A new study reveals that nearly half of all genes in the mouse genome oscillate on a 24-hour schedule, targeting daily-oscillating genes. The research provides important clues about how drug efficacy can be optimized by timing of delivery.
The study reveals that blue light sets off a tug-of-war between melanopsin and S-cones to make the pupil smaller or bigger. This understanding has implications for seasonal depression and light sensitivity, and opens up new avenues for research into clinical conditions such as pain from bright light.
Researchers have developed transparent graphene microelectrodes that enable real-time observation of neural circuits in epilepsy and other neurological disorders. This technology provides high spatial and temporal resolution, allowing for detailed analysis of seizure patterns and brain electrical activity.
A personalized cellular therapy called CTL019 achieved complete remission in 27 of 30 patients with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia, with 78% remaining alive six months post-treatment. The treatment involves infusing engineered immune cells that target cancer cells.
Researchers found that patients with severe psoriasis are more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension, and the likelihood of hypertension increases with greater psoriasis severity. The study used objective measures of psoriasis severity for the first time, providing new insights into the link between psoriasis and blood pressure.
The new approach to diversity in medical education focuses on differences beyond race and ethnicity, acknowledging shared experiences that no longer track simply with race. Achieving this requires a commitment to diversity that is inseparable from an institution's identity and success.
A new analysis of Medicare data reveals no significant correlation between nursing home quality and risk of hospital readmission or death within 30 days. However, better staffing ratings, facility inspection scores, and pain management practices were associated with lower rates of readmission.
The Basser Research Center has received $6.9 million in new grants to develop vaccines and therapies for patients at increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers. The funding will support multi-disciplinary collaboration efforts aimed at identifying new treatments.
Roberto Bonasio, PhD, receives NIH New Innovator Award to study epigenetic memory in ants and its implications for biological processes. The award supports his research on gene expression controlled by epigenetic pathways that alter chromosome structure.
The study developed a prediction tool that uses laboratory and vital-sign data to identify hospital patients at risk for sepsis. The tool resulted in faster sepsis identification, increased orders for diagnostic tests, and more timely administration of antibiotics and intravenous fluids.
A new study found that an online learning intervention improved medical residents' attitudes and communication skills towards patients with substance use disorders. The study suggests that primary care physicians can play a key role in preventing and treating substance use disorders.
A new vaccine has been developed to treat a non-inherited autoimmune form of muscle weakness, with the researchers finding it effective in reversing the disease in rats. The vaccine targets immune cells that recognize and target a self protein, marking them for death.
A new Penn Medicine study reveals that patients with fatter tongues are more likely to suffer from severe sleep apnea. The researchers found a correlation between tongue fat volume and sleep apnea severity, suggesting that increased tongue fat may explain the pathogenic relationship between obesity and sleep apnea.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) outperform other primary care practices in granting new patient appointments to Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured patients. FQHCs also provide lower-cost visits, with nearly 70% offering such services for $100 or less.
Researchers describe a novel liver-directed gene therapy approach that corrects heart symptoms in a model of rare enzyme disorder MPS I. The treatment, using an AAV vector, achieves sustained serum enzyme activity and reduces glycosaminoglycan storage in tissues.
A new study describes a mechanism for how cancer cells take over one of the processes for telomere maintenance, allowing them to gain an infinite lifespan. The team found that cancer cells use either telomerase or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanisms to maintain their telomeres.
Researchers have discovered a new cancer drug target, TIPE3, which promotes tumor growth by hijacking lipid signaling pathways. Abnormal expression of TIPE3 has been linked to various types of cancer, including lung, colon, and ovarian cancers, making it a potential therapeutic target for treating malignant diseases.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that some behavioral defects in NF1 fish are not related to abnormal Ras, but can be corrected by drugs targeting another signaling pathway controlled by cAMP. Learning and memory defects can be treated with drugs modulating the Ras pathway.
A new Penn Medicine study reveals that certain patient characteristics, such as being male, married, and younger than 65, may be associated with shorter hospice stays. The study also found that patients with blood cancers and Medicaid or uninsured status tend to enroll in hospice earlier in their illness
Penn Medicine bioethicists emphasize the duty to provide humanitarian assistance, global justice, and ethical requirements to combat the Ebola outbreak. The experts also discuss the importance of randomized clinical trials in advancing research and ensuring fair benefits for communities affected by the disease.
A Penn researcher and CVS Health physician suggest an alternative payment model for gene therapy, which would replace single large payments with annuity payments over a defined period. This approach could help ensure sufficient investments in expensive gene therapies by spreading out payments and linking them to evidence of continued e...
A team led by Lin Zhang identified a non-protein-coding RNA, FAL1, whose expression is linked to ovarian cancer. The study found that blocking the activity of FAL1 reduces cancer cells' growth and may serve as a biomarker for BRCA-related cancer prognosis.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that patients with sepsis who are treated at high-volume hospitals have a 36% increase in their odds of inpatient survival compared to those treated at lower-volume hospitals. The study suggests that regionalized severe sepsis care centers may improve outcomes for critically ill patients.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully treated lysosomal storage disease MPS I using gene therapy, reducing harmful protein accumulation and improving symptoms. The treatment involves direct gene transfer into glial and neuronal cells in the brain and spinal cord.
A new study found that states allowing medical marijuana have lower rates of opioid overdose deaths, with a 24.8% lower annual mortality rate after laws were enacted. The alternative treatment may provide relief for some individuals and reduce the risk of overdose.
