The ClinEpiDB database has released new data from the MAL-ED study, which investigated environmental exposures early in childhood and their impact on growth and development. The dataset contains over 1.3 million observations covering anthropometrics, nutrition, vaccination status, and more.
Researchers found that empathy fosters cooperation over selfishness by taking into account another person's perspective when forming moral judgments. Empathy tends to spread throughout a population under most scenarios, leading to increased cooperation.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to produce enzymes in plants, which can be as effective as traditional microbial-derived enzymes. The plant-grown enzymes are cheaper to produce and shelf-stable, making them a game-changer for industries such as textile manufacturing and juice production.
Researchers from Penn and Harvard have created a tool to identify and access Cold War-era U2 spy plane imagery, revealing prehistoric hunting traps, irrigation canals, and marsh villages. The images provide valuable insights into ancient history, including the Assyrian canal system in northern Iraq.
New research reveals that females with lupus have an abnormal expression of genes linked to their second X chromosome due to incomplete X inactivation in immune system T cells. This abnormality may contribute to the genetic missteps seen in lupus, and changes in nuclear structure may also play a role.
Researchers found that severe flu cases reshape the lungs by triggering the growth of 'tuft cells', which may help protect lung function. The discovery may provide insight into preventing long-term respiratory damage after a severe flu infection.
A University of Pennsylvania post-doc's new theory describes how factors regulating individual cell size influence the growth rate of entire bacterial populations. The model predicts oscillations in growth rates, providing a new mathematical framework for studying population dynamics.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated a device that uses metamaterials to solve integral equations, a common problem in science and engineering. The device operates as an analog computer with light, solving problems orders of magnitude faster than digital computers.
A study found that nearly all colleges have dedicated lactation spaces, but only a quarter include them in campus construction standards. The researchers hope to help institutions create more comprehensive policies and resources for breastfeeding moms.
A study by University of Pennsylvania sociologists found that high-income residents moving into tech-enabled neighborhoods increase carbon emissions, displacing low-income populations. The research highlights the need for affordable housing and sustainable planning to counteract gentrification's negative effects.
Scientists have found that sugar molecules serve as channels for cellular communication, allowing cells to interact with proteins and other cells. This discovery was made using atomic force microscopy and provides new insights into the role of cell membranes in function.
Engineers at Penn University developed a test that uses off-the-shelf components to detect single proteins with results in minutes, compared to days. The system is thousand times more sensitive than standard protein assays and can be handheld and less expensive.
Genomic analysis reveals East Africa's hunter-gatherers diverged from a shared ancestry around 20,000 years ago, driven by infectious disease and dietary adaptations. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity of African populations, shedding light on the role of diet and disease in shaping human evolution.
A new hardware platform based on isolated electron spins in a two-dimensional material was demonstrated by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania. The system utilizes defects in sheets of hexagonal boron nitride to manipulate individual quantum states, enabling potential applications in quantum technology and sensing.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theoretical framework that describes how pollen patterns form through phase separation. This discovery provides new insights into the intricate structures found in nature and could lead to the development of innovative materials.
Researchers found that variations in a single gene led to changes in phosphorus release and calcium uptake in fish, potentially triggering ecosystem-wide effects. The study suggests a link between genetic variation and ecological implications, highlighting the importance of understanding how species adapt to their environments.
Researchers studied blood flow and mechanical networks to understand how biological systems perform tasks. They found that both types of networks can accomplish multiple functions, despite differing physical principles.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new material called metallic wood that has the strength of titanium but is four to five times lighter. The material's porous structure can be infused with other materials, