The Penn Center for Molecular Discovery will screen hundreds of thousands of molecules against biological targets, creating a massive public-domain database. The center's capabilities include printing and testing molecules on a glass surface, probing chemical-biological interactions in nanoliter volumes.
A Penn-led team has launched a balloon-borne telescope, BLAST, to survey the universe for faint stellar objects and gain insights into the formation of stars and galaxies. The telescope will capture light at three wavelengths, allowing astronomers to determine an object's distance and luminosity.
The Swarms Project aims to develop software framework for autonomous robots to work together, inspired by natural swarming behaviors. The project will leverage expertise in AI, robotics, and biology to tackle complex tasks such as locating terrorists or chemical spills.
A recent study reveals that cognitive therapy is as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression, but with a lasting impact even after treatment concludes. Cognitive therapy equips patients with skills to manage problems and emotions, outperforming medication in preventing relapses over time.
Scientists find that a region near the head of the ataxin-3 protein counterbalances toxicity caused by excessive polyglutamine repeats, potentially offering a therapeutic solution for Machado-Joseph disease and related disorders. The study suggests that removing or altering this region can accelerate disease progression.
Researchers have successfully treated an animal model of alpha-mannosidosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe mental retardation and skeletal abnormalities, with gene therapy. The treatment restored damaged neurons and improved brain function in cats with the disease.
University of Pennsylvania astrophysicist Licia Verde outlines a multi-disciplinary approach to studying dark energy. The investigation draws on data from galaxy surveys, supernovae, and the Cosmic Microwave Background, providing clues about this enigmatic component.
Helices are a great way to bunch up long molecules like DNA, enabling information to be tightly packed and forming a surface for machines to grasp. Researchers envision a flexible tube immersed in hard spheres to visualize how space matters in helix formation.
Researchers have developed a miniaturized lab that can detect HIV and bacteria in saliva using a portable oral swab kit. The device analyzes samples quickly and accurately, making it useful for rapid response situations such as bioterrorism incidents or emergency room emergencies.
Researchers used HurryDate speed dating events to study human mating behavior, finding that physical appearance and personality traits dominate decision-making. Contrary to expectations, financial factors like income and education played a negligible role in attraction.
The researchers created nano-sized probes using emissive polymersomes that can optically image tissue structures deep below the skin, with potential to target multiple cancer cell-surface markers simultaneously. The probes use near-infrared light to produce a bright signal detectable through imaging systems.
A recent study by Robert Kurzban and Daniel Houser found that three main personality types play a crucial role in group projects: Reciprocators, Cooperators, and Free Riders. The study revealed that about 63% of participants are Reciprocators, who tend to hold back before fully committing to a project.
Researchers are developing a new prototype for retrieving 3D archaeological structure data from subsurface surveying, enabling the creation of an underground image of pre-Inca city Tiwanaku. This three-year project aims to overcome technological bottlenecks in processing and fusing large amounts of sub-surface data.
Researchers warn of growing ethical challenges in neuroscience as brain imaging technologies become more accessible. Breakthroughs in functional neuroimaging enable the study of cognitive processes, but also raise concerns about corporate profits and personal data privacy.
Researchers analyzed ancient liquids in bronze vessels from China, dating back to the Shang and Western Zhou Dynasties, and found evidence of fermented rice and millet wines. The discovery confirms a 9,000-year history of Chinese fermented beverages and sheds light on their role in ancient culture.
A recent study found that medication errors are often caused by late administration, workplace distractions, and inadequate staffing. The researchers also highlight the benefits of using bar code medication administration systems and paperless charting systems to reduce errors.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have identified key growth factors essential for sustaining spermatogonial stem cells in culture. By understanding these factors, scientists hope to develop new fertility therapies and create sperm in vitro.
Scientists have found a new form of long-term memory T cell that can combat leishmaniasis even without the parasite's presence. This discovery may lead to an effective vaccine against this disease and others mediated by immune cells.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to discover that the Astraptes fulgerator butterfly is comprised of at least 10 separate species, each with distinct caterpillars and food plant preferences. This finding highlights the complexity of biodiversity and raises questions about wildlife conservation.
A study found that 9/11 search-and-rescue dogs exhibited minimal adverse medical and behavioral effects, with no significant increases in cancer or respiratory diseases. The dogs' handlers also showed similar psychological wellbeing compared to a control group.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully spun carbon nanotubes into usable fibers using a technique developed by Rice's Richard E. Smalley. The resulting fibers exhibit good mechanical and electrical properties, but modest thermal conductivity.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are developing innovative techniques to study biomolecules within cells and living systems. They have created
The Masters of Chemistry Education program at Penn enables high school teachers to learn chemistry from researchers while working full-time. The 26-month program includes three summers, providing tuition scholarships and expanding a teacher's knowledge of chemistry.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created a library of small protein-like molecules that can self-assemble to form hollow corkscrew-like pores. These man-made pores can mimic biological function, filtering out unwanted molecules from solutions or carrying specific molecules across cellular membranes.
The discovery of Suuwassea emilieae, a smaller relative of Diplodocus and Apatosaurus, provides significant insights into the fauna of the Morrison Formation. The new species features an anomalous second hole in its skull, which has puzzled paleontologists for years.
