9/27
Science & Technology
Using marine bacteria to detoxify asbestos
Using marine bacteria to detoxify asbestos
Researchers from the School of Arts and Sciences have shown that bacteria from extreme marine environments can reduce asbestos’ toxic properties.
How climate change affects roses
How climate change affects roses
In a Q&A, Erin Conley of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens explains how climate change affects rose growth, as well as what’s new in the Morris’ rose garden.
Climate change’s impact on extreme weather events
Climate change’s impact on extreme weather events
Michael Mann and collaborators investigated the effects of climate change on the intensity, frequency, and duration of extreme weather events like wildfires, and found that “worst-case” scenario could lead to significant increases in all three.
Challenges and advances in brain-computer interfaces
Challenges and advances in brain-computer interfaces
Following FDA approval for tech startups to begin human clinical trials for brain-computer interfacing technologies, Penn Today met with Anna Wexler of the Perelman School of Medicine to discuss the promising possibilities and potential pitfalls of neurotechnology.
A novel method for squeezing molecules together could significantly reduce chemical manufacturing waste
A novel method for squeezing molecules together could significantly reduce chemical manufacturing waste
Penn engineers collaborated on an effort that would lessen the negative environmental impact of chemical production.
RNA nanoparticle therapy stops the spread of incurable bone marrow cancer
RNA nanoparticle therapy stops the spread of incurable bone marrow cancer
By creating a roadblock in cancer’s commute through the body, researchers removed a longstanding barrier in the treatment of multiple myeloma.
AI could transform social science research
AI could transform social science research
Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor Philip Tetlock and researchers from the University of Waterloo, University of Toronto, and Yale, discuss AI and its application to their work.
Exploring the relationship between cooking and scientific discovery
Exploring the relationship between cooking and scientific discovery
Penn physicist Arnold Mathijssen and colleagues have authored a review article discussing the history of food innovations and the current scientific breakthroughs that are changing the way we eat.
Three things to know about a sustainable energy breakthrough
Three things to know about a sustainable energy breakthrough
Penn Engineering’s James Pikul explains how a new method of harnessing energy by using water trapped in the air is possible and discusses the implication of the research.
On a different wavelength, Nader Engheta leads a community in light
On a different wavelength, Nader Engheta leads a community in light
2023 Franklin Medal winner Engheta is one of the world’s biggest names in wave physics. The Penn Engineering professor is renowned for his unique approach to science, combining technical brilliance, creativity, and care.
In the News
WHYY (Philadelphia)
Earth’s ‘fragile moment’ with Michael Mann, latest on Irizarry police shooting
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences discusses what can be done to slow the warming of the planet and the politics that get in the way.
FULL STORY →
USA Today
Stop the doom. We failed to prevent climate change—but we will decide how bad it’ll get
In an Op-Ed, Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that climate doom and denial can lead people down a path of disengagement, benefiting fossil fuel interests that profit from climate inaction.
FULL STORY →
Philadelphia Business Journal
As One uCity Square nears capacity, developer plots surrounding innovation campus and hotel addition
David Meaney of the School of Engineering and Applied Science is quoted on a building project that will mark the first time Penn Engineering and Penn Medicine will have operations under the same roof.
FULL STORY →
Salon.com
Climate change “undoubtedly” played a role in Libyan floods that killed over 11,000 people: experts
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that human-caused climate change is favoring stalled weather systems that remain in place for longer periods of time, leading to more persistent heat and flooding events.
FULL STORY →
USA Today
How close is Earth to becoming unlivable? Humans push planet to brink, study warns
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that humanity is coming up against the limits of environmental sustainability and must take immediate action.
FULL STORY →
Salon.com
Humans are dangerously pushing the limits of our planet in ways other than climate change
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that dangerous extreme weather events will only get worse if we continue to burn fossil fuels and generate carbon pollution.
FULL STORY →
Associated Press
California lawmakers approve the nation’s most sweeping emissions disclosure rules for big business
Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that California’s new emissions disclosure bill could lead to similar proposals in other states.
FULL STORY →
Bloomberg
Microsoft sees low risk for customers in AI copyright lawsuits
Chris Callison-Burch of the School of Engineering and Applied Science says that Microsoft’s indemnification commitment for AI end-users is a good move for PR and reassurance.
FULL STORY →
NBC News
Here’s why Hurricane Lee is alarming even if it doesn’t make landfall
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that rapid storm intensification is alarming because it means government officials and communities have less time to prepare and face more uncertainty in evacuation planning.
FULL STORY →
Wired
Big batteries are booming. So are fears they’ll catch fire
Sanya Carley of the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the Weitzman School of Design says that people will fixate on even rare battery fires and explosions, connecting them to new infrastructure proposed in their community.
FULL STORY →