Medicine | Penn Today

From foundational discoveries to profound impact

How decades of mRNA research at Penn made powerful new COVID-19 vaccines possible—and opened a new vista for future discoveries.

Vials labeled "SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Vaccine" lit up with neon light on a machine filling them.

The COVID landscape after a year with vaccines

In a conversation hosted by LDI, experts from Penn, the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations discussed the vaccine rollout, boosters, misinformation, and more.

Doctor wearing a mask checks the blood pressure of a patient also wearing a mask.

Heart disease-protective diabetes drug is not used equitably

The medication GLP-1 RA treats diabetes and is linked to positive outcomes for heart disease patients, yet a Penn Medicine study has found inequities in its use along racial, ethnic, and economic lines

COVID-19 vaccine volunteers share their stories, one year later

On the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 vaccine authorizations, Penn Medicine highlights the volunteers who played a critical role in providing much needed hope, in addition to crucial data showing the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

Flu vaccines don't match the main circulating flu virus strain, researchers find

Scott Hensley of the Perelman School of Medicine led a study that found the current flu vaccines do not match the main influenza virus circulating now, though the shots may still protect against severe effects. "Studies have clearly shown that seasonal influenza vaccines consistently prevent hospitalizations and deaths even in years where there are large antigenic mismatches," he said.

COVID-19 patient in a hospital bed wearing a mask with two medical personnel beside them in full PPE.

How observation units and texting shortened hospital stays during COVID-19

An analysis of hospital care for COVID-19 patients shows that while short hospitalizations were often unavoidable, it is be possible to expedite the discharge for patients who could continue to recover at home, with some additional clinical support from the health system.

a person in a gymnasium getting a vaccine while wearing a mask

Four things to know about COVID-19 vaccine boosters

Amidst concerns about increased positivity rates and new variants, Penn Today shares expert insights on the importance of COVID-19 vaccine boosters during the current phase of the pandemic.

Is it OK to ask your doctor about unapproved treatments?

Jeffrey Millstein of Penn Medicine wrote about off-label medication use, which he says should always involve an open discussion with one’s health care provider. “Like any medical inquiry or concern, your treatment questions should be received seriously, not scornfully,” he said.

New eye drops offer an alternative to reading glasses

Stephen Orlin of the Perelman School of Medicine said a new eye drop that helps with near vision contains pilocarpine, a drug that has long been used to treat glaucoma.

Person asleep on a bicycle rickshaw in India.

The link between global health policy and healthy sleep

A new study from LDI senior fellow Heather Schofield explores the relation between government policymaking and healthy sleep.

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