A new study published in Sleep Health found that high levels of air pollution, carbon dioxide, noise, and temperature can lower sleep efficiency. The study analyzed data from 62 participants and found significant associations between these environmental factors and reduced sleep quality.
A new target for drug-resistant ovarian cancer has been identified through a preclinical study led by researchers at Penn Medicine. An antibody-drug conjugate targeting B7-H4 showed significant anti-tumor activity and sustained response in treatment-resistant models.
A Penn Medicine study identified a developmental sequence in brain maturation during adolescence, revealing regions supporting cognitive and social functions remain malleable until late adolescence. The study found that socioeconomic environments have a significant impact on brain development in these regions.
A new proteomic risk model developed by Penn Medicine researchers is more accurate than existing clinical models for predicting cardiovascular risk among chronic kidney disease patients. The model uses nearly 5,000 proteins and identified specific proteins that can help identify individuals at high risk of future cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Penn Medicine discovered that maintaining nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels may protect against kidney disease. NAD supplements were shown to be effective in reversing NAD loss and suppressing inflammation in mouse kidneys, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for kidney disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers discovered that targeting two inflammatory regulators simultaneously can boost T cell expansion and increase antitumor immune activity in models. The findings showed at least 10 times greater T cell expansion when both regulators were knocked out, resulting in improved durability.
A new study found that pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure and preterm delivery, can increase the risk of death in decades following childbirth. The research tracked data from over 46,000 people born between 1959 and 1966, revealing a significant association between these complications and increased mortality rates.
A 30-year US study found that adults with head injuries had a twice higher mortality rate than those without. Those with severe head injuries experienced nearly tripled mortality rates.
A large randomized study found that machine learning-triggered reminders significantly increased rates of advanced care planning conversations, reducing potentially harmful therapies at end of life. The intervention also improved patient education and early palliative care referrals.
A preclinical study shows CAR T cell therapy can eliminate residual tumor cells after surgery in mice with breast and pancreatic cancer. The treatment involves applying a gel containing human CAR T cells to surgical wounds, allowing the mice to survive where they would otherwise succumb to tumor recurrence.
A Penn Medicine study found that certain gut bacteria produce metabolites that stimulate sensory nerves, increasing dopamine levels in the brain during exercise. This increase reinforces the desire to exercise, boosting performance. The study suggests a new pathway for improving public health and potentially modifying motivation and mood.
Modakafusp alfa has shown significant potential in combating multiple myeloma with 43% of patients experiencing a partial response. The treatment targets interferon in cells expressing CD38, a marker present on myeloma cells and immune cells.
Researchers have demonstrated successful re-treatment with CAR T cell therapy for patients whose cancers relapsed after previous treatment. The novel fourth-generation CAR T therapy, huCART19-IL18, showed safe and potent antitumor efficacy in a Phase I clinical trial.
Researchers developed a small molecule inhibitor that successfully shrunk tumors or stopped cancer growth in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The drug, MRTX1133, not only targets cancer cells but also cooperates with the immune system to produce a durable response to treatment.
A massive collaborative study using federated learning developed a model that enhances identification and prediction of boundaries in three tumor sub-compartments without compromising patient privacy. The dataset, comprising 6,314 glioblastoma patients from 71 sites globally, is the largest and most diverse ever considered.
A new study reveals ketamine dramatically changes neuronal activity patterns in the cerebral cortex, turning off active neurons and turning on silent ones. This switch in brain activity may impact our understanding of ketamine's antidepressant effects and future research in neuropsychiatry.
Researchers developed a multivalent mRNA-based vaccine protecting against all 20 known influenza subtypes, providing broad protection in animal models and paving the way for clinical trials.
Researchers report highly promising early results for CAR T therapy in lupus patients, offering a new hope for treatment of autoimmune diseases. The therapy has shown to remove existing B cells and restore natural B cell function, paving the way for potential new applications.
A telemedicine program for opioid use disorder patients showed that 55% of patients continued with their medication 30 days after being prescribed buprenorphine. The program received 371 calls and provided 249 buprenorphine prescriptions, filling a significant gap in treatment for this population.
A new study found that BRCA1/2 mutation-associated cancers have specific features that contribute to their high risk of recurrence, including changes in the BRCA2 protein's messenger-RNA molecule. The researchers identified multiple novel markers of therapeutic resistance, highlighting the importance of tumor profiling at treatment time.
Researchers found that patients who received automated text messages from their primary care team after discharge had a significant decrease in hospital readmission (55%) and emergency care use (41%) compared to those who did not receive the texts. This study adds to evidence that connecting with patients through text messaging can hel...
A large international clinical trial found that fenofibrate had no significant effect on COVID-19 outcomes, including disease severity and death. The study included 701 participants and was led by Penn Medicine scientists.
Patients taking apixaban had a 43% lower risk of stroke or systemic embolism compared to those taking rivaroxaban. Apixaban also reduced the risk of bleeding events by 49% in patients with atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that rapidly restores night vision in adults with LCA, a common form of congenital blindness. The treatment has been shown to improve rod-based visual functions and correct severe visual deficits in patients.
The program cuts the average time it took for new patients to get their first treatment from 97 days to just 41 days, while also allowing more than 1,000 new patients to begin treatments. The system has made significant improvements in efficiency and patient satisfaction, with appointment no-shows dropping by 50%.
