A preclinical study shows that palovarotene, a repurposed drug, inhibits extra bone growth and preserves normal skeletal bone growth in mice with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). The drug balances the effects of the FOP mutation, effectively restoring near-normal growth.
Researchers found that stimulating the left angular gyrus with transcranial direct current stimulation improved comprehension of simple, two-word phrases. This effect was not seen with sham stimulation or right angular gyrus stimulation, suggesting a specific role for this brain region in semantic memory integration.
A team co-led by Penn Medicine researcher discovers that a mysterious lncRNA has no obvious function in regulating its neighbor's gene expression, but the DNA from which it originates does. The study reveals a new mechanism for enhancer functions in the genome, pointing to a broader role of non-coding DNA and RNA.
Researchers from Penn School of Medicine shed light on how DNA sequences called enhancers govern gene activity, influencing which genes are 'on' or 'off' in each type of cell. They found that pioneer factors help expose DNA to regulatory proteins, allowing enhancers to activate genes and promote normal cell functions.
A new Penn study suggests that Yelp reviews can provide a more comprehensive understanding of hospital quality by covering topics not found in government surveys. The analysis of 17,000 Yelp reviews revealed 12 additional categories covered in the Yelp reviews that are not covered by the HCAHPS survey.
Researchers compared one-year outcomes of SAPIEN 3 TAVR and open-heart surgery in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Patients who underwent TAVR had better mortality and stroke rates compared to those who received open-heart surgery.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that heart transplants can be performed in adult patients with prior corrective surgery for congenital heart disease with excellent outcomes. The study, which included 17 consecutive patients, showed a 100% survival rate at both 30 days and one year.
A recent study found that patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with the SAPIEN XT device had similar two-year clinical outcomes to those who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement. Additionally, TAVR was associated with reduced severe bleeding, length of stay...
Researchers have developed a new technology to examine gene expression in single cells, shedding light on the molecular causes of rare diseases. The study found highly variable and different gene expression patterns in single cells, even in the same organ.
A Penn-led study found that extended-release naltrexone was more effective than usual treatment in preventing drug relapse among ex-prisoners addicted to heroin and other opioids. The medication showed significantly reduced rates of relapse and longer median time to relapse compared to the control group.
A new perspective paper advocates for a comprehensive approach to recognize and manage therapeutic illusion to improve the use of medical treatments. Physicians' unjustified beliefs in treatment can perpetuate unnecessary and costly care.
A Penn study has discovered the molecular mechanism underlying cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), a common cerebrovascular disease that causes stroke and seizures. The research found that increased MEKK3 signaling and over-expression of KLF2 and KLF4 transcription factors are the key drivers of CCMs.
Two studies by Penn researchers found that high out-of-pocket costs for specialty drugs reduce their use, particularly for cancer treatments. The studies suggest that cost-sharing policies under Medicare Part D are limiting access to life-saving therapies.
Researchers adapted the IMPaCT model to an outpatient setting, introducing a new manual, staff hiring, and training. The approach reduced readmission rates and improved health outcomes for chronically ill patients.
Researchers discovered a new genetic cause of CMT1, a type of inherited neuropathy, linked to mutations in the peripheral myelin protein 2 gene (PMP2). The study found that 49 mutations in PMP2 could be responsible for the disease, leading to weakness and numbness in hands and feet.
The study reveals that Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, has a limited genetic diversity compared to its chimpanzee and gorilla cousins. The team found an expansion of a multi-gene family in Laverania parasites that helps them evade host immune cells and clear the spleen, contributing to severe malaria pathology.
A recent study found that antipsychotic drug use is associated with higher mortality among all Parkinson's disease patients, not just those with dementia. The researchers compared records of over 15,000 patients and found a significant increase in mortality rates among those who took antipsychotics.
New research from Penn Medicine shows a concerning trend of increasing opioid prescribing after common surgeries, with most patients filling a prescription for an opioid pain medication within seven days. The study's findings highlight the need for better strategies to treat postoperative pain safely and effectively.
A large clinical trial found that treating HIV patients at risk for tuberculosis with TB drugs does not save more lives. Simple TB screening and isoniazid preventive therapy were well-tolerated and resulted in similar survival rates compared to a four-drug TB treatment.
A Penn study finds that states with mandatory ignition interlock laws for DUI offenders reduce alcohol-related crash deaths by 15%, comparable to airbag laws. These devices prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles, directly preventing drunk driving and saving lives.
A new Penn study found that team-based incentives, combining individual and team performance rewards, nearly doubled the success rate of achieving exercise goals. Participants in this combined incentive group achieved their goal 35% of the time, compared to 17-18% for control and team incentive groups.
Researchers found that a lower-than-standard dose of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) results in better clinical outcomes for kidney transplant recipients. The study analyzed 88 randomized controlled trials and found that CNI minimization had the best long-term impact on renal function.
Researchers from Penn Medicine warn that labelling public health initiatives as 'natural' could lead to harmful decision-making by some parents. They argue that this messaging undermines important health practices, such as childhood vaccination.
A new study published in the Lancet found that sunitinib and sorafenib, widely used targeted therapy drugs for metastatic kidney cancer, have no effect on preventing return of the disease to increase life spans of patients suffering from advanced kidney cancer after surgery. The study involved 1,943 patients treated with one year of so...
