University of Pennsylvania

Computer Generated Antibiotics, Biosensor Band-Aids

Imagine if a computer could learn from molecules found in nature and use an algorithm to generate new ones. Then imagine those molecules could get printed and tested in a lab against some of the nastiest, most dangerous bacteria out there—bacteria quickly becoming resistant to our current antibiotic options.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Analyse Placentas

Placentas can provide critical information about the health of the mother and baby, but only 20 percent of placentas are assessed by pathology exams after delivery in the U.S. The cost, time and expertise required to analyze them are prohibitive.

Machine Learning Algorithms Help Predict Traffic Headaches

Urban traffic roughly follows a periodic pattern associated with the typical "9 to 5" work schedule. However, when an accident happens, traffic patterns are disrupted. Designing accurate traffic flow models, for use during accidents, is a major challenge for traffic engineers, who must adapt to unforeseen traffic scenarios in real time.

Next-gen solar cells mimic photosynthesis with biological material

Next-generation solar cells that mimic photosynthesis with biological material may give new meaning to the term "green technology."

Army researchers test human-like robots

Army researchers tested ground robots performing military-style exercises, much like Soldier counterparts, at a robotics testing site in Pennsylvania recently as part of a 10-year research project designed to push the research boundaries in robotics and autonomy.

Point-of-care test for prostate cancer

The proposed biosensor platform will be based on an ultrahigh sensitivity magnetic nanoparticles detector and will look similar to a home pregnancy test with an electronic readout. As a bonus for healthcare providers and patients alike, it's expected to cost under $3 per test.

Fuel cells developed using nanomaterials are cost effective, efficient

A fuel cell can be built from cheaper, more widely available metals using an atomic-level design that also gives the material long-term stability.

Wearable moves brain monitoring from the lab to the real world

Imagine if a coach could know which moments of competition a certain player might peak, or if a truck driver had objective data telling him his body and mind were too tired to continue driving.

AI improves efficiency and accuracy of digital breast tomosynthesis

Artificial intelligence helps improve the efficiency and accuracy of an advanced imaging technology used to screen for breast cancer, according to a new study.

$8.5 Million from Volkswagen settlement to reduce pollution

Funded by Pennsylvania's share of the settlement with Volkswagen Group of America for cheating on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions tests, the Department of Environmental Protection is committing funding for an extensive range of clean energy transportation projects on roads, at schools, and at marine ports and airports.

Using artificial intelligence to detect discrimination

A new artificial intelligence tool for detecting unfair discrimination--such as on the basis of race or gender--has been created by researchers.

Robot circulatory system powers possibilities

Untethered robots suffer from a stamina problem. A possible solution: a circulating liquid - "robot blood" - to store energy and power its applications for sophisticated, long-duration tasks.

UNDP and IRENA join forces to advance low-carbon energy transition

The United Nations Development Programme and the International Renewable Energy Agency ( announced a global partnership to accelerate low-carbon energy transition and offer concrete steps to achieve sustainable development. Under the cooperation, the organizations will explore joint initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Agenda 2030, and stimulating renewable energy investments in developing countries.

An army of micro-robots can wipe out dental plaque

A visit to the dentist typically involves time-consuming and sometimes unpleasant scraping with mechanical tools to remove plaque from teeth. What if, instead, a dentist could deploy a small army of tiny robots to precisely and non-invasively remove that buildup?

Novel technology aims to improve lithium metal battery life, safety

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries with increased energy density, performance, and safety may be possible with a newly-developed, solid-electrolyte interphase.

New cell-sized micro robots might make incredible journeys

Researchers have harnessed the latest nanofabrication techniques to create bug-shaped robots that are wirelessly powered, able to walk, able to survive harsh environments and tiny enough to be injected through an ordinary hypodermic needle.

3D printed smart objects with 'embodied logic'

Using stimuli-responsive materials and geometric principles, researchers have designed structures that have "embodied logic." Through their physical and chemical makeup alone, they are able to determine which of multiple possible responses to make in response to their environment.

Identifying artificial intelligence "blind spots"

A novel model developed by MIT and Microsoft researchers identifies instances in which autonomous systems have "learned" from training examples that don't match what's actually happening in the real world. Engineers could use this model to improve the safety of artificial intelligence systems, such as driverless vehicles and autonomous robots.

Process to 3D print piezoelectric materials

The piezoelectric materials that inhabit everything from our cell phones to musical greeting cards may be getting an upgrade. Researchers have developed methods to 3D print piezoelectric materials that can be custom-designed to convert movement, impact and stress from any directions to electrical energy.

3D imaging technique unlocks properties of perovskite crystals

A team of materials scientists have, for the first time, visualized the 3D atomic and electron density structure of the most complex perovskite crystal structure system decoded to date.