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Termite Brains Can Grow in Anticipation of a Single Moment of Flight and Light

New research on dampwood termites shows select members of the colony will experience brain changes in anticipation of cognitive demand. Drexel researchers measured developmental differences in the relative sizes of visual processing brain regions, called optic lobes, among dampwood termite castes to test whether optic lobe investment matches caste differences in exposure to visually complex environments.

Defense Mechanisms in Aphids Can Become a Double-edged Sword, Sharpened by the Seasons

Evolution is unfolding in real time within many natural animal populations and researchers are now observing how this influences biodiversity in the field. In a newly published study in Molecular Ecology a team of Drexel University scientists examined the biological variations in pea aphids, insects that reproduce frequently enough to evolve before our eyes, by tracing the prevalence of their protective endosymbiont, Hamiltonella defensa, which the insects use to ward off parasitoid wasps.

Produce and herbs from the garden also find their way into the culinary courses taught at and menu items served by Drexel's Academic Bistro.

Kitchen Garden Class Promotes Diversity, Sustainability and Getting Your Hands Dirty

Drexel University student Zaarah Abdul-Aziz on set to compete on "Wheel of Fortune." Photo Credit: Carol Kaelson.

What’s it Like to Go on ‘Wheel of Fortune?’ One Drexel Student Explains All

Drexel student Zaarah Abdul-Aziz recently appeared on the show on a March 20 episode during its special “College Week Spring Break” programming.

PhD Candidate Finds Place for Entomological Research, Teaching Goals to Grow at Drexel

Meghan Barrett, a PhD candidate in Drexel University’s Department of Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences, is sharing her passion for… bugs … with undergraduates and the world.

From left to right: Elisabeth Van Bockstaele, PhD, who was recently appointed vice provost for graduate education; Koren A. Bedeau, PhD, who will serve as interim vice provost for global engagement; and Shivanthi Annandan, PhD, who will serve as interim vice provost for undergraduate education.

Graduate College, Global Initiatives, Undergraduate Education Moves Announced

Drexel University's Provost announced updates on leadership positions in the Graduate College, Office of International Programs and on his staff.

An X-ray view of the heads of a worker and a soldier ant and the brains inside their head. The worker is much smaller with the brain filling more of its head.

You Have One Job: Compared to Multi-Tasking Workers, Soldier Ant Brains Small

A Drexel University study found that ant colonies evolved to spend less energy on developing the brains of soldier ants, who have relatively simple jobs, compared to multi-tasking workers.

Biology Class Builds Research Skills, Autonomy in Underclassmen

Freshmen and sophomore biology students at Drexel can take the elective BIO 213, which introduces them to independent, novel research and a hands-on learning opportunity working with fruit flies.

The new Frozen Horchata from Saxbys was created for Drexel's Class of 2018 and will be available at the two Saxbys locations on the University City Campus. Photo courtesy Saxbys.

Saxbys Creates One-of-a-Kind Drink for Drexel Seniors

In honor of the Drexel University Class of 2018’s upcoming graduation, Saxbys designed a special iced beverage for the graduating seniors.

What Can Snakes Teach Us About Engineering Friction?

If you want to know how to make a sneaker with better traction in the rain, just ask a snake. That’s the theory driving the research of

Hisham Abdel-Aal, PhD, an associate teaching professor in Drexel University’s College of Engineering who is studying snake skin to help engineers improve the design of textured surfaces, such as engine cylinder liners, prosthetic joints — and yes, maybe even footwear.

Restoring Epigenetic Balance Reinstates Memory in Flies With Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms

A study from Drexel University showed that restoring a balance between two epigenetic regulator enzymes restored learning and memory function in flies that displayed symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

How a Group of Honors Students Wrote for Drexel Publications — For a Class

Last term, a class of students in the Pennoni Honors College learned about the inner workings of three different Drexel University publications — and got to contribute to them.