2.19
Health Sciences
Researchers Uncover New Gene for Heart Failure in Caucasians
Nearly five million Americans live with heart failure, with as many as 700,000 new cases diagnosed each year. In addition to lifestyle factors, scientists have shown that heart failure has a strong heritable component, but identifying the responsible genes has been a major challenge.
Certain Genetic Profiles Increase Risk of Coronary Artery Disease, While Others Increase Risk of Heart Attack
(PHILADELPHIA) – Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the single largest cause of death in adults in the United States. Until recently, the genetic basis of CAD has been largely unknown, with just a few proven genes (typically genes for cholesterol disorders) accounting for very little of the disease in the population.
Penn Study Shows New Measure Trumps HDL Levels in Protecting Against Heart Disease
(PHILADELPHIA) – The discovery that high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good cholesterol”) is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease has fostered intensive research to modify HDL levels for therapeutic gain.
Male Pattern Balding May Be Due to Stem Cell Inactivation, According to Penn Study
PHILADELPHIA – Given the amount of angst over male pattern balding, surprisingly little is known about its cause at the cellular level.
Malfunctioning Gene Associated With Lou Gehrig’s Disease Leads to Nerve-Cell Death in Mice
PHILADELPHIA – Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are characterized by protein clumps in brain and spinal-cord cells that include an RNA-binding protein called TDP-43. This protein is the major building block of the lesions formed by these clumps.
Structure of Key Molecule in Immune System Provides Clues for Designing Drugs, According to Penn Study
PHILADELPHIA - A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Utrecht University has deciphered a key step in an evolutionarily old branch of the immune response. This system, called complement, comprises a network of proteins that “complement” the work of antibodies in destroying foreign invaders.
Penn Researchers Identify Potential Target for Breast Cancer Therapy
PHILADELPHIA – Overexpression or hyperactivation of ErbB cell-surface receptors drives the growth of many breast cancers. Drugs, like Herceptin, that block the receptors’ signals halt tumor progression in some patients. However, not all patients’ tumors respond, with some becoming resistant over time.
Penn Medicine Establishes Hand Transplant Program
PHILADELPHIA - The Penn Transplant Institute, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) have collaborated to form the Penn Hand Transplant Program.
Weightlifting Slashes Lymphedema Risk After Breast Cancer Treatment
(SAN ANTONIO) -- Weightlifting may play a key role in a program to prevent the painful limb-swelling condition lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Not Only Skin Deep: Penn Study on Skin Formation Suggests Strategies to Fight Skin Cancer
PHILADELPHIA - In a study published in the journal Developmental Cell, Sarah Millar PhD, professor of Dermatology and Cell & Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and colleagues demonstrate that a
In the News
Science
Poor sleep could clog your arteries. A mouse study shows how that might happen
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Namni Goel weighed in on a new study that found that poor sleep can clog arteries.
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Men’s Health
Why gene editing may hold the promise of a herpes cure
Sita Awasthi of the Perelman School of Medicine discussed the challenges researchers face in pursuing a cure for herpes. In spite of advances in CRISPR technology, Awasthi emphasizes the continued need for a preventive vaccine.
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The Wall Street Journal
How community health workers could create less-costly, higher-quality care
A study by Shreya Kangovi of the Perelman School of Medicine offered evidence that a comprehensive community health worker program, similar to those implemented in countries with shortages of doctors and nurses, could be effective in the U.S.
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Men’s Health
So, Meghan Markle is using a ‘doula’—What’s the deal with that?
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Sindhu Srinivas commented on the increasing number of doulas employed by hospitals. Obstetricians “can’t be in the room the whole time, but doulas can, which can help women feel more supported,” said Srinivas.
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Reuters Health
Hospitals serving more minorities may offer less palliative care
The Perelman School of Medicine’s Kate Courtright commented on new findings that hospitals that primarily serve minorities provide their patients with less palliative care than other hospitals.
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