6.19
Health Sciences
Drug combination offers more effective care for patients suffering miscarriage
In a new clinical trial, a two-drug combination of mifepristone and misoprostol shows increased efficacy in helping women avoid surgical procedures following a miscarriage
Despite their efficacy, life-saving drug prescriptions are denied by insurers
A new Penn study shows that both private and public insurers continue to deny coverage for effective hepatitis C drugs at high rates.
Tipping point for large-scale social change? Just 25 percent
How many people need to take a stand before a behavior is no longer seen as normal? According to research from Annenberg’s Damon Centola, there’s now a quantifiable answer: roughly 25 percent.
Examining 20th-century America’s obsession with poor posture, a forgotten ‘epidemic’
Poor posture was considered a real threat to the nation’s health through much of the 20th century. Beth Linker of the School of Arts and Sciences is investigating the history of this forgotten “epidemic” and how its legacy is reflected in notions of health and disability today.
Incarceration’s impact on communities and people of color
At a day-long workshop, held at the School of Nursing, public health and criminal justice experts addressed how health and well-being are affected not only during incarceration, but after release, as well.
How to avoid food poisoning from E. coli and salmonella
There are numerous ways for your food to be contaminated with bacteria, and also numerous ways to avoid getting sick. Understanding the science behind what lies inside or on your food is key to staying safe and enjoying your meals.
Recent grad Meghan Ramos helps people by training animals
At Penn Vet's Working Dog Center, Ramos is leading research projects training dogs to detect infections using scent detection.
How baking soda may boost cancer therapy
Researchers describe how acidity makes oxygen-starved cancer cells dormant and drug resistant, and efforts to reduce acidity may be the key to improved responses to immunotherapy.
Why do the choices made today affect those we make tomorrow?
It’s long been known that someone’s previous choices subconsciously affect those they make in the future. New research could pave the way for a deeper investigation into how such thought processes work.
Making an IMPaCT on community health services
Training community members as healthcare liaisons originated as an Innovation Accelerator at Penn, and is now a branded product on the health care market across the country.
In the News
PhillyVoice
When to See the Doctor When You’re Traveling, and When to Suck It Up
Penn Global’s Erica Sebastian advised travelers to factor in a visit to the doctor when planning a trip, especially “if you have a chronic health condition.”
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BBC
Why Do Only Some People Get Blackout Drunk?
Reagan Wetherill of the Perelman School of Medicine discussed “inherent brain vulnerabilities, and genetic vulnerabilities,” that put adolescents at risk of future alcohol abuse.
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Reuters Health
Workplace Noise in Daytime Linked to Sleep Problems at Night
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Mathias Basner weighed in on the effects of noise environments on stress levels.
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The Washington Post
Forget ‘Man vs. Machine.’ When Doctors Compete with Artificial Intelligence, Patients Lose
Carrie Kovarik, Caroline Nelson, and John Barbieri of the Perelman School of Medicine co-authored an argument for collaboration, not competition, between doctors and AI technology.
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WHYY (Philadelphia)
New Blood Test for Pregnant Women Could Predict Preterm Birth
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Michal Elovitz discussed the results from her research exploring methods for predicting preterm births. The study’s results were published in Science.
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