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Genetics
Who, What, Why: Sociologist Wendy Roth on genetic ancestry tests and race perception
Who, What, Why: Sociologist Wendy Roth on genetic ancestry tests and race perception
With funding from the National Institutes of Health, Roth plans to explore how people view others who change their racial identity based on results from at-home DNA kits.
Solving medical mysteries with genetics: The Penn Neurogenetics Therapy Center
Solving medical mysteries with genetics: The Penn Neurogenetics Therapy Center
The Penn Neurogenetics Therapy Center works to achieve a genetic diagnosis for as many patients as possible, and establish clinical trials using novel gene and molecular therapies.
Proactive genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk can help improve outcomes
Proactive genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk can help improve outcomes
Neonatal intensive care nurse Kimyatta Frazier found solace in a relationship with a genetic counselor at Penn Medicine who would be instrumental in helping her feel more in control of any future cancer diagnoses.
$25M gift establishes Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome at Penn Medicine
$25M gift establishes Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome at Penn Medicine
The generosity of Penn alumnus Michael Armellino creates a center for the care of patients with the rare genetic condition across all stages of life and propels scientific discovery.
Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely
Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely
A team from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed genomic data from global populations, including thousands of ethnically diverse Africans, to identify genetic variants that may be associated with clinical COVID-19 outcomes.
Elizabeth Heller’s lab uncovers how drug addiction can create lasting changes in genes
Elizabeth Heller’s lab uncovers how drug addiction can create lasting changes in genes
Leading a neuroepigenetics lab at her alma mater, Heller and the work of her 10-person lab is focused on molecular brain mechanisms, aiming to uncover chronic changes that can happen and keep happening in the brain long after exposure to addictive substances ends.
Correcting night blindness in dogs
Correcting night blindness in dogs
Researchers in the School of Veterinary Medicine and colleagues have developed a gene therapy that restores dim-light vision in dogs with a congenital form of night blindness, offering hope for treating a similar condition in people.
A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
While gene mutations can lead to drug resistance, researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine have identified an important, non-genetic adaptation that could also drive resistance to targeted therapy in T cell leukemia, a type of blood cell cancer.
‘Mapping’ pancreatic cells at the development of Type 1 diabetes
‘Mapping’ pancreatic cells at the development of Type 1 diabetes
Penn Medicine researchers examine of the underpinnings of the disease by creating a “map” to chart pancreatic islet cells over time.
How one researcher is helping us better understand the brain through epigenetics
How one researcher is helping us better understand the brain through epigenetics
Erica Korb, assistant professor of genetics, combines microscopy, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and behavioral testing to better understand gene expression and its impact on brain development.
In the News
Jerusalem Post
American scientists make progress in decoding the genetics of insomnia
A co-authored study by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has identified a new genetic pathway involved in regulating sleep from fruit flies to humans.
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Nature
Huge genomic study shows varicose veins’ links to height and weight
A study by Michael Levin of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and colleagues found that genomic regions associated with height and obesity were linked to high risk of varicose veins.
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The Washington Post
Another Crispr first: New treatment wipes out teen’s cancer
Bruce Levine of the Perelman School of Medicine says that the latest results of Crispr gene editing in a cancer patient have showcased the best possible clinical outcome thus far.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
These Philly award-winners tackle problems from inside the brain to outer space
Nancy Bonini of the School of Arts & Sciences is lauded for her work studying Parkinson’s and other brain diseases by probing fruit fly genes.
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Chicago Tribune
One in 10 people in the U.S. have a rare disease. These three Chicagoland residents are on their own journey with a rare condition
According to the RVCL Research Center at the Perelman School of Medicine, there are fewer than 200 known people and 50 families in the world with the genetic disorder RVCL.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Pennsylvania lags in innovation-based jobs despite having all ingredients for success, report finds
The University of Pennsylvania is noted as an academic institution advancing important innovations, particularly in gene therapy research.
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