Researchers analyzed data from 96,545 galaxies to track star formation history. They found that massive galaxies formed stars earlier than smaller ones, and star formation has decreased since then, contributing to the gradual dimming of the universe.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully designed better bacteria killers by modifying arylamide-based polymers inspired by frog skin. The modified polymers can disrupt bacterial cell membranes without harming human cells, making them a promising new approach to combat antibiotic resistance.
Virgil Percec, a Penn chemist, has received an American Chemical Society award for his work in polymer chemistry. He is recognized for striking a balance among diverse disciplines and extending nature's solutions to design synthetic functional nanosystems.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have found that 'reconsolidation' of a forgotten memory is not permanent, contradicting previous studies. The study's results challenge existing theories on memory storage and retrieval, suggesting that traumatic memories may be more resilient than previously thought.
Researchers found that subjects viewing 'before and after' ads indicated a strong anti-fat bias and believed weight is more easily controllable than those who viewed only the 'before' or 'after' pictures. The study suggests that such biases can influence further weight and eating disorder psychopathology.
Researchers created a gel that effectively increases isolated single wall carbon nanotube concentrations without bundling. The resulting nematic nanotube gels exhibit beautiful defect patterns and mechanical strains, opening up potential for novel composites and applications.
Researchers have developed a novel method for gene delivery using steroid-coated DNA, which improves cell uptake and reduces inflammatory immune responses. The technique has the potential to enhance gene transfer in humans, especially in inflamatory diseases.
Researchers found that cultured embryos led to decreased anxiety and small decreases in memory, but no differences in development. The study highlights the need for further research to optimize culture conditions for human embryos.
A significant demographic shift has occurred in the US, delaying the transition to adulthood, as youth are combining roles, exploring options, and gaining education to prepare for a demanding labor force. Marriage and family have not been abandoned, but rather postponed until later ages.
Researchers found that feminist identity is more closely tied to one's political coming-of-age during the feminist movement rather than age. This suggests a shift in how feminism is perceived and self-identified by different generations.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created a method to mix single-walled carbon nanotubes into polymers for enhanced strength, conductivity, and thermal stability. The technique uses coagulation to disperse nanotubes evenly, achieving significant improvements in material properties.
Researchers have identified a new 'off switch' that limits the duration and intensity of T-cell activation, potentially treating autoimmune diseases. The IL-27 cytokine regulates immune cell growth and functions, offering a universal checkpoint for the immune system.
Researchers found baboons respond more strongly to rank-reversals between families than within families, indicating sophisticated social understanding.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have successfully aggregated cloned mouse embryos, improving their survival rate to 8 percent. The technique involves combining two clones at an early embryonic stage, which helps compensate for genetic deficiencies and leads to correct temporal and spatial gene expression.
Researchers develop a programmable credit card that lets users set daily limits, restrict spending to certain days or establishments, and enhance security. The technology could benefit consumers, parents, and employers by improving financial management and reducing fraudulent use.
The Harold Pender Award recognizes the contributions of Dennis Ritchie and Kenneth Thompson to the creation of the UNIX computer operating system, revolutionizing computing and paving the way for network-based computing. The award acknowledges their impact on society through their work on UNIX.
Astronomers used Hubble to search for faint Kuiper Belt objects, finding only three small objects in a 15-day period. The discovery suggests that smaller planetesimals may have been shattered into dust by colliding with each other, affecting the number of comets near Earth.
A recent study found that the French eat smaller portions compared to Americans, which may contribute to their lower obesity rates and healthier diets. The researchers examined portion sizes at restaurants in Paris and Philadelphia, as well as single-serve foods sold in supermarkets.
Researchers found that rotational deceleration increases with higher falls and harder surfaces, leading to more severe diffuse brain injuries. Inflicted impacts on hard surfaces are likely to cause subdural hemorrhage and possibly diffuse axonal injury.
The US is struggling with chronic poverty, slow economic growth, and insecure access to healthcare, ranking 27th globally. Africa is in dire straits, with many countries facing concentrated poverty, weak institutions, and repeated economic failure.
Researchers found that sleep deprivation zero to five hours after learning impaired spatial orientation and recognition of physical surroundings, but not recollection of specific facts or events. The findings suggest that sleep helps regulate neuronal function in the hippocampus during memory consolidation.
Researchers have identified a new target for treating female sexual dysfunction, which is caused by an enzyme that disrupts blood flow. The discovery provides an important advance in understanding the biochemical cascade involved in healthy sexual function.
Archaeologists have uncovered a large storage bin with numerous seal impressions, indicating the presence of an elite population with special rights and elevated status. The findings suggest widespread trade and cultural exchange between western India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia during this period.
The LiveActor system uses optical motion capture and stereo projection to create a fully immersive environment, enabling users to interact with virtual characters and objects in unprecedented ways. This technology has the potential to revolutionize industries such as entertainment, education, and therapy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully produced mouse eggs from embryonic stem cells outside the body, showcasing their totipotent capabilities. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for producing embryonic stem cells artificially, potentially sidestepping ethical concerns.