biology, paving the way for enhanced DNA sequencing and protein conformation detection.

(Image: Courtesy of artist) 

Novel coupled nanopore platform offers greater precision for detecting molecules

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Penn have created the first ever reusable coupled nanopore platform for detecting and guiding molecules, findings could pave the way for much improved DNA sequencing and molecule identification.
Understanding the cellular mechanisms driving solid tumors’ robust defense system
A 3D rendering of the tumor microenvironment with cancer cells, T-Cells, nanoparticles, cancer associated fibroblast layer of tumor microenvironment normal cells, molecules, and blood vessels.

In a collaborative interdisciplinary study, Michael Mitchell of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Wei Guo of the School of Arts & Sciences, and Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine show that solid tumors can block drug-delivery mechanisms with a “forcefield-like” effect but certain genetic elements that can effectively “shut down” the forcefield. Their findings hint at new targets for delivering cancer treatments that use the body’s immune system to fight tumors.

(Image: iStock / CIPhotos)

Understanding the cellular mechanisms driving solid tumors’ robust defense system

Researchers from Penn have identified a “forcefield-like” defense system in solid tumors and the genetic elements that can switch it off.
Doing the work to end health disparities
Ala Stanford.

Ala Stanford is a pediatric surgeon, a professor of practice in the department of biology in the School of Arts & Sciences, with additional appointments as director of community outreach for research activities in the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, and as a research associate in the Annenberg School for Communication.

(Image: Courtesy of OMNIA)

Doing the work to end health disparities

Ala Stanford is a surgeon, a national leader in health equity, and professor of practice at Penn. Her new book chronicles her path from North Philly, how she served thousands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her work to end health disparities.

Susan Ahlborn

Mark Wolff reappointed dean of the Penn School of Dental Medicine
Mark Wolff.

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Mark Wolff reappointed dean of the Penn School of Dental Medicine

Wolff’s reappointment follows a comprehensive review of the major accomplishments of his first term as dean, including new mission and vision statement for the School, new programs and interdisciplinary centers, and advancing an inclusive learning environment.