11/15
Medical Ethics
Collegiate affirmative action bans linked to smoking among minority students
Collegiate affirmative action bans linked to smoking among minority students
A Penn Medicine study shows unanticipated adverse effects of affirmative action bans on health behaviors in minority high school students.
First-year doctors spend almost 90 percent of their time away from patients
First-year doctors spend almost 90 percent of their time away from patients
First-year doctors, or interns, spend 87 percent of their work time away from patients, half of which is spent interacting with electronic health records.
Longer shifts don’t create chronic sleep loss or reduce patient safety
Longer shifts don’t create chronic sleep loss or reduce patient safety
Two large national studies show that patient safety was unaffected, and residents showed no signs of chronic sleep loss regardless of shift length for first-year doctors.
With a second patient free from HIV, what’s next?
With a second patient free from HIV, what’s next?
Scientists have succeeded in sending an HIV patient into long-term remission, only the second time such a feat has been documented. Pablo Tebas and Bridgette Brawner discuss what this means for HIV research and for people living with the virus.
The art of talking about science
The art of talking about science
Paul Offit of Penn Medicine and CHOP offers five tips for better communicating tough scientific topics to the public—and standing up for science in the process.
‘The Power of Penn’ propels forward
‘The Power of Penn’ propels forward
In Los Angeles, President Amy Gutmann continues the kickoff of the University’s bold campaign to raise $4.1 billion.
Seven Penn researchers receive NIH Director Awards
Seven Penn researchers receive NIH Director Awards
Seven researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, and School of Engineering and Applied Science are to receive National Institutes of Health Director Awards, highly competitive grants to support innovative biomedical research.
Chance of being prescribed opioids for a minor injury differs dramatically by where you live
Chance of being prescribed opioids for a minor injury differs dramatically by where you live
A Penn study showing dramatic variation in opioid prescribing rates and tablet amounts for ankle sprains points to significant opportunities to reduce excessive prescribing, and potentially prevent prolonged use.
How police killings of black Americans affect communities
How police killings of black Americans affect communities
Black Americans are nearly three times more likely to be killed by police than their white counterparts, with even larger disparities among those who are unarmed. The trend is also harming the mental health of the black community.
Examining 20th-century America’s obsession with poor posture, a forgotten ‘epidemic’
Examining 20th-century America’s obsession with poor posture, a forgotten ‘epidemic’
Poor posture was considered a real threat to the nation’s health through much of the 20th century. Beth Linker of the School of Arts and Sciences is investigating the history of this forgotten “epidemic” and how its legacy is reflected in notions of health and disability today.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
Can ‘magic’ mushrooms help one of the most painful conditions?
Dominic Sisti of the Perelman School of Medicine says there’s compelling evidence that psilocybin is efficacious, safe, and seems to help people with cluster headaches.
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Stat
Being a patient can be a full-time job. This ICU nurse wants to make it easier
Michael Anne Kyle of the Perelman School of Medicine is linking survey data and medical records to determine exactly how administrative burdens impact health care.
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NBC News
Elder care costs are outpacing inflation. Americans want a lifeline
Shekinah Fashaw-Walters of the Perelman School of Medicine says that Black and Hispanic Medicare beneficiaries are less likely to access higher-quality home health agencies.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
When it comes to restaurant portions, size matters, Penn researcher says
Sophia Hua of the Perelman School of Medicine is analyzing how smaller portions at restaurants could make dining out healthier and could help combat obesity.
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Nature
Second brain implant by Elon Musk’s Neuralink: Will it fare better than the first?
Anna Wexler of the Perelman School of Medicine and Leonard Davis Institute says that Elon Musk’s predictions for Neuralink’s health care capabilities risk misleading potential study volunteers.
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The Washington Post
As Biden ends campaign, focus shifts to health for remainder of his term
PIK Professor Ezekiel Emanuel says that the presidency is an administration with a team led by the president, not a one-man show.
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