9.30
Health Sciences
Hydroxychloroquine no more effective than placebo in preventing COVID-19
Hydroxychloroquine no more effective than placebo in preventing COVID-19
A Penn clinical trial shows health care workers in contact with COVID-19 patients who took hydroxychloroquine daily did not reduce their rate of infection.
Penn researchers uncover epigenetic drivers for Alzheimer’s disease
Penn researchers uncover epigenetic drivers for Alzheimer’s disease
The identification of this epigenetic process highlights potential drug treatment strategies for early-stage disease treatment.
Adolescents, psychiatric hospitalization, and COVID-19
Adolescents, psychiatric hospitalization, and COVID-19
As widespread community transmission of COVID-19 continues, researchers say the focus must shift to the broader effects on health and wellbeing, including on the mental health of children and adolescents. A recent Penn LDI study reports on the impact of the pandemic on youth at a local behavioral health hospital.
Novel canine scent detection program may help battle spotted lanternfly
Novel canine scent detection program may help battle spotted lanternfly
The launch of Penn Vet's training program comes at a critical time for spotted lanternfly management in Pennsylvania. Beyond causing severe damage to trees and the insect poses a significant threat to state agriculture.
Aging and the costs that come with it
Aging and the costs that come with it
As a high school student, junior Darcey Hookway spent time volunteering on a dementia ward at a local hospital. “The social aspect of their condition really struck me,” says Hookway, who is from London. “They struggled immensely with social isolation. And now with COVID exacerbating that more than ever, I think that’s a huge detriment to their health.”
TV ads for psoriasis and eczema medications portray few people of color
TV ads for psoriasis and eczema medications portray few people of color
A Penn Medicine study finds commercials from pharmaceutical companies advertising medication to treat psoriasis and eczema lack people from racial and ethnic minorities.
Penn Medicine and others to launch innovative health care collaboration in West Philadelphia
Penn Medicine and others to launch innovative health care collaboration in West Philadelphia
Penn Medicine, Public Health Management Corporation, Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic and Independence Blue Cross join together to transform Mercy Catholic Medical Center campus in an innovative partnership to care for the West Philadelphia community.
Long-term effects of COVID-19 and support to cope
Long-term effects of COVID-19 and support to cope
Millions of people around the world have already survived a bout with COVID-19. Clinicians are learning how cases can trigger lasting consequences for the body.
HIV and suicide risk
HIV and suicide risk
While HIV infection can be well-managed with proper care, suicidal thoughts and attempts remain a pressing concern. A recent study looks at what accounts for the elevated risk for suicide among people living with HIV.
In a time of uncertainty, resources for grad students hold steady
In a time of uncertainty, resources for grad students hold steady
Penn staffers discuss resources available to graduate and postdoctoral students during this challenging time.
In the News
NBC News
Secret, powerful panels will pick COVID-19 vaccine winners
Susan Ellenberg of the Perelman School of Medicine said it’s important to keep data and safety monitoring boards anonymous to protect the members from people desperate for treatment. It “would be very hard to tell [a patient], ‘Oh I can’t help you.’ It’s an unreasonable burden,” she said.
FULL STORY →
Fast Company
UPenn releases surprising report on 9/11 rescue dogs and their causes of death
Research from the School of Veterinary Medicine tracked the causes of death for 95 search-and-rescue dogs deployed on 9/11 and showed that most of the dogs died of typical age-related conditions and outlived others of their breeds. “Dogs have a really good filtering system,” said Cynthia Otto. “Their lungs are different—they don’t get asthma, for example.”
FULL STORY →
Bloomberg
Stay-at-home orders more effective on virus than closing businesses
Research by the Wharton School’s Kent Smetters, Alexander Arnon, and John Ricco found that shelter-in-place orders did more to combat the coronavirus than business closures and at a lower economic cost.
FULL STORY →
The Wall Street Journal
Thousands of American troops to take part in COVID-19 early-detection study
PIK Professor Jonathan Moreno commented on plans to conduct a COVID-19 early-detection study on U.S. troops. “Should we ask for consent if it reveals medical issues that a person in uniform may not want revealed and is not relevant to job performance?” he asked.
FULL STORY →
The Washington Post
FDA poised to announce tougher standards for a COVID-19 vaccine that make it unlikely one will be cleared by Election Day
Holly Fernandez Lynch of the Perelman School of Medicine commented on the FDA’s use of emergency authorizations to expedite coronavirus drugs. “Is the president going to put the screws to the FDA so much that they will speed ahead on a vaccine?” she asked.
FULL STORY →