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Health Sciences
Identities in harmony: How Beth Burton integrates the personal with the professional
Identities in harmony: How Beth Burton integrates the personal with the professional
The doctoral candidate in the Perelman School of Medicine is a scientist studying the genetic causes of Alzheimer’s. She’s also a musician, a queer woman, and a voice for those with genetic disorders.
From 5 to 95: The impact of life experiences on brain health
From 5 to 95: The impact of life experiences on brain health
Structural and social determinants of health (SSDoH) are environmental conditions in which individuals are born, live, and learn that affect health, and evidence suggests that SSDoH can help to explain similar outcomes in Alzheimer’s disease.
Climate change’s impact on cardiovascular mortality
Climate change’s impact on cardiovascular mortality
Two new studies from Penn LDI indicate the increasing number of extreme heat waves baking large swaths of the country pose new levels of potentially deadly health threats, particularly for older adults and minority populations in low-income communities.
Helping transgender patients navigate health care
Helping transgender patients navigate health care
Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement and Penn’s Program for LGBTQ Health works to address the specific health care needs of gender diverse patients.
Managing mental health amid gun violence
Managing mental health amid gun violence
In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record number of 486 homicides by shooting as well 1,846 non-fatal shootings. According to clinical psychologist Leah Blain, exposure to trauma, including to gun violence, increases the risk of negative health outcomes.
Children younger than 5 eligible for COVID-19 vaccines
Children younger than 5 eligible for COVID-19 vaccines
In a Q&A, Lori Handy of Penn Medicine and CHOP discusses what it means now that this final group can get protection, plus offers recommendations for families with concerns about doing so.
Stress protein in fibroblasts may be a good target for future cancer drugs
Stress protein in fibroblasts may be a good target for future cancer drugs
A Penn study finds the ATF4 protein is overactive in many types of tumor cells and tumor-supporting fibroblasts to promote tumor survival, and may be a good target for future cancer treatments.
A newly identified stem cell regulator enables lifelong sperm production
A newly identified stem cell regulator enables lifelong sperm production
Research led by Jeremy Wang of the School of Veterinary Medicine has discovered that the enzyme DOT1L, a stem cell renewal factor, is essential for mice to produce sperm throughout their adult lives.
University of Pennsylvania’s first NFT commemorates mRNA research
University of Pennsylvania’s first NFT commemorates mRNA research
Proceeds from the July auction of the non-fungible token—a digital asset—will benefit ongoing research at Penn.
Helping the brain to heal the gut
Helping the brain to heal the gut
In the second edition of her book on irritable bowel syndrome, Penn psychologist Melissa Hunt explores advances made in the past decade. Her aim is to offer accessible, effective, self-help psychological treatment for those who suffer from the disorder.
In the News
Philadelphia Inquirer
Penn Medicine teams with Independence Blue Cross on primary care venture
Penn Medicine is investing in Independence Blue Cross subsidiary Tandigm Health and adding primary care doctors to Tandigm’s systems, with a statement from CEO Kevin Mahoney.
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Tallahassee Democrat
FSU awarded grant for ‘mystery shopper’ research to reduce HIV infections in young adults
José Bauermeister of the School of Nursing will assist a Florida State University team in developing research on HIV clinics to decrease infection rates among young gay men.
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NPR
Pfizer and Moderna seek authorization of omicron booster for kids ages 5-11
Paul Offit of the Perelman School of Medicine says that uncertain benefits for children and lack of historical data on bivalent vaccines might not justify pediatric authorizations for omicron boosters.
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SciTechDaily
New treatment target could counter bone loss
A study from Shuying (Sheri) Yang of the School of Dental Medicine and colleagues identified a protein that regulates osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone, which may pave the way for new treatments that prevent bone loss.
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The Guardian
Biden’s claim that COVID pandemic is over sparks debate over future
PIK Professor Ezekiel Emanuel says that President Biden’s remarks reflect the general population’s current disregard of masks and pandemic precautions.
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