A massive genetic study has identified 1,260 associated variants with five major personality traits, showing that thousands of tiny genetic effects contribute to personality alongside environmental influences. The study found that common genetic variants explained about 5 to 9 percent of the differences in personality, and that genetic...
A new AI model, Percival, analyzes CT scans to uncover hidden patterns in disease and potential future health risks, improving the accuracy of health assessments. The model has been trained on a diverse dataset of 350,000 people and has shown promising results in detecting chronic conditions such as atrial fibrillation and chronic kidn...
Researchers created a large, openly available neuroimaging resource from over 24,000 MRI scans of over 10,000 adolescents, providing unprecedented insights into how the brain's wiring develops during adolescence. The study identified highly consistent patterns of development across 21 study sites, despite differences in scanner technol...
A new AI-driven platform allows patients to interact with their medical devices in real-time, enabling them to ask questions, report symptoms, and receive personalized alerts. The platform has been shown to improve seizure detection and provide valuable insights into patient behavior and disease management.
A nationwide study found that many oral blood cancer drug prescriptions were initially rejected due to insurance hurdles and high out-of-pocket costs, with fill rates dropping significantly when patients faced higher costs. The study suggests that changes to prior authorization, drug coverage rules, and cost-sharing are needed to ensur...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that medetomidine withdrawal cases have quadrupled in recent years due to its increased potency in the illicit opioid supply. Patients experiencing withdrawal symptoms, including tachycardia and organ damage, require specialized treatment, including dexmedetomidine ...
The new company will provide integrated advisory and lifecycle support services to help healthcare organizations develop and sustain successful proton therapy programs. Penn Medicine and IBA will combine their expertise to create a unique platform for delivering exceptional care to patients and building sustainable oncology programs.
A new analysis of uterus transplant procedures shows that 70% of recipients achieved at least one live birth, with fewer rates of organ rejection and more healthy births. The study also found that transplanted uteruses can support multiple pregnancies before removal, and that children born through the procedure tend to develop normally.
A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that seatbelt usage is more closely tied to situational factors such as driving at night or high speeds than demographic characteristics. The study analyzed data from 1,000 participants and found that 30% of buckling behavior could be attributed to situational factors.
Leading experts from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine will present research and moderate sessions on advancements in radiation oncology care and research. Neha Vapiwala, MD, will deliver the Presidential Address, highlighting priorities and insights for advancing radiotherapy's role in clinical care.
Researchers have identified the most common features of TRND, including speech delay, autism, and vision problems, and found a possible link to type 2 diabetes. The study aims to improve recognition and diagnosis of the condition and accelerate future research.
A new vision condition, EFEMP1-associated late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD), has been discovered, causing slow decline in peripheral vision and night vision loss. The p.Arg140Trp variant in the EFEMP1 gene leads to abnormally thick material building up between eye cells, affecting rod photoreceptors' recovery in darkness.
Penn Medicine is conducting a Phase I clinical trial to test the precision form of FLASH proton therapy, a faster and potentially less-toxic radiation therapy for cancer treatment. The trial aims to provide a treatment with minimal toxicity for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.
Researchers discovered that SGLT2 inhibitors activate PANK1, a key enzyme that boosts energy production and improves heart function in heart failure patients. Increasing CoA production improved the ability of human heart cells to contract and relax, two critical functions impaired in heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a novel scaffold system that recreates the natural transition from tendon to cartilage-like tissue to bone, promoting more organized formations of tendons, cartilage-like tissue, and bone at the repair site. This innovation aims to improve the quality and d...
A study in Arequipa, Peru, found that a decentralized, immune-inspired surveillance model detected 23 infested households compared to just one through the conventional strategy. The new approach allowed local public health staff to accept reports of infestations and expand outreach to nearby areas.
Scientists have discovered that TRF2, a protein previously known for protecting chromosome ends, plays a crucial role in preserving the identity of muscle stem cells and enabling their regenerative abilities. This new understanding may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophy and cancer research.
A new analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials found that different GLP-1 medications have distinct effects on heart and metabolic health, suggesting a need for personalized treatment selection. Oral GLP-1 therapies are emerging as strong options that could expand accessibility and flexibility.
A culturally tailored meal program rooted in traditional Diné foods significantly reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits among heart failure patients. Participants also reported improved quality of life, decreased food insecurity, and reduced financial strain.
Cevostamab, a bispecific antibody targeting FcRH5, showed promise in treating multiple myeloma, with over 40% of patients experiencing cancer reduction. The fixed-duration approach provided a break from treatment for patients, reducing serious infections and adverse events.
Researchers found that semaglutide treatment continued to reduce calorie intake even as participants felt hunger sensations return, contributing to sustained weight loss. Participants who took semaglutide lost an average of 15.1% of their initial body weight after 60 weeks, compared to 3.4% for placebo recipients.
Researchers developed an AI framework to identify viable target antigens for CAR T cell therapy, using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data. The framework showed robust tumor-killing activity in mouse models of multiple cancer types, including melanoma, leukemia, and colorectal cancer.
Researchers identified five regions of the genome linked to Ménière's disease risk, suggesting that small genetic variations in early development may influence its resilience over time. The study highlights a biological pathway involving retinoic acid and vitamin A, which helps regulate organ development and fluid balance.
Researchers used AI to identify hidden peptides called prionins in prion and prion-like proteins, which can kill bacteria and may hold the key to treating drug-resistant infections. The study suggests that these proteins, commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases, contain molecular features linked to immune defense.
