Researchers from Penn Medicine present early results from studies of CAR T cell therapy for multiple myeloma and relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, showing high efficacy and safety profiles. The findings build on the team's work in CAR T cell therapies dating back to 2010.
Researchers found that blocking tumor interferon pathway with a JAK inhibitor improves checkpoint inhibitor drugs and bypasses the need for combinations, which often come with serious side effects. The study suggests a new approach to addressing cancer immunotherapies' limitations.
New treatments show promise for AL amyloidosis, with overall survival on the rise. Researchers found an effective alternative to bortezomib and promising results from monoclonal antibodies like NEOD001.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a dual gene therapy approach using CRISPR/Cas9 to deliver key components to treat hemophilia B. The study showed stable Factor IX activity in newborn and adult mice, with all treated mice surviving a partial liver removal without complications.
Researchers found that oral vancomycin prevented C. diff in 73% of patients undergoing stem cell transplants, compared to 20% in those without the medication. The study suggests a potential new standard of care for transplant patients, but further study is needed due to rising antibiotic resistance.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that Sudarshan Kriya yoga significantly improved symptoms of depression and anxiety in medicated patients with major depressive disorder. The technique, which includes sequential breathing exercises, reduced mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores by several points ...
A Penn study found that decreased levels of the gene p15 can distinguish nevi from melanomas. The protein p15 inhibits nevus cell proliferation and can be used as a biomarker to identify borderline cases.
A new study by a team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that two molecules complement each other to maintain a healthy level of fat in the liver. When these molecules are removed, there is a swift buildup of toxic fats that causes an aggressive and lethal form of liver damage.
Researchers developed genetically engineered T cells armed with a fusion inhibitor to disrupt HIV's entry process. The C34 peptide was shown to be potent and effective against diverse HIV strains, including those resistant to existing drugs.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a fluorescent dye technique that makes tumors glow brightly during surgery, enabling surgeons to distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue. The tool has shown promise in patients with brain cancer, demonstrating the ability to identify tumor margins and reduce recurrence rates.
Researchers developed an improved animal model of Alzheimer's disease using tau protein isolated from patient brains. The model replicates the formation and spread of brain fibrils associated with AD, offering new opportunities for investigating therapies to stop or slow their progression.
Researchers tested an injectable biologic drug therapy that inhibits Angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) to lower triglyceride levels. The study showed a profound drop in triglyceride levels, with reductions of up to 73%, and dose-dependent reductions in cholesterol levels.
Researchers found that women with CHD who are deemed high risk by conventional measures are more likely to have safe, healthy pregnancies than current risk-assessments suggest. The study used CARPREG and ZAHARA risk scores and found significant discrepancies between estimated and observed risks.
A survey found that older Americans, those with lower education levels and household incomes, are less likely to receive CPR training. This lack of training can lead to a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest, as bystanders may not know how to intervene in an emergency situation.
The BioEYES program using live zebrafish teaches basic scientific principles and increases students' science knowledge and positive attitudes. Elementary students showed the greatest attitude changes.
The Penn program trains library staff to address public health needs, including housing, food, employment, and healthcare. Libraries are effective public health partners in underserved populations, says a study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Immunotherapy has shown modest control of HIV and identified pre-existing drug resistance as an important barrier to antibody-based treatments. The study used broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies, but suppression did not surpass 8 weeks in most participants.
Researchers have found that suppressing a bone-specific protein via its neutralizing antibody can alleviate radiation-induced bone loss in an animal model. Weekly treatment with the protein blockage accelerated DNA repair and protected bone cells from turning into fat cells.
Researchers found that post-acute care, specifically nursing home factors, had a significant impact on long-term recovery for hip fracture patients. Higher-level physician staffing and lower occupancy rates were associated with better outcomes.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that stressed rats drink more alcohol due to altered dopamine signaling and changes in the brain's reward system. The team's findings have implications for understanding the root causes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and developing new treatments.
Researchers compared the effectiveness of fMRI and polygraph tests in detecting deception, finding that fMRI outperformed polygraph with up to 90% accuracy. The study suggests that fMRI may be a valuable tool in criminal proceedings, particularly when used in sequence with polygraph.
Military surgeons develop guidelines for treating devastating wounds, including massive blood transfusions and wound cleaning, to stabilize patients and prevent long-term complications. The review aims to improve trauma care in both military and civilian hospitals, reducing preventable deaths from injury.
Researchers found that exhausted T cells, which are supposed to fight cancer, have a distinct epigenetic profile that prevents them from becoming durable memory cells. This limits the effectiveness of checkpoint inhibitors, which temporarily boost their activity but don't lead to long-lasting benefits.
A new Penn Medicine study fails to find NLR reliable for predicting cancer progression and treatment response in bladder cancer patients. The researchers analyzed data from a prospective clinical trial, which showed that NLR was not effective as a prognostic or predictive biomarker.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania has developed a system to observe the repair of broken DNA in telomeres, a process that drives 15% of cancers. The researchers found that this unique type of repair, called break-induced telomere synthesis, differs from other forms of homologous recombination.
