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University of Pennsylvania


Progress toward a stem cell–based therapy for blindness

A new study successfully introduces healthy photoreceptor cells derived from stem cells into the retinas of dogs, marking significant progress toward a cell-based therapy for blindness. The treatment enables cells to survive and form connections with existing retinal cells, paving the way for a regenerative medicine approach.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

How storytelling can motivate us to help others

Researchers found that personal narratives increase empathy and encourage prosocial behaviors, particularly towards higher-risk groups like the incarcerated or healthcare workers. The study suggests using storytelling can shift an individual's perspective and promote behavioral changes in public health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 2, 2022

An arms race that plays out in a single genome

Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Are Republicans and Democrats driven by hatred of one another? Less than you think

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that negative partisanship - the perception that Democrats or Republicans are driven by hatred for their opponents - is exaggerated. In fact, research found that people's primary motivations for choosing a party are more strongly tied to love for their own party.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2022

Genomic differences selected through evolution may offer clues as to why COVID-19 outcomes vary widely

A new study analyzed genomic data from global populations to identify genetic variants linked to COVID-19 severity. The investigation found dozens of genomic variations in critical genes, suggesting these may have evolved to protect against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 19, 2022

Both nature and nurture contribute to signatures of socioeconomic status in the brain

A new study found that genetics and environmental influences both contribute to socioeconomic status's impact on the brain, with different effects on various brain regions. The research used the UK Biobank dataset to analyze nearly 24,000 individuals and identified specific brain regions related to socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2022

Regulating the regulators of the immune system

Researchers discovered that checkpoint inhibitors can activate regulatory T cells, which can counteract the immune response. Blocking PD-L1 enhanced effector Treg activity, reducing ability to control parasite infections. This finding highlights complexity of immune system's balance between controlling pathogens and protecting healthy ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Lead toxicity risk factors in Philadelphia

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found a correlation between household income, building age, and proximity to former lead smelters with elevated blood-lead levels in children. The study highlights environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations in Philadelphia.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGeoHealth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2022

Researchers find topological phenomena at high, technologically relevant frequencies

A collaborative study from the University of Pennsylvania demonstrates topological control capabilities in an acoustic system at technologically relevant frequencies. The researchers have successfully shown that topological phenomena occur at higher frequency ranges, enabling unique signal propagation properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

Decoding a material’s ‘memory’

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania discovered that disordered materials can retain a memory of external forces, allowing them to predict when and how they will flow. By analyzing individual particle distributions, scientists can determine a material's stability and response to stressors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Correcting night blindness in dogs

Researchers have developed a gene therapy that restores night vision in dogs with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), a condition affecting the ON bipolar cells. The treatment enables dogs to navigate mazes in dim light and has a lasting therapeutic effect, paving the way for potential human treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Rapid adaptation in fruit flies

Researchers found that fruit flies underwent widespread physical and genomic adaptation within weeks, with changes documented in 60% of their genome. The study's findings suggest a new paradigm for understanding the timescale of evolution, highlighting rapid and dynamic adaptation to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

More alcohol, less brain: Penn-led study finds an association that begins with an average of just one drink a day

A new study using a dataset of over 36,000 adults found that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with reductions in overall brain volume. The association grew stronger with increasing levels of alcohol consumption, comparable to aging two and three years, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2022

COVID in a cat

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that a domestic cat was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant, but without significant genetic changes. This discovery highlights the virus's ability to infect a wide range of hosts and raises questions about its evolution in different species.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalViruses·TypeCase study·DateMar 1, 2022

A serendipitous finding lends new insight into how atopic dermatitis develops

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have identified a cascade of inflammatory signaling that precedes skin ulcers in atopic dermatitis. A mouse model lacking an activator of NF-kB signaling led to the development of skin lesions, shedding light on the early stages of the condition.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2022

A better estimate for tick numbers with ‘citizen science’ data

A team of University of Pennsylvania biologists used citizen science data to create a comprehensive abundance map of the black-legged tick, responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. By correcting biases in the data, they were able to increase its value and provide insights into tick distribution across the Northeast US.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

Before geoengineering, some fundamental chemistry

A new study suggests that atmospheric conditions in the stratosphere pose a challenge to generating sulfuric acid, a crucial component of a proposed geoengineering strategy to mitigate climate change. Researchers found that solar radiation causes HOSO2 to quickly photolyse, breaking it down into harmful sulfur dioxide, which may reduce...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2021

‘Nanozyme’ therapy prevents harmful dental plaque build-up

A study by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University found that a nanozyme therapy, combining ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, significantly reduced the buildup of harmful dental plaque and targeted bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The treatment effectively killed Streptococcus mutans bacteria while leaving other ora...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2021

Mandates likely work to increase vaccine uptake

Research from University of Pennsylvania team shows that vaccine mandates have positive effects on vaccination intentions, particularly for those who oppose forced behavior. Mandates strengthen vaccination intentions, regardless of racial or ethnic group, and for individuals with a disposition towards psychological reactance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 21, 2021

Nerve repair, with help from stem cells

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers uses human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells to guide nerve growth and regeneration, achieving similar results as traditional autograft procedures. The approach has potential for treating larger nerve gaps, including those resulting from oral cancer surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Study examines smoking risk factors and prevention among transgender and gender expansive adults

Researchers identified six major themes associated with smoking risk and protective factors among TGE adults, including experience of stress, gender affirmation, and environmental cues. The study aims to design culturally sensitive messaging for smoking cessation through social media and inform further community-engaged research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 6, 2021

Mapping words to colors

A team of researchers developed an algorithm that infers the communicative needs of different linguistic communities regarding colors. The study found that warm hues like reds and yellows have a higher demand for language, while less prominent colors are underrepresented.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 23, 2021