11/15
Genomics
Novel coupled nanopore platform offers greater precision for detecting molecules
Novel coupled nanopore platform offers greater precision for detecting molecules
An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Penn have created the first ever reusable coupled nanopore platform for detecting and guiding molecules, findings could pave the way for much improved DNA sequencing and molecule identification.
Understanding the brain via a molecular map
Understanding the brain via a molecular map
PIK Professor Michael Platt and collaborators have generated the first single-cell “atlas” of the primate brain to help explore links between molecules, cells, brain function, and disease.
One protein’s role in genomic intermingling and T cell development
One protein’s role in genomic intermingling and T cell development
The findings, from a team led by Golnaz Vahedi of Penn Medicine, could have implications for T-cell based immunotherapies for cancer and other conditions.
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.
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.
‘Encrypted’ peptides could be wellspring of natural antibiotics
‘Encrypted’ peptides could be wellspring of natural antibiotics
An interdisciplinary team of Penn researchers have used a carefully designed algorithm to discover a new suite of antimicrobial peptides, or naturally occurring antibiotics, in the human genome.
Rajan Jain’s unique journey to becoming a physician-scientist
Rajan Jain’s unique journey to becoming a physician-scientist
A physician-scientist, Jain treats patients as a cardiologist in addition to seeking new knowledge about stem cell biology, heart development, and genome organization in his lab.
DNA misfolding in white blood cells increases risk for Type 1 diabetes
DNA misfolding in white blood cells increases risk for Type 1 diabetes
A new Penn Medicine study shows that changes in a DNA sequence may cause chromosomes to misfold in a way that elevates the risk for autoimmune diseases.
New data reveals cell size sparks genome awakening in embryos
New data reveals cell size sparks genome awakening in embryos
An innovative study provides a new perspective on how a zygote transitions from maternal to zygotic control, uncovering how an embryo “recognizes” when to undergo this transition.
How do you find a virus that’s completely unknown?
How do you find a virus that’s completely unknown?
A team of microbiologists and pulmonologists at Penn have scanned genome databases and found a new abundant viral family associated with disease.
In the News
The Washington Post
FDA approves two sickle cell therapies, including first CRISPR medicine
Kiran Musunuru of the Perelman School of Medicine says that gene editing will be the biggest story of the century.
FULL STORY →
Scientific American
See how stress affects inflammatory bowel disease
A study by Christoph A. Thaiss of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues has traced two detailed molecular pathways from the brain to the gut that produce inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups.
FULL STORY →
Smithsonian Magazine
Famed 5,300-year-old Alps Iceman was a balding middle-aged man with dark skin and eyes
Iain Mathieson of the Perelman School of Medicine says that the Iceman genome was one of the first ancient human genomes ever published.
FULL STORY →
Indo-Asian News Service
How our genes make us prone to allergies
A team of researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine found that small changes in the protein called ETS1 can lead to an increased likelihood of allergic reactions that cause inflammation.
FULL STORY →
Stat
House GOP inquiry over gain-of-function research targets a scientific giant
Stuart Isaacs of the Perelman School of Medicine speaks positively about his time studying poxviruses in Bernard Moss’ lab.
FULL STORY →
NPR
His baby gene editing shocked ethicists. Now he’s in the lab again
Kiran Musunuru of the Perelman School of Medicine says that Chinese geneticist He Jiankui crossed ethical lines and exhibited bad science by editing babies’ genes.
FULL STORY →