3/19
Health Sciences
Lidocaine may be able to kill certain cancer cells by activating bitter taste receptors
A preclinical Penn Medicine study explains the previously observed anti-cancer effect of the common anesthetic drug.
Three sisters share Penn Dental education
The trio of DMD students were raised in Lebanon and grew up in an environment where oral health care was inaccessible to the general population. At Penn Dental Medicine, they share a unique bond and a common vision for their future.
From high school to the hospital
An immersive program at the Perelman School of Medicine gives high school students a sneak peek at a potential future in the medical field.
A space for lifesaving, collaborative work
Gov. Josh Shapiro, President Liz Magill, and others from the University community celebrated the new home of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation.
New ‘patch’ uses natural body motion to fix disc herniation
The tension-activated repair patch plugs holes in discs in the spine like car tire patches, and could prevent further disease progression.
Pain scores, age can help identify patients more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery
A Penn Medicine study shows that patient pain scores are a good predictor for opioid use, but younger patients and those who hadn’t used opioids before are less likely to take them.
Wry Not’s triumph over a twisted fate
A multidisciplinary team of Penn Vet clinical specialists successfully performed lifesaving surgery on the Standardbred filly’s deviated muzzle.
Patients in nursing homes after hospitalization have better outcomes at specialized facilities
A new study by LDI associate fellow Zachary S. Templeton and LDI executive director Rachel M. Werner finds that death and readmission rates are lower but stays are longer and Medicare costs are higher.
Decentralizing cancer screenings
A Projects for Progress team in the Abramson Cancer Center continues to work with the West Philadelphia community to bring cancer screenings out of clinical settings.
As people live longer, family caregivers face financial challenges
Many people overlook the short- and long-term costs of financial caregiving, a growing problem that financial advisors and employers can help address, according to a new report by Penn Nursing.
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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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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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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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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