10/23
Science & Technology
The future of globalization in a fracturing world
The future of globalization in a fracturing world
Perry World House’s 2022 Global Order Colloquium hosted experts from government, the media, and across the University to tackle the topic of the state of globalization
Landscape and climate factors can predict prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria
Landscape and climate factors can predict prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria
Environmental models, developed by biologist Dustin Brisson of the School of Arts & Sciences, former graduate student Tam Tran, and colleagues, could help forecast disease hotspots.
When curved materials flatten, simple geometry can predict the wrinkle patterns that emerge
When curved materials flatten, simple geometry can predict the wrinkle patterns that emerge
The findings—from a collaboration between Penn, Syracuse, and the University of Illinois Chicago—have a range of implications, from how materials interact with moisture to the way flexible electronics bend.
What’s in the semiconductor bill?
What’s in the semiconductor bill?
In a Q&A, Morris Cohen of the Wharton School explains the content of the CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law on Aug. 9.
Undergraduates help songbird research project take flight
Undergraduates help songbird research project take flight
Through the PURM internship program, Julia Youngman and Eric Tao had the opportunity to work in neuroethologist Marc Schmidt’s lab studying the neural basis of courtship behaviors in songbirds.
What the genomes of ancient humans can teach us about modern health
What the genomes of ancient humans can teach us about modern health
Iain Mathieson, an assistant professor of genetics, is working with two PURM interns to analyze genome data from ancient humans.
Understanding the Inflation Reduction Act
Understanding the Inflation Reduction Act
Penn experts explain the climate, health care, and economic aspects of the legislation that President Biden signed into law this week, plus the politics of getting it passed.
New analysis shows how sulfur clouds can form in Venus’ atmosphere
New analysis shows how sulfur clouds can form in Venus’ atmosphere
An international research team, including atmospheric chemists from the School of Arts & Sciences, used computational chemistry methods to identify a novel pathway for how sulfur particles can arise high in the atmosphere of the second planet from the sun.
A novel method for monitoring the ‘engine’ of pregnancy
A novel method for monitoring the ‘engine’ of pregnancy
By combining optical measurements with ultrasound, researchers were able to study oxygen levels in the placenta, paving the way for a better understanding of this complex, crucial organ.
A new connection between topology and quantum entanglement
A new connection between topology and quantum entanglement
The theoretical work led by physicist Charles Kane reveals an unexpected link between two major principles in physics that may inform future experimentation and an understanding of how to harness quantum information.
In the News
The Guardian
Corporations using ‘ineffectual’ carbon offsets are slowing path to ‘real zero’, more than 60 climate scientists say
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences signed a pledge asserting that corporate carbon offsets are ineffectual and hinder the energy transition.
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Bloomberg
More companies ditch junk carbon offsets but new buyers loom
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that there needs to be broader accountability for false statements in voluntary carbon markets.
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The Conversation
Many wealthy members of Congress are descendants of rich slaveholders — new study demonstrates the enduring legacy of slavery
A co-authored study by Ph.D. student Neil Sehgal of the School of Engineering and Applied Science found that legislators who are descendants of slaveholders are significantly wealthier than members of Congress without slaveholder ancestry.
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Salon.com
Climate change despair has never been higher — but experts say hope is still possible
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that the obstacles to avert critical planet warming are entirely political, rather than physical or technological.
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KYW Newsradio (Philadelphia)
Crumbling America: The infrastructure crossroads
Howard Neukrug of the School of Arts & Sciences discusses where America’s water infrastructure needs to be shored up and what improvements can be made to aging pipes and unreliable delivery mechanisms.
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New Republic
Who’s going to tell Harris the truth about carbon markets?
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says there’s no guarantee that trees planted to offset carbon emissions will stay standing indefinitely.
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The Wall Street Journal
Gavin Newsom raises gas prices again
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design estimates that California gas prices could climb 65 cents a gallon in the near term and by nearly $1.50 by 2035.
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Inside Climate News
Hurricane threat poised to keep rising, experts warn
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that every Celsius degree of warming increases maximum winds in the strongest storm by about 12%, equating to a 40% increase in wind damage.
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MSNBC
Climate expert on Hurricane Milton’s rapid intensification as ‘extreme weather becomes more extreme’
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that Hurricane Milton's rapid intensification is part of a trend fueled by climate change.
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The Guardian
Innovating responsibly with generative AI
Michael Kearns of the School of Engineering and Applied Science explains some of the best practices to help leaders responsibly build generative AI.
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