Health Sciences

A New Way to Make Reprogrammed Stem Cells

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have devised a totally new and far more efficient way of generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), immature cells that are able to develop into several different types of cells or tissues in the body.

Karen Kreeger

Penn Study Sheds Light on End of Life Management of Implanted Defibrillators

Each year, more than 100,000 patients in the U.S. undergo implantation of a new implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) for heart rhythm abnormalities. This number constitutes a 20-fold increase over the last 15 years. Current medical guidelines advocate discussion of end of life care of these medical devices, including deactivation, but many patients may not understand their options.

Jessica Mikulski

Severe Psoriasis Linked to Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease, and if severe, has been demonstrated to be a risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, the degree to which psoriasis is associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE), such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death has not been defined.

Jessica Mikulski

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation as Good as Surgery for High Risk, Operable Patients

Just released data from a clinical trial shows continued promise for a new minimally invasive treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis.  New research presented at the 2011 American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Sessions from the first arm, Cohort A, of the Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves (PARTNER) Trial shows that transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI

Jessica Mikulski

Penn Dental Medicine Presenting 3rd Annual Oral Cancer Walk on April 16

PHILADELPHIA – Students at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine are partnering with the national Oral Cancer Foundation to present Philadelphia’s 3rd Annual Oral Cancer Walk on Saturday, April 16.  The event recognizes Oral Cancer Awareness Month, bringing attention to the disease and the importance of early detection.

Evan Lerner

Penn Study: Cardiovascular Patients’ Perspectives On Guilt As A Motivational Tool

Current research supports the notion that lifestyle choices influence cardiovascular health, but to what extent specific emotions play is undefined. Now, new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has revealed the role that guilt may play as a motivational tool for cardiovascular patients.

Jessica Mikulski

Breakfast Reduces Lead Poisoning

It is known that fasting increases lead absorption in adults and consequently regular meals and snacks are recommended for children to prevent lead poisoning. New research published in BioMed Central’s open access journal Environmental Health demonstrates that having a regular breakfast is associated with lower blood lead levels in children.

Joy McIntyre



In the News


Newsweek

Sugar-coated gold nanoparticles could replace some antibiotics

According to a Penn Medicine study, a new therapy involving laser light and sugar-coated gold nanoparticles can reduce tooth decay and infected wounds without needing antibiotics.

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Associated Press

A new strategy to attack aggressive brain cancer shrank tumors in two early tests

A clinical trial led by Stephen Bagley of the Perelman School of Medicine suggests that targeting two associated proteins with CAR T cell therapy could be a viable strategy for shrinking brain tumors.

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New Scientist

Alzheimer’s may be caused by a build-up of fat in brain cells

A study by Michael Haney of the Perelman School of Medicine suggests that the root cause of Alzheimer’s is a build-up of fat droplets in brain cells.

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The Washington Post

Cats aren’t jerks. They’re just misunderstood

James Serpell of the School of Veterinary Medicine says that the domestic cat suffers from its legacy of being a not-quite-wild animal on the margins of society.

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WHYY (Philadelphia)

Philadelphia hospital program adds psychologists to bridge mental health services for trauma survivors

A new psychology team at the Penn Trauma Violence Recovery Program has provided about 46 survivors with short- and long- term therapy, featuring remarks from Elinore Kaufman and Lily Brown of the Perelman School of Medicine.

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