Gut cells sound the alarm when parasites invade The parasite Cryptosporidium, transmitted through water sources, is one of the most common causes of diarrheal disease in the world. (Image: Muthgapatti Kandasamy and Boris Striepen) Gut cells sound the alarm when parasites invade A chain reaction led by cells lining the intestines tips the immune system off to the presence of the parasite Cryptosporidium, according to a study led by researchers in the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Self-awareness can drive behavior change, reprogram the brain’s reward system Self-awareness can drive behavior change, reprogram the brain’s reward system Most people break New Year’s resolutions within a few weeks. Neuroscientist Vera Ludwig offers six tips to move mindfully through this process, leading to a greater chance for success.
Quarantine or isolation? An updated glossary for the next phase of the pandemic Quarantine or isolation? An updated glossary for the next phase of the pandemic Penn Today revisits the lexicon of new definitions and phrases to help make sense of news headlines, public health measures, and everyday discussions about COVID-19.
From PPE to lab safety, supporting the campus community is a full-time job From PPE to lab safety, supporting the campus community is a full-time job The Environmental Health and Radiation Safety office plays an important role in keeping Penn safe and healthy. Now, during the COVID-19 crisis, the office has stepped up to support the resumption of on-campus activities.
Project Quaker testing program key to a safe campus reopening Project Quaker testing program key to a safe campus reopening Developed in partnership with Penn Medicine, the program aims to conduct 40,000 COVID-19 tests each week and will support ongoing plans to bring students back to campus this spring.
Translating groundbreaking scientific discoveries into practical technologies Translating groundbreaking scientific discoveries into practical technologies Amidst the numerous challenges posed by COVID-19, the Penn Center for Innovation has continued to facilitate impactful innovations created at Penn, fostering partnerships and helping to realize new products and businesses.
One step closer to a clinical fix for the side effects of monovision The lab of neuroscientist Johannes Burge (above) focuses on how the human visual system processes the images that fall on the back of the eye. This line of work, closely related to a 100-year-old illusion called the Pulfrich effect, could have serious public safety and public health implications. One step closer to a clinical fix for the side effects of monovision Monovision counters the deterioration of the ability to see up close but also causes dramatic visual distortions. New research confirms that a solution that successfully works with trial lenses—the special lenses used by eye doctors—also succeeds with contact lenses.
Uniting against an invisible foe A tiny virus has transformed life as we know it. But in nearly every corner of Penn’s campus, researchers are making remarkable progress to combat it. (Image, also on homepage: National Institutes of Health) Uniting against an invisible foe All across the University, researchers have launched new areas of study, reaching across disciplinary boundaries to make stunning progress in combating COVID-19.
Parasitic worms offer ‘the missing link’ on the dual nature of a key immune regulator Samples of nasal polyps removed from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis revealed the perforin-2 protein (labeled in green) in the cellular plasma membrane. A pore protein, perforin-2 may be how IL-33, a key immune signaling molecule, is able to exit these cells to trigger an immune response, according to new work led by a Penn Vet-led team. (Image: Courtesy of De’Broski Herbert) Parasitic worms offer ‘the missing link’ on the dual nature of a key immune regulator Whether the signaling molecule IL-33 wakes up or turns down the immune response depends on what cell type releases it, School of Veterinary Medicine researchers found.
Wellness resources at your fingertips Wellness resources at your fingertips When facing the challenges of the current moment, Penn students, faculty, and staff have options to promote their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.