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Health Sciences
From 5 to 95: The impact of life experiences on brain health
Structural and social determinants of health (SSDoH) are environmental conditions in which individuals are born, live, and learn that affect health, and evidence suggests that SSDoH can help to explain similar outcomes in Alzheimer’s disease.
Climate change’s impact on cardiovascular mortality
Two new studies from Penn LDI indicate the increasing number of extreme heat waves baking large swaths of the country pose new levels of potentially deadly health threats, particularly for older adults and minority populations in low-income communities.
Identities in harmony: How Beth Burton integrates the personal with the professional
The doctoral candidate in the Perelman School of Medicine is a scientist studying the genetic causes of Alzheimer’s. She’s also a musician, a queer woman, and a voice for those with genetic disorders.
Helping transgender patients navigate health care
Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement and Penn’s Program for LGBTQ Health works to address the specific health care needs of gender diverse patients.
Managing mental health amid gun violence
In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record number of 486 homicides by shooting as well 1,846 non-fatal shootings. According to clinical psychologist Leah Blain, exposure to trauma, including to gun violence, increases the risk of negative health outcomes.
Children younger than 5 eligible for COVID-19 vaccines
In a Q&A, Lori Handy of Penn Medicine and CHOP discusses what it means now that this final group can get protection, plus offers recommendations for families with concerns about doing so.
Stress protein in fibroblasts may be a good target for future cancer drugs
A Penn study finds the ATF4 protein is overactive in many types of tumor cells and tumor-supporting fibroblasts to promote tumor survival, and may be a good target for future cancer treatments.
A newly identified stem cell regulator enables lifelong sperm production
Research led by Jeremy Wang of the School of Veterinary Medicine has discovered that the enzyme DOT1L, a stem cell renewal factor, is essential for mice to produce sperm throughout their adult lives.
University of Pennsylvania’s first NFT commemorates mRNA research
Proceeds from the July auction of the non-fungible token—a digital asset—will benefit ongoing research at Penn.
Text messaging shows promise in reaching unvaccinated patients
A Penn study finds that while automated texting did not get more patients to get their vaccinations against COVID-19, it reached roughly the same amount as manned phone calls.
In the News
What it’s like to catch the coronavirus for the sake of science
Stanley Plotkin of the Perelman School of Medicine is quoted on how we can learn things more quickly by doing challenge studies.
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The foods that keep you hydrated
Dan Negoianu of the Perelman School of Medicine says there’s really no data behind the eight-glasses-of-water-a-day advice.
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U.S. grapples with whether to modify COVID vaccine for fall
E. John Wherry of the Perelman School of Medicine is quoted on “bivalent” shots—a combination of the original vaccine plus omicron protection.
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The many uses of CRISPR: Scientists tell all
Carl June and Ed Stadtmauer comment on the last decade’s revolution in the treatment of diseases.
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How to make spatial maps of gene activity—down to the cellular level
Mingyao Li of the Perelman School of Medicine comments on how imaging data can also be a powerful asset for cellular deconvolution.
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