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Health Sciences
A Change of Heart: Penn Researchers Reprogram Brain Cells to Become Heart Cells
PHILADELPHIA — For the past decade, researchers have tried to reprogram the identity of all kinds of cell types. Heart cells are one of the most sought-after cells in regenerative medicine because researchers anticipate that they may help to repair injured hearts by replacing lost tissue.
Penn Researchers Show Single Drug and Soft Environment Can Increase Platelet Production
PHILADELPHIA — Humans produce billions of clot-forming platelets every day, but there are times when there aren’t enough of them, such as with certain diseases or during invasive surgery.
Penn: Veterans Who Survive Suicide Attempt Have Heightened Mortality Risk of Future Suicide, Disease
An estimated 18 American military veterans take their own lives every day -- thousands each year -- and those numbers are steadily increasing. Even after weathering the stresses of military life and the terrors of combat, these soldiers find themselves overwhelmed by the transition back into civilian life.
Next Generation Gene Therapy: Penn Study Shows Potential of Gene Vector to Broaden Eye-Disease Treatment
Philadelphia — Inspired by earlier successes using gene therapy to correct an inherited type of blindness, investigators from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, are poised to extend their approach to other types of blinding disorders.
New Genes for Risk and Progression of Rare Brain Disease Identified in Penn-led Study
Philadelphia — There are new genetic clues on risk factors and biological causes of a rare neurodegenerative disease called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), according to a new study from an international genetics team led by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Penn Study Will Investigate HIV-Testing Awareness Using Videos on Los Angeles Buses
PHILADELPHIA -- A University of Pennsylvania study will determine if public transit can convey more than people going from point A to point B. Video displays on public buses in Los Angeles will be used to help determine the efficacy of an innovative soap opera-like video program designed to increase HIV testing among low-income African Americans 14 to 24 years of age.
Penn Researchers Identify a New Marker That Predicts Progressive Kidney Failure and Death
A high level of a hormone that regulates phosphate is associated with an increased risk of kidney failure and death among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, according to a recent study led by researchers at the University of Miami and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and funded by the National Institu
Penn Researchers Show New Evidence of Genetic “Arms Race” Against Malaria
PHILADELPHIA — For tens of thousands of years, the genomes of malaria parasites and humans have been at war with one another. Now, University of Pennsylvania geneticists, in collaboration with an international team of scientists, have developed a new picture of one way that the human genome has fought back.
"Wrong"-Time Eating Reduces Fertility in Fruit Flies
Dieticians will tell you it isn't healthy to eat late at night: it's a recipe for weight gain. In fruit flies, at least, there's another consequence: reduced fertility.
Three Penn Nursing Professors to Be Inducted as American Academy of Nursing Fellows
PHILADELPHIA –- Three University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing professors will receive one of the highest honors in nursing when they’re inducted as fellows in the American Academy of Nursing. The ceremony will be held at the Academy’s annual meeting in October in Washington.
In the News
Health.com
What is trypanophobia? How to cope with a fear of needles so you can get the COVID-19 vaccine
Thea Gallagher of the Perelman School of Medicine offered tips for overcoming fear of needles in order to get the COVID-19 vaccine, starting with just making the appointment. "More doing and less thinking is an important way to overcome your fear," she said.
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The New York Times
Why are we so afraid of fevers?
Paul Offit of the Perelman School of Medicine said treating fevers can prolong or worsen an illness because immunity works better at higher temperatures. While fever reducers can relieve uncomfortable symptoms, “You’re not supposed to feel better,” he said. “You’re supposed to stay under the covers, keep warm, and ride out the infection. We have fevers for a reason.”
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The Washington Post
Study suggests Pfizer vaccine works against virus variant
Frederic Bushman of the Perelman School of Medicine said there’s no reason to think the COVID-19 vaccines won’t work on new strains of the virus. “A mutation will change one little place, but it’s not going to disrupt binding to all of them,” he said.
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Philadelphia Inquirer
Could cutting or delaying doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to immunize more people make the pandemic last longer?
Steven Joffe of the Perelman School of Medicine commented on the unknown efficacy of a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, which was designed to be given in two doses. “Those unknowns are why some people say, ‘We should stick with what we know. By all means, do the trials to test [varied regimens], but don’t just wing it.’ Others say, ‘We are in a race against the virus.’ I’m not going to come down on one side or the other,” he said.
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The Washington Post
You’ve seen many images from the Capitol riot. Here’s why it’s okay to take a break
Thea Gallagher of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the effects of exposure to violent media imagery. “You don’t have to be there,” she said. “You can still be traumatized by watching things, hearing about them.”
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