Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified LSD1 as a key regulator of skin cell turnover and found that blocking it could be an effective treatment method for non-melanoma skin cancers. The study shows that targeting LSD1 can force skin cells to differentiate, potentially turning tumor cells into healthier cells.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for patients with Castleman disease who do not respond to the currently approved drug siltuximab. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, when inhibited, shows promise in sending patients into remission.
A Penn study reveals that tipping the balance of 'stop' and 'go' signaling in the interferon pathway can predict which patients are likely to respond to immunotherapies. Blocking the signal in cancer cells helps the immune system fight off tumors, offering potential therapeutic implications.
A new study found that FDG-PET scans are a better indicator of cognitive performance when compared to PET scans that detect amyloid protein. This suggests that FDG-PET is more precise in clinical studies and may be available for routine use at modest costs.
Researchers discovered T follicular helper cells in blood can reveal immune system events in distant parts of the body. The 'periscope' approach enables a snapshot of whole-body immunity from blood samples, paving the way for personalized treatment plans.
Researchers have streamlined the construction of human artificial chromosomes by bypassing the need for DNA from the centromere. This breakthrough enables improved delivery of drugs and gene therapies.
A new study reveals significant differences in brain tissue and connectivity between impacted patients and healthy individuals, particularly in the cerebellum. The findings may underlie clinical findings previously reported by the Penn team, suggesting a novel pathway for neurological symptoms.
As cells age, their ability to remove damaged proteins and structures declines, leading to a buildup of waste inside neurons. Researchers discovered that restoring autophagy in aged neurons can restore protein disposal, providing insight into potential therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found music to be as effective as midazolam in lowering anxiety before anesthetic procedures. The study used Marconi Union's 'Weightless' song and noise-canceling headphones to reduce anxiety levels.
A new study found that people who internalize weight bias tend to be younger, female, have a higher BMI, and have an earlier onset of their weight struggle. Researchers also identified key characteristics of these individuals, including weight-stigmatizing experiences from family members or friends.
Researchers found adding pembrolizumab to definitive treatment increased overall average PFS by 19.1 months, compared to 6.6 months in historical averages. The study showed the treatment did not lead to new safety issues or decreased patient quality of life.
A Penn study of over 150,000 men with prostate cancer found that hormone therapy increased the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The treatment was associated with a 14% increased risk of Alzheimer's and a 20% increased risk of dementia compared to patients who did not receive hormone therapy.
Researchers reviewed gene sequences of over 70,000 people and found that only 5% of patients with a TTN gene mutation developed dilated cardiomyopathy. Despite this, subtle differences in heart function were detected in those with the mutations, suggesting that pinpointing these genes may not be a reliable predictor of heart disease.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania finds that proton therapy can be as effective and safe as traditional treatments when administered in higher doses over a shorter period. The research, which included 184 men with non-metastatic prostate cancer, showed low rates of serious gastrointestinal and urologic issues.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a new pathway that works as a partner to MYC and may be its Achilles' Heel. By blocking the ATF4 gene, cancer cells produce too much protein and die due to stress. This finding could lead to a new therapeutic approach using existing inhibitors.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that introducing a default physician order into electronic health records reduced daily imaging for cancer patients with advanced cancer by half. This change also saved an average of two minutes per session, resulting in faster treatment courses.
A Penn study shows a Moonshot-funded program can increase cancer patients' engagement in tobacco cessation treatments from 0% to 36%. The program's success is attributed to institutional buy-in and continuous dialogue with clinicians, which informed the development of additional support services.
A new study found that evidence-based therapies for youth with mental health problems are slow to catch on, despite city efforts to showcase their value. Clinicians who work in 'proficient cultures' were more likely to use these approaches.
A Penn Medicine pilot study finds that shorter intensive care unit rotations can significantly reduce burnout rates by as much as 41% while increasing job fulfillment. The study suggests that organizations can implement strategies like truncated staffing rotations to mitigate burnout and improve physician well-being.
A new study found that elderly patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who received targeted therapies experienced improved overall survival rates compared to those treated with older, more toxic treatments. The study analyzed data from over 1,100 Medicare patients and showed a three-month survival advantage with targeted therapies.
A new study from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that college affirmative action bans may increase rates of smoking among underrepresented minority high school students. The study also showed a potential long-term impact on health behaviors, with the students more likely to smoke into young adulthood.
A Penn study found that cell size controls the timing of genome activation in zygotes, shifting control from maternal molecules to individual cells. This discovery has significant implications for understanding early embryo development and may impact research approaches.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a protein called TOX as the key regulator of exhausted immune cells in cancer. The discovery could lead to new immunotherapies that target or engineer TOX to reverse exhaustion and improve immunity to infections or cancer.
A study from Penn Medicine and Stony Brook University found that language in Facebook posts can identify conditions such as diabetes, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The researchers analyzed nearly 1,000 patient profiles and built models to predict disease using post language alone or combined with demographic data.
Common conditions like cartilage defects over 55 or under 18 are often excluded from clinical trials due to concerns about optimal results and complications. Researchers highlight promising therapies for these populations, including scaffolding for cartilage growth and 3D-printed tissues for larger defects.
