Biology | Penn Today

3D illustration of a cell being held by a pipette and a needle.

New cell characterization method hints at reasons for resistance to cancer therapies

Penn experts have developed new analysis tool that combines a cell’s unique gene expression data with information about the cell’s origins. The method can be applied to identify new cell subsets throughout development and better understand drug resistance.

Your lack of motivation to exercise may be influenced by gut bacteria, researchers say

A study by Christoph Thaiss of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues found that gut microbes may contribute to lack of motivation to exercise.

student Ryan Jeong sitting in a chair and student Arnav Lal standing outside

Two Penn fourth-years awarded 2023 Churchill Scholarships

College of Arts and Sciences fourth-years Ryan Jeong and Arnav Lal are among 16 students selected nationwide to receive a Churchill Scholarship for a year of graduate research study at the University of Cambridge in England.

COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought

Frederic Bushman of the Perelman School of Medicine says that many mammalian ACE-2 receptors are proving susceptible to COVID, even if they aren’t a perfect match.

What’s next for mRNA vaccines

Norbert Pardi of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues are developing a universal mRNA flu vaccine, featuring remarks from mRNA pioneer Katalin Karikó.

New COVID variant drives increase in Pa. and N.J. infections

Frederic Bushman of the Perelman School of Medicine says that the new XBB.1.5 COVID variant is more immune-evasive and is sharply increasing in Pennsylvania as a proportion of all infections.

Microscopic rendering of bacteria in the large intestines.

Gut microbes can boost the motivation to exercise

A new study by Penn Medicine uncovers a gut-to-brain pathway that increases exercise performance.

Bacteria and fungi can ‘walk’ across the surface of our teeth

A study by Hyun (Michel) Koo of the School of Dental Medicine and colleagues shows that conglomerations of fungi and bacteria can work together to “walk” and “leap” across the surface of teeth, quickly spreading decay.

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.

How intestinal microbes affect our inclination to exercise

A team led by Christoph Thaiss of the Perelman School of Medicine has linked intestinal microbes in mice to the desire to exercise, with remarks from Nicholas Betley of the School of Arts & Sciences.

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