Coronavirus Research

An ‘electronic nose’ to sniff out COVID-19

Through a newly funded grant, researchers across the University are developing a device that can rapidly detect COVID-19 based on the disease’s unique odor profile.

Pregnant person sits on a seat on public transit wearing a face mask.

Pregnant mothers’ antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 transfer to their fetuses

Antibodies to coronavirus in pregnant women cross the placenta efficiently, and are found at similar concentrations in their newborns, according to a large study from researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine.

Evidence builds that pregnant women pass COVID antibodies to newborns

Scott Hensley and Karen Puopolo of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about their study of pregnancy and COVID-19. The team found evidence that COVID-19 antibodies can cross the placenta, though it’s still unknown if the amount of antibodies passed on can prevent newborns from contracting the virus.

African American person wearing a face mask having their temperature taken via forehead scanner by a masked, gloved medical professional.

Patients in cancer remission at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness

Patients with inactive cancer and not currently undergoing treatments also face a significantly higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, with Black cancer patients twice as likely to test positive for the virus.

Recovering hospital patient sitting up in hospital bed holding a cup of tea looking out the window.

Outcomes of critically ill COVID patients improved consistently during the pandemic

A Penn Medicine study finds that mortality rates of critically ill patients have progressively declined from the first surge of the pandemic, suggesting that hospital staff rapidly improved their management even before widespread use of evidence-based treatments.

Drug being tested at University of Pennsylvania to treat COVID-19 shows promise

Carl June of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about cyclosporin, an inexpensive drug that may help prevent severe inflammation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. “Hopefully, [FDA approval of the drug] would decrease the burden of patients in our hospitals,” June said.

A hand in a black rubber gloves holding a cell phone with a sensor attached. A dropper is touching the sensor.

One step closer to an at-home, rapid COVID-19 test

The lab of César de la Fuente is working on a paper-based biosensor that could provide results in minutes. Clinical trials began Jan. 5.

Community spread of COVID-19 tied to patient survival rates at area hospitals

Discovering wide variation in hospitals’ COVID-19 survival rates, researchers found that the levels of COVID-19 in the surrounding community was likely the driving factor.

Closeup of a syringe with a droplet at the tip of the needle reflecting the American flag pattern.

Science, politics, and vaccine acceptance

As the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed across the country, new research out of the Department of Philosophy shows that knowledge about the nature of science can combat political biases.

A person at a desk wearing rubber gloves and a mask puts a dose of medication into a syringe.

Behavioral strategies to promote a national COVID-19 vaccine program

National efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine at ‘warp speed’ are beginning to yield a safe and effective vaccine. But this important milestone is only the first step in an equally important challenge: getting a majority of the U.S. public vaccinated.

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