11/15
Meredith Mann
meredith.mann@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Medicine
Red blood cell “hitchhikers” offer new way to transport drugs to specific targets
Red blood cell “hitchhikers” offer new way to transport drugs to specific targets
A new drug-delivery technology which uses red blood cells to shuttle nano-scale drug carriers, called RBC-hitchhiking, has been found to dramatically increase the concentration of drugs ferried precisely to selected organs.
The changing landscape of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases
The changing landscape of mosquito- and tick-borne diseases
Lyme disease, West Nile virus, Zika, chikungunya, and dengue are among the vector-borne infections making headlines. Penn researchers shed light on what’s behind the spread and how to stay safe.
Study finds mutation driving deadly brain tumors, and a potential remedy
Study finds mutation driving deadly brain tumors, and a potential remedy
Researchers at Penn and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research discovered that a mutation in the epidermal growth receptor gene indicates a severe glioblastoma, and targeting this particular gene may further treatment.
Genome editing reduces cholesterol in animals, humans could be next
Genome editing reduces cholesterol in animals, humans could be next
Successful genome editing trials in large primates offers an alternative treatment to reduce high cholesterol in patients who can't tolerate statins or other drug therapies.
Penn One Health goes abroad
Penn One Health goes abroad
In August, Penn Vet student James Ferrara will combine veterinary research and public health outreach in Nepal, where he will join a team of graduate students conducting research on Campylobacter, a bacteria found in unpasteurized milk, that is prone to cause infection.
Proteins found in semen increase the spread of Ebola virus infection
Proteins found in semen increase the spread of Ebola virus infection
Areas that were declared Ebola-free are seeing a resurgence in the virus. Researchers have discovered that men can harbor the virus in their semen up to two and a half years, leading to new cases of sexual transmission years later.
Study reveals secrets of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ pancreatic cancer tumors
Study reveals secrets of ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ pancreatic cancer tumors
Immune cell makeup of tumors, and their ability to metastasize, is controlled by factors specific to individual cancer cells themselves.
Correcting a blind spot
Correcting a blind spot
A groundbreaking genetic study seeks to transform the prevention and treatment of glaucoma while reversing historical racial disparities in who suffers from the disease, and who benefits from such research.
New therapeutic target for slowing the spread of flu virus
New therapeutic target for slowing the spread of flu virus
Understanding influenza virus-host interactions point to potential new targets for flu treatments.
Drug combination offers more effective care for patients suffering miscarriage
Drug combination offers more effective care for patients suffering miscarriage
In a new clinical trial, a two-drug combination of mifepristone and misoprostol shows increased efficacy in helping women avoid surgical procedures following a miscarriage
Media Contact
In the News
The Washington Post
The latest skincare trend: Beef fat. Yes, beef fat
Bruce Brod of the Perelman School of Medicine says that there’s no evidence to show beef tallow is better than conventional moisturizers.
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CBS Philadelphia
Philadelphia doctors and scientists encourage young women to pursue STEM careers at Penn event
The STEM Goes Red event hosted at Penn Medicine showed young Philadelphia women in high school how to program miniature computers, with remarks from Helene Glassberg of the Perelman School of Medicine.
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ScienceFriday.com
CAR-T cell therapies show promise for autoimmune diseases
Daniel Baker, a Ph.D. student in Carl June’s lab at the Perelman School of Medicine, discusses the results of a study on donor CAR-T cell therapy.
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AARP.org
Fifteen things to know about the two new Alzheimer’s drugs
Jason Karlawish of the Perelman School of Medicine says that some reactions to new Alzheimer’s drugs can resemble flu-like symptoms, such as chills, shortness of breath, and rash.
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Stat
Social media misinformation is scaring women about birth control
In an opinion essay, postdoc Emily Pfender of the Leonard Davis Institute and Perelman School of Medicine cautions that social media can set back women’s health by perpetuating fear and misinformation instead of empowering informed choices.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Does it matter what time you take your medicine?
Garret FitzGerald of the Perelman School of Medicine says that the timing of medication dosing can substantially influence the drug levels in people’s blood.
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