A study published in Science Translational Medicine shows that treating cats with Niemann Pick Type C with cyclodextrin significantly improved their neurological symptoms. The treatment halted disease progression and allowed the cats to live past three years of age, making it a promising potential therapy for human patients.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have made an advance in manufacturing molybdenum disulphide, allowing for easier control over its size, thickness, and location. The new technique enables the creation of transistors that turn on and off, as well as devices that emit light.
A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that mosquitoes increase production of immune system proteins called leucine-rich repeat immune proteins (LRIMs) after feeding on blood, which helps fight off parasites that may be present in the blood.
A new study led by Penn's Damon Centola reveals that social conventions can emerge spontaneously, with no centralized leader or media source, through the normal interactions of people in social networks. The research used a web-based game to test how large populations come to consensus, and found that random mixing allowed for the emer...
A team of researchers has created a method to change graphene's electron density without physical alteration, enabling dynamic reconfiguring of circuit elements. This technique uses oxides to tune the amount of electrons in graphene, potentially revolutionizing semiconductor devices and optoelectronics.
Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine have identified Foxo1 as a critical molecule that impairs wound healing in diabetics. The study found that deleting Foxo1 in keratinocytes improved wound healing in diabetic mice, suggesting a potential target for therapies to boost healing.
Joshua Plotkin, a young professor at Penn, has won the prestigious prize for his innovative theoretical work in mathematical biology. His research on the evolution of influenza virus has significant implications for public health and vaccine design.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a critical relationship governing how cells ingest matter through endocytosis. By controlling membrane tension, they found that fewer proteins are needed to form a vesicle as tension decreases.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that negative emotions on Twitter are associated with higher heart disease risk, while positive emotions are linked to lower risk. The study used a large dataset of tweets and health data to develop a predictive model for coronary heart disease rates.
Researchers found conserved sequences and inverse relationships between RBP binding and RNA structure, suggesting a regulatory role in gene expression. They also identified unique patterns around start codons and links to alternative splicing and polyadenylation processes.
Penn researchers developed mathematical models of collagen matrix stiffness, providing insights into fibrosis, cirrhosis, and certain cancers. The models show that nonlinear elasticity can arise from the ECM's fibrous structure, allowing for long-range force transmission and bridging formation.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease has awarded a new contract to develop the Eukaryotic Pathogen Genomics Database, providing free access to genomic data related to pathogens important to human health. The database encompasses disease-causing eukaryotes and includes over 3,000 genomes from more than 300 species.
Researchers develop fundamental cuts and folds to maintain lattice proportions, enabling versatile applications in nanotechnology, architecture, and aerospace. The technique allows for the creation of complex shapes, including channels and ratcheting interfaces, with potential uses in self-folding materials.
Penn researchers demonstrate that stiffness and strength scaling remain unchanged across various glassy materials, indicating a constant critical strain before catastrophic failure. This finding provides insight into the fundamental mechanism driving failure in glasses, suggesting cooperative motion of particles or atoms.
The team designs 'digital' metamaterials composed of two materials with positive and negative permittivity values, enabling the creation of flat lenses, hyperlenses, and waveguides. By carefully arranging these materials, they can produce bulk metamaterials with nearly any desired permittivity value.
Researchers found cooperative strategies were initially successful but ultimately collapsed as players adjusted payoffs to maximize rewards, leading to a rise in selfish strategies.
A Penn-led team discovered that a specific set of cells in the brain are responsible for memory problems after sleep loss. By increasing levels of a signaling molecule, they prevented mice from having memory deficits.
Researchers at Penn have engineered a nanowire system that can combine two light waves to produce a third with a different frequency, using an optical cavity to amplify the intensity of the output. The system achieved high efficiency in mixing frequencies, enabling fundamental computation capabilities.
A team of researchers has drawn connections between known regulators of body mass, pointing to possible treatments for obesity and metabolic disorders. They also found intriguing clues that these same molecular pathways may play a role in learning and perhaps even in some forms of brain cancer.
A new study by Penn and Dresden researchers has identified the protein Del-1 as a key player in blocking multiple sclerosis relapses in mice. The protein, also found to prevent inflammation and bone loss in gum disease, shows promise as a potential therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study suggests that approximately one-fifth of schizophrenia cases may be attributable to T. gondii infection, according to professor Gary Smith's epidemiological modeling. This finding implies that preventing infections with this parasite could prevent about one-fifth of all schizophrenia cases over a lifetime.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that the brain uses geometric relationships to create a mental compass, enabling people to navigate and orient themselves in their environment. The study, led by Russell Epstein and Steven Marchette, used fMRI scans to analyze the retrosplenial complex region of the brain.
Researchers from Penn and UCSB discovered that giant clams use their iridescent structures to maximize the usefulness of light reaching symbiotic algae within their bodies. This unique system allows the clams to thrive in intense sunlight, leading to potential breakthroughs in alternative energy research.
Researchers found a small but significant effect of gene conversion bias on the persistence of heritable diseases in populations. The study suggests that this bias may contribute to the retention of disease-associated alleles, increasing the risk of recessive diseases across populations.
A team of University of Pennsylvania researchers developed a technique to measure the electrical properties of nanoscale structures by passing them through tiny pores. By analyzing changes in ionic current, they found new ways to apply nanopore translocation to analyze objects at the smallest scale.
