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Science & Technology
Novel tools for the treatment and diagnosis of epilepsy
Penn neurologist Brian Litt’s work on implantable devices for recording and altering brain activity has led to new ways to treat and diagnose epilepsy.
Who, What, Why: Devin Carroll and his robot made of tree branches
Ph.D. student Devin Carroll designs robots from materials found in nature; his latest modular device is made of tree branches, strings, and a motor.
Gregory Bowman appointed Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor
The pioneer of biophysics and data science has joint appointments in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the Perelman School of Medicine and the Department of Bioengineering in the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
The next generation of tiny batteries
Assistant professor James Pikul speaks to the growth of interconnected devices and the robotics industry—leading to emerging designs and novel research unlocking the potential for smaller, more powerful batteries
Climate scientist Michael Mann makes a home at Penn
Known for his “hockey stick” graph that hammered home the dramatic rise of the warming climate, the climate scientist is now making his mark on Penn’s campus, both through his science and his work on communicating the urgent need for action on the climate crisis.
New neutrino detection method
Research by Joshua Klein of the School of Arts & Science and an international team has found a way to detect distant subatomic particles using water.
First UN Water Conference in four decades includes a delegation from Penn
Events on campus last week kicked off the global proceedings, which will include representatives from the Water Center at Penn, Penn Carey Law School, and the School of Arts & Sciences.
Who, What, Why: Sarah Kane on the sonification of astronomical data
Fourth-year Sarah Kane participates in research mapping the galaxy and converting astronomical data into sound for the visually impaired.
Decolonializing science and technology
Kim Tallbear, professor of Native studies at the University of Alberta, delivered the Provost’s lecture on diversity on decolonializing science and technology.
At Penn Energy Week, a time to reflect on energy science, technology, and policy
Hosted by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and the Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology, the third annual Energy Week, which runs March 20-24, offers events on decarbonization, careers in the energy sector, global energy security, and more.
In the News
Levi’s newest ‘diverse’ model doesn’t exist in the flesh—and critics aren’t happy
Ethan Mollick of the Wharton School says that the public isn’t ready for the social implications of being able to spoof people at scale with AI.
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How should I use A.I. chatbots like ChatGPT?
Ethan Mollick of the Wharton School recommends using A.I. to provide momentum by overcoming writer’s block or getting a running start on hard projects.
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Peek into an afternoon at Penn’s collaborative bioengineering lab and makerspace
A profile examines collaborative Penn projects at the George H. Stephenson Foundation Educational Laboratory and Bio-MakerSpace, with commentary by Sevile Mannickarottu of the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
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Hard freeze early Sunday and Monday in the Philly region could kill some ambitious blooms and blossoms
Bill Cullina of the Morris Arboretum says that magnolias and cherry blossoms may be vulnerable to cold Philadelphia temperatures, though most plants will likely be fine.
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Meet the spinout guru behind Penn’s $1b tech transfer business
A profile looks at John Swartley of the Penn Center for Innovation and his work supporting the spin-out of 270 startups from the university, including 29 cell and gene therapy companies in the past four years.
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Scientists say climate change goosed New Zealand storm fury
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that climate models in general are insufficient to describe all of climate change’s impacts on extreme weather.
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Can AI write your next résumé and cover letter?
In an Op-Ed, Joseph Barber of Career Services offers recommendations for how graduate students can leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to explore career options and pursue opportunities.
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The little-known world of caterpillars
Dan Janzen of the School of Arts & Sciences explains how the climate crisis has led to catastrophic declines in insect numbers.
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Neuroscience explains why Bill Gates’ weird reading trick is so effective
A study by Penn researchers working in physics, neuroscience, and bioengineering found that people instinctively seek patterns and similarities in the data they absorb.
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Let’s cast a critical eye over business ideas from ChatGPT
In an Op-Ed, Christian Terwiesch of the Wharton School examines the pros and cons of AI-generated insights.
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