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Coronavirus Research
One step closer to an at-home, rapid COVID-19 test
One step closer to an at-home, rapid COVID-19 test
The lab of César de la Fuente is working on a paper-based biosensor that could provide results in minutes. Clinical trials began Jan. 5.
Community spread of COVID-19 tied to patient survival rates at area hospitals
Community spread of COVID-19 tied to patient survival rates at area hospitals
Discovering wide variation in hospitals’ COVID-19 survival rates, researchers found that the levels of COVID-19 in the surrounding community was likely the driving factor.
Science, politics, and vaccine acceptance
Science, politics, and vaccine acceptance
As the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed across the country, new research out of the Department of Philosophy shows that knowledge about the nature of science can combat political biases.
Behavioral strategies to promote a national COVID-19 vaccine program
Behavioral strategies to promote a national COVID-19 vaccine program
National efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine at ‘warp speed’ are beginning to yield a safe and effective vaccine. But this important milestone is only the first step in an equally important challenge: getting a majority of the U.S. public vaccinated.
Repurposing a proven gene therapy approach to treat, prevent COVID-19
Repurposing a proven gene therapy approach to treat, prevent COVID-19
In a Q&A, Penn Medicine’s James M. Wilson discusses using adeno-associated viral vectors to transport a lab-made antibody cocktail into the body. This method, delivered via nasal spray or mist, has the potential to act as a “bioshield” against SARS-CoV-2.
First COVID-19 vaccines arrive at Penn Medicine
First COVID-19 vaccines arrive at Penn Medicine
By week’s end, the health system expects to receive about 9,275 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for its frontline teams.
Home health care improves COVID-19 outcomes
Home health care improves COVID-19 outcomes
Survivors of COVID-19 often have health ramifications from their illness and hospital stay, and until now, no data has been available on the outcomes of COVID-19 patients discharged home after hospitalization and their recovery needs.
Researchers begin forming guidance on properly managing COVID-19 patient airways
Researchers begin forming guidance on properly managing COVID-19 patient airways
As the pandemic continues and knowledge about it evolves, a team of researchers has worked to form a consensus on topics including intubation, high-flow nasal oxygen, and the use of personal protective equipment.
COVID-19 patients survive in-hospital cardiac arrest at pre-pandemic rates
COVID-19 patients survive in-hospital cardiac arrest at pre-pandemic rates
Resuscitation and survival rates are much higher than earlier reports of near-zero, and variation at the individual hospital level may have affected overall numbers.
Charting a path forward with unifying definition of cytokine storm
Charting a path forward with unifying definition of cytokine storm
Penn Medicine researchers have developed a unifying definition of “cytokine storm” to provide a framework to assess and treat patients whose immune systems have gone rogue.
In the News
6ABC.com
Pioneering mRNA technology in Moderna, Pfizer vaccines developed at University of Pennsylvania
Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about his contributions to the COVID-19 vaccine. "My dream has always been to develop a drug, vaccine, treatment that helps people. This, I think, has accomplished that," he said.
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The New York Times
We know how to curb the pandemic. How do we make people listen?
Cristina Bicchieri of the School of Arts & Sciences spoke about modeling safe behavior to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “To create a new norm,” she said, “you need to build this sense that other people are following the rules.”
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The Washington Post
Years of research laid groundwork for speedy COVID-19 shots
Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about using mRNA to develop efficient vaccines. “Instead of growing up a virus in a 50,000-liter drum and inactivating it, we could deliver RNA and our bodies make the protein, which starts the immune response,” he said.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Masking and vaxxing for the public good
Damon Centola of the Annenberg School for Communication joined a conversation about how to promote healthy behaviors amid the pandemic.
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The Washington Post
The COVID-19 symptoms to watch out for
Richard Doty of the Perelman School of Medicine said one COVID-19 symptom is a distorted sense of smell or taste. “Even water can become unpleasant,” he said.
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Nature
Can dogs smell COVID? Here’s what the science says
Cynthia Otto of the School of Veterinary Medicine spoke about training dogs to identify COVID-19 infections by scent. “The dogs can do it. The challenge is the ignorance that we have as humans as to what can confuse the dogs,” she says.
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