Health Sciences

Fostering a therapy dog means welcoming strangers and petting

Foster families and therapy dogs in training learn their roles together. Studies show pet therapy in hospitals significantly decreases pain, calms breathing, and boosts mood and perceived energy levels in patients.

From Penn Medicine News

The ‘paradox’ of receiving health care in prison

In an excerpt from their new book, Penn sociologist Jason Schnittker and colleagues dissect the contradictory nature of these institutions, which are charged with both “denying freedom and providing care.”

Michele W. Berger , Michele W. Berger

‘Learning about BRCA saved my life’

A family cancer diagnosis led Trudy Orthey to test for the BRCA2 gene mutation. A prophylactic double mastectomy and oophorectomy at Penn Medicine revealed she had early-stage ovarian cancer.

From Penn Medicine News

The Jin Lab taps into a key cell for cancer research

The lab, led by Chengcheng Jin, an assistant professor of cancer biology and microbiology, is investigating how the immune system co-evolves with tumors during cancer progression.

From Penn Medicine News



In the News


New Scientist

We may finally know why psychological stress worsens gut inflammation

A study by Christoph Thaiss of the Perelman School of Medicine and colleagues identified a pathway between the brain and immune system in mice that may explain why psychological stress can worsen gut inflammation.

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PBS

Curbing gun violence with a public health approach

Sara Jacoby of the School of Nursing explains how public health research and interventions could be used to reduce gun violence.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

University of Pennsylvania Health System has a $160M operating profit so far in fiscal 2023

Penn Medicine has remained profitable through the first nine months of fiscal 2023, with remarks from Keith Kasper.

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Philadelphia Citizen

Cleaner streets are key to Philly’s success

Two studies by the Urban Health Lab at Penn found that gun violence dropped significantly in neighborhoods where vacant parcels were turned into regularly maintained green spaces.

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6ABC.com

Tickborne illnesses rise with rising temperatures: What you should know

Kaitlyn Krebs of the School of Veterinary Medicine notes an increase in animals with tick bites this year due to a warmer winter.

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