Safe driving habits boosted by insurance plans that reward safe driving Image: wmaster890 via Getty Images Safe driving habits boosted by insurance plans that reward safe driving Popular insurance programs offering discounts for driving safely can reduce risky behaviors like speeding and hard braking, Penn Medicine researchers show. 2 min. read
Uncovering predictors for post-surgical chronic opioid use Uncovering predictors for post-surgical chronic opioid use Penn Nursing researchers have identified several key predictors of whether patient will continue using opioids long after the typical recovery period from surgical procedures. 1 min. read
‘Nudging’ both patients and providers boosts flu vaccine numbers Image: Iparraguirre Recio via Getty Images ‘Nudging’ both patients and providers boosts flu vaccine numbers A new study shows that when patients got text messages from their primary care practice, and the providers were nudged themselves to boost vaccination numbers, rates jumped. 2 min. read
Addressing the psychological impacts of inflammatory bowel disease Image: lorenzoantonucci via Getty Images Addressing the psychological impacts of inflammatory bowel disease In a collaborative study, Psychologist Melissa Hunt and gastroenterologist Chung Sang Tse showed that cognitive behavioral therapy reduced disability for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and that psychologists with no prior gastrointestinal experience could learn to deliver IBD-informed CBT effectively. 3 min. read
How tobacco retail exposure impacts smoking behavior Image: Mario Tama via Getty Images How tobacco retail exposure impacts smoking behavior Penn researchers have found that smokers report higher levels of craving and smoked more cigarettes on days when their exposure to tobacco retail is higher. 2 min. read
Penn experts earn NIH Director’s awards Penn experts earn NIH Director’s awards Six researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine have been recognized for their creative research through the National Institutes of Health Director’s awards from the NIH Common Fund’s High-Risk, High-Reward Research program for their unconventional approaches to major challenges in biomedical and behavioral research.
Kevin Volpp: Nudging populations toward better health Kevin Volpp is the Mark V. Pauly President’s Distinguished Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine and Health Care Management at the Wharton School, and director at the Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics.(Image: Courtesy of the Wharton School) Kevin Volpp: Nudging populations toward better health Kevin Volpp, Mark V. Pauly President’s Distinguished Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine and Health Care Management at the Wharton School, discusses how behavioral health interventions can improve public health outcomes. 2 min. read
How ‘fawning’ is ruining your relationships Penn In the News The New York Times How ‘fawning’ is ruining your relationships Nora Brier of the Perelman School of Medicine says that research on “fawning” is still emerging, although there isn’t enough evidence yet to consider it a nervous system response like fight, flight, or freeze. Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain A penguin watching a vessel at sea.(Image: Michael Beaulieu—French Polar Institute) Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain New research from Penn Medicine shows the negative, yet reversible, impact of spending time in isolated, confined, extreme environments—such as an Antarctic research station. 5 min. read Five small habits sports psychologists wish everyone did Penn In the News The New York Times Five small habits sports psychologists wish everyone did Elizabeth Nobis of Penn Athletics recommends small habits and mental tools to help reset a person’s attitude. Load More
Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain A penguin watching a vessel at sea.(Image: Michael Beaulieu—French Polar Institute) Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain New research from Penn Medicine shows the negative, yet reversible, impact of spending time in isolated, confined, extreme environments—such as an Antarctic research station. 5 min. read
Five small habits sports psychologists wish everyone did Penn In the News The New York Times Five small habits sports psychologists wish everyone did Elizabeth Nobis of Penn Athletics recommends small habits and mental tools to help reset a person’s attitude.