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Health Sciences
A possible link between certain psoriasis treatments and respiratory-tract infection risk
A possible link between certain psoriasis treatments and respiratory-tract infection risk
After examining data from large trials of autoimmune-disease medications called Interleukin-17 inhibitors, researchers found individuals who took these treatments were more likely to develop symptoms associated with respiratory-tract infections.
Bridging the communication divide for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities
Bridging the communication divide for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities
Clear-fronted face masks, better and more frequent interpreters, and amped up involvement from local organizations have made a big difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At a community health center, doctors offer COVID testing—and screening for depression
At a community health center, doctors offer COVID testing—and screening for depression
The Sayre Health Center in West Philadelphia is including anxiety and depression screening with COVID-19 testing, a necessity for a population especially at risk for both.
Blocking tumor signals can hinder cancer’s spread
Blocking tumor signals can hinder cancer’s spread
A cross-campus team led by Serge Fuchs of the School of Veterinary Medicine used an inhibitor of an enzyme called p38α kinase to suppress the spread of melanoma to the lungs in a mouse model.
New liver cancer research targets non-cancer cells to blunt tumor growth
New liver cancer research targets non-cancer cells to blunt tumor growth
By targeting senescent cells using “senotherapy,” researchers can greatly reduce tumors in models.
Stimulating immune cleanup crew offers affordable possibility for treating rare genetic disorder
Stimulating immune cleanup crew offers affordable possibility for treating rare genetic disorder
Compounds that mimicked the process known as efferocytosis alleviated signs of leukocyte adhesion deficiency type-1 in an animal model, according to work led by the School of Dental Medicine’s George Hajishengallis
COVID-19’s assault on Black and Brown communities
COVID-19’s assault on Black and Brown communities
Racism, inequality, and the coronavirus have combined to cause an alarming number of COVID-19 cases and deaths among African-American and Latinx populations.
A cautionary tale about Medicaid work requirements
A cautionary tale about Medicaid work requirements
A historical analysis of welfare requirements show large spillover effects among those not actually subject to such work requirements.
Virtual palliative care doctors are a ‘bright spot’ in dark times
Virtual palliative care doctors are a ‘bright spot’ in dark times
An initiative to provide virtual palliative care for nursing home patients, their families, and staff in a group of West Philadelphia nursing homes is providing comfort in the best and safest way possible during the pandemic.
Side gigs for good during COVID-19
Side gigs for good during COVID-19
Whether making masks, writing letters, raising funds, or shopping for neighbors, members of the Penn community have stepped up during the pandemic to support those in need.
In the News
The New York Times
Who gets a vaccine first? U.S. considers race in coronavirus plans
Harald Schmidt of the Perelman School of Medicine said courts would likely strike down any vaccine prioritization model based on race and ethnicity, proposing instead an approach that considers socioeconomic status. “It’s imperative that we pay attention to how COVID has impacted the health of minorities differently; otherwise it compounds the inequalities we’ve seen,” he said.
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Axios
Fighting the coronavirus infodemic
Alison Buttenheim of the School of Nursing spoke about the spread of misinformation online. "In our hyper-polarized and politicized climate, many folks just inherently mistrust advice or evidence that comes from an opposing political party," she said.
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BBC News
Coronavirus: Wear masks in crowded public spaces, says science body
Paul Edelstein of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about the effectiveness of face masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19. "There are people without symptoms going about their daily business who are unknowingly breathing out droplets that are carrying the virus," he said. "If they had their faces covered the majority of those droplets would be caught before they can infect other people. Wearing face coverings can help save lives and prevent disabling illnesses."
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NBC News
How blood type may affect your coronavirus risk
Lewis Kaplan of the Perelman School of Medicine said people with a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 according to their blood type shouldn’t get overly confident. "It might mean they have less risk, but if you engage in risky behavior, we don't know just how much risk you need to incur to overwhelm whatever potential protection you might have," he said. "We have no clue."
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The New York Times
The wilderness of rare genetic diseases and the parents navigating it
Jim Wilson of the Perelman School of Medicine spoke about his research at Penn’s Orphan Disease Center. “When I was practicing clinical genetics, it was limited to diagnosis and prognosis,” he said. “Now, in a limited number of diseases, there are potential treatments, if not cures.”
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