A team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania has uncovered cellular impediments to induced pluripotent stem cell development, which could improve efficiency and speed. The study found that reprogramming factors interact with chromatin and overcome structural roadblocks to bind DNA.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Medicine are developing an educational program to educate residents, policy-makers, and scientists about the long-term social, economic, and health effects of hazardous industrial sites. The program aims to help communities like West and South Ambler recover from asbestos exposure.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that injecting synthetic, misfolded α-Syn protein into healthy mice recapitulates Parkinson's disease progression, leading to dopamine neuron death and Lewy body formation. The study establishes a mechanistic link between α-Syn transmission and neurodegeneration.
Researchers aim to characterize RNA molecule variation in human neurons and heart cells, which may provide insights into aging and disease. They will use novel technologies to analyze individual cell transcriptomes and explore the role of G protein-couple receptors.
Researchers identified PUMA, NOXA, and TRB3 as executors of glutamine-starved cells in Myc-mutant cells. The team showed that drugs targeting these proteins induced cell death in assays using neuroblastoma cells and inhibited tumor growth in transgenic mice.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that deleting the Arntl clock gene in fat cells causes mice to become obese due to a shift in eating timing. Supplementing with fish oil-like fatty acids can rescue this phenotype.
A crowdsourcing contest led to the identification of over 1,400 automated external defibrillators in public places, providing crucial data for quick bystander response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Public education remains a key priority to improve use of AEDs.
Daniel J. Rader, MD, has been awarded the American Heart Association's (AHA) Clinical Research Prize for developing new methods to identify factors regulating fat particle metabolism and testing their impact on atherosclerosis. His research focuses on genetic and pharmacologic regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that apolipoprotein E (apoE) plays a key role in maintaining arterial softness. The protein is associated with the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins, which contribute to cardiovascular disease risk.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed a new medicine to treat patients suffering from homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a rare and deadly cholesterol disorder. Lomitapide substantially reduced LDL cholesterol in patients by up to 50% and improved therapeutic goals for some patients.
A new study from Penn researchers shows that implementing a Conditions Reporting System improves perceptions of safety and reduces incidents in multi-site clinical practices. The system, which encourages staff to report errors, has led to positive responses on staff surveys focusing on the culture of safety.
Researchers discovered MICU1's crucial role in regulating mitochondrial calcium uptake, preventing overload and cellular stress. The protein acts as a gatekeeper, setting a brake for calcium influx to maintain beneficial levels.
Researchers suggest designing cost-sharing strategies in line with evidence-based screening guidelines to reduce expenditures. They also recommend improving communication about the risks and benefits of treatment, as well as changes to financial incentives for physicians.
Researchers at Penn are developing programs to help people change high-risk behaviors, such as smoking and overeating, by enhancing the brain's cognitive control system. The study aims to assess the effects of neurocognitive training on decision-making processes and their impact on cancer risk.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found a significant association between myasthenia gravis and impaired sense of smell, comparable to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. The study suggests that myasthenia gravis may involve the brain, contrary to its traditional peripheral nervous system classification.
A new study found that bitter taste receptors play a crucial role in fighting off chronic sinus infections by detecting specific bacterial molecules. The research suggests that individuals with strong bitter taste sensitivities have better defenses against these infections.
The study uses functional MRI to measure brain activity and identifies a precise statistical relationship between brain structure and visual representation. This breakthrough can guide efforts to restore vision using neural prosthetics.
Researchers at Penn developed a new mouse model of pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a debilitating lung disease, that replicates the pathologic features of human disease. The study suggests that two readily available drugs, an antibiotic and a statin, may help treat and reverse symptoms.
Research reveals activation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway induces mammary gland cells to produce prolactin, triggering Stat5 activation and milk production. Prolactin's role in human breast cancer is reevaluated, with potential implications for treatment.
A new study has documented the experiences of women receiving abnormal prenatal chromosomal microarray testing results, revealing a range of negative reactions. The research highlights the importance of providing emotional support and nuanced counseling to help parents navigate the ambiguities of genetic testing.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that surgery itself has a profound impact on brain pathology and cognition in mice with human Alzheimer disease genes. Surgery causes a lasting increase in Alzheimer's pathology and significant cognitive impairment, primarily through inflammation.
Researchers discovered that tension on gut muscles induces cell invasion in zebrafish intestine, a process similar to cancer metastasis. The study identified invadopodia formation as the key driver of this process, which is triggered by oxidative stress.
A consensus document developed by leading Alzheimer's researchers, advocates, and clinicians provides prioritized goals for the nation's healthcare system. The plan aims to advance understanding of the disease, develop effective treatments, and integrate healthcare and social services.
A new study has found that patients taking thiazolidinedione (TZD) diabetes drugs are two to three times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who took sulfonylurea drugs. The risk is especially high among Type 2 diabetes patients, with 170 expected cases per 100,000 treated with TZDs.
Researchers created composites with a loose structure that enables cells to colonize and form three-dimensional tissues. The fibers' spacing can be adjusted to align cells and direct tissue formation, mimicking the human meniscus.
The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has been selected to lead a nationwide nurse-training initiative aimed at strengthening the nation's primary care workforce. The Graduate Nurse Education Demonstration will provide advanced training opportunities for hundreds of nurses over four years, increasing access to essential health...
