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Health Sciences
Classification of Gene Mutations in a Children's Cancer May Point to Improved Treatments
Oncology researchers studying gene mutations in the childhood cancer neuroblastoma are refining their diagnostic tools to predict which patients are more likely to respond to drugs called ALK inhibitors that target such mutations. Removing some of the guesswork in diagnosis and treatment, the researchers say, may lead to more successful outcomes for children with this often-deadly cancer.
Penn Study: Olaparib Shows Promise As Treatment Option for Patients with BRCA-Related Cancers
Olaparib, an experimental twice-daily oral cancer drug, produces an overall tumor response rate of 26 percent in several advanced cancers associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, according to new research co-led by the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania.
Readmission Rates Above Average for Survivors of Septic Shock, Penn Study Finds
A diagnosis of septic shock was once a near death sentence. At best, survivors suffered a substantially reduced quality of life.
Penn Medicine Studies Show New Evidence that Exercise Therapy, Acupuncture Benefit Breast Cancer Survivors
Two new studies from the Abramson Cancer Center and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania offer hope for breast cancer survivors struggling with cancer-related pain and swelling, and point to ways to enhance muscular strength and body image.
Medicare May Need to Expand Options for Behavioral Weight Loss Counseling in Primary Care Settings, According to Penn Research Review
An important addition to the “eat less, move more” strategy for weight loss lies in behavioral counseling to achieve these goals.
Penn-led Team Pieces Together Signaling Pathway Leading to Obesity
As scientists probe the molecular underpinnings of why some people are prone to obesity and some to leanness, they are discovering that weight maintenance is more complicated than the old “calories in, calories out” adage.
Penn Medicine: Study Identifies Potential Treatment Target for Cocaine Addiction
A study led by investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has identified a potential target for therapies to treat cocaine addiction.
HR’s 'Be in the Know' program offers cash incentives for health
The “Be in the Know” biometric health screening program offered by Penn’s Division of Human Resources (HR) is back for the third consecutive year with higher cash incentives—up to $135— and a new educational component.
Epidemiological Study by Penn Vet Professor Investigates Parasite-Schizophrenia Connection
Many factors, both genetic and environmental, have been blamed for increasing the risk of a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Some, such as a family history of schizophrenia, are widely accepted. Others, such as infection with Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite transmitted by soil, undercooked meat and cat feces, are still viewed with skepticism.
Want to Change the World? Penn Has a Prize for That
The big banner on the ARCH on Locust Walk and the emails from President Gutmann to the senior class have gotten the message out: The search for entries in the inaugural President’s Engagement Prize competition is underway.
In the News
6ABC.com
Bird flu suspected in deaths of 200 snow geese in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley
Stephen Cole of the School of Veterinary Medicine says that indoor cats are contracting bird flu through raw pet foods of poultry origin or raw milk products.
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Self
The surgeon general calls for new warning labels on alcohol—here’s the truth about how it impacts your health
Henry Kranzler of the Perelman School of Medicine says that alcohol’s effects on the brain are observed more readily because it’s the organ of behavior.
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NPR
Tuberculosis rates plunge when families living in poverty get a monthly cash payout
Aaron Richterman of the Perelman School of Medicine says that there are large and underappreciated benefits of cash-transfer programs, such as potentially ending a tuberculosis epidemic.
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Time
Scientists are racing to develop a new bird flu vaccine
Drew Weissman and Scott Hensley of the Perelman School of Medicine are testing a vaccine to prevent a strain of H5N1 bird flu in chickens and cattle.
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Newsweek
Cancer breakthrough as ‘speckles’ may reveal best treatment
A paper co-authored by PIK Professor Shelley Berger finds that patterns of “speckles” in the heart of tumor cells could help predict how patients with a common form of kidney cancer will respond to treatment options.
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