12/6
Science & Technology
Tiny swimming robots can restructure materials on a microscopic level
Tiny swimming robots can restructure materials on a microscopic level
Penn Engineers are working to make controlling microscopic processes, such as transporting drugs to tumors for precise therapies, faster, safer, and more reliable through the use of microrobots.
An evolving animal health emergency
An evolving animal health emergency
More than 52 million birds in the U.S. have been affected by an outbreak of avian influenza. Researchers at the School of Veterinary Medicine are supporting Pennsylvania’s diagnostic work and launching new investigations to better understand the virus.
Penn awarded grant to promote inclusive excellence in STEM teaching and learning
Penn awarded grant to promote inclusive excellence in STEM teaching and learning
With support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Penn is embarking on a six-year effort to enhance inclusivity and belonging in undergraduate STEM education.
At COP27, Penn showcased its diverse climate expertise on the world stage
At COP27, Penn showcased its diverse climate expertise on the world stage
More than 30 representatives from the University traveled to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, for two weeks of negotiations at this year’s United Nations climate change conference.
Stable, faster computer memory storage
Stable, faster computer memory storage
Researchers in the School of Arts & Sciences offer a new explanation for how certain materials can be grown on silicon and offer stable information storage at the nanometer scale for smaller, faster, more multifunctional processors.
Who, What, Why: Sociologist Wendy Roth on genetic ancestry tests and race perception
Who, What, Why: Sociologist Wendy Roth on genetic ancestry tests and race perception
With funding from the National Institutes of Health, Roth plans to explore how people view others who change their racial identity based on results from at-home DNA kits.
Recreating the adrenal gland in a petri dish
Recreating the adrenal gland in a petri dish
A School of Veterinary Medicine–led team coaxed stem cells to take on the characteristics and functions of a human adrenal gland, progress that could lead to new therapies for adrenal insufficiencies and a deeper understanding of the genetics of such disorders.
Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable?
Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable?
Charcoal energizes everything from backyard barbecues to industrial metallurgy, but its environmental impact is worse than once thought. Research from the School of Arts & Sciences finds that policy changes could make charcoal more sustainable.
Novel ‘tunneling’ design for energy-efficient chips
Novel ‘tunneling’ design for energy-efficient chips
Experts have been experimenting with field-effect transistor technology (FET) for decades, but have been hindered by insurmountable tradeoffs in power and performance. Penn engineers have redesigned FETs with energy efficiency in mind.
Unpacking barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in Latino communities
Unpacking barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in Latino communities
A study from Penn Nursing and others finds that for Latino or Hispanic populations in the U.S. four main barriers come into play: access to health care services, money, immigration concerns, and misinformation.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
From the U.N. climate conference, advice for Philly as it adapts to global warming
A delegation of Penn students, researchers, and faculty who attended the COP27 climate conference offer their ideas for how Philadelphia officials can work to make the goals of the Paris Agreement a reality.
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Politico.com
Soup slinging doesn't aid climate activism
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that non-violent direct actions are an important way to impact public opinion but notes that activists need to consider contemporary snapshot/soundbite culture.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Facing climate change: action and optimism
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences appears on “Radio Times” to share his climate optimism while reiterating the need for urgent action.
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PBS NewsHour
Will the Amazon rainforest’s chances improve with Brazil’s new leader?
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences discusses the importance of the Amazon rain forest and its potential preservation under Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
These Philly award-winners tackle problems from inside the brain to outer space
Nancy Bonini of the School of Arts & Sciences is lauded for her work studying Parkinson’s and other brain diseases by probing fruit fly genes.
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WDET (Detroit)
New book discusses different types of curiosity and how to encourage it
Dani Bassett of the School of Engineering and Applied Science discusses their new book on curiosity and intellectual humility, “Curious Minds,” co-authored with twin Perry Zurn.
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Los Angeles Times
Is there still time for COP27 to hold back climate catastrophe?
In a cowritten Op-Ed, Michael E. Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences discusses the most urgent climate change goals that must be addressed at COP27.
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Associated Press
Climate questions: Does what I do matter?
Michael E. Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that individual citizens should minimize their carbon footprints but that true change can only be enacted at the systemic level with pressure on policymakers.
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Inside Climate News
In court, the Maryland Public Service Commission quotes climate deniers and claims there’s no such thing as ‘clean’ energy
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that climate change deniers are shifting towards the promotion of false solutions like natural gas as outright denial becomes untenable.
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Technical.ly Philly
‘Never stop talking’ to your target customer: Five Pennovation founders give startup advice
At a showcase hosted by the Penn Center for Innovation, five startup leaders with ties to Pennovation discuss their advancements, challenges, and advice for other early entrepreneurs.
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