11/15
Neuroscience
Trauma linked to earlier puberty, premature brain development, and mental illness
Trauma linked to earlier puberty, premature brain development, and mental illness
A Penn study details the effects of poverty and trauma on brain and behavior in youths.
Researchers detect brain differences between fast and slow learners
Researchers detect brain differences between fast and slow learners
In a new study, researchers at the School of Engineering and Applied Science look at how brain activation patterns might affect how long it takes for new information to really stick in the brain.
Cognitive enhancers are considered largely acceptable at the workplace
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.
Pokémon activates a unique part of the brain, offering insights into its structure
Pokémon activates a unique part of the brain, offering insights into its structure
In a study of adults who played the game extensively as children, Penn and Stanford researchers discovered that a particular area of the visual cortex lights up when players view characters from the original version.
Looking beyond the disease to the person living with it
Looking beyond the disease to the person living with it
In a new course taught by PIK Professor Jay Gottfried, students lead discussions on cognitive neuroscience topics and then meet patients who have relevant neurologic conditions.
Philadelphia: The new city of science
Philadelphia: The new city of science
Penn researchers will be involved in a weeklong series of interactive activities and events across the city as part of the Philadelphia Science Festival.
Brain regions linked to memory and emotion help humans navigate smell
Brain regions linked to memory and emotion help humans navigate smell
The work points to the existence of a grid-like hexagonal structure in olfactory-related brain areas, similar to mapping configurations previously found to support spatial navigation in animals.
Childhood trauma has lasting effect on brain connectivity in patients with depression
Childhood trauma has lasting effect on brain connectivity in patients with depression
A study led by Penn Medicine researchers found that childhood trauma is linked to abnormal connectivity in the brain in adults with major depressive disorder.
How companies are increasing neurodiversity in the workplace
How companies are increasing neurodiversity in the workplace
Wharton’s Peter Cappelli discusses how companies are increasing efforts to employ adults with autism, but doing so requires a lot of support and training.
Researchers discover the source of new neurons in brain hippocampus
Researchers discover the source of new neurons in brain hippocampus
The findings extend the understanding of how a continuous supply of neurons throughout life is connected with learning and memory.
In the News
SciTechDaily
Scientists unveil 16+ distinct nerve cell types behind human touch
A study by Wenqin Lo of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues used detailed analyses of the genes used by individual nerve cells to identify 16 distinct types of nerve cells in humans.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Free West Philly community clinic, which provided care to hundreds, is closed
Penn Medicine resident Noor Shaik and Michael Rubenstein of the Perelman School of Medicine discuss a West Philadelphia clinic that became a model for collaborations between academic health systems and community organizations.
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The Washington Post
Alzheimer’s patients and their families hear a new word: Progress
Jeffrey Maneval of the Perelman School of Medicine classifies two new drug treatments for Alzheimer’s as “a double, not a home run.”
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Medscape
The next frontier of antibiotic discovery: Inside your gut
César de la Fuente of the Perelman School of Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Science says the main pillars that have enabled us to almost double our lifespan in the last 100 years have been antibiotics, vaccines, and clean water.
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Nature
Five ways science is tackling the antibiotic resistance crisis
César de la Fuente of the School of Engineering and Applied Science and Perelman School of Medicine is using AI to identify antimicrobial peptides found in modern and extinct humans, as well as other extinct animals.
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Bloomberg
How wildfire smoke could cause dementia
A study by Holly Elser of the Perelman School of Medicine finds that wildfire smoke exposure can significantly increase the risk of dementia.
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