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Science & Technology
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Center for Engineering Mechanobiology 2.0: Developing ‘mechanointelligence’
The new interdisciplinary Center for Engineering Mechanobiology brings together researchers from the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Perelman School of Medicine together with those from across campus and beyond around the concept of “mechanointelligence.”
Engineering a solution for microplastic pollution
May graduates Sarah Beth Gleeson, Shoshana Weintraub, and Julia Yan will use their President’s Sustainability Prize to create a device for trapping microfibers in laundry machines to reduce ocean microplastic pollution.
In the News
Designing assignments in the ChatGPT era
Ethan Mollick of the Wharton School is incorporating AI into his classes in response to increased student use of ChatGPT.
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University of Pennsylvania pledges to bolster relations with India at "Penn India Engagement Forum"
PIK Professor Ezekiel J. Emanuel, Dean Erika H. James of the Wharton School, and Dean Vijay Kumar of the School of Engineering and Applied Science are quoted on the forum to support India's exceptional growth and specific health care needs.
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‘Everybody is cheating’: Why this teacher has adopted an open ChatGPT policy
Ethan Mollick of the Wharton School has formally adopted an A.I. policy into his syllabus in order to teach his students to adapt to new tools while also using them responsibly.
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Franklin Institute is honoring pioneers in fields from climate change to cancer research, including two with Philly roots
The Franklin Institute is honoring Nader Engheta of the School of Engineering and Applied Science for inventing new composite “metamaterials” that could be used to make ultrafast computers of the future.
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Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked California
Douglas Jerolmack of the School of Arts & Sciences says that debris basins can be costly, becoming overwhelmed by new landslides or mudslides that have been worsened by climate change.
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Oceans break record for highest temperatures four years in a row
A co-authored study by Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences finds that the world’s oceans have hit their warmest temperatures on record for the fourth year in a row.
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Don’t ban ChatGPT in schools. Teach with it
Ethan Mollick of the Wharton School says that teachers need to figure out how to adjust to tools like large language models, which aren’t going to get less capable in the next few years.
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Ocean heat content hits record high, a sign of global warming
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that ocean-heat content continues to consistently set records every year, separate from surface warming factors like El Niño.
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The implications of ChatGPT and AI models on fintech and banking
Ethan Mollick of the Wharton School says that ChatGPT is a tipping point for AI, proof that the technology can be useful to a broader population.
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Audio astronomy unlocks a universe of sound
College of Arts and Sciences fourth-year Sarah Kane discusses her use of data analysis and machine learning to circumvent her blindness in studying astronomy.
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