A new study found that integrating genetic testing into electronic health records (EHRs) significantly reduces clinician workload, with average savings of 45 minutes per day. Clinicians can now order and manage tests directly through the EHR, resulting in reduced time spent on clerical work.
A new study has identified a potential prognostic biomarker for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where patients with higher blood levels of endotrophin are at increased risk of adverse outcomes. The finding could lead to the development of a standard blood test to assess HFpEF patients and guide treatment.
According to Penn Medicine experts, health systems can utilize several strategies to help Black communities build wealth, including promoting job opportunities and investing in local economies. Wealth building has also been shown to improve health outcomes, as it affords choice and stability in housing, education, and nutrition.
A pilot clinical trial found that implanted brain-stimulating devices dramatically reduced bingeing episodes and helped patients lose weight in two patients with loss-of-control binge eating disorder. The study used a device to monitor activity in the nucleus accumbens, a brain region involved in processing pleasure and reward.
Researchers found that cells in diseased connective tissue lose their ability to reorder DNA information correctly, leading to cell dysfunction. The study suggests that epigenetic treatments could restore healthy genome organization and may be effective treatments for conditions affecting dense tissues.
The center aims to develop and test advanced telehealth methods for cancer care, focusing on promoting health equity and addressing digital divides. Three principal investigators will lead the center, aiming to improve patient outcomes, communication, and healthcare use through telehealth strategies.
Researchers discovered that liver cancer cells modify their metabolism to leave them susceptible to disruptions in arginine supply, a key molecule. A three-pronged approach targeting tumor metabolism, blocking survival-promoting responses, and starving tumors of arginine can induce senescence, making cancer cells killable.
Researchers have found that infusing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone can improve impaired islet cell function in the pancreas of cystic fibrosis patients, potentially improving blood sugar control and treatment burden. The study suggests a new therapeutic approach for treating cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.
A team of researchers has used advanced techniques to identify immature hippocampal neurons in significant numbers throughout the human lifespan. The findings resolve a long-running controversy over adult neurogenesis and provide insights into brain plasticity, memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.
A new analysis of data from Chicago shows that as violent crime decreases, so does the area's death rate from heart disease. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found a significant decline in cardiovascular disease mortality when violent crime declined by more than 10%.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children found that both gun-owning and non-gun-owning parents are receptive to discussions about gun locks and firearm safety measures with their child's pediatrician. The study, led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, shows promise for reducing f...
Researchers will develop and test new beacon molecules and imaging equipment to improve the detection and removal of non-small-cell lung cancers, aiming to reduce unnecessary tissue removal. The goal is to enhance surgical outcomes and improve patient care.
Researchers discovered that the TCF-1 protein enables plasticity in cells across neighborhoods during T cell development, weakening insulation and increasing interactions between adjacent neighborhoods. This finding sheds new light on immunotherapy approaches and could lead to more efficient cancer treatments.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients who underwent spinal anesthesia for hip fracture surgery experienced more pain and were more likely to use prescription painkillers compared to those who received general anesthesia. The researchers hope to improve pain care by increasing the use of peripheral ...
A study found that automated text messaging was comparable to direct phone calls in getting unvaccinated patients to seek COVID-19 shots, with higher response rates among Black patients and those with lower incomes. The study suggests using text messaging as a low-cost alternative to traditional patient outreach.
A Penn study suggests that the stress protein ATF4 enables fibroblasts to support tumor growth by promoting new blood vessel formation. Deleting ATF4 in fibroblasts severely impaired tumor growth without causing significant harm to mice, indicating it could be a promising target for future cancer treatments.
Researchers found that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy increased one-year survival rates for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, with anti-PD-1/chemo regimen showing the highest response. The study identified key immune system biomarkers associated with better outcomes, offering new hope for precision oncology.
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed an imaging agent that detects cancer cells in real-time during biopsies, offering promise for earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The technology, known as NIR-nCLE, uses a combination of near-infrared tracers and confocal laser endomicroscopy to identify microscopic cancer cells.
A recent study analyzed a large database of bladder cancer patients and found that fewer than half had been tested for the relevant gene mutation or received erdafitinib treatment, despite its proven efficacy. The research highlights significant barriers to treatment, including obstacles in testing and education for healthcare providers.
A six-year study of nearly 100,000 women in Botswana found daily iron, folic acid, and vitamin supplementation can reduce birth complications, including low birthweight. The study also showed benefits for HIV-positive pregnant women, with rates of adverse outcomes significantly lower than those taking iron or folic acid alone.
Research finds that COVID-19 led to a significant decrease in racial inequities in primary care appointments, with Black patients' visit completion rates increasing by 7-8% in the second half of 2020. Telemedicine adoption played a key role in closing this gap.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing opioid disposal kits doubled the rate of safe disposal among patients who received them. The kits were provided to 235 patients after orthopedic or urologic procedures and resulted in the safe disposal of 480 unused tablets.
Researchers found that a molecule called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) produced in the liver during low-carb diets can suppress colorectal tumor growth. BHB's anti-tumor effects were replicated by giving mice the molecule directly, indicating its potential as a preventive and treatment for colorectal cancer.
Researchers found that gamification increased daily steps by an average of 647 for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, demonstrates the effectiveness of text-based gamification interventions to improve physical activity among high-risk postpartum women.
A randomized trial by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that pulse oximeters did not change outcomes for patients with COVID-19 in a remote monitoring program. The study enrolled over 2,000 patients and found no statistical difference in the average number of days patients spent alive and out of the hospital.