4/16
Perelman School of Medicine
A ‘thermometer’ tool to measure tumor growth between scans
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a first-ever tool that gives a real-time assessment of tumors to provide less uncertainty for patients worrying between scans.
New office supports the Penn postdoc experience
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs was established this past spring as a boost to the general postdoc community, providing centralized resources, information, and events.
A new understanding of immune response during SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections
New research by Penn Medicine finds T cells to be a critical defense against severe illness in the first days after infection, giving clues that could lead to stronger vaccines.
Uncovering the role of skin microbiome and immune response in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Two new studies led by Phillip Scott of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Elizabeth Grice of the Perelman School of Medicine demonstrate how bacteria found in leishmaniasis skin lesions and an associated immune response drive disease burden and treatment failure—and suggest new possibilities for treatment of the parasitic disease.
High pregnancy weight gain tied to higher risk of death in the following decades
Findings from a Penn Medicine study, which analyzed 50 years of data, highlights the health risks tied to conditions like heart disease and diabetes that can occur when more weight is gained in pregnancy than recommended.
Leveraging the body’s postal system to understand and treat disease
An interdisciplinary team of researchers in the School of Engineering and Applied Science, Perelman School of Medicine, and School of Arts & Sciences has developed a technique that allows for characterization of both individual carrier and cargo for clinically important molecules.
Study shows promise for iNKT cell platform to treat cancer
Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine have shown that invariant natural killer T cells from a healthy donor can persist in MHC-mismatched canines, demonstrating a reliable platform to inform human clinical trials.
Measuring the ripple effects of reforestation and sustainable cocoa cultivation
With support from the Penn Global Engagement Fund, Heather Huntington is investigating the impact of reforestation and sustainable agriculture interventions on livelihoods, biodiversity, and human health in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Combined treatment takes a bite out of tooth decay
A collaborative interdisciplinary team of researchers from Penn Dental, Medicine and Penn Engineering have discovered a game-changing synergy between ferumoxytol and stannous fluoride in treating dental caries.
Disparities persist across levels of surgery department leadership in U.S.
A new Penn Medicine-led study highlights the need for thoughtful leadership planning to increase representation of women and minorities in roles with paths for promotion.
In the News
How to die in good health
PIK Professor Ezekiel Emanuel says that incessantly preparing for old age mistakes a long life for a worthwhile one.
FULL STORY →
Mayor Parker’s plan to ‘remove the presence of drug users’ from Kensington raises new questions
Shoshana Aronowitz of the School of Nursing and Ashish Thakrar of the Perelman School of Medicine comment on the lack of specificity in Philadelphia’s plan to remove drug users from Kensington and on the current state of drug treatment in the city.
FULL STORY →
How many patients would recommend their Philly-area hospital to family and friends? Check your local hospital
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has been named one of the most recommended acute-care facilities by patients in the Philadelphia area.
FULL STORY →
Homeward bound: When a Penn Medicine nurse was diagnosed with uterine cancer, she turned to the service dogs she helped to train
A profile highlights Maria Wright of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, from her volunteer work connecting people with service dogs to her cancer diagnosis and her own journey applying for a service dog.
FULL STORY →
Is apple cider vinegar really a cure-all?
Nitin K. Ahuja of the Perelman School of Medicine says there’s no supportive data that adding acid to the stomach will somehow help control acid reflux.
FULL STORY →