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
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
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
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
Collaborative initiative highlights successes and challenges in global bioethics training Collaborative initiative highlights successes and challenges in global bioethics training A new Penn Nursing initiative explores the impact of federally funded international bioethics training programs. The collaborative initiative, published in the Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, highlights both the significant achievements and ongoing challenges in building bioethics research capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
AI finds hundreds of potential antibiotics in snake and spider venom Image: McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc. via Getty Images AI finds hundreds of potential antibiotics in snake and spider venom Research from the lab of César de la Fuente on an AI-powered screen of global venom libraries uncovers dozens of promising drug candidates. 2 min. read
Higher ed leaders on ‘college promise’ programs in the Midwest Higher ed leaders on ‘college promise’ programs in the Midwest A report commissioned by the Midwestern Higher Education Compact and written by Penn GSE’s Laura Perna recommends reliable funding and targeted outreach. 2 min. read
How discoveries become cures Image: Margo Reed How discoveries become cures Public investments in biomedical research have an outsized effect, driving new scientific insights, economic growth, and ultimately treatments and cures. 3 min. read
Strongest nor’easters getting stronger Image: Courtesy of Michael Mann Strongest nor’easters getting stronger Research from Professor Michael Mann and Ph.D. students Annabelle Horton and Mackenzie Weaver shows that as the worst of these East Coast winter storms intensify, so does their destructive potential—a facet that current coastal risk assessments often ignore. 2 min. read
Genetic testing beneficial in critically ill adults Image: Ten Image/Science Photo Library via Getty Images Genetic testing beneficial in critically ill adults Penn Medicine researchers have identified genetic conditions in a large percent of adults admitted to the intensive care unit, dispelling the belief that genetic testing only benefits a pediatric population. 3 min. read