Targeting tumor supporting cells: Advancing CAR T success in pancreatic cancer Image: Nemes Laszlo/Science Photo Library via Getty Images News Targeting tumor supporting cells: Advancing CAR T success in pancreatic cancer Research led by Penn Vet’s Ellen Puré has used lipid nanoparticles to generate CAR T cells directed at a type of tumor support cells—cancer-associated fibroblasts—melting away the protective barrier around pancreatic tumor cells and paving the way for a potentially safer, more accessible, and cost-effective method to treat solid tumors.
How does medicine come to be? Image: LightStock via Getty Images News How does medicine come to be? By tracing substances from their roots to how they’re used today, a team including Hsiao-Wen Cheng of the Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations aims to answer questions about how medical practices evolve.
A stiff defense: Rethinking gum disease A section of healthy human gum tissue captured using an imaging technique called Second Harmonic Generation microscopy. In this sample, collagen fibers (shown in yellow), which give healthy gums their firm, resilient stiffness, are dense and well-organized—acting as a supportive scaffold for the surrounding cells (shown in teal).(Image: Hardik Makkar) A stiff defense: Rethinking gum disease Penn Dental Medicine’s Kyle H. Vining and Hardik Makkar take a biomaterials approach to understanding periodontal disease, using a hydrogel system to investigate how the physical properties of the gum tissue impact inflammation. 3 min. read
Music, friendship, and a podcast on the side Emily Wilson, Kevin Platt, and Paul St. Amour recording an episode of SideGig at Kelly Writers House.nocred Music, friendship, and a podcast on the side Through their new project, SideGig, School of Arts & Sciences faculty Paul Saint-Amour and Kevin Platt explore songs and sound. Plus, it gives the pals a chance to hang out. 2 min. read
When bone behaves like a sponge To visualize the nanoscale structures, the Tertuliano lab often uses large-scale models like the one pictured.(Image: Sylvia Zhang) When bone behaves like a sponge Penn Engineers in the Tertuliano Lab have developed a nanoengineered 3D-printed scaffold for observing how cells feel force. 2 min. read
A topical cream may prevent or slow growth of some common skin cancers News A topical cream may prevent or slow growth of some common skin cancers An experimental cream developed at Penn Medicine that blocks a specific enzyme may offer a precise, better‑tolerated path to prevent and treat cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Translating the ancient world anew News Translating the ancient world anew Emily Wilson studies Greek and Roman texts, bringing vibrant new translations of these ancient works to modern audiences.
Where economic modeling meets real-world legislation Junghoon Lee (left), director of engineering and data at the Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM), and Kent Smetters (right). The PWBM is the only non-governmental group analyzing how public policy simultaneously affects the federal budget, macroeconomic growth, and human welfare.nocred News Where economic modeling meets real-world legislation The Penn Wharton Budget Model is the only non-governmental group analyzing how public policy simultaneously affects the federal budget, macroeconomic growth, and human welfare.
Awards and accolades for six members of Penn faculty nocred News Awards and accolades for six members of Penn faculty A roundup of the latest awards for faculty members at the Wharton School, Penn Vet, Annenberg, Arts & Sciences, and Nursing.
Matthew Levendusky on civics, partisan politics, and teaching public opinion Matthew Levendusky is a professor at the Annenberg School for Communication and in the Department of Political Science in the School of Arts & Sciences.(Image: Courtesy of Annenberg School for Communication) News Matthew Levendusky on civics, partisan politics, and teaching public opinion Matthew Levendusky has been named a joint professor at the Annenberg School for Communication and in the Department of Political Science in the School of Arts & Sciences.