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Health Sciences
Malfunctioning Gene Associated With Lou Gehrig’s Disease Leads to Nerve-Cell Death in Mice
PHILADELPHIA – Lou Gehrig’s disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) are characterized by protein clumps in brain and spinal-cord cells that include an RNA-binding protein called TDP-43. This protein is the major building block of the lesions formed by these clumps.
Structure of Key Molecule in Immune System Provides Clues for Designing Drugs, According to Penn Study
PHILADELPHIA - A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Utrecht University has deciphered a key step in an evolutionarily old branch of the immune response. This system, called complement, comprises a network of proteins that “complement” the work of antibodies in destroying foreign invaders.
Penn Researchers Identify Potential Target for Breast Cancer Therapy
PHILADELPHIA – Overexpression or hyperactivation of ErbB cell-surface receptors drives the growth of many breast cancers. Drugs, like Herceptin, that block the receptors’ signals halt tumor progression in some patients. However, not all patients’ tumors respond, with some becoming resistant over time.
Penn Medicine Establishes Hand Transplant Program
PHILADELPHIA - The Penn Transplant Institute, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) have collaborated to form the Penn Hand Transplant Program.
Weightlifting Slashes Lymphedema Risk After Breast Cancer Treatment
(SAN ANTONIO) -- Weightlifting may play a key role in a program to prevent the painful limb-swelling condition lymphedema following breast cancer treatment, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Not Only Skin Deep: Penn Study on Skin Formation Suggests Strategies to Fight Skin Cancer
PHILADELPHIA - In a study published in the journal Developmental Cell, Sarah Millar PhD, professor of Dermatology and Cell & Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and colleagues demonstrate that a
Personalized Vaccine for Lymphoma Patients Extends Disease-Free Survival by Nearly Two Years
(ORLANDO, Fla.) –A personalized vaccine is a powerful therapy to prevent recurrence among certain follicular lymphoma patients, according to the latest results of ongoing research led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
First Blood Test to Determine Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease Developed at Penn
PHILADELPHIA –Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine’s Udall Center for Parkinson's Research have developed the first blood-based biomarker test to predict cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Color-Changing “Blast Badge” Detects Exposure to Explosive Shock Waves
PHILADELPHIA - Mimicking the reflective iridescence of a butterfly's wing, investigators at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a color-changing patch that could be worn on soldiers' helmets and uniforms t
Process Leading to Protein Diversity in Cells Important for Proper Neuron Firing
PHILADELPHIA – Cells have their own version of the cut-and-paste editing function called splicing. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have documented a novel form of splicing in the cytoplasm of a nerve cell, which dictates a special form of a potassium channel protein in the outer membrane.
In the News
CBS News
Pennsylvania doctors reflect on COVID-19 pandemic 5 years later
Raina Merchant of the Perelman School of Medicine says that Penn Medicine had to be nimble during the COVID-19 pandemic to respond to many changes in information and optimize care for patients.
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Good Housekeeping
Is This Viral Trend Really the Ultimate Cure for Bloat?
Anish A. Sheth of the Perelman School of Medicine says there’s no medical evidence that topical castor oil has any medically therapeutic benefits.
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Healio
Children, teens face 25% higher risk for adverse GI outcomes after COVID-19 infection
According to a study by Ph.D. student Dazheng Zhang of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues, children and adolescents experienced increased risk for gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders after COVID-19 infections.
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Healio
Consider cost-effectiveness of treatment when managing glaucoma
Lama Al-Aswad of the Perelman School of Medicine says that glaucoma should be diagnosed early to decrease the cost to health care, help patients, and prevent blindness.
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Huffington Post
13 changes veterinarians would never ignore in their dogs
Katie Krebs of the School of Veterinary Medicine offers advice on observing breathing problems in cats and dogs.
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