Researchers track Criegee intermediate through reaction to produce hydroxyl radicals, providing insights into atmospheric chemistry and climate modeling. The study's findings shed light on the dominant source of hydroxyl radicals at night, playing a significant role in the atmosphere during winter.
A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that combining exercise with chemotherapy shrunk tumors more than chemotherapy alone in a mouse model of melanoma. Exercise increased blood flow to the tumor, bringing more of the drug into the bloodstream, and may help reduce side effects.
Researchers from Penn and HKUST discovered a surprising mechanism facilitating one of the two main routes for solid-solid transitions. The process involves the parent phase producing liquid droplets, which then evolve into the daughter phase, revealing new insight into material development and natural processes.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania showed how brain distinguishes between errors of different magnitudes, critical for fine-tuning motor control. They found that longer air puffs corresponded to more climbing fibers sending signals to Purkinje cells, allowing the brain to learn and adapt.
Researchers discovered that adding fluorine to graphene increases friction on a nanoscale, despite making surfaces water-repellent. The team found that electronic roughness caused by fluorine atoms introduces energy peaks and valleys, leading to increased friction.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified over 30 previously undiscovered genetic mutations in microRNAs that may influence cancer susceptibility and severity. These mutations were found to be associated with increased risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, in African popula...
Researchers from Penn and Florida developed a plant-based approach to prevent antibodies forming against clotting factor proteins in people with hemophilia. This method, which uses genetically modified plants to induce tolerance, showed promise in preventing inhibitor formation and even reversing it in mice.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates the feasibility of using low-cost wearable inertial sensors to detect firearm usage with over 99% accuracy. The technology has the potential to enhance deterrence and detection of firearm use in community-supervised populations.
Researchers at Penn and NIH found a novel mechanism of cell movement in 3D matrices, where the nucleus acts as a piston to propel cells forward. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases like cancer and biofilm formation.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have made a groundbreaking discovery in northeastern China, uncovering a possible dinosaur nest with 24 young Psittacosaurus lujiatunensis and one older individual. The fossilized group suggests post-hatchling cooperation among dinosaurs, where a 'babysitter' cared for its younger siblings.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new technique to help surgeons see the entire tumor during surgery, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. The approach uses an injectable dye that accumulates in cancerous tissues, allowing surgeons to remove the entire malignancy.
Researchers from University of Pennsylvania use cutting-edge microscope to study graphene nanoribbons, revealing how atomic geometry affects electrical conductivity. The study provides crucial insights for designing graphene-based integrated circuits and computer chips.
Researchers at Penn University have proposed a new concept called the anticrystal, which is a theoretical solid with complete disorder. The study suggests that understanding the mechanical properties of materials can be improved by starting with the framework of the anticrystal and adding order.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania uncover existence of threshold for fluid flow-induced angiogenesis, enabling rapid tumor growth; study paves the way for cancer-fighting drugs and treatments for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have identified a key enzyme in the placenta that translates maternal stress into a reprogramming signal for the brain before birth. This enzyme, OGT, is linked to brain mitochondrial dysfunction, which may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Researchers discover periodontal bacteria selectively disarm immune system, promoting dysbiosis and bone loss. The study reveals a two-pronged mechanism involving protein receptors C5aR and TLR2, which protects 'bystander' gum bacteria from clearance.
University of Pennsylvania researchers have developed a novel method to create stable, onion-like vesicles using dendrimers. By controlling the concentration of dendrimers, they can produce vesicles with multiple layers, allowing for sequential release of drugs and potential clinical applications.
A Penn study found that people in online fitness programs ignore fitness aptitude when choosing partners and instead select contacts based on age, gender, and BMI. This self-selection may limit opportunities for discovering new health information.
A University of Pennsylvania team has identified a promising new target for gum disease treatment: the complement component C3. Treating monkeys with a C3 inhibitor successfully prevented periodontitis-related inflammation and bone loss, suggesting this could be a promising drug option for humans.
A Penn Vet study reveals that Salmonella bacteria evade the immune system by exploiting metabolic pathways, including the citric acid cycle. The research identifies key genes involved in this evasion strategy and suggests that the immune system may recognize bacterial metabolites like citrate to trigger an inflammatory response.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have combined graphene with a painkiller receptor to create an artificial chemical sensor. The device uses electrical responses instead of biochemical ones, allowing it to be read out by a computer. This technology has potential applications in drug development and various diagnostic tests.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered that gibberellin promotes the first transition to inflorescence but inhibits flower formation. The hormone's role is regulated by rising and falling levels, involving protein activation that triggers flower formation.
A new study finds that immune cells can die to alert neighboring cells to the presence of infection, making it a potential anti-microbial strategy. Researchers discovered that caspase-8 plays a crucial role in this process, allowing infected host cells to spread the word about an infection.
Researchers at Penn Vet have identified several compounds that can reduce a virus' ability to spread infection, making it easier for the immune system to control. The compounds target specific interactions between viral proteins and host cells, potentially reducing mortality rates for diseases like Ebola and HIV.
Researchers attach DNA-coated building blocks to form structures, but simulations predicted defects. They found hydrodynamic effects play a critical role in the structures' formation, making some patterns more likely than others. This discovery improves our understanding of particle assemblies and has implications for various systems.