3/19
Health Sciences
By the Numbers: Penn Vet’s agricultural impact
In addition to excellence in teaching and clinical care for companion animals, Penn Vet makes indispensable contributions to the state’s agriculture sector.
Penn Medicine sets a worldwide record with 100 kidney paired donation transplants in a year
The Penn Transplant Institute coordinates with the National Kidney Register to help pair the more than 90,000 patients on the waitlist with a deceased donor.
Research shows how stress activates neurons that disrupt sleep
New research from Penn Medicine shows suppressing these neurons may be a promising target for therapies to treat stress-related sleep disorders, like insomnia and PTSD.
First in-human clinical trial of CAR T cell therapy with new binding mechanism shows promising early responses
The therapy tested in a Phase 1 clinical trial might drastically change the way the T cells work, potentially allowing the new CAR T cell product to work where other products have failed.
One in six patients with opioid use disorder leaving the hospital before completing treatment
A new Penn Medicine analysis shows that discharges too early for patients with opioid use disorder increased over 50% between 2016 and 2020.
Inclusive, ambitious research to meet the needs of a changing planet
Collaborative research communities supported by the Environmental Innovations Initiative are addressing issues related to climate action, stewardship of nature, and societal resilience.
Three takeaways on respiratory illness in dogs
Deborah Silverstein of the School of Veterinary Medicine advises dog owners to stay calm but take certain precautions.
The evolution of adaptive immunity in cold-blooded vertebrates
New research from Penn Vet sheds light on the immune system’s evolution in cold-blooded species, with the potential to inform human medicine.
Climate, public health crises, and fertility
Letícia Marteleto, a social demographer new to Penn, does research at the intersection of fertility, Zika, COVID-19, climate conditions, urbanicity, and inequality.
Could a single shot heal heart disease?
Experts at Penn Medicine are researching novel treatments for heart disease, including CRISPR gene editing technology, CAR T technology, and mRNA injections.
In the News
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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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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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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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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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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