Patients with untreated white coat hypertension face a 36% increased risk of heart disease and 33% increased risk of death, finds a new study. Out-of-office blood pressure monitoring is crucial in diagnosis and management of hypertension, the researchers argue.
Researchers developed a method to replicate fetal bone growth, aiming to improve healing rates for large bone defects. The approach, tested in rodent models, involves delivering stem cells and adjusting mechanical forces to mimic embryonic development, showing promising results without adverse side effects.
Researchers at Penn aim to better understand the connection between novel radiation therapies and immune systems to enhance cancer treatments. Five projects will investigate signaling pathways and genetics behind interferon and pattern recognition receptor signaling.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that growing up in poverty and experiencing traumatic events accelerates puberty, brain maturation, and mental health disorders. Poverty was associated with increased psychiatric symptoms and cognitive deficits, while trauma showed large effects on mood/anxiety and psychosis.
A new study from Penn Medicine researchers found that people have implicit negative biases against individuals with scars, birthmarks, and other facial differences. These biases are present even when participants are not consciously aware of them, and they can affect neural responses in the brain, leading to reduced empathy.
Researchers have deciphered the structure of a complex involved in regulating the immune system, finding new molecular targets for fighting autoimmunity. The discovery has implications for treating autoimmune disorders such as lupus and may lead to the development of new drugs targeting this complex.
Researchers found that proton therapy significantly lowers the risk of severe side effects in cancer patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, with a relative risk reduction of two-thirds. Cure rates were almost identical between groups.
A specialized pain management program for robotic urologic surgery patients resulted in a significant reduction in opioid prescriptions. The study found that just 8% of patients were prescribed opioids after discharge, with those who received them going home with fewer pills than usual.
Researchers found Hispanic children are most likely to have missed at least six days of school over a six-month period due to their condition. Black children also saw higher probabilities of missed school days compared to white children.
A Penn Medicine study found that compound SR9009 can affect cell growth and metabolic function without the presence of protein REV-ERB, challenging previous understanding of its effects on obesity and diabetes. The research has significant implications for researchers and the general public.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that Twitter users with depression and anxiety tend to post less vivid photos with lower aesthetic values, often featuring grayscale images of their faces. The study's lead author noted that this 'flat affect' is characterized by reduced expression and displays of emotion.
A recent study by Penn Medicine researchers found that Philadelphia's beverage tax led to a 38% drop in sales of sugary drinks, with nearly 1 billion fewer ounces consumed. The tax also generated revenue for education programs, supporting universal pre-K and community schools.
A study published in AJOB Neuroscience found that the general public views cognitive enhancers as acceptable in the workplace when positively framed and used by non-students and athletes. However, misuse continues to rise among adolescents and adults, with limited evidence supporting their cognitive benefits.
A study found that cancer screening rates decrease as the day goes on for patients seen later in the day. Decision fatigue and overwhelmed clinicians may contribute to this trend, leading to lower completion rates for screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies.
A team of microbiologists and pulmonologists at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a previously unknown viral family, Redondoviridae, which is the second-most common DNA virus in human lung and mouth specimens. The virus is associated with severe critical illness and gum disease, respectively.
Researchers have identified over 100 new genes that could contribute to the development of cleft lip and palate (CL/P), a condition affecting 1 in 700 live-born babies. The study suggests that genetic variants near these genes are regulated by 'enhancers' in the genome, which play a crucial role in maintaining proper cell identity.
Researchers at Penn Medicine found that chronic circadian disruption triggers cell proliferation and shifts the cell-cycle balance, leading to tumor growth. The study also suggests that timing cancer treatment according to an individual's circadian rhythm can improve disease outcomes.
Researchers identified specific strains of Staphylococcus aureus associated with non-healing wounds, while another microbe Alcaligenes faecalis was linked to quicker healing. The study suggests monitoring wound microbes could help doctors develop new treatment strategies for impaired wound healing.
Researchers used CRISPR to edit genes in mice, targeting cells that line the airways of the lungs. The study demonstrated promising results for developing new therapies for congenital lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis and surfactant protein deficiency.
According to a new study, first-year doctors in internal medicine programs spend an average of 87% of their work time away from patients. The majority of this time is spent interacting with electronic health records or engaging in indirect patient care. Multitasking is also common throughout the day.
The Penn-developed tool uses big data to identify risk factors for incisional hernias, including history of abdominal surgery, smoking, and recent infection. The app combines this data to generate a real-time risk score, potentially helping surgeons make informed decisions about patient care.
A Penn-led study confirms the relationship between childhood trauma and major depressive disorder, showing symptom-specific changes in brain network connectivity. The research suggests that resting-state network connectivity may serve as a biomarker for depression.
Researchers found that rucaparib reduced tumor size and controlled growth in 17 out of 19 patients with BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 mutations. The study provides promising early evidence for this approach as a less toxic option.
A large genomic study of nearly 275,000 people identified 18 genetic variants associated with either heavy alcohol consumption or alcohol use disorder. The study suggests that certain genes, such as DRD2 and SIX3, may need to be present for people to develop AUD. This research may inform future treatments for each alcohol disorder.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a targeted drug gilteritinib that helps patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia live longer. The trial showed significant survival benefits and well-tolerated side effects, offering a new treatment option for high-risk patients.