Key to improving survival of transplanted retinal cells Photomicrograph shows a small number of transplanted human cells (in red) that survived the stress of transplantation and were able to integrate and differentiate into cone photoreceptors in a partially degenerated canine retina.(Image: Courtesy of Penn Vet) Key to improving survival of transplanted retinal cells Penn Vet researchers have identified metabolic stress as an obstacle to cell transplants, highlighting a critical window for cell-based retinal repair. 2 min. read
New device could streamline vision-saving therapies New device could streamline vision-saving therapies A new study by a team of vision scientists from the Division of Experimental Retinal Therapies at Penn Vet, led by William A. Beltran, have worked to demonstrate that a novel surgical tool used previously in gene and cell therapy clinical trials can place therapies directly beneath the retina using a minimally invasive approach.
The global threat of salt contamination to water supplies Image: Oleg Kovtun via Getty Images The global threat of salt contamination to water supplies Research from Weitzman’s Allison Lassiter and an international team of researchers highlights how a combination of climate change impacts and localized human activities are intensifying the increase in salt in vital freshwater sources. 2 min. read
Preventing falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment nocred Preventing falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment A team led by researchers in the School of Nursing has developed a multicomponent intervention that uses passive monitoring and behavioral support to help reduce falls in at-risk older adults. 4 min. read
Stem cell secretions show promise in boosting oral tissue regeneration Stem cell secretions show promise in boosting oral tissue regeneration A preclinical study from researchers at Penn Dental Medicine shows that the molecular secretions of stem cells taken from human gum tissue could someday be used to speed the healing and regeneration of damaged tissues in the mouth.
Early challenges to the immune system disrupt oral health Image: Dr. Paul Akhigbe (Courtesy of Modupe Coker) Early challenges to the immune system disrupt oral health Modupe O. Coker from the School of Dental Medicine and a collaborative team of researchers identified changes over time in the oral microbiome of children living with HIV, offering insights into how early immune challenges shape not only oral health but also systemic health. 4 min. read
Beneath the surface: Diving into water’s hidden carbon-cleaning capabilities Water molecules become increasingly disordered at the surface of a catalyst. Researchers found that this disordered interfacial water, shown transitioning from structured (left) to disorganized (right), plays a key role in speeding up the conversion of carbon monoxide into ethylene, a valuable fuel and chemical building block.(Image: Courtesy of Shoji Hall) Beneath the surface: Diving into water’s hidden carbon-cleaning capabilities Penn materials scientist Shoji Hall and colleagues have found that manipulating the surface of water can allow scientists to sustainably convert greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to higher energy fuel sources like ethylene. 5 min. read
Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain A penguin watching a vessel at sea.(Image: Michael Beaulieu—French Polar Institute) Measuring the impact of loneliness and social isolation on the brain New research from Penn Medicine shows the negative, yet reversible, impact of spending time in isolated, confined, extreme environments—such as an Antarctic research station. 5 min. read
A new recipe for safer, stronger mRNA vaccines Bioengineering researchers Emily Han (left) and Dongyoon Kim.(Image: Bella Ciervo) A new recipe for safer, stronger mRNA vaccines Penn engineers have found a way to redesign mRNA vaccines that sidestep the the most common side effects. 2 min. read
Study finds children’s health broadly declining in the U.S. Image: Maskot via Getty Images Study finds children’s health broadly declining in the U.S. Using data from 2007 to 2023, researchers from Penn Medicine and CHOP found measures like mental health and obesity, as well as infant and child mortality rose. They urge policy interventions and improved societal infrastructure to prioritize health of the country’s youngest generation. 4 min. read