6.17
Medicine
Untreated white coat hypertension leads to more death from heart disease
Researchers at Penn Medicine say white coat hypertension, a condition in which a patient’s blood pressure readings are higher when taken at the doctor’s office compared to other settings, underscores the need for increased out-of-office blood pressure monitoring.
For Transplant House families, dinner just got a whole lot better
At the Clyde Barker Penn Transplant House, a partnership with Walnut Hill College and a Penn Medicine CAREs grant brings homemade baked goods to pre- and post-transplant patients and families.
How to quell a cytokine storm
An international team finds new ways to dampen an overactive immune system, and can influence new drug targets for lupus and other autoimmune disorders.
Replicating fetal bone growth process could help heal large bone defects
A new study finds large bone defects could be regenerated through stem cell implantation and mimic the process of rapid fetal bone growth.
New pain management protocol sends 92% of cancer surgery patients home without opioids
A Penn study of robotic urologic surgery patients points to a key step in overcoming opioid crisis—start patients with over the counter medications, and only use opioids if they are really needed.
Eczema’s effect on children differs by race
A Penn study finds racial disparities in school attendance due to common skin condition, with Hispanic and black children more likely to miss school due to eczema than white children.
From the bench to bedside, boardroom, and beyond
Penn’s Life Sciences & Management program empowers the next generation of biotechnology leaders with an education in both business and the natural sciences.
Cognitive enhancers are considered largely acceptable at the workplace
A new study from Penn Medicine neurologists finds the general public largely views the use of cognitive enhancers such as Adderall as an acceptable practice when used by adults in the workplace.
Major payment reform program for cancer drugs falls short
A joint study between Penn Medicine and the Wharton School highlights limitations of voluntary incentive programs.
Training physician-scholars to see patients as people, not categories
The anthropology M.D.-Ph.D. program, recently graduating its first two students, combines clinical and ethnographic skills aimed at working with and caring for society’s marginalized.
In the News
The New Yorker
The mystery of the Havana Syndrome
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Douglas Smith offered commentary on the concussion-like symptoms experienced by American diplomats in Havana in the winter of 2017. While some have suggested that their symptoms were psychosomatic, Smith said that “there was not one individual on the team [at Penn] who was not convinced that this was a real thing.”
FULL STORY →
CBS News
Eating more fish or taking omega-3 fish oil supplements can cut heart attack risk, studies find
To lower one’s risk of heart disease, the Perelman School of Medicine’s Helene Glassberg recommended eating more fish over taking fish oil supplements. “Get it in your diet if you can, from omega-3 fatty fish like salmon or sardines,” said Glassberg. “This is the best way to get it and not spend $30 on a bottle of supplements at a health food store.”
FULL STORY →