What secrets might 2-million-year-old DNA hold? Genetic material extracted from permafrost in northern Greenland revealed the presence of a rich, warm, and vibrant ancient ecosystem in what is today a cold and rather barren landscape, offering promise for future scientific discovery based on ancient environmental DNA. What secrets might 2-million-year-old DNA hold? Scientists from Denmark recently extracted and sequenced the oldest-ever DNA, from permafrost in Greenland, revealing a robust ecosystem of 135 species. Penn Today spoke with four faculty members about the potential power of ancient DNA.
Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable? Penn researchers say that there are more sustainable alternatives to eucalyptus plantation and charcoal production sites like this one in Kyegaliro, Uganda. (Image: Courtesy of Catherine Nabukalu). Where does charcoal come from—and is it sustainable? Charcoal energizes everything from backyard barbecues to industrial metallurgy, but its environmental impact is worse than once thought. Research from the School of Arts & Sciences finds that policy changes could make charcoal more sustainable.
Through public art, the U.N. sustainability goals come to life At 10 feet by 10 feet, the mural makes a statement all on its own. Yet if people want to learn more, a plaque alongside explains the artwork, the SDGs, and the overall project, plus includes a QR code scannable for additional information. Through public art, the U.N. sustainability goals come to life In FDR Park, a 10x10-foot mural sponsored by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and painted by Penn grad student Eliza Nobles represents the global target of clean energy for all.
Where biodiversity, climate risk, and urban growth collide Madagascar’s baob tree, seen at the Avenue of the Baobobs outside Morondava, is one of the plant species under threat. (Image: Weitzman News) Where biodiversity, climate risk, and urban growth collide A project led by researchers at The Ian L. McHarg Center for Urbanism and Ecology aims to highlight points of conflict between climate risks, biodiversity, and urban growth in a few of the world’s poorest cities.
Environment influences coral’s resilience to acidification Postdoctoral researcher Kristen Brown (above) collected coral samples from a reef slope to see how they fared in acidic conditions. (Image: Courtesy of Kristen Brown) Environment influences coral’s resilience to acidification Ocean acidification is an effect of climate change that threatens the health of coral. A new study examines how coral samples from the Great Barrier Reef fare in acidic conditions.
Landscape and climate factors can predict prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria Landscape and climate factors can predict prevalence of Lyme disease bacteria Environmental models, developed by biologist Dustin Brisson of the School of Arts & Sciences, former graduate student Tam Tran, and colleagues, could help forecast disease hotspots.
Goodbye to an iconic tree The Quad elm cut an imposing figure, shown here in the spring of 2021, before leaf out. The space will be replanted with three native white oaks at a later date. (Image: Eric Sucar/University Communications) Goodbye to an iconic tree More than a century old, the American elm located in the heart of the Quadrangle residences has been ailing and is due to be removed the week of July 25. The site will be replanted at a later date with three native white oaks.
The future of forests Faced with an onslaught of changes—heat, drought, fire, flood, pests, and disease—forests are under stress. (Image: photo by Tommy Kwak on Unsplash) The future of forests Faced with an onslaught of changes—heat, drought, fire, flood, pests, and disease—forests are under stress.
Earth Week offers immersive opportunities to connect with nature Multiple opportunities during Earth Week will give members of the Penn community a chance to get their hands dirty in nature, including an orchard work day and a volunteer day at Penn Park Farm. (Image: Kylie Cooper) Earth Week offers immersive opportunities to connect with nature Organized by Penn Sustainability, Earth Week, with nearly 50 events running April 17-24, offers a diverse slate of both in-person and online chances to learn about and engage with the environment.
Protecting a singular ecosystem in the Galápagos The Galápagos giant tortoises at the the Charles Darwin Research Station on the Galápagos Islands. (Image: Elias Rovielo) Protecting a singular ecosystem in the Galápagos Michael Weisberg, the Bess W. Heyman President's Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, students, and Ecuador's Ambassador to the United States reflect on the momentous expansion of the Galápagos Marine Reserve.