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A neural link between altruism and empathy toward strangers
University of Pennsylvania psychologist Kristin Brethel-Haurwitz studies extraordinary altruism through people who have donated a kidney to a stranger.

University of Pennsylvania psychologist Kristin Brethel-Haurwitz studies extraordinary altruism through people who have donated a kidney to a stranger.

A neural link between altruism and empathy toward strangers

Studying the brain activity of people who have donated a kidney to a stranger, psychologist Kristin Brethel-Haurwitz found a clear link between real-world altruism and empathy, particularly in regard to the pain and fear of strangers.

Michele W. Berger

A whol(istic) new approach to cancer treatment
holistic_healing

Wayne Mylin, (second from left) and Abby Wetzel, (second from right), celebrate a successful program with some of the spring 2018 Holistic Living Challenge participants.

A whol(istic) new approach to cancer treatment

At Pennsylvania Hospital, the Abramson Cancer Center’s seven-week Holistic Living Challenge program provides free access to holistic and traditional Chinese medicine resources, encouraging patients to focus on adopting wellness practices in a supportive group environment.

Penn Today Staff

How many American cities protect the rights of employed breastfeeding mothers?
A federal law, part of the Fair Labor Standards Act, requires that employers offer “reasonable break time” and a place that’s not the bathroom for expressing human milk. But there are many limitations that mean many women aren't covered.

A federal law, part of the Fair Labor Standards Act, requires that employers offer “reasonable break time” and a place that’s not the bathroom for expressing human milk. But the law’s many limitations mean many women aren’t covered.

How many American cities protect the rights of employed breastfeeding mothers?

In the United States, the majority of women have to work. But of the 151 largest U.S. cities, only New York and Philadelphia safeguard their rights.

Michele W. Berger

Dr. Benoit Dubé appointed Chief Wellness Officer
Dubé, Benoit

Dr. Benoit Dubé appointed Chief Wellness Officer

Provost Wendell Pritchett and Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum today announced the appointment of Dr. Benoit Dubé, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, as the University of Pennsylvania’s first Chief Wellness Officer.
Greening vacant lots reduces depression in city dwellers
Criminologist John MacDonald and emergency medicine physician Eugenia South of the University of Pennsylvania.

In the latest round of research on the effects of greening vacant lots, criminologist John MacDonald and emergency medicine physician Eugenia South found that people living within a quarter mile of greened lots had a 41.5 percent decrease in feelings of depression and a nearly 63 percent decrease in self-reported “poor mental health” compared to those who lived near the lots that received no intervention.

Greening vacant lots reduces depression in city dwellers

People living within a quarter mile of greened lots had a 41.5 percent decrease in feelings of depression and a nearly 63 percent decrease in self-reported “poor mental health,” compared to those who lived near the lots that received no intervention.

Katie Delach , Michele W. Berger

To improve online information about violence and abuse, one group turned to Wikipedia
A project spearheaded by the Ortner Center updated 50 Wikipedia entries about domestic violence and assault.

A project spearheaded by the Ortner Center updated more than 50 Wikipedia entries on subjects ranging from “sexual assault in the military” to “female genital mutilation” with the latest research from faculty affiliated with the Center. The group will continue to update the entries periodically to incorporate new papers.

To improve online information about violence and abuse, one group turned to Wikipedia

Three undergrads and a recent alum, working with the Ortner Center’s Susan B. Sorenson, added the latest scientific research to more than 50 entries.

Michele W. Berger

Correcting a blind spot
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.

Queen Muse