A new database cataloged every use of off-label COVID-19 treatments in medical literature, finding over 100 potential leads. The CORONA registry aims to spot promising treatments for further investigation.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in targeting non-cancerous senescent cells to slow down liver tumor growth. The study, led by Celeste Simon, found that these cells play a crucial role in promoting tumor progression and can be selectively targeted using senolytics.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used machine learning to track surges in interest in COVID-19 topics on Reddit. The analysis showed that areas of interest ebbed and flowed, with hand-washing and mask-wearing being discussed before official guidelines were issued.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in the number of organ donations and solid organ transplants in France and the United States. Kidney transplants have dropped by 91% in France, while overall solid organ transplant procedures have declined by 50%.
Castleman Disease patients experience a cytokine storm that can cause fever, organ failure, and death. Researchers identified Type-I Interferons as highly active during flares and the JAK pathway as a critical mediator of the immune system's hyper-response.
A new study shows that financial incentives can increase the number of emergency department physicians trained to prescribe buprenorphine, a potentially life-saving medication for opioid overdose. By offering reimbursement and a $750 incentive, 89% of physicians were fully trained in six weeks.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania activate G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in human and mouse pancreatic cancer models, inhibiting growth and making tumors more sensitive to immunotherapy. This approach may improve efficacy of existing treatments in a type where PD-1 inhibitors have been ineffective.
A new study published in PLOS Biology found that excess weight can cause poor sleep in worms, not the other way around. Researchers genetically modified worms to lose their ability to sleep and observed a severe drop in energy levels, suggesting that sleep is an attempt to conserve energy.
Researchers developed a liquid biopsy blood test that detects pancreatic cancer earlier and more accurately than existing biomarkers. The test outperforms imaging alone in staging disease, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Research found that breastfeeding significantly influences viral populations in infant guts, providing a protective effect against pathogenic viruses. Even small amounts of breastmilk can reduce the risk of early gastrointestinal disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to modify PARP inhibitor compounds to increase their effectiveness in killing cancer cells. By structurally modifying veliparib, a previously ineffective compound, they were able to boost its ability to trap and kill tumor cells.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the function of actin, a crucial protein in cells, by uncovering its atomic-scale structure as it is modified. The research reveals that actin's modification plays a key role in regulating its ability to form filaments and interact with other proteins.
Scientists have successfully engineered CAR macrophages to target and kill solid tumors, using a novel approach that could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The discovery centers around harnessing the immune-boosting properties of macrophages, which are often co-opted by tumors.
A new study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that the pioneering protein FoxA2 simultaneously binds to chromosomal proteins and DNA, opening gates for gene activation. This discovery helps untangle mysteries of embryonic stem cell development into organs, moving regenerative medicine forward.
A new study aims to identify molecular fingerprints of progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes, while also exploring the development of targeted therapies. The Transformative Research in Diabetic Nephrology (TRIDENT) study is a $5 million collaboration between Penn Medicine and over 20 institutions nationwide.
A signaling pathway that helps prevent protein aggregates in brain cells is also required for sleep in fruit flies and zebrafish, suggesting its presence in humans. The study found that suppressing this mechanism led to reduced sleep duration, while overproducing it caused increased sleepiness.
Researchers found that patients' Facebook posts showed a shift to more formal language and descriptions of physical pain before their ED visit, reliably predicting hospital visits. The study provides evidence that social media can be an unseen signal of medical distress and could potentially be used to trigger health care interventions.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that delivering dantrolene through the nose increases its brain concentration and duration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study showed no obvious adverse side effects, paving the way for potential long-term treatment options.
A new preclinical study reveals how liraglutide, an FDA-approved obesity drug, interacts with the brain's 'energy balance' system to reduce hunger and promote weight loss. The study identified a distinct group of neurons in the brainstem that play a key role in mediating these effects.
A new Penn study found that imaging techniques, such as MRI, may help identify which glioblastoma patients are best candidates for liquid biopsies. The research showed a correlation between the blood-brain barrier and macrophage density with circulating DNA levels, suggesting the potential for personalized treatment decisions.
New research from Penn Medicine suggests blocking the Wnt pathway can make chemotherapy more effective against glioblastoma. The study found that targeting stromal cells, which act like stem cells and promote tumor growth, may be an effective way to overcome treatment resistance.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania developed a blood test that correlates tumor mutations with clinical outcomes. Patients with higher mutation rates experience better responses to PD-1-based immunotherapy and longer survival times.
A study published in the journal Brain found that nearly 40% of schizophrenia patients had brains similar to those of healthy people, highlighting a potential new subtype. The discovery could lead to more personalized treatment options by accounting for these differences.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy researchers have identified a potential new method for therapies, using small molecules to increase utrophin protein production. This approach bypasses the immune system's challenges and may provide functional characteristics similar to dystrophin.
A Penn Medicine study used machine learning to analyze fMRI scans of nearly 700 children and adolescents, revealing unique brain network patterns that predict cognition and executive function. The research offers a new approach to personalized diagnostics and therapeutics for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers developed a CRISPR gene-editing technique that prevented genetic liver disease in mice by introducing a 'minigene' that expresses the enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase. The approach showed promise for treating rare metabolic disorders and other hereditary diseases.
