Penn researchers uncover evolution of bitter gene

The taste of broccoli has long been the bane of picky eaters everywhere (and at least one American president). But appreciating the vegetable is not just a matter of having a cultured palate; some people can easily taste a bitter compound in broccoli that others have difficulty detecting.

Evan Lerner

Five Penn Researchers Named American Physical Society Fellows

PHILADELPHIA — The American Physical Society has elected five University of Pennsylvania faculty members to its 2011 APS Fellowship class. They are Mark Devlin, Alan “Charlie” Johnson, Joshua Klein, Feng Gai and Howard Hu.

Evan Lerner

Penn Geneticists Help Show Bitter Taste Perception Is Not Just About Flavors

PHILADELPHIA — Long the bane of picky eaters everywhere, broccoli’s taste is not just a matter of having a cultured palate; some people can easily taste a bitter compound in the vegetable that others have difficulty detecting. Now a team of Penn researchers has helped uncover the evolutionary history of one of the genes responsible for this trait.

Evan Lerner

Penn Medicine docs see the value of a good story

Science is defined by accuracy and objectivity. Researchers must carefully design experiments and submit their findings to exacting peer review. With their work receiving such grueling analysis, it would seem that scientists' findings would speak for themselves. Not so, say two doctors in the Perelman School of Medicine.

Evan Lerner

Penn Research Shows Mouthwash Routine May Cut Risk of Preterm Birth

PHILADELPHIA — Research from the University of Pennsylvania has shown that rinsing with mouthwash isn’t just good for oral health, it may be associated with a reduction in the incidence of preterm birth in pregnant women with periodontal disease.

Evan Lerner