Rare sparrows make guest appearance at Penn The birds likely have a rare genetic condition called albinism, which stems from a mutation that prevents proper melanin production. (Image: Doug Wiebe) Rare sparrows make guest appearance at Penn Earlier this year, Penn Medicine epidemiologist Doug Wiebe glimpsed two small all-white birds outside Van Pelt Library that turned out to be albino house sparrows. Their coloration is likely the result of a genetic condition in which a bird’s feathers lack pigment.
Media’s reporting on gun violence does not reflect reality Media’s reporting on gun violence does not reflect reality A new study looks at media reports in three cities and finds half of victims were covered in the news, but a disproportionate amount of attention was given to less common circumstances and victims.
The role of data in a world reshaped by COVID-19 The role of data in a world reshaped by COVID-19 Experts across Penn share their insights on how data and data science affect their fields in the context of an ongoing pandemic.
Direct-to-consumer COVID-19 testing Direct-to-consumer COVID-19 testing Concerns over direct-to-consumer COVID-19 tests may override the benefits, with issues of safety, efficacy, and ethics in question.
Magnetic field and hydrogels could be used to grow new cartilage Magnetic field and hydrogels could be used to grow new cartilage Instead of using synthetic materials, a Penn Medicine study shows magnets could be used to arrange cells to grow new tissues.
Workplace wellness programs could improve if more personalized Workplace wellness programs could improve if more personalized In a program that used three different types of behavioral nudges, a Penn Medicine study showed significantly different results for people with different personal and psychological characteristics.
Penn Medicine votes, and so should you: How to vote safely in 2020 Penn Medicine votes, and so should you: How to vote safely in 2020 The Penn Medicine Votes initiative, and Penn Medicine’s partnership with VotER helps staff and patients navigate a safe way to vote either before or on Election Day.
Away from the lab bench, Khoa Tran is a ‘science superhero’ Away from the lab bench, Khoa Tran is a ‘science superhero’ The research fellow in the Berger Lab and co-founder of JKX Comics makes science and STEM disciplines more accessible by translating abstruse concepts into approachable comics.
Nudges and machine learning triples advanced care conversations Nudges and machine learning triples advanced care conversations During the pandemic, a Penn-developed algorithm helped sustain end-of-life care discussions with patients with cancer.
A post-pandemic path to solving the nursing home crisis A post-pandemic path to solving the nursing home crisis A collaboration of experts across Penn schools has created a detailed, long-term policy plan for nursing homes, published in the New England Journal of Medicine.