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that greening vacant lots reduces violent crime and makes residents feel safer. Residents living near greened vacant lots reported feeling significantly safer than those near non-greened sites.
The US Food and Drug Administration has introduced a new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to manage the risks of misuse and addiction associated with long-acting and extended-release opioids. The plan includes requirements for prescriber continuing education and patient counseling, aiming to reduce opioid abuse in the US.
A recent study published in JAMA found that HIV patients taking antiretroviral drugs experienced improved viral suppression rates, with a 60% increase over the past decade. However, the percentage of patients in tightly controlled HIV infection remains lower than previously estimated.
An anti-tau treatment called epithilone D (EpoD) has shown promise in preventing and intervening the progress of Alzheimer's disease in animal models by improving neuron function and cognition. The drug aims to stabilize microtubules, which support the transport of essential nutrients and information between cells.
A new Penn study of 154 participants with chronic HCV found that silymarin supplements offered no significant improvements in liver disease treatment. The trial tested higher-than-normal doses of silymarin and concluded it had no impact on ALT levels or quality-of-life measures.
Experts warn that revealing biomarker results to asymptomatic individuals can cause anxiety and depression, while safeguards are needed to prevent marginalization or mistreatment. The prevention trial aims to better understand how older adults make sense of risk information and its impact on health and well-being.
A new approach using an HIV drug has significantly reduced the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in bone marrow transplant patients. The treatment redirects immune cells away from vital organs, reducing the risk of GvHD without compromising the patient's ability to fight cancer.
A new gene expression test can accurately classify thyroid nodules as low-risk, allowing for the avoidance of unnecessary surgeries and lifelong hormone replacement treatment. The test demonstrated a 92% correct identification rate and 85-95% negative predictive value, ruling out malignancy.
Researchers propose 'automated hovering' approaches combining technology, behavioral economics, and new payment strategies to motivate patients to improve their health. These approaches aim to reduce costly hospital admissions by targeting specific patient populations and promoting adherence to medication regimens.
Researchers found that regional anesthesia was associated with a significant reduction in major pulmonary complications and death among hip fracture patients. The use of regional anesthesia versus general anesthesia resulted in a 29% lower adjusted odds of mortality and a 24% decrease in the adjusted odds of any inpatient pulmonary com...
A study published in PLoS Biology describes a way to break apart beneficial amyloid fibers that can play protective roles in the brain. Human cells have the necessary machinery to clear these fibers, which could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study published in Immunity reveals that commensal bacteria play a vital role in fighting off viral infections. The research found that signals from these beneficial microbes are essential for optimal immune responses to experimental viral infections, and their absence can lead to impaired antiviral immunity.
Researchers found that patients with psoriasis are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, even without common risk factors like obesity. The study estimated an additional 115,500 people will develop diabetes each year due to the risk posed by psoriasis.
Researchers found that graphic warning labels improved smokers' recall of the warning, with a 50% vs. 83% difference in percentage correct recall. The study suggests that drawing attention to the warning label can improve recall of health relevant information and may extend to improving risk perception of smoking.
Researchers identify innate lymphoid cells as key players in limiting commensal bacteria to intestinal tissues. The study suggests that targeting these immune cells or specific bacterial groups may be useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.
New strategies targeting pregnancy, infancy, and toddlers are needed to combat rising childhood obesity rates. A community-wide approach that addresses behavioral and environmental factors is proposed to tackle the epidemic.
A Penn study found that many patients with head and neck cancers experience significant late effects, but rarely report these issues to their doctors due to concerns about doctor's response. The researchers emphasize the need for improved survivorship care to encourage patients to seek help.
The increasing misuse of prescription opioids has led to a four-fold rise in individual use since the mid-1990s, resulting in nearly three-quarters of fatal drug overdoses being due to prescription drugs. Experts recommend expanded prescription drug monitoring programs to identify potential abusers and protect pain patients.
Researchers suggest enhanced public funding, partnerships, and open-source consortia may improve biomarker discovery and development. The Supreme Court's move to free medical diagnosis from private ownership could enhance public health.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that daclizumab improved the survival of breast cancer patients taking a cancer vaccine by 30%, compared to those not taking daclizumab. The drug depletes regulatory T cells, allowing immune cells to fight tumors more effectively.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a mechanism involving dopamine that switches fruit fly behavior from diurnal to nocturnal, parallelled by human sundown syndrome. The team found that increased night-time activity is associated with elevated dopamine signaling in flies.
A Penn study found that more than 75% of cardiac arrests occur outside the range of nearby automated external defibrillators (AEDs), highlighting the need for strategic placement and easy location. The study suggests innovative ways to help the public find AEDs in emergencies.
Research reveals racial disparities in pre-hospital care for black cardiac arrest victims, with lower rates of bystander CPR and defibrillation. The study also found that black patients were less likely to have regained their pulse before arrival at the hospital.
A new tool embedded in patients' electronic medical records helps reduce the use of CT scans among ER patients with abdominal pain, resulting in a 10% decrease in potentially unnecessary tests. The study found no increase in hospital admissions, suggesting the tool is effective in balancing diagnosis accuracy with patient safety.