4.23
Health Sciences
Study reveals overlapping and distinct genes associated with heavy drinking and alcoholism
In the largest-ever genome-wide association study of both traits in the same population, a team of researchers found 18 genetic variants of significance associated with either heavy alcohol consumption, AUD, or both.
Eating disorders do not discriminate: Trans teens face greater risk
Research shows that transgender children are at greater risk for developing eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia, even more so than their cisgender peers.
Topical targeted therapies show promise in treatment of skin cancer
A Penn study finds fewer side effects with small-molecule kinase inhibitors compared to standard ointment when treating precancerous skin lesions.
Researchers discover the source of new neurons in brain hippocampus
The findings extend the understanding of how a continuous supply of neurons throughout life is connected with learning and memory.
Unlocking the female bias in lupus
The majority of lupus patients are female, and new findings from Montserrat Anguera of the School of Veterinary Medicine and colleagues shed light on why. The research suggests that female lupus patients don’t fully silence their second X chromosome in T cells, leading to an immune response gone awry.
A DIY colorectal cancer screening kit
At-home screening kits are found to be effective, with roughly a quarter of patients overdue for screenings mailing the completed kits back within two months.
Penn Dental Medicine educating dentists to care for persons with disabilities
Penn Dental Medicine is helping to improve access to care for persons with disabilities through a commitment to provide continuing education and educational content to dentists on how to manage this special population.
Battle of the bacteria: Studying the causes of and protectors against premature birth
Seven types of bacteria and certain immune factors in a woman’s vagina and cervix may be responsible for increasing the risk of spontaneous preterm birth or protecting against it.
In Ethiopia, new perspectives on the challenges of development
PIK Professor Ezekiel Emanuel and Assistant Professor Heather Schofield led a group of Wharton students on a four-day trip to Ethiopia, for a close-up look at the African nation’s health, agricultural, business, and political sectors.
Wonder within wonder
Penn Medicine’s uterus transplant trial offers hope for a rare form of infertility—and at the same time, has the potential to unlock a deeper understanding of the complex biology of human pregnancy.
In the News
U.S. News & World Report
What is syphilis, and why are rates rising?
Amy Forrestel of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the symptoms, spread, and long-term effects of syphilis. If left untreated, the sexually transmitted infection “can wreak a lot of havoc” on the body, said Forrestel.
FULL STORY →
The Washington Post
A smarter way to think about willpower
Angela Duckworth of the School of Arts and Sciences and Katherine Milkman of the Wharton School are among co-authors of an op-ed about self-control. While many believe Americans’ willpower is on the decline, the authors write, “the scant scientific evidence on the question suggests that if anything, the capacity to delay gratification may be increasing.”
FULL STORY →
NPR
First U.S. patients treated with CRISPR as human gene-editing trials get underway
A clinical trial led by Edward Stadtmauer of the Perelman School of Medicine will be using CRISPR to treat cancer patients.
FULL STORY →
Associated Press
Senior’s weakness for scams may be warning sign of dementia
Jason Karlawish of the Perelman School of Medicine said a recent study on aging and scam awareness doesn’t prove a link between susceptibility and cognitive decline in seniors. However, Karlawish says, the results “should be a call to action to health care systems, the financial services industry and their regulators.”
FULL STORY →
The Washington Post
New cancer therapies offer great hope, but there can be surprising complications
Ravi Parikh of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about rapid advances in cancer therapies. While excited about the possibilities, Parikh notes that new treatments come with new side effects, among other complications.
FULL STORY →