9/27
Science & Technology
The Higgs boson discovery, 10 years later
The Higgs boson discovery, 10 years later
Penn physicist Elliot Lipeles reflects on the past, present, and future of physics, from the discovery of the Higgs boson to theories about new subatomic particles.
A cleaner, greener airport of the future
A cleaner, greener airport of the future
Six students from across the University presented their vision of an airport equipped with carbon-capturing technology and an electrified vehicle fleet at a NASA competition, garnering the “Most Intriguing Concept” award.
Shapeshifting microrobots can brush and floss teeth
Shapeshifting microrobots can brush and floss teeth
In a proof-of-concept study, researchers from the School of Dental Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science shows that a hands-free system could effectively automate the treatment and removal of tooth-decay-causing bacteria and dental plaque.
The Supreme Court restricts the EPA’s power to curb climate change
The Supreme Court restricts the EPA’s power to curb climate change
Shelley Welton, a new faculty member with Penn Carey Law and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, calls the decision “devastating,” even if expected. She explains the ruling and its implications for action on climate change.
Bioengineering technology keeps track of living cells and tissues
Bioengineering technology keeps track of living cells and tissues
A new chemistry technique developed by Jina Ko, assistant bioengineering professor, and colleagues allows for a wider range of fluorescent markers to be added to individual cells without damaging them in the process.
A newly identified stem cell regulator enables lifelong sperm production
A newly identified stem cell regulator enables lifelong sperm production
Research led by Jeremy Wang of the School of Veterinary Medicine has discovered that the enzyme DOT1L, a stem cell renewal factor, is essential for mice to produce sperm throughout their adult lives.
University of Pennsylvania’s first NFT commemorates mRNA research
University of Pennsylvania’s first NFT commemorates mRNA research
Proceeds from the July auction of the non-fungible token—a digital asset—will benefit ongoing research at Penn.
Penn and the Science History Institute to serve as new hosts of History of Science Society
Penn and the Science History Institute to serve as new hosts of History of Science Society
The arrangement highlights Philadelphia as a hub for history of science scholarship and will provide mentoring opportunities for Penn students.
Parental nicotine use and addiction risk for children
Parental nicotine use and addiction risk for children
In research done using rats, Penn Nursing’s Heath Schmidt and colleagues found that males that engaged in voluntary nicotine use had offspring more likely to do so, too. Some offspring also developed impaired memory and anxiety-like behavior.
A $365 million development will expand the life sciences hub at Pennovation Works
A $365 million development will expand the life sciences hub at Pennovation Works
Penn Senior Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli speaks with Penn Today about the evolution of the research and manufacturing project, led by Longfellow Real Estate Developers, and its value for Penn and the region.
In the News
USA Today
Climate change makes living at the coast riskier. But more people keep coming
Michael E. Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that people moving to the coast overlook increased flooding and storm risks at their peril.
FULL STORY →
Quanta Magazine
The new math of wrinkling
Eleni Katifori of the School of Arts & Sciences is credited for her work simulating wrinkle patterns, which were crucial to an overall theory of geometric wrinkle prediction.
FULL STORY →
New Scientist
Drone swarm that 3D prints cement structures could construct buildings
Robert Stuart-Smith of the Weitzman School of Design and colleagues demonstrate how 3D-printing drones can create large structures made of foam or cement, paving the way for future construction efforts.
FULL STORY →
iTech Post
University of Pennsylvania researchers develop microrobots that can brush, floss your teeth
Hun Michel Koo of the School of Dental Medicine, Edward Steager of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and colleagues have created automated shapeshifting microrobots with the ability to brush, floss, and rinse teeth.
FULL STORY →
Interesting Engineering
Google AI succeeds in developing odor maps of molecules
Joel Mainland of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues have used a neural network to create a molecular map of odors in compounds that repel mosquitos.
FULL STORY →
Philadelphia Business Journal
University City is running out of real estate for life sciences development. The answer? Densification
At a Philadelphia Business Journal event, Senior Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli discussed the lack of available land in Philadelphia for life sciences development and the need for densification.
FULL STORY →
With COP27 approaching, cities like Philadelphia are ‘powerful tools’ for climate adaptation
Mark Alan Hughes of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy says that cities are powerful tools for collective action on climate change, noting that Philadelphia is vulnerable on climate adaptation but well-positioned to improve.
FULL STORY →
Bloomberg
Green concrete transition has path to credibility in climate law
Cary Coglianese of Penn Carey Law says that the EPA will need to find a way to audit the declarations of green construction companies to avoid potential damage to the entire sector.
FULL STORY →
NPR
Renewable energy is maligned by misinformation. It’s a distraction, experts say
Shelley Welton of Penn Carey Law and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy says that blaming renewables is a distraction, a way to forestall a transition that is underway but needs to be moving faster.
FULL STORY →
New Scientist
Researchers have worked out the rules for how some things wrinkle
Eleni Katifori of the School of Arts & Sciences and colleagues used simulations of curving plastic pieces to predict the formation of wrinkling patterns.
FULL STORY →