Science & Technology

By Madeleine Stone @themadstone 

The race to make computer components smaller and faster and use less power is pushing the limits of the properties of electrons in a material. Photonic systems could eventually replace electronic ones, but the fundamentals of computation, mixing two inputs into a single output, currently require too much space and power when done with light.    

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system goes rogue, improperly attacking the body’s own central nervous system. Mobility problems and cognitive impairments may arise as the nerve cells become damaged.

By Madeleine Stone @themadstone

As scientists probe the molecular underpinnings of why some people are prone to obesity and some to leanness, they are discovering that weight maintenance is more complicated than the old “calories in, calories out” adage.

WHO: James SerpellDirector, Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, andMarie A. Moore Professor of Ethics & Animal Welfare

On Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, Penn President Amy Gutmann and David L.

Two University of Pennsylvania physicists have been selected as 2015 recipients of the Benjamin Franklin Medal, one of the world's oldest science and technology awards. The laureates will be honored April 23 at an award ceremony at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Many factors, both genetic and environmental, have been blamed for increasing the risk of a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Some, such as a family history of schizophrenia, are widely accepted. Others, such as infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite transmitted by soil, undercooked meat and cat feces, are still viewed with skepticism.

WHO: Ben Chrisinger, city and regional planning, School of DesignJohannes Eichstaedt, psychology, School of Arts & SciencesRuth Masterson Creber, nursing science, School of Nursing