Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered how KSHV subverts a normal cell process to promote tumor growth. By tricking tumor suppressors VHL and p53 into being destroyed, KSHV allows cancer cells to grow unchecked.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine have successfully tested a new gene therapy vector that inhibits HIV replication. The treatment, called VRX496, has shown promising results in reducing viral loads and improving immune function in patients with chronic HIV infection.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that signal protein Srcasm can block tumor-promoting molecules in skin cells, potentially leading to targeted gene therapy for certain cancers. By increasing Srcasm levels, researchers may be able to reverse uncontrolled cell growth caused by activated Src kinases.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine found that low-intensity laser treatment is ineffective in preventing complications of AMD or vision loss. Daily supplements of vitamins and minerals remain the only established way to decrease the risk of vision loss for people with large drusen.
A neuroimaging study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found decreased activity in frontal lobes and increased thalamus activity when subjects spoke in tongues. The study suggests that glossolalia may be associated with non-intentional control by another part of the brain, challenging traditional views on language co...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have made a breakthrough discovery about how T cells become active or inactive. They found that small fatty acids called diacylglycerols (DAGs) play a critical role in this process, and that enzymes called diacylglycerol kinases can make T cells tolerant to foreign substa...
A study published in JAMA found that psoriasis patients are at a higher risk of heart attack, particularly those with severe psoriasis. Younger patients with severe psoriasis had the highest relative risk of heart attack, similar to other major cardiac risk factors.
Penn researchers identify misfolded TDP-43 as common pathologic protein linking frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, leading to new avenues of research into the relationship between the two disorders. The discovery has significant implications for developing effective treatments for these lethal diseases.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has been awarded $68 million by the NIH to lead a national consortium on clinical and translational science. The Philadelphia partnership will enhance research, education, and outreach programs, improving medical care for underserved populations.
Marc Levine, a renowned expert in gastrointestinal radiology, has received the Eminent Scientist of the Year award from the International Research Promotion Council. He is recognized for his clinical expertise and research excellence in the field.
As technology improves life expectancy and oxygen therapy becomes more accessible at home, critical care physicians face a new challenge: honoring patient requests to discontinue supplemental oxygen. The commentary offers a four-step approach to help physicians overcome concerns and ensure patients' wishes are respected.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that deleting an inflammation enzyme in mice slowed the development of atherosclerosis. The study suggests that a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may benefit the heart and reduce its risk of disease.
Researchers at Penn's Department of Radiology will utilize a new 7 Tesla whole-body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system for high-field imaging. The ultra-high field magnet will improve sensitivity, speed, and image resolution, enabling detection of disease in ways never seen before.
Researchers found children with autism have abnormal blood vessel function and high levels of oxidative stress, which may contribute to the disorder's symptoms. The study suggests that targeting this imbalance could lead to new therapies for autism.
A study by Penn researchers found that truck drivers who get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance. The study examined 406 truck drivers and found that those with severe sleep apnea had performance impairment similar to that of drivers who are legally drunk.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism controlling human growth hormone (hGH) gene expression through non-coding RNAs. This finding may lead to the development of therapeutics for hGH defects and a better understanding of genetic disorders.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using the abdominal cavity to exchange gas, supplementing lung function in patients with reversible lung failure. The technique increases arterial oxygen levels by a significant degree and shows potential for treating critically ill patients.
The study reveals the three-dimensional structure of the smallpox virus topoisomerase-DNA complex, providing crucial insights into how the viral enzyme recognizes and activates specific DNA sequences. This knowledge will facilitate the design of targeted agents to combat poxvirus infections and prevent smallpox replication.
Researchers at Penn's new Center for Spirituality and the Mind are examining the effectiveness of meditation on early cognitive impairment. They will combine meditation with brain imaging to see if it improves cognitive function and is associated with actual change in the brain's activity levels.
The human retina can transmit data at roughly 10 million bits per second, similar to Ethernet connections. Researchers used a miniature multi-electrode array to record electrical impulses from guinea pig retinas, revealing that sluggish cells convey most of the information.
Researchers found that chronic ibuprofen therapy given after brain injury worsened cognitive abilities in animal models. The study suggests potential implications for traumatic brain injury patients who often receive ibuprofen for chronic pain.
The discovery of agile molecular motors could lead to better ways to treat motor neuron diseases, which destroy motor neurons and control voluntary muscles. The proteins, dynein and dynactin, are able to move back and forth along a microtubule, providing the necessary maneuvering ability for effective long distance transport.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a new way to open ion channels in cell membranes by using an enzyme found in brown recluse spider venom. This discovery introduces a new paradigm for understanding the gating of ion channels and lays the groundwork for designing new drugs to control ion-channel act...
