Medicine | Penn Today

Person with a laptop on their lap talking with a doctor via telemedicine portal.

Older, nonwhite patients access telemedicine significantly less among patients overall

A new study out of Penn Medicine finds minorities, older populations, non-English speakers, and those with lower incomes face inequities in accessing telemedicine care.

A hand in a black rubber gloves holding a cell phone with a sensor attached. A dropper is touching the sensor.

One step closer to an at-home, rapid COVID-19 test

The lab of César de la Fuente is working on a paper-based biosensor that could provide results in minutes. Clinical trials began Jan. 5.

Why are we so afraid of fevers?

Paul Offit of the Perelman School of Medicine said treating fevers can prolong or worsen an illness because immunity works better at higher temperatures. While fever reducers can relieve uncomfortable symptoms, “You’re not supposed to feel better,” he said. “You’re supposed to stay under the covers, keep warm, and ride out the infection. We have fevers for a reason.”

EKG monitor measuring blood pressure in a hospital room.

Commonly used blood pressure medications are safe for COVID-19 patients

A Penn Medicine-led trial found medications to be neither beneficial or harmful in the treatment of hospitalized patients.

Hands holding a box of COVID vaccine vials.

How can the world allocate COVID-19 vaccines fairly?

It’s an ethical question many Penn experts are contemplating. One fact is certain, they say: Distribution must not exacerbate disparities and inequities in health care.

Person in hospital scrubs seated with pant legs rolled up to expose knee surgery scars.

Monitoring patients remotely brings fourfold decline in rehospitalization after joint replacements

The rate of hospital readmissions for hip and knee replacement patients declined from roughly 12% to 3% when they were enrolled in a “hovering” program.

Community spread of COVID-19 tied to patient survival rates at area hospitals

Discovering wide variation in hospitals’ COVID-19 survival rates, researchers found that the levels of COVID-19 in the surrounding community was likely the driving factor.

Closeup of a syringe with a droplet at the tip of the needle reflecting the American flag pattern.

Science, politics, and vaccine acceptance

As the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed across the country, new research out of the Department of Philosophy shows that knowledge about the nature of science can combat political biases.

A person at a desk wearing rubber gloves and a mask puts a dose of medication into a syringe.

Behavioral strategies to promote a national COVID-19 vaccine program

National efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine at ‘warp speed’ are beginning to yield a safe and effective vaccine. But this important milestone is only the first step in an equally important challenge: getting a majority of the U.S. public vaccinated.

James M. Wilson, director of the Gene Therapy Program, the Rose H. Weiss Professor and director of the Orphan Disease Center, and a professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine.

Repurposing a proven gene therapy approach to treat, prevent COVID-19

In a Q&A, Penn Medicine’s James M. Wilson discusses using adeno-associated viral vectors to transport a lab-made antibody cocktail into the body. This method, delivered via nasal spray or mist, has the potential to act as a “bioshield” against SARS-CoV-2.

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