A large-scale trial found that reducing steroid dosage and eliminating plasma exchange did not impact long-term survival for ANCA-associated vasculitis patients. Patients who received lower doses of steroids had fewer serious infections compared to those on higher doses.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that changes in DNA sequence can trigger chromatin misfolding in white blood cells, increasing the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. The study found that these misfolded regions occur before the disease onset and may serve as a diagnostic tool.
A new Penn Medicine study found that missing a single ophthalmology appointment over a two-year period was associated with decreased visual acuity for patients with macular degeneration. Patients who attended more frequent visits had better visual outcomes, highlighting the importance of visit adherence for this patient population.
Researchers have successfully edited immune cells using CRISPR technology in a U.S. clinical trial, demonstrating sustained anti-tumor function and persistence of the edited cells for up to nine months. The approach has shown promise as a potential treatment for various diseases previously untreatable or incurable.
A community health worker program in Philadelphia reduced hospital admissions by 38% and saved Medicaid $1.4 million annually, resulting in a $2.47 return on investment for every $1 spent. The program's success was demonstrated through a randomized controlled trial, improving quality of care and patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered a death receptor pathway in cancer cells that prevents them from dying, leading to T cell dysfunction and resistance to CAR T cell therapy. The study's findings may provide guidance for future immunotherapies in patients resistant to CAR T therapy.
A new study found that people with obesity who receive a stigma-reduction intervention, combined with standard behavioral weight loss treatment, devalue themselves less due to their weight. The Weight Bias Internalization and Stigma (BIAS) program helped participants combat negative thoughts and increase self-acceptance.
A new study found that intensive care units (ICUs) have better end-of-life care ratings than other hospital departments, contrary to previous beliefs. The research suggests that higher staffing ratios and more favorable symptom management in ICUs contribute to these improved outcomes.
Researchers found that reducing tongue fat is a primary factor in lessening the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Weight loss resulted in improved sleep apnea scores by 31% after the weight loss intervention, as measured by a sleep study.
A new Penn Medicine study developed an mRNA vaccine that successfully protected young mice against influenza and other pathogens in the presence of maternal antibodies. The vaccine worked by continuously producing antigens, eliciting a prolonged immune response.
Researchers identified changes in neural circuits supporting executive function and self-control during adolescence, finding that complex brain areas like the prefrontal cortex develop later and have higher structure-function coupling, leading to improved cognitive abilities.
A study by Penn Medicine found that residents of Hispanic neighborhoods are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander and have a lower chance of survival following cardiac arrest. The study analyzed over 27,000 cardiac arrest events and showed a significant disparity in CPR delivery rates between Hispanic and non-Hispanic neighborhoods.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that direct-to-consumer hormone-based fertility tests for women are both empowering and confusing. The tests, which estimate egg supply or 'ovarian reserve,' are marketed as an accessible option for investigating fertility status but do not predict natural conception.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that closing of local automotive assembly plants is associated with an increase in opioid overdose deaths. The study highlights fading economic opportunity as a driving factor in the national opioid epidemic.
Researchers found proton therapy significantly lowers the risk of severe side effects such as hospitalization, while maintaining similar cure rates and effectiveness compared to traditional photon radiation. The study suggests proton therapy offers a way to reduce serious side effects without sacrificing treatment efficacy.
Researchers have developed glioblastoma organoids from patient tissue, allowing them to rapidly test personalized treatment strategies. The models retain features from the primary tumor and can be used to explore ways to attack it.
Researchers at Penn Medicine used MRI scans to characterize tumor heterogeneity and predict 10-year breast cancer recurrence. High tumor heterogeneity was found to be a strong predictor of recurrence in patients with primary invasive breast cancer.
Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who receive anthracycline chemotherapy are at higher risk of developing heart failure within one year. Researchers developed a risk score system to identify high-risk patients and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
Researchers at Penn Medicine identify specific genetic locations of retained histones in sperm DNA, which can affect embryonic development. A new mouse model with a mutated Gcn5 gene allows for closer tracking of defective sperm and potential therapeutic targets.
A phase two trial found that belantamab mafodotin, a BCMA-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, achieved durable responses in nearly a third of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. The therapy demonstrated significant tumor reduction and improved survival rates compared to standard treatments.
A genetic variant found in 3% of individuals of African ancestry is a significant cause of heart failure, but it's significantly underdiagnosed. The FDA has approved a therapy for this condition, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that vancomycin alters the gut microbiome to improve the function of dendritic cells, which can help the immune system fight tumors more effectively. The approach has potential implications for a wide variety of cancer types and could lead to a new treatment strategy.
A global trial found mosunetuzumab, an off-the-shelf antibody, can induce complete responses in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Higher doses of the drug correlate with patient responses, and remissions appear to be long-lasting.
Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a way to make sarcoma cells more susceptible to treatment by slowing down their growth through a key metabolic process. By reactivating the FBP2 enzyme, researchers were able to stop cancer cell proliferation and leave them vulnerable to targeted therapies.