Researchers discover new molecules for tracking Parkinson’s disease The chemical structure of an alpha-synuclein fibril with an “exemplar” molecule, shown as colored spheres, bound to a previously identified binding site. Researchers at Penn recently demonstrated a new method for screening and identifying molecules computationally that can then be developed into imaging probes for studying proteins that are associated with Parkinson’s disease. (Image: E. James Petersson) Researchers discover new molecules for tracking Parkinson’s disease The study describes an innovative approach for identifying and evaluating candidate molecules that can image and track the progression of a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.
Solution to a decades-old mitochondria mystery could lead to new disease treatments Solution to a decades-old mitochondria mystery could lead to new disease treatments Perelman School of Medicine scientists identified a key protein involved in fueling the cells’ power plants.
Middle-aged individuals may be in a perpetual state of H3N2 flu susceptibility Middle-aged individuals may be in a perpetual state of H3N2 flu susceptibility Individuals’ immunological imprint from early childhood infection likely lessens the virus’ severity, but does not prevent infection.
Finding faith and fellowship in recovery True Light founder Tracey Long forms close bonds of support with the women in the Kensington Recovery House. (Image: Penn Medicine) Finding faith and fellowship in recovery True Light Recovery helps women who have survived sexual exploitation, abuse, or addiction, by providing them with a safe place to pursue sobriety and a healthy, holistic lifestyle.
A New York Times medical mystery and a determined sister saved this patient’s life When Susan Bosanko began coughing up rubbery branches, she knew her health was in danger. She later found out that the branches were fluid molds of her own airways—a hallmark of plastic bronchitis. (Image: Penn Medicine News) A New York Times medical mystery and a determined sister saved this patient’s life A patient in New York with an acute case of bronchitis was in respiratory distress. When family members read a similar account in the New York Times, they tracked down the specialist cited in the article—Maxim Itkin at the Perelman School of Medicine.
Major advancement in islet cell transplantation for treating Type-1 diabetes Major advancement in islet cell transplantation for treating Type-1 diabetes Penn researchers invent a method for keeping donor insulin-producing cells alive long-term under the skin of patients.
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine first? Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine first? A group of global experts led by Penn offer a model that lays the groundwork for fair distribution and prioritize reducing premature deaths.
Hepatitis C-infected kidneys get a green light for further transplant research Hepatitis C-infected kidneys get a green light for further transplant research Results from a multicenter study point to expanding the donor kidney supply, and alleviating long transplant wait times, with hep-C infected organs, then treating the disease post-transplant.
Ensuring an ethical path to a ‘warp speed’ vaccine Ensuring an ethical path to a ‘warp speed’ vaccine Penn scholars consider the ethical implications of the development and allocation of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Cell phone location used to estimate COVID-19 growth rates Cell phone location used to estimate COVID-19 growth rates Cell phone location data shows that in counties where activity declined at workplaces and increased at home, coronavirus infection rates were lower.