Researchers at Penn University discovered that changing atomic mass reduces friction between sliding bodies, reducing energy loss and wear. This study provides a fundamental understanding of atomic-scale phenomena contributing to friction.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania identified distinct patterns of brain activity associated with successful memory formation and retrieval. The study's findings may help neurosurgeons reduce cognitive deficits in epilepsy patients by identifying neural signatures of successful memory storage and retrieval.
Researchers have discovered that human embryonic stem cell nuclei are the most deformable, followed by hematopoietic stem cells, which generate blood and tissue cells. The study reveals that lamin proteins play a key role in stabilizing the nucleus and controlling gene expression.
A multi-scale modeling study at Penn reveals a new theory of behavior for domain-wall motion in ferroelectric materials, reproducing experimental data long at odds with existing theories. The study confirms that small dipoles play a key role in smoothing transition regions as the wall moves.
Toddlers learn language skills earlier than expected and recognize how speakers use sounds to convey meaning. They ignore sounds not significant in their native tongue.
Researchers at Penn Veterinary Medicine have successfully demonstrated the potential of a new strategy for genetic modification of large animals. By employing a harmless gene therapy virus, they can transfer genetic modifications to male reproductive cells, which are then passed naturally on to offspring. This approach has shown promis...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created a new form of computer memory using nanowires that can store data for 100,000 years and retrieve it up to 1,000 times faster than current technology. The device uses less power and space than existing memory technologies.
Researchers found that PAX5 stimulates the growth of cancerous tumors by spurring cell division normally observed during B cell immune response. This leads to over-expression of key molecules comprising B cell receptor, driving B cell expansion.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania devise nanoscale system to observe how individual cells react to external forces. The study shows that cells respond to outside forces and demonstrate a remote response from the cell’s internal forces., The findings prove useful for understanding tissue growth, function, and disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a mathematical formula to assess disease cluster risk, providing an exact probability calculation in under five seconds. The formula was used to investigate two disease clusters, one likely due to chance and the other possibly caused by a common environmental factor.
The University of Pennsylvania has developed a method for parallel fabrication of multiple nanogap electrodes, enabling the creation of mass-produced nanoscale electronics. The self-balancing single-step technique uses feedback controlled electromigration to simultaneously form and adjust nanogaps with atomic-scale uniformity.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that overweight children are at a greater risk of school absenteeism compared to their normal-weight peers. The study, which analyzed over 1,000 students in grades 4-6, found that overweight children were absent on average 20% more often than their peers.
Scientists at University of Pennsylvania discover technique to apply physical stress to cells, unfolding proteins and revealing novel targets for treating diseases. This breakthrough has potential applications in various fields, including cancer research and regenerative medicine.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a naturally occurring material that can be used as a template for building nanodevices. The discovery, published in Nature Materials, provides a simpler method for creating nanostructures by leveraging the spontaneous phase separation of a ceramic material at the nanoscale.
The study reveals that humans use two different methods to track moving objects: low-level motion perception and high-level motion perception. Participants showed varying capabilities in each area, with some excelling at catching up to a target and others better at locking onto it.
Researchers create microscopic devices as small as 10 nanometers, enabling simultaneous real-time atomic imaging and potential applications in sensors, electronics, and DNA sequencing. The new technique surpasses traditional methods, producing reliable metal nanostructures with novel mechanical properties.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that mindfulness training enhanced performance and attention in subjects. Even new meditators saw improvements in just weeks, with benefits extending to executive functioning skills.
Researchers at Penn University have successfully restored brain function to blind animals using gene therapy, showing promise for treating genetic retinal disease. The treatment, which involves introducing a working copy of the RPE65 gene into the retina, also revived responses in the visual cortex of the canine brain.
A new technique called Fluorescence Diffuse Optical Tomography has been developed to image breast cancer in patients with high contrast. The method uses fluorophore molecules that re-radiate fluorescent light, providing richer information about tumor physiology.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully used uniparental embryonic stem cells to repopulate a damaged organ with healthy cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could provide a less controversial alternative to traditional embryonic stem cell therapy, and may offer therapeutic benefits for both males and females.
A new backpack design reduces force on the wearer's body by 86%, allowing for more comfortable running with heavy loads. The suspended-load ergonomic backpack is designed to benefit soldiers, emergency workers, and schoolchildren who often carry heavy items.
Researchers used atomic force microscopy to study DNA's flexibility, finding it can bend into tight structures without large forces. The findings shed light on molecular properties viewed at different magnifications and have implications for cell biology and gene regulation.
Researchers directly observed random walks of ellipsoidal particles suspended in water, revealing non-Gaussian behavior. The study rediscovered forgotten ideas from French physicist Francis Perrin, confirming the effects of rotational-translational coupling on non-spherical particles.
Researchers created a new process for free radical polymerization, the chemical reaction responsible for creating everyday plastic products. The new method takes place at room temperature, uses less metal catalyst and allows for greater control over molecular architecture.
A unique evolutionary link has been found between the immune systems of fish and mammals, with primitive B cells in fish playing a key role in phagocytosis. This discovery could lead to new strategies for developing effective fish vaccines and offers insights into the evolution and function of immune cells.
