5.21
Health Sciences
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.
Philadelphia’s sweetened drink sales drop 38 percent after beverage tax
Findings from a Penn study support beverage taxes as a promising policy tool to help improve public health.
Major payment reform program for cancer drugs falls short
A joint study between Penn Medicine and the Wharton School highlights limitations of voluntary incentive programs.
Daisy the goat kid’s harrowing ER visit
Post-birth complications for Daisy the newborn doeling were serious, but quickly assessed for a positive outcome at the New Bolton Center emergency room.
A link between mitochondrial damage and osteoporosis
In healthy people, a tightly controlled process balances the activity of osteoblasts, which build bone, and osteoclasts, which break it down. Damage to cells’ mitochondria can make that process go awry, meaning exposure to cigarette smoke, alcohol, environmental toxins can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
The mystery behind cleft palate and lips
New research identifies 100 new risk genes that could lead to the development of cleft lip and palate, combining molecular findings with genome data to find that many of the genes that are highly associated with clefting are located near the enhancer regions that work with a specific protein.
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.
The cancer-body clock connection
Researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine show how disruptions to the circadian rhythm influence tumor growth and cancer treatment.
Is climate change making the allergy season worse?
The timeline for seasonal hay fever has expanded in recent years. With the warmer temperatures, and a longer frost-free season, we may be exposed to more allergenic plants, leading to longer and more severe allergy seasons.
At Weiss Tech House, a race from idea to prototype in one semester
The student-run incubator hosted its first hardware accelerator this spring, offering cash, mentoring, and access to specialized equipment to four teams.
In the News
The New York Times
Tuesday could be the beginning of the end of Philadelphia’s soda tax
Christina Roberto of the Perelman School of Medicine commented on Philadelphia’s soda tax: “It’s not surprising that, if you raise the price of something, people will buy less of it.”
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The Atlantic
What is pornography doing to our sex lives?
Mary Anne Layden of the Perelman School of Medicines said the social pressure to mimic pornography can result in more sexual violence for some and a resistance to sex by others.
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Self
This is the difference between feeling anxious and having an anxiety disorder
Holly Valerio of the Perelman School of Medicine clarified the differences between having anxious feelings and actually having an anxiety disorder. For those with the latter, there is “often a disconnect in the estimation of danger … in anxiety-producing situations versus the actual or realistic threat,” she said.
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The New York Times
Where should a child die? Hospice homes help families with the unimaginable
Chris Feudtner of the Perelman School of Medicine said palliative care for children is a “largely silent, hidden, and woefully unmet need.” However, he said, these facilities are expensive and unsustainable under the current reality of American health care.
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U.S. News & World Report
AHA News: Dangerous blood clots may be the latest risk from ‘bad’ cholesterol
Scott Damrauer of the Perelman School of Medicine authored a study that found that LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, may contribute to venous thromboembolism, which causes potentially dangerous blood clots in the limbs. “This study shows how we can use genetics to try to more accurately understand who will go on to develop venous thromboembolism and who will not,” he said.
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