A sociologist argues that computerized physician order entry systems (CPOE) have many virtues, but also significant problems. CPOE is often seen as irrational impositions rather than helpful tools, and its supporters need to evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have isolated a novel population of multipotent adult stem cells from human hair follicles. These cells can differentiate into nerve cells, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes, offering potential treatments for various disorders.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine used molecular imaging techniques to discover small molecule compounds that can restore normal p53 function in cancer cells, killing human tumor cells. The findings emphasize the growing role of imaging technology in individualized cancer treatments.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine successfully manipulate cells to regenerate damaged heart tissue using cyclin A2. The findings hold promise for future therapy and treatment of heart disease, potentially leading to less surgery and medicine.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that the loss of menin protein leads to proliferation of pancreatic islet cells, which secrete insulin. This finding has implications for treating Type 1 diabetes and could lead to new treatments.
Researchers identified a new protein, JET, required for the circadian response to light in fruit flies. The protein's mutation disrupts the body's internal clock, leading to jetlag-like behaviors.
Researchers discover altered activity in NRG1-erbB4 and NMDA receptor pairs, suggesting a relationship between the two and contributing to schizophrenia symptoms. The study's findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.
Research using sleepy fruit flies discovered that specific regions of the brain, known as mushroom bodies, regulate sleep. Increasing serotonin activity in these regions promotes sleep, which may help with learning and memory consolidation.
Dr. Paul Root Wolpe argues that scientists have a unique responsibility to advocate for their research and carefully consider ethical implications. By doing so, they can advance their own work and improve the public's understanding of scientific breakthroughs.
A research team led by Professor Nigel W. Fraser discovered that herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) produces an miRNA molecule encoded by the LAT gene. This miRNA works through RNA interference to prevent normal cell death, maintaining latent infection for life. The study offers a new target for treatment against latent infections.
Researchers discovered that the partnership between COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes plays a critical role in blood vessel development in newborn mice. This finding suggests exploring new roles for COX enzymes in biology and potentially developing new drugs.
Researchers found transcription factor Elk-1 localized in dendrites of neurons, affecting cell viability. Overexpressing Elk-1 decreased cell viability, while knocking down expression increased neuron survival.
A study of nearly 600 female heart failure patients revealed that women had better outcomes with lower VO2 levels and less need for a heart transplant. The results challenge the current 'gold standard' for assessing treatment options, highlighting the importance of considering gender differences in heart failure management.
A new clinical trial at Penn aims to compare two embolic agents for treating uterine fibroids, with the goal of reducing symptoms and improving outcomes. The study will enroll 60 patients and last approximately nine months.
A new study finds that computer-based screenings increase the odds of identifying domestic violence victims, but don't guarantee that it will be addressed during emergency department encounters. The study found that women are more likely to disclose their domestic violence situations to clinicians who use computer-based screenings, and...
A new blood test measures the rate of nicotine metabolism to predict quitting success, distinguishing smokers who need higher doses of nicotine or alternative therapies. The study used saliva samples from 480 smokers and found a link between rapid metabolism and increased craving.
The Penn CEET aims to improve environmental health through research and outreach, focusing on lung disease, endocrine systems, and gene-environment interactions. The center will collaborate with local communities to address pressing environmental concerns.
The proposed approach would feature conditional approval followed by postmarketing studies required before condition removal. The FDA needs increased ability to regulate drugs after marketing with more resources for postmarketing safety studies.
The Penn-Botswana Program will provide clinical care and education for HIV/AIDS patients in Botswana. The grant aims to turn around the epidemic in Botswana, a test tube case for Africa's AIDS crisis.
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the ACVR1 gene, leading to an armament of bone that locks movement impossible. The discovery provides a highly specific target for future drug development and holds promise for altering symptoms and the disease itself.
Researchers identified a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs that may lessen cardiovascular risk by targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1. Unlike COX-2 inhibitors, mPGES-1 inhibitors do not increase the risk of heart attack and stroke while preserving some benefits.
Dr. Daniel Rader, a leader in preventive cardiovascular medicine and cholesterol metabolism, has been awarded a $6 million grant to develop new therapeutic approaches for reducing heart disease risk. His research focuses on boosting HDL (good cholesterol) levels and function.
Researchers found that HIV's Vpr protein disables host immunity by interacting with PARP-1 through the glucocorticoid receptor. This discovery provides potential novel approaches for designing new drugs to combat AIDS and inflammatory disorders.
A recent study published in Psychology of Addictive Behaviors found that nearly half of smokers made false assumptions about the tar content of Quest cigarettes, a low-nicotine brand. Smokers who felt less vulnerable to health effects and didn't think critically also made more false inferences about the potential harms.
Protein sorting in pigment cells plays a crucial role in the development of diseases such as melanoma and Alzheimer's. The study reveals that Pmel17 proteins are sorted to the melanosome through endosomes, similar to other amyloid proteins.
Dr. Jon Epstein has received the $5,000 AFMR Outstanding Investigator Award for his outstanding contributions to biomedical research in cardiovascular development. His lab works with transgenic and knockout mouse models to understand molecular mechanisms of human disease.
Dr. Larry Kricka's work on chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, and analytical microchips has revolutionized clinical analysis, enabling point-of-care testing and bio-terrorism detection. His research also led to the development of miniaturization techniques for DNA analysis, fertility testing, and immunoassay analysis.