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Penn experts earn NIH Director’s awards

Penn experts earn NIH Director’s awards

Six researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine have been recognized for their creative research through the National Institutes of Health Director’s awards from the NIH Common Fund’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research program for their unconventional approaches to major challenges in biomedical and behavioral research.

A built-in ‘off switch’ to stop persistent pain
Brain imaging

Collaborative research on the neural basis of chronic pain led by neuroscientist J. Nicholas Betley finds that a critical hub in the brainstem, has a built-in “off switch” to stop persistent pain signals from reaching the rest of the brain. Their findings could help clinicians better understand chronic pain. (Pictured) Flurorescence imaging reveals hunger neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus labeled in maroon with nuclei shown in blue.

(Image: J. Nicholas Betley)

A built-in ‘off switch’ to stop persistent pain

J. Nicholas Betley has led collaborative research seeking the neural basis of long-term sustained pain and finds that a critical hub in the brainstem holds a mechanism for stopping pain signals from reaching the rest of the brain. Their findings could help clinicians better understand chronic pain and lead to new, more efficacious treatments.

4 min. read

Maximizing access to science with Penn Medicine’s Donita Brady
Donita Brady and three colleagues in an office.

Donita Brady (center), Harrison McCrea Dickson, M.D. and Clifford C. Baker, M.D. Presidential Professor.

(Image: Margo Reed)

Maximizing access to science with Penn Medicine’s Donita Brady

Brady, the 2026 recipient of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Ruth Kirschstein Award for Maximizing Access in Science, shares her approach to creating opportunities for all.

2 min. read

On collaborating with Jane Goodall
Jane Goodall is seen from a front-facing view.

Jane Goodall, the internationally renowned primate researcher, died at age 91.

(Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA Images via AP Images)

On collaborating with Jane Goodall

Penn virologist Beatrice Hahn recalls her research partnership with Jane Goodall and their work to uncover the origins of HIV.

2 min. read

Uncovering new antibiotics with AI 

Uncovering new antibiotics with AI 

César de la Fuente leverages machine learning to accelerate the discovery of lifesaving drugs and help reduce antibiotic resistance, a rising global health problem.

Second infection in kids doubles long COVID risk
A young child at a window wearing a mask due to COVID.

Image: Vera Livchak via Getty Images

Second infection in kids doubles long COVID risk

Pediatric data shows that the increase in long COVID risk is also accompanied by the increased chance of developing a number of other related conditions, according to new research at Penn Medicine.

Frank Otto

2 min. read

Mechanisms of a rare, serious skin disease point to new targeted treatments

Mechanisms of a rare, serious skin disease point to new targeted treatments

A team of dermatologists and researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine has found a way to directly target neutrophils, a type of immune cell implicated in Sweet’s syndrome, with the potential for treating the disease without steroids.

Future mRNA vaccines may prevent food and seasonal allergies
A table of common food allergens including shellfish, peanuts, legumes, eggs, and milk.

Image: fcafotodigital via Getty Images

Future mRNA vaccines may prevent food and seasonal allergies

Early research from Penn Medicine finds a new mRNA vaccine stops allergens from causing immune reactions and life-threatening inflammation, with promise for future treatment for a variety of seasonal and food allergies.

Alex Gardner

2 min. read

New research seeks an mRNA therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding
Kathleen O’Neil speaking with someone at her desk with a medical scan on her computer screen.

Kathleen O’Neill, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and the program director of the Uterine Transplant Program.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Medicine)

New research seeks an mRNA therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding

A new research program at Penn Medicine is working to explore the underlying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding alongside a new mRNA treatment.

2 min. read