Penn research into Friedreich’s ataxia reveals how DNA folding can silence a key gene Penn research into Friedreich’s ataxia reveals how DNA folding can silence a key gene A new Penn Medicine study uncovers how a balance between gene activity and DNA folding determines where genes sit in the nucleus—and how misplacement contributes to the neurodegenerative and cardiac disorder.
Blood test predicts kidney failure risk to Black Americans years before onset Image: Rasi Bhadramani via Getty Images Blood test predicts kidney failure risk to Black Americans years before onset A new study from Penn Medicine identifies disease risk among those carrying the high-risk APOL1 gene variant before kidney function declines. 2 min. read
Preventing the spread of a deadly virus to Pennsylvania’s rabbits and hares Image: Rabbitti via Getty Images Preventing the spread of a deadly virus to Pennsylvania’s rabbits and hares Penn Vet’s Wildlife Futures Program has embarked on a genetics study to prevent future outbreaks of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2. 2 min. read
War and the environment, and Neanderthal-human interbreeding Penn In the News The Naked Scientists Podcast War and the environment, and Neanderthal-human interbreeding Daniel Harris of the Perelman School of Medicine discusses research into the interbreeding of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. Engineers sharpen gene-editing tools to target cystic fibrosis Beyond cystic fibrosis, the refined base editor could help researchers tackle a wide range of genetic diseases caused by single-letter DNA changes.(Image: Bella Ciervo) Engineers sharpen gene-editing tools to target cystic fibrosis Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed a modified base-pair editor that offers improved accuracy and could help treat diseases like cystic fibrosis. 2 min. read First CRISPR-based platform to pinpoint leukemia drivers Image: Alena Butusava via Getty Images First CRISPR-based platform to pinpoint leukemia drivers The new toolkit, developed by Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, allows researchers to test potential cancer targets directly in patient leukemia cells. 2 min. read Gene therapy ‘switch’ may offer non-addictive pain relief Image: nopparit via Getty Images Gene therapy ‘switch’ may offer non-addictive pain relief In a preclinical study, Penn Medicine researchers have uncovered a new gene therapy that targets only pain signals while leaving the rest of the brain untouched. 2 min. read 20 breakthroughs of 2025 The Polyhedral Structures Laboratory is housed at the Pennovation Center and brings together designers, engineers, and computer scientists to reimagine the built world. Using graphic statics, a method where forces are mapped as lines, they design forms that balance compression and tension. These result in structures that use far fewer materials while remaining strong and efficient.(Image: Eric Sucar) 20 breakthroughs of 2025 From ancient tombs and tiny robots to personalized gene editing and AI weather models, Penn’s 2025 research portfolio showed how curiosity—paired with collaboration—moves knowledge into impact and stretches across disciplines and continents. 5 min. read Major gaps block genetics evaluation and testing for Black and low income patients Major gaps block genetics evaluation and testing for Black and low income patients Despite barriers to testing, a new study from Penn Medicine finds that Black patients benefit the most once they receive genetic testing results. Baby KJ’s gene-editing treatment lands him on Nature’s top 10 list Penn In the News Philadelphia Inquirer Baby KJ’s gene-editing treatment lands him on Nature’s top 10 list The successful treatment by doctors at Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia of a rare, life-threatening liver condition is spotlighted in a list of top scientific news for 2025. Load More
Engineers sharpen gene-editing tools to target cystic fibrosis Beyond cystic fibrosis, the refined base editor could help researchers tackle a wide range of genetic diseases caused by single-letter DNA changes.(Image: Bella Ciervo) Engineers sharpen gene-editing tools to target cystic fibrosis Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed a modified base-pair editor that offers improved accuracy and could help treat diseases like cystic fibrosis. 2 min. read
First CRISPR-based platform to pinpoint leukemia drivers Image: Alena Butusava via Getty Images First CRISPR-based platform to pinpoint leukemia drivers The new toolkit, developed by Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, allows researchers to test potential cancer targets directly in patient leukemia cells. 2 min. read
Gene therapy ‘switch’ may offer non-addictive pain relief Image: nopparit via Getty Images Gene therapy ‘switch’ may offer non-addictive pain relief In a preclinical study, Penn Medicine researchers have uncovered a new gene therapy that targets only pain signals while leaving the rest of the brain untouched. 2 min. read
20 breakthroughs of 2025 The Polyhedral Structures Laboratory is housed at the Pennovation Center and brings together designers, engineers, and computer scientists to reimagine the built world. Using graphic statics, a method where forces are mapped as lines, they design forms that balance compression and tension. These result in structures that use far fewer materials while remaining strong and efficient.(Image: Eric Sucar) 20 breakthroughs of 2025 From ancient tombs and tiny robots to personalized gene editing and AI weather models, Penn’s 2025 research portfolio showed how curiosity—paired with collaboration—moves knowledge into impact and stretches across disciplines and continents. 5 min. read
Major gaps block genetics evaluation and testing for Black and low income patients Major gaps block genetics evaluation and testing for Black and low income patients Despite barriers to testing, a new study from Penn Medicine finds that Black patients benefit the most once they receive genetic testing results.
Baby KJ’s gene-editing treatment lands him on Nature’s top 10 list Penn In the News Philadelphia Inquirer Baby KJ’s gene-editing treatment lands him on Nature’s top 10 list The successful treatment by doctors at Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia of a rare, life-threatening liver condition is spotlighted in a list of top scientific news for 2025.