Researchers identified a genetic cause of elevated HDL-C levels that paradoxically increases heart disease risk, contradicting the long-held notion that high HDL is protective. The study's findings have implications for understanding the complex relationship between HDL function and heart disease.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that therapists working as independent contractors in public mental health clinics reported less willingness to adopt evidence-based psychosocial practices and had lower knowledge about them compared to salaried employees. This shift may be driven by budgetary reasons, with agencies...
Medical evaluations of torture victims can significantly impact asylum-granting decisions, with success rates doubling when combined with legal support. Physicians are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive evaluations and advocate for human rights.
A team of Penn researchers discovered a new mechanism linking amino acids to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetics. The study found that high levels of certain amino acids can cause fat accumulation in muscles, leading to insulin resistance.
Researchers found that nearly 18% of lung cancer tweets were about clinical trials, with many focused on immunotherapy. However, none of these tweets were used for recruitment and did not provide links to enrollment websites.
Researchers found that inhibiting calcium transfer to mitochondria selectively kills cancer cells by inducing bioenergetic crisis and autophagy. Providing metabolic substrates rescues the lethal effect, suggesting that cell death is caused by compromised bioenergetics.
Research reveals that dopamine regulates both rewarding and aversive behaviors in mice, enabling them to learn and remember to avoid negative situations. The study's findings have implications for understanding post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Researchers have discovered a novel role for CD40 antibodies in re-educating macrophages to break down the tumor microenvironment, allowing chemotherapy to target pancreatic cancer more effectively. The optimal timing of delivery is critical, with chemotherapy being most effective when administered five days after CD40 treatment.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to estimate mutation rates based on nearby DNA sequences, revealing genetic risk factors for complex human diseases. The model predicts up to 93% of variability in mutation occurrence and identifies new sequences prone to mutation beyond CpG sites.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that 3D mammography improved cancer detection and reduced call backs over three years. Regularly scheduled 3D mammography imaging maintained these benefits, even after a patient's first screening.
Researchers found testosterone treatment benefits older men with low testosterone levels, improving sexual function, walking ability, and mood. The treatment also had no significant impact on energy but reduced depressive symptoms.
Scientists discover that activating mTOR pathway plays a critical role in beiging of white fat cells to fight diabetes. Rapamycin, a drug previously used as an immunosuppressant, is found to induce beige fat cell formation and improve glucose metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that financial incentives framing were crucial to motivating participants. The loss incentive group, which risked losing $42 per month for not achieving their daily goal, saw a 45% increase in success rate compared to the control group.
Researchers found structural differences in brain connectivity match behavioral differences between men and women, with stronger motor skills linked to male performance and social cognition skills linked to female strengths. The study provides new insights into sex differences in the brain and behavior, potentially advancing treatment ...
A new approach has been devised to map the transcriptome, revealing RNA variants that were largely invisible to previous techniques. The study identified complex splice variants in mammals, which are strikingly common and likely have roles in gene regulation across tissues and human diseases.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania's Smell and Taste Center reveals that brain scars caused by MS may be responsible for taste deficits in patients. The research found that patients with more lesions on their brains had worse taste functions, especially salty and sweet tastes.
The LouLou Foundation and Penn Medicine's Orphan Disease Center have established a Program of Excellence to tackle the severe neurodevelopmental impairment and seizures caused by CDKL5. The program aims to develop effective treatments through collaboration with academic labs, companies, and biopharma industry.
A study published in Genes & Development found that inhibiting the MLL1 enzyme prevents age-related inflammation and cancer. Researchers discovered that MLL1 is critical for regulating gene expression and is commonly mutated in human cancers, leading to increased inflammation and tissue degeneration.
A Penn study shows that knocking out a key gene during development accelerates aging and shortens lifespan by two thirds in mice, but delaying the deletion until after birth eliminates this effect. The findings highlight the need to understand the role of clock genes during development.
A powerful three-way mechanism driving childhood brain cancer growth has been discovered by scientists. The MYB-QKI gene fusion is found in rare pediatric glioma subtype angiocentric glioma and drives tumor formation through abnormal expression, disruption of tumor suppression, and activation via a positive feedback loop.
Researchers have successfully treated a genetic disorder using a viral vector to deliver genome-editing components, correcting the disease-causing mutation. The treatment improved survival in newborn mice but showed poor results in adult animals, highlighting the need for further adjustments to the gene-editing system.
New research from Penn Medicine reveals that many transplant centers in the US reject organs for their sickest patients, increasing waitlist mortality. The study analyzed 23,000 organ offers to 13,255 patients and found significant variability in acceptance rates among centers.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a novel regulatory mechanism governing levels of calcium inside cells. The discovery may help scientists understand and target molecular components regulating calcium flux in various diseases.
Lab-grown neural networks can replace damaged axon tracks in patients with severe head injuries, strokes, or neurodegenerative diseases. The micro-TENNS, made of mature cerebral cortical neurons and long axonal projections, integrate into existing brain structures and reconstitute missing pathways.
A new machine-learning technique, denoising autoencoder, uncovers previously unknown gene-expression patterns in P. aeruginosa, a notorious pathogen resistant to standard antibiotic therapies. The system identified characteristic patterns in response to antibiotics and low oxygen conditions.
A study comparing end-of-life care practices among US, European, and Canadian countries found that the US has lower hospital deaths and days spent in hospitals in the last six months of life. However, it also performs poorly in other aspects of end-of-life care, such as high-tech interventions.