A new study found that nudging both patients and providers with reminders increased flu vaccine numbers by almost 3,000 more people than expected. The researchers believe this could lead to strategies to boost annual flu vaccination rates.
A new gene therapy has been discovered that targets only pain signals while leaving the rest of the brain untouched, providing hope for people with chronic pain. The therapy eliminates the risk of addiction from narcotics treatments, a breakthrough that could alleviate suffering for over 50 million Americans.
A new study reveals significant gaps in genetic evaluation and testing for Black and low-income patients, despite higher rates of testing after receiving results. Researchers call for expanded workforce training, diversification, and policy changes to build equitable systems.
A $25M study will enroll 18,000 adults at high risk of heart disease and track their progress using smartphone fitness trackers. The trial aims to prove that increasing physical activity can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A Phase III clinical trial found that over half of patients who received ianalumab for primary ITP maintained safe platelet counts without serious bleeding episodes for at least one year. The study suggests a new treatment option with the potential to improve long-term quality of life for patients.
Researchers found that CAR T cell therapy side effects, such as neurotoxicity and intestinal inflammation, are linked to high rates of death unrelated to cancer relapse. CirAEs were more common in patients who received cilta-cel and had higher non-relapse mortality rates.
Researchers from Penn Medicine will present data on latest advances in blood cancer and classical hematology research at the 67th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting. The presentation includes updates on preclinical, clinical, and population-based research, as well as a multicenter Phase II study and a randomized phase III tr...
An emerging AI-powered system, coordn8, has tripled the speed of fax processing and cut a full week off the new patient intake process. The system automates the intake and filing of faxed documents into electronic health records and allows patients to digitally give their consent.
A new study has caught immune cells 'in the act' in pancreatic lymph nodes, suggesting an early onset of Type 1 Diabetes. The researchers identified a unique subset of CD4 T cells that ramp up two proteins, NFKB1 and BACH2, turning genes on and off to rev up the immune attack on insulin-making cells.
Researchers have developed a new CAR T cell therapy that targets the underlying cause of atherosclerosis, the most common form of heart disease. The treatment has shown significant promise in mice, reducing arterial plaque buildup by over two-thirds.
Research using brain-computer interface reveals tirzepatide's temporary suppression of brain activity involved in 'food noise' in a patient with severe obesity, calling for further investigation. The medication, originally developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, may have potential in treating impulse control disorders like binge eating di...
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine finds that general anesthesia may be a suitable option for women undergoing C-sections, offering them more control over their delivery experience. The study analyzed 30 years' worth of data and found small differences in newborn health between babies born under general ane...
A study in Arequipa, Peru found that efforts to track dog-related rabies in poorer areas were lacking, despite higher disease prevalence. An active surveillance system improved data collection and analysis, revealing striking differences between risk and surveillance.
A new study found that cash transfer programs led to significant improvements in health outcomes across 37 low- and middle-income countries. Women were more likely to plan pregnancies as they wished and receive birth control when needed, resulting in lower infant mortality rates. The programs also had a positive impact on child nutriti...
A compound found in rosemary leaves may significantly improve the healing of skin wounds and reduce scarring, according to new research. The study found that carnosic acid, a naturally occurring antioxidant in rosemary, can shift the healing process from scarring to healthy skin regeneration.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have identified specific brain circuits impacted by psilocybin, which could lead to new paths forward for pain and mental health management options. The study found that psilocybin reduces both pain and depression-like behaviors with benefits lasting almost two weeks.
A new tool has been developed to predict cocaine overdose risk, using demographics and other available information to identify those at high risk. The tool was trained on de-identified data from the Medicaid program and showed accuracy above 9 out of 10 in identifying individuals at risk for stimulant-involved overdose.
A new pediatric study found that young people infected with COVID twice are twice as likely to develop long COVID, with increased risks for heart disease, damaged kidneys, cognitive issues, and more. The study analyzed data from over 407,000 patients across 40 pediatric hospitals.
A new mRNA vaccine has stopped allergens from causing immune reactions and inflammation in mice, instructing the immune system to respond more appropriately. The vaccine is tailored to encode proteins from different allergens, offering a flexible solution to treat seasonal pollen allergies, food sensitivities, and asthma.
The Whole Person Physiome Research and Coordination Center aims to create a comprehensive digital map of the healthy human body, combining physiology, precision medicine, and computational biology. The initiative will empower researchers and clinicians to better understand health and disease using AI-ready models.
Researchers found that at-home blood pressure cuffs and texted reminders can significantly improve blood pressure control in patients struggling with hypertension. The study involved mailing cuffs to patients and providing them with texted reminders, resulting in a 35% improvement rate compared to 21% for those without home cuffs.
Zhijian 'James' Chen, PhD, is awarded the Elaine Redding Brinster Prize for his groundbreaking discovery of the DNA-sensing enzyme cGAS. This breakthrough sheds light on how the immune system spots harmful DNA from germs and starts fighting them.
A study found that living in areas with high air pollution concentrations accelerates cognitive decline and worsens Alzheimer's disease by increasing the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain. Exposure to fine particulate matter, such as PM2.5, was associated with increased risk of severe amyloid and tau pathology.
Researchers found that correcting myths with facts strengthened people's intentions to get vaccinated, making myth-busting strategies a key to broader vaccine distribution. The study suggests three effective strategies for debunking false information about COVID vaccines.
A clinical trial has identified breast cancer survivors at high risk of recurrence due to dormant cells and successfully treated them with existing drugs. The study shows a 90% survival rate without disease recurrence in patients who received one drug and 100% for those who received both, offering new hope for breast cancer prevention.