The Penn Medicine team found that targeted automated alerts in electronic health records significantly reduced urinary tract infections in hospital patients with urinary catheters. Simplifying the alert design increased the rate of catheter removals, leading to a dramatic decrease in infections.
Researchers found that clinical practice guidelines for beta-blockers were adopted quickly despite later studies showing no difference in postoperative outcomes. The case study highlights the importance of critically evaluating guideline development processes to ensure reliable and safe medical practices.
A new Penn Medicine study found that dopamine replacement therapy is associated with an increase in impulse control disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness in newly diagnosed Parkinson's disease patients. In contrast, fatigue improved with dopamine therapy, but depression remained undertreated.
The Penn-led expert panel recommends key components for public health research, including baseline ground water quality data and ambient air quality monitoring. The panel also urges the use of community-based participatory research principles to address concerns from stakeholders.
Researchers found that naltrexone reduced symptoms of compulsive gambling and other behaviors in PD patients. The medication may help alleviate these issues due to dopamine agonist treatment, not necessarily a result of the disease itself.
A study found that acupuncture significantly improved the quality of life for early-stage breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors by reducing fatigue, anxiety, and depression. The intervention led to a significant reduction in these symptoms, with effects persisting for at least four weeks after treatment.
A literature review found that metzitzah b'peh, a Jewish circumcision procedure involving oral suction, is likely a source of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) transmissions in infants. The practice has been linked to severe morbidity and potentially death in newborns, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered the atomic structure of tropomodulin, a protein that caps actin filaments and regulates muscle movement. The study provides new insights into how mutations in tropomodulin can cause muscle disorders, such as nemaline myopathy.
A multi-center study found significant improvements in medical students' perceptions of their health policy education between 2008 and 2012. The study revealed gains in three domains: systems and principles, value and equity, and quality and safety. However, the domain politics and law experienced a decline due to inadequate training.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine identified an enzyme called FBP1 that regulates metabolism and restrains energy production in cells. The enzyme is missing from all kidney tumor tissue, leading to rapid cell growth. This discovery may lead to personalized approaches for treating clear cell renal cell carcino...
Penn Medicine researchers found that living donor transplant outcomes are superior to those of deceased donors when surgeries are performed at an experienced center. The three-year patient survival rate for living donor recipients was 83% compared to 78% for deceased donors.
Researchers found that adding potassium supplementation to loop diuretics increases survival rates by 16 percent in patients receiving at least 40 mg/day of furosemide. The benefit is more pronounced with higher diuretic doses. While the study's findings are promising, further independent studies are needed to confirm these results.
A multidisciplinary research team led by David Eckmann has successfully alleviated pulmonary inflammation in mice using targeted drug delivery with nanocarriers. The study, published in PLOS One, shows that steroids can access hard-to-reach lung endothelial cells and prevent inflammation.
A new multi-center study found that consuming even light amounts of alcohol has no cardiovascular benefits and may even increase risk. The research, published in The BMJ, analyzed data from over 260,000 people and found that reducing alcohol consumption, even for moderate drinkers, can lead to improved heart health.
A new Penn Medicine study shows that older adults (55+ years) who donate their kidneys have similar life expectancy and cardiovascular health as healthy, non-donating peers. The research provides reassurance to older individuals considering kidney donation.
Researchers at Penn Medicine will conduct a clinical trial on patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma to test the efficacy of photodynamic light therapy (PDT). The study aims to understand how PDT works in the body and what can be done to improve its response.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine will analyze whole exome and genome sequence data from 6,000 volunteers with Alzheimer's disease to identify rare genetic variants. The goal is to find new therapeutic targets that can reduce the economic and human burden caused by this devastating disease.
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and four other American universities will analyze genetic data from 6,000 individuals with Alzheimer's disease and 5,000 older individuals without the disease. The goal is to identify rare genetic variants that may protect against or contribute to the disease risk.
A new meta-analysis of 10 studies found that less than 10% of people infected with hepatitis C are cured, while only 50% were diagnosed and aware of their infection. The study highlights the need for improved screening efforts and increased access to treatment, particularly for baby boomers who may not be aware they have the disease.
A new study suggests that using computer-automated, time-lapse embryo photography during in-vitro fertilization can improve embryo selection, leading to a higher chance of pregnancy. The technology allowed researchers to assess embryo development and predict which embryos were more likely to become viable blastocysts.
A new study found that HIV-infected people diagnosed with early-stage cancer are two to four times more likely to receive inadequate treatment. The research suggests that a lack of clinical trial data and guidelines on treating HIV patients with cancer may contribute to this disparity.
A Penn study shows that MD/MBA graduates increasingly pursue leadership roles and experience greater career acceleration. They report enhanced credibility in multidisciplinary domains beyond clinical practice.
Patients who received regional anesthesia had a significantly lower length of stay (6 days vs. 6.3 days) than those who received general anesthesia, with no significant difference in 30-day mortality rates. The study also found poorer outcomes for nursing home residents following hip fracture surgery.
A recent study published in JAMA found that 3D mammography significantly improves detection of invasive breast cancers, reducing call-back rates by 15%. This technology has shown promise in improving breast cancer screening outcomes, particularly for younger women and those with dense breast tissue.
A study by Penn Medicine researchers found a common genetic link among patients with pemphigus vulgaris, a blistering skin disease. The researchers identified a particular gene, VH1-46, that was used by PV antibodies across all four patients, suggesting common mechanisms for developing the disease.