7.14
Health Sciences
Long-term use of muscle relaxants has skyrocketed since 2005
Long-term use of muscle relaxants has skyrocketed since 2005
Penn Medicine researchers found the drugs were prescribed disproportionately to older adults, often concurrently with opioids, despite warnings against this dangerous combination.
Coping with COVID stress: From pandemic brain fog to resilience
Coping with COVID stress: From pandemic brain fog to resilience
While feelings of anxiety and concern are normal during a crisis, stress can impact people in a variety of ways. Practicing mindfulness and increasing resilience can combat the physical manifestations of anxiety.
Glowing dye may aid in eliminating cancer
Glowing dye may aid in eliminating cancer
In dogs with mammary tumors, researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine used a substance that glows under near-infrared light to illuminate cancer.
To heal meniscus injuries, researchers go to the heart of a cell
To heal meniscus injuries, researchers go to the heart of a cell
Using an enzyme inhibitor in meniscus cells, a Penn team is able to soften the cells’ nucleus and promote access to previously impassible tissue.
Can spending time in nature prevent or lessen postpartum depression?
Can spending time in nature prevent or lessen postpartum depression?
Nurtured in Nature, a pilot project in Black communities conducted by Penn Medicine’s Eugenia South, aims to find out.
Researchers identify novel genetic variants linked to Type 2 diabetes
Researchers identify novel genetic variants linked to Type 2 diabetes
Largest-ever study of its kind finds variants that may predispose some people to develop the disease and related conditions like coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease.
Food insecurity, not the ‘Quarantine 15,’ is the real pandemic concern
Food insecurity, not the ‘Quarantine 15,’ is the real pandemic concern
But results from a recent nationwide survey conducted by Penn researchers indicate that household food insecurity is a real effect of the pandemic, and not weight gain.
Pregnant in the pandemic: How Penn Medicine supports new and expectant parents
Pregnant in the pandemic: How Penn Medicine supports new and expectant parents
Medical staff in Penn’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology are meeting the challenge of optimizing care for pregnant patients during the pandemic.
Critically ill patients with COVID-19 at risk to develop heart rhythm disorders
Critically ill patients with COVID-19 at risk to develop heart rhythm disorders
A Penn study suggests cardiac arrests and arrhythmias are likely triggered by systemic illness, not solely due to the viral infection itself.
Police killings and Black mental health
Police killings and Black mental health
Specialists from across the Penn community discuss the mental health impacts of Black people being subjected to videos of African Americans being killed by the police.
In the News
NPR
End-of-life planning is a ‘lifetime gift’ to your loved ones
Pallavi Kumar of the Perelman School of Medicine said the most important medical decision one can make is assigning a medical proxy as part of an advance directive. "Think about the person in your life who understands you, your goals, your values, your priorities and then is able to set aside their own wishes and be a voice for you," she said.
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The New York Times
How the coronavirus short-circuits the immune system
The Perelman School of Medicine’s John Wherry and Carl June spoke about Wherry’s lab’s research into the immune systems of patients with COVID-19.
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The New York Times
Decades-old Soviet studies hint at coronavirus strategy
Paul Offit of the Perelman School of Medicine said the benefits of a repurposed vaccines are limited. “We are much better off with a vaccine that induces specific immunity,” he said.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Psychologist explains why we formed bad habits during quarantine, and tips for how to break them
Thea Gallagher of the Perelman School of Medicine was interviewed about anxiety and coping mechanisms amid the pandemic.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
Social media’s ‘infodemic’
Dominic Sisti and Raina Merchant of the Perelman School of Medicine and Alison Buttenheim of the School of Nursing discussed the role of social media in public health.
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