Researchers found that CAR T cell therapy triggers a broad immune response in glioblastoma patients, with activated natural killer cells associated with better outcomes and longer overall survival. In contrast, high levels of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid cells hinder the therapy's effectiveness.
By identifying three distinct developmental stages of photoreceptor cells, researchers aim to determine which cell population is most capable of forming neuronal connections in the eye. This may lead to improved treatment outcomes for late-stage blinding conditions through cell-based therapies.
Two studies from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a key signaling pathway, ERK, that regulates heart cell growth and restructuring. Stabilized microtubules promote lateral growth, increasing cell width, while destabilized microtubules favor longitudinal growth, lengthening cells.
Researchers implemented behavioral nudges to increase prescription of naltrexone, a medication for alcohol use disorder. The study resulted in a 15-fold increase in patients leaving with a prescription, offering an effective treatment to those who struggle with alcohol.
A pioneering clinical trial demonstrates CAR T cells can safely desensitize highly sensitized patients, making kidney transplantation possible. Two patients with end-stage kidney disease successfully received kidney transplants after years of waiting.
A retrospective analysis of over 110,000 women found that GLP-1 medication users were 30% less likely to develop breast cancer. The study suggests that GLP-1s may inhibit tumor growth and reduce systemic inflammation, which could play a role in breast cancer development.
A new study by Penn Medicine reveals significant gaps in online information about artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on cancer research and treatment. The study found that only 33% of relevant webpages and 23% of videos were considered high-quality, with many omitting risks of AI use.
Researchers from Penn Medicine presented findings on the intersection of GLP-1s and breast cancer, gaps in patient-facing information about AI and cancer care, and updates from clinical trials in cancer genetics and CAR T cell therapy for glioblastoma. The studies suggest that GLP-1 usage is associated with a lower risk of breast cance...
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that 75% of individuals meeting TES criteria did not have CTE pathology at autopsy, highlighting the risk of misdiagnosis and potential mental health impacts. The proposed criteria may miss some people with CTE while incorrectly identifying others who do not have the disease.
Researchers identified GPNMB as a key molecule driving brain cell damage in Parkinson's disease. Blocking this protein with antibodies may help slow disease progression by interrupting the spread of toxic brain proteins.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has uncovered a fundamental rule governing gene arrangement inside the cell nucleus. By adjusting the balance between gene activity and DNA folding, they can partially restore expression of a key gene involved in Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have identified a previously unrecognized form of diabetic kidney disease marked by clusters of immune cells, specifically B cells, that are linked to faster disease progression. The study's findings could guide more targeted treatments in the future.
A preclinical study found that mice stopped and restarted GLP-1s gained less weight over time, with a significant decrease in muscle mass. The researchers suggest that clinicians help patients preserve muscle mass while on these medications through exercise or nutrition.
The KIR-CAR T cell therapy has shown promising results in a Phase I clinical trial, demonstrating safety and increasing efficacy with higher doses. The treatment targets mesothelin, widely expressed on several solid tumor cancers, and limits side effects through its natural 'on-off' mechanism.
A new blood test identifies African Americans carrying high-risk APOL1 variants at risk of developing kidney failure years before clinical symptoms appear. The test uses circulating protein markers linked to kidney injury and fibrosis, outperforming existing clinical prediction tools.
Researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase progress in CAR T cell therapies for solid tumors, as well as a multi-chain CAR T cell therapy for ovarian cancer. The presentation also highlights a new strategy targeting pancreatic cancer before it forms and at-home cervical cancer testing.
A preclinical study reveals a new topical cream that activates the skin's immune defenses and suppresses tumor growth in two models of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The cream works by blocking LSD1, an enzyme that suppresses immune-activating pathways in the skin, prompting immune cells to attack tumors.
Researchers developed an experimental therapy to target microscopic precancerous lesions in the pancreas, which nearly doubled survival in mouse models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Long-term treatment with the therapy tripled median overall survival time compared to untreated mice.
Telemedicine usage varies by patient demographics and location, with elderly people and Asian patients less likely to use it. Lower income brackets and those with better technology access are more likely to use telemedicine, with significant geographic and demographic disparities found.
The King Center for Lynch Syndrome will advance research, outreach, education, and patient care for Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition affecting 1 in 279 individuals. The center will provide cutting-edge research, life-long comprehensive care, and increased awareness for patients and families affected by Lynch syndrome.
The study found that telemedicine patient visits were billed $400 less and resulted in fewer follow-up visits compared to in-person appointments. For respiratory symptoms, telemedicine appointments were cheaper by roughly $800 on average, highlighting its cost-efficiency.
Researchers developed an ultrathin mesh of conductive wires to help lab-grown pancreatic cells mature and function properly. The approach, called 'cyborg' transplants, has the potential to expand the supply of new tissue and reduce rejection risk.
A study found that nearly a quarter of young people taking psychotropic medications were prescribed multiple medications with serious interaction risks. The greatest increases in medication use were seen among children and young adults, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and research on long-term safety.
Research shows that methadone and buprenorphine prescriptions have risen significantly since 2010, reducing opioid-related deaths by half. However, only a quarter of individuals with opioid use disorder receive medication treatment, highlighting the need for expanded access to these life-saving medications.
A new study found that pink noise can reduce restorative REM sleep and interfere with sleep recovery, while earplugs were more effective in protecting sleep against traffic noise. The findings challenge the widespread use of ambient sound machines and apps marketed as sleep aids.
Drivers who participated in a program based on their driving habits showed reduced speeding, hard braking, and rapid acceleration by up to 25%. They continued these safe habits even after the program ended. The programs were equally effective in improving safety scores.