9/27
Science & Technology
Interaction with lung cells transforms asbestos particles
Interaction with lung cells transforms asbestos particles
To better understand what happens once asbestos enters a human body, researchers in the School of Arts & Sciences took a nanoscale look at the mineral.
SARS-CoV-2 is moving between humans and wildlife around the U.S.
SARS-CoV-2 is moving between humans and wildlife around the U.S.
In humans the pandemic is showing signs of ebbing. In white-tailed deer and other wildlife, however, infections appear widespread.
COVID-19 vaccines for young children
COVID-19 vaccines for young children
As the pandemic enters its third year, kids under five can’t get vaccinated. Researchers explain what’s been unfolding with the vaccine authorization process.
How to design a sail that won’t tear or melt on an interstellar voyage
How to design a sail that won’t tear or melt on an interstellar voyage
The Breakthrough Starshot Initiative’s laser-based approach requires rethinking a sail’s shape and composition so it won’t melt or tear during acceleration and pushed by wind, not light.
Uncovering unexpected properties in a complex quantum material
Uncovering unexpected properties in a complex quantum material
Using a novel technique developed at Penn, researchers gained new insights into the properties of a proposed excitonic insulator known as Ta2NiSe5, with implications for future quantum devices.
Two Penn faculty named 2022 Sloan Research Fellows
Two Penn faculty named 2022 Sloan Research Fellows
Yuxin Chen and Deep Jariwala have been recognized for their creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments as members of the next generation of scientific leaders.
Newly discovered ‘encrypted peptides’ with antibiotic properties
Newly discovered ‘encrypted peptides’ with antibiotic properties
A new study reports three distinct proteins in human plasma that have naturally occurring antibiotic properties.
A serendipitous finding lends new insight into how atopic dermatitis develops
A serendipitous finding lends new insight into how atopic dermatitis develops
Research from the School of Dental Medicine, the Perelman School of Medicine, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory reveals a mechanism behind the inflammation that is a feature of the common skin disease.
A new makerspace for materials passion projects
A new makerspace for materials passion projects
MatSci Makerspace is a space for students to work with the synthesis, processing, structure, properties and application of materials, with open hours for materials-centric passion projects.
Context-dependent behavior can make cooperation flourish
Context-dependent behavior can make cooperation flourish
Recent studies led by School of Arts & Sciences’ researchers show that changing social strategies between settings—for example, cooperating at home but not at work—can in fact lead to more cooperative behavior in a society.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Associated Press
Dangerous heat predicted to hit three times more often in future
Michael Mann of the School of Arts & Sciences says that a new study about rising heat waves focuses on mathematical probabilities rather than the true political obstacles.
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