Coronavirus | Penn Today

the philadelphia city skyline looking north on a sunny day

How has COVID-19 changed ‘superstar cities’?

A new analysis found that overall mobility in large U.S. cities has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, and some are also experiencing changing segregation patterns, with potential implications that could last well beyond the pandemic.

Pioneering mRNA researcher breaks down coronavirus vaccines

Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine explained the science behind and advantages of mRNA-based vaccines. “With RNA, you only need the sequence of the protein of interest. Once you’ve got the sequence, you can make an RNA within days to weeks,” he said. “So, it’s very fast at responding to new pandemics, new emerging infections, and other potential diseases.”

A fluorescent microscopic image of a cell labeled in orange with virus particles emerging from it labeled green.

Blocking viruses’ exit strategy

Tests of a new antiviral that aims to prevent the deadly Marburg virus from spreading in the body show promise, according to a study led by School of Veterinary Medicine researchers.

A Philadelphia physician raised $500,000 and is sending oxygen tanks to help India battle its COVID crisis

Ruchika Talwar, a surgery resident at Penn Medicine, collaborated with local physicians to raise almost $500,000 to send medical supplies to Indian hospitals. "My first and foremost concern is for the patients; that's my role as a physician," she said.

Drug companies dig in for global patent fight amid flow of billions in vaccine revenue

Polk Wagner of the Law School spoke about the possibility of competition between foreign and domestic medical manufacturers enabled by waived COVID-19 patents. “My view is that it is extremely unlikely in the current set of circumstances that it will have a lot of impact on these vaccine companies. For one thing, they are already being paid enormous sums by most of the wealthy countries, anyway,” he said.

Doctor wearing a face mask sits at a desk looking at an x-ray with a masked patient.

COVID’s impact on cancer care comes more into focus

With the disruption of cancer care since the pandemic began in March 2020, recent reports are starting to show that the interruption—while still significant—may not be as detrimental as experts originally feared.

COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs increased among users of conservative and social media

Belief in conspiracies about the COVID-19 pandemic increased through the early months of the U.S. outbreak among people who reported being heavy users of conservative and social media.

Study: Conservative media drove belief of COVID-19 conspiracies

Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center spoke about research she co-authored with Dan Romer, which explored the links between beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and reliance on conservative and social media outlets for information.

Engaging the community, one mask at a time

At 10 sites across campus for 10 weeks, Penn Nursing students made 400 weekly observations about mask usage, part of MASCUP, a nationwide initiative spearheaded by the CDC that includes 53 colleges and universities.

Stephen Gluckman’s polio vaccination card

From polio pioneer to COVID-19 crusader

Stephen Gluckman, infectious disease specialist and director of Penn Global Medicine, reflects on past and present vaccines.

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