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Social networks outsmart cognitive biases

Social networks outsmart cognitive biases

A new study from the Annenberg School for Communication shows how herding in networks makes populations more rational.

From Annenberg School for Communication

2 min. read

Tiny, knotted robots jump, fly, and plant seeds
Jiarui Wang holds up one of these programmable knot robots

Jiarui Wang, a member of the Yang Lab, holds up one of these programmable knot robots with forceps showing how something not much bigger than a grain of rice can pack a serious punch in the world of soft, automated robotics.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering)

Tiny, knotted robots jump, fly, and plant seeds

Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed a tiny, soft robot using opposable materials that are capable of leaping meters into the air with flexibility, responsiveness, and programmability.

Melissa Pappas

2 min. read

Q&A: Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation
Historical image of a group of African Americans at Juneteenth celebration in 1900.19

A Juneteenth Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900, Texas. 

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  • Q&A

    • Q&A: Juneteenth and the Emancipation Proclamation

    Penn Today spoke with Marcia Chatelain of Africana Studies and Kermit Roosevelt of Penn Carey Law about the history of the Emancipation Proclamation and the impact of Juneteenth throughout the American story and today.

    4 min. read

    Helping robotic arms solve problems using tools
    Three students working on a robotic arm in the GRASP lab

    Image: Sylvia Zhang

    Helping robotic arms solve problems using tools

    Penn engineers have developed VLMgineer, an AI framework that can design, adapt, and deploy tools in the real world.

    Melissa Pappas

    2 min. read

    A ‘second sight’ on American history
    The cast of Sinners on stage at the Oscars receiving an award.

    Image: Matt Winkelmeyer via Getty Images

    A ‘second sight’ on American history

    In her new book, Annenberg School for Communication professor Sarah J. Jackson traces how historical and contemporary writers, journalists, and filmmakers have strengthened the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

    4 min. read

    A celebration of freedom, wellness, and community
    A person jumping in the double dutch ropes on the Penn Museum courtyard.

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    A celebration of freedom, wellness, and community

    On June 13, the Penn Museum opened its doors and courtyard to visitors for a free day of live performances, a health and financial literacy fair, and family activities.

    Penn Today Staff

    3 min. read

    The public health impacts of floods
    The Philly freeway submerged in water after flooding from a hurricane.

    Image: Philippe Gerber via Getty Images

    The public health impacts of floods

    Cheryl Bettigole, executive director of the Penn Center for Public Health and former health commissioner of Philadelphia, discusses the many ways communities are affected by floods

    3 min. read

    Does your insurance protect you from climate risk?
    A Colorado wild fire burns behind homes.

    Image: milehightraveler via Getty Images

    Does your insurance protect you from climate risk?

    Research from Wharton’s Parinitha Sastry reveals how climate risk is being mispriced in mortgages and property insurance, leaving homeowners to pay the price.

    From Knowledge at Wharton

    2 min. read

    Q&A: How big, loud trucks quietly shape people’s lives
    Fuel prices are displayed at a truck stop next to a parked truck.

    With diesel prices on the climb, truckers across the United States are adopting fuel-saving measures like driving more slowly to reduce operating expenses.

    (Image: Scott Olson / Staff via Getty Images)

    Q&A: How big, loud trucks quietly shape people’s lives

    Sociologist Steve Viscelli discusses the pain points many American truckers face as they contend with rising fuel costs and the shifting transportation landscape.

    3 min. read