The National Alzheimer Project Act lacks a strategy to determine the clinical benefit of investigational drugs, potentially leading to exploitation by private interests. Authors propose three key questions to address this issue: slowing cognitive decline, lengthening disease stages, and delaying death.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that clearing vacant lots and adding windows to vacant houses can reduce neighborhood gun violence. The intervention yielded significant cost savings for society, with an estimated $333 return on investment.
Researchers will study cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung regeneration, targeting AT2 cells with gene editing techniques to correct disease-causing mutations and promote repair.
The University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a $24 million grant to establish a Science and Technology Center focused on engineering mechanobiology. This research will provide insights into embryonic development, stem-cell differentiation, cancer metastasis, and other clinically relevant topics.
Researchers have identified a drug target that shows promise in improving social interaction in individuals with some forms of autism spectrum disorder. The breakthrough comes from a study using a new mouse model that reveals the molecular underpinnings of ASD-related behavior and brain physiology.
A new study found that teens are 15% less likely to select sugary beverages with health warning labels. The study, led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, suggests that warning labels can educate adolescents about the dangers of sugar-sweetened drinks and contribute to healthier choices.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that psychiatric patients wait significantly longer in ERs than non-psychiatric patients, often being transferred elsewhere. The shortage of psychiatric inpatient beds and limited outpatient mental health facilities contribute to this issue.
Researchers developed a new biomaterial to examine how stem cells perceive their environment's mechanical properties. The study found that manipulating this perception could control stem cell differentiation and promote regenerative therapies for musculoskeletal disorders.
A Penn study identifies Morrbid, a special RNA molecule, as key controller for immune health when fighting infection or preventing inflammatory disorders. The discovery offers a potential drug target for several inflammatory disorders characterized by an abnormal lifespan in white blood cells.
Researchers developed and validated a prediction model to determine sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk in adults without a history of cardiovascular disease. The study identified 12 independent risk markers that outperformed existing risk equations, providing a strong step toward distinguishing SCD risk across the general population.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has discovered that a compound called NAD can reverse muscle degeneration in mice with tissue aging. The research, led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, found that NAD supplementation improved muscle function and reduced inflammation in aged mice.
Researchers identified GALNT2 gene as a regulator of HDL-C levels through its effects on phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) function. The study found that humans, mice, and rats lacking GALNT2 had low HDL levels compared to models with normal GALNT2 function.
A new study found that synchronized prescription refill programs increase medication adherence by three to five percent, with larger effects among patients with low initial adherence rates. The results suggest that such programs can be an effective strategy to reduce obstacles to medication adherence.
The University of Pennsylvania's Alzheimer's Disease Core Center has been awarded $8.8 million over five years from the National Institute on Aging to investigate Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The center will focus on recruiting, studying subjects with early-stage AD, and expanding its bioinformatics infrastructure.
The FIGHT study, led by University of Pennsylvania researchers, found that liraglutide had no significant impact on heart failure in patients with advanced heart failure. The therapy did improve blood sugar control and weight loss in diabetic participants but not in non-diabetic patients.
Researchers discovered that a specific molecular pathway is responsible for the metabolic changes in exhausted T cells, which are crucial for effective immune response. By targeting this pathway, scientists may develop new cancer therapies to enhance treatment outcomes.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have shown that early exposure to the human IDUA protein increased immune tolerance, allowing for widespread expression of the enzyme and resolution of brain lesions. The study informs the planning of first-in-human trials for MPS I treatment.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that deleting a specific protein, HNF6, leads to an increase in lipid-producing genes and liver damage. This study highlights the co-dependence of two cell nucleus proteins, HNF6 and Rev-erb-alpha, which regulate liver lipid metabolism.
A phase II clinical study found that treating metastatic thyroid cancer patients with the BRAF mutation showed promising anti-tumor activity in a third of patients, with an overall response rate of 38%. The therapy vemurafenib joins other effective treatments for this patient population.
Researchers found that ordering meals in advance reduces calorie intake, with an average decrease of 38 calories per hour of delay. The study suggests that restaurants can generate health benefits by offering advance ordering options.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that comparing performance to peers and offering financial incentives increased physical activity among teams. The results showed that combining social comparison feedback with financial incentives led to the highest rate of achieving exercise goals.
Researchers identify unique immune cells that enhance anti-tumor T cell responses in early-stage lung cancer. These hybrid neutrophils may help stimulate natural protection against tumor development.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that breast cancer drug trastuzumab affects the development of blood vessels in the heart, leading to potential cardiovascular side effects. The study highlights a new role for ErbB2 protein in blood vessel formation and provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these side effects.
New research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that state insurance mandates have led to a significant increase in children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, analyzed data from three major health insurers and found that mandates resulted in a 12.7% i...
Researchers caution against DIY tDCS use due to unpredictable effects and potential unintended consequences on brain function. The 'Open Letter' highlights concerns over frequency, cumulative dose, and individual variability in response to tDCS.