The many lives of charcoal Environmental Studies master’s student Catherine Nabukalu worked with Professor Reto Gieré to study the charcoal supply chain. She visited and interviewed workers involved with its production and trade in a number of sites in Uganda. The many lives of charcoal Catherine Nabukalu, an alumna of the Master in Environmental Studies program, worked with School of Arts and Sciences Professor Reto Gieré to track the charcoal supply chain through research in Nabukalu’s native Uganda.
With a protein ‘delivery,’ parasite can suppress its host’s immune response The Toxoplasma parasite (in red) doesn’t need to infect an immune cell to alter its behavior, according to new Penn Vet research. Simply being injected with a package of proteins by the parasite (indicated by cells turning green) is enough to change the host cells’ activity. (Video: Courtesy of Hunter laboratory) With a protein ‘delivery,’ parasite can suppress its host’s immune response The parasite Toxoplasma gondii need not infect a host immune cell to alter its behavior, according to a new study from the School of Veterinary Medicine.
The healing power of music Monica Trent, left, a patient at HUP, listens as guitarist David Falcone plays the chords of a familiar rock song. The healing power of music WXPN celebrates 15 years of its Musicians On Call volunteer program, which has brought music to more than 100,000 patients in Philadelphia hospitals.
In partnership with the state, a comprehensive focus on wildlife health In partnership with the state, a comprehensive focus on wildlife health The Pennsylvania Wildlife Futures Program, a collaboration between the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will leverage Penn Vet’s expertise to address wildlife health problems.
A roadblock for disease-causing parasites Activating the immune system of mosquitoes prevents the parasite that causes canine heartworm from developing, according to new research from Penn Vet. The same approach also thwarted the parasite responsible for lymphatic filariasis, a disease that affects humans. (Image: Povelones laboratory) A roadblock for disease-causing parasites Activating a mosquito’s immune system can prevent it from transmitting the parasites that cause canine heartworm and human lymphatic filariasis, according to new research from the School of Veterinary Medicine.
Do DIY DNA kits revive a harmful perceived link between genetics and race? Do DIY DNA kits revive a harmful perceived link between genetics and race? Research from sociologist Wendy Roth reveals that on average, these tests don’t reinforce the idea of essentialism, but how much participants know about genetics going in matters.
Penn nanoparticles are less toxic to T cells engineered for cancer immunotherapy An artist’s illustration of nanoparticles transporting mRNA into a T cell (blue), allowing the latter to express surface receptors that recognize cancer cells (red). (Image: Ryan Allen, Second Bay Studios) Penn nanoparticles are less toxic to T cells engineered for cancer immunotherapy By using messenger RNA across the T cell’s membrane via a nanoparticle instead of a DNA-rewriting virus on extracted T cells, CAR T treatments could have fewer side effects.
Philly water straight from the tap As part of a partnership including Penn’s ImpactED and Water Center, trained neighborhood ambassadors shared the benefits of drinking tap water in their local communities, both at formal events and in informal interactions. (Image: Tiffany Ledesma for PWD) Philly water straight from the tap A collaborative city-wide campaign that included ImpactED and the Water Center at Penn helped spread the word that Philadelphia tap water is safe and healthy to drink.
Lending a hand at the Farm Show Lending a hand at the Farm Show At the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the School of Veterinary Medicine showcased its role in sustaining one of the state’s largest industries.
Penn Medicine birth marks a milestone in uterus transplant clinical trial Born in November 2019, Benjamin Gobrecht’s arrival was a “perfect miracle” for his parents, Jennifer and Drew, and a medical milestone for researchers at Penn Medicine. He was the first baby born as part of Penn’s uterus transplant clinical trial. Penn Medicine birth marks a milestone in uterus transplant clinical trial The birth is Penn’s first as part of its uterus transplant clinical trial, and second in the United States following a deceased donor transplant.