A revised dinosaur census by University of Pennsylvania scientist Peter Dodson estimates that 71% of discoverable genera are still awaiting discovery. The researchers predict that new discoveries will decline sharply in the early 22nd century, but a child born today can expect a fruitful career in dinosaur paleontology.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania discovered that adult stem cells depend on physical microenvironment clues to differentiate into various tissue types. By manipulating the firmness of the gel, scientists can guide stem cells towards specific fates.
Researchers from U of Penn found that IL-27 inhibits immune system cells responsible for various inflammatory-related diseases. Restoring IL-27's abilities may halt inflammation and treat autoimmune diseases.
The University of Pennsylvania researchers found that some of the simplest social networks function poorly and that information beyond a local view can hinder complicated networks' ability to accomplish tasks. In contrast, engineered or hierarchical structures proved easier for subjects to solve problems.
JitterBugs are tiny devices that can be hidden in keyboards to steal data without user knowledge. They work by adding nearly imperceptible processing delays after each keystroke, allowing them to transmit stolen information through network connections.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine identified the role of microRNAs in promoting blood vessel growth, a process called angiogenesis. The findings suggest that these microRNAs might be targeted to slow down cancer cell growth.
Chromophores have been engineered to exhibit fast electron transfer, opening up new possibilities for nanoscale electronics. By linking long chromophores with short linkers, researchers can create materials that function on the nanoscale.
Fossil specimens of a near-modern bird, Gansus yumenensis, found in northwestern China, indicate that early birds likely evolved in an aquatic environment. The findings suggest that these early modern birds were similar to ducks or loons, with webbed feet and bony knees.
A new study offers insights into the role of the hippocampus in forming and recalling memories, particularly for working memory. The researchers found that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in connecting related pieces of information, but not necessarily in long-term memory.
In-vivo gene therapy has successfully restored immune function in three out of four dogs treated for XSCID. The treatment approach eliminates the need for ex-vivo cell manipulation and culture, potentially reducing adverse side effects and improving long-term efficacy.
Scientists have discovered a new method to stabilize ferroelectricity in nanostructures using fragments of water, leading to ultra-dense memory storage devices with unprecedented capacities. This breakthrough could enable the creation of storage devices small enough to hold massive amounts of data, such as music or video libraries.
Researchers found that IL-25 promotes type 2 responses driving asthma, but also limits destructive inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The study suggests IL-25 may offer a treatment avenue for chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers have developed a nano-particle system that targets and kills cancer cells using a combination of paclitaxel and doxorubicin. This innovative approach overcomes the challenge of delivering multiple drugs to tumors efficiently.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania develop method to create world's smallest and cleanest nanometer gaps that can be imaged directly with atomic resolution. These nanogaps enable electrical connection to small objects, such as individual molecules, with applications in medicine, robotics, materials science, and security.
Researchers found that shelter dogs with behavioral issues were more likely to be reported as aggressive or fearful when owners believed their responses would be shared with staff. Honest owner assessments can help shelters identify troubled dogs and provide better care for both animals and potential adopters.
Studies show that attractive faces are perceived as more intelligent, receive more attention, and are associated with positive attributes. The researchers explored this phenomenon through three experiments, including rapid face rating and priming tests, revealing the innate beauty bias.
A study by Sean Polyn and colleagues used fMRI to track brain activity during memory retrieval, finding the 'bootstrapping' effect where recalling a part of a memory triggers associated memories. This technique could help treat brain disorders like Alzheimer's disease and guide creation of more self-sufficient artificial neural networks.
Penn researchers have identified vulnerabilities in loop extender taps and CALEA tapping technologies, which can be exploited to counterwiretap signals. They recommend that law enforcement agencies and telecommunications companies take measures to secure their equipment and prevent signaling countermeasures.
The study finds that unit bias affects how people perceive and consume food, with smaller portions being just as satisfying. The researchers believe this bias is culturally derived and plays a significant role in the French eating less than Americans.
Penn physicists develop artificial solids from nanoscale crystals, enabling controlled changes in electrical properties. Their findings promise the creation of functional nanocrystal-based devices and circuits with potential applications in electronics.
The Penn theorists describe how nanoscale particles of certain materials can work as circuit elements, enabling faster computer processors and exotic applications. The technology could also enable the creation of biological circuits and couple electronic signals to individual molecules.
Researchers created DNA-based sensors using single-stranded DNA and carbon nanotubes to detect tiny amounts of specific molecules. The sensors can identify weak known odors in a strong background due to their self-regenerating surface and specificity.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a wearable device that harnesses mechanical energy from walking to charge mobile phones and other small electronics. The Suspended-load Backpack uses vertically oriented springs to capture energy from the wearer's movement, generating up to 7.4 Watts of power.
Physicists at the University of Pennsylvania have created a functional electronic circuit using nanotubes, overcoming a major hurdle in the race to create nanotube-based electronics. The researchers used liquid suspensions of carbon nanotubes to create circuits by dipping semiconductor chips into the solution.
Researchers created translucent three-dimensional crystals to study melting, finding evidence for premelting at imperfections in solid crystal structures. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of the melting process and design of strong materials resistant to temperature changes.