Researchers have discovered a new type of stem cell that can transform from muscle to bone, which may lead to more effective treatments for fractures. The study found that Prg4+ cells were crucial in repairing bones and could be stimulated or introduced directly to the fracture site to accelerate healing.
Researchers at Penn Medicine and Wharton have developed AI tools, CellSpectra and SISKA, to analyze kidney disease at the cellular level, matching effective treatments. The tools offer clues to better treatments for kidney disease and beyond.
Researchers have discovered two solutions to alleviate inflammation caused by lipid nanoparticles, making RNA therapies safer for patients with conditions like ARDS, heart attack, and stroke. A new biodegradable lipid and a common drug called thiodigalactoside (TG) can reduce inflammation while keeping RNA delivery effective.
A study published in JCO Precision Oncology found that genetic testing can significantly improve patient safety by providing tailored doses of chemotherapy, reducing severe side effects. The test identifies variants in two genes that impact how the body processes chemotherapy drugs, allowing doctors to adjust doses and minimize harm.
A new analysis of over a million online reviews reveals that negative reviews often focus on communication and administrative issues, such as payment problems and poor treatment. Positive reviews, on the other hand, frequently mention reassuring interactions with clinicians and staff, emphasizing kindness, helpfulness, and patient anxi...
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found transient gray matter decline in individuals isolated for extended periods in Antarctica, potentially linked to sleep, exercise, and cognition. The study's findings suggest a possible relationship between prolonged isolation and changes in brain structure.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used AI-powered screen of global venom libraries to discover dozens of promising drug candidates. The top peptide candidates are being improved through medicinal-chemistry tweaks.
A common medication used for autoimmune diseases has been found to be effective in treating giant cell arteritis, with nearly half of patients achieving sustained remission. The treatment reduces dependence on glucocorticoids, a common but side-effect-ridden option.
A new study reveals that cancer survivors experiencing food insecurity have a 28% increased risk of death compared to those who are food secure. The research, published in JAMA Health Forum, analyzed data from over 5,000 respondents and found that food insecurity was linked to higher all-cause mortality rates.
Nancy A. Speck has been recognized for her groundbreaking research on hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, with a focus on the transcription factor complex core binding factor. Her work has provided critical knowledge to understand how certain blood cancers develop, leading to significant insights in embryonic blood cell formation.
A Penn study shows providing surgeons with tailored data improves prescribing and maintains patient pain control without increasing opioid use. The approach reduced overprescribing by 40% and improved guideline adherence.
A phase I clinical trial demonstrates that dual-target CAR T cell therapy can reduce tumor size in nearly two-thirds of patients with recurrent glioblastoma, a notoriously aggressive brain cancer. The therapy also shows signs of long-term immune system activation and potential for extended tumor stability.
Researchers from Penn Medicine will present updates on CAR T cell therapy, belzutifan, and immunotherapy for various cancers. The Basser Center for BRCA will also present studies on genetic testing and cancer interception.
A study by University of Pennsylvania and Harvard researchers found that losing the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy is associated with significant increases in mortality among low-income Medicare beneficiaries. The risk of death was 4-22% higher, with greater risks for those using HIV antiretroviral therapy.
A new strategy for treating B-cell lymphoma has shown promising results with a next-generation CAR T cell therapy that incorporates IL18. The treatment achieved high remission rates of 81% and complete remission in 52%, with some patients experiencing durable responses lasting two years or more.
A new AI technique has been developed to identify promising antiviral compounds against human enterovirus 71 using only a modest amount of experimental data. The method, which combines traditional laboratory methods with machine learning algorithms, was able to predict reliable antiviral activity in five out of eight tested compounds.
A new voluntary program, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), could greatly reduce out-of-pocket costs for Medicare patients taking expensive oral cancer drugs. By spreading annual costs across 12 monthly payments, patients can avoid large upfront payments and make treatment more affordable.
A newly identified subtype of Castleman disease, oligocentric Castleman disease (OligoCD), has been found to be a distinct clinical entity different from existing classifications. This discovery will help diagnose and properly treat patients who have been caught between classification systems, offering more accurate treatment options.
Long COVID can result in significant health risks for young people, including chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cardiovascular conditions. Studies found that children with COVID-19 face elevated risks of developing these conditions, even years after the initial infection.
New research found that COVID vaccines significantly reduced the risk of long COVID in children and adolescents. Vaccination was about 95% effective in preventing long COVID in some cohorts, primarily due to its ability to prevent initial infection.
Researchers from Penn Medicine will present data on latest advances in cancer science and medicine at AACR Annual Meeting 2025. Several experts, including Shelley Berger, will deliver presentations and Minisymposia talks.
Berger has made significant contributions to cancer epigenetics and tumor biology. Her work has elucidated key mechanisms of p53 regulation and immune cell epigenetics, advancing our understanding of cancer biology.
Researchers developed a 3D-printed hydrogel from cow meniscus tissue, customized to individual patient needs, offering a more precise solution for meniscus repairs. The treatment aims to outperform current methods, which often result in poor healing.
A new type of RAS inhibitor, daraxonrasib (RMC-6236), has shown significant promise when combined with immunotherapy in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that the treatment not only inhibited tumor growth but also reshaped the tumor microenvironment to make it more receptive to immunotherapy.
Researchers found that older adults exposed to seasonal flu viruses before 1968 have higher antibodies against the H5N1 avian flu virus. In contrast, young children who were not exposed had low levels of antibodies that could fight H5N1. The study suggests that younger adults and children would benefit more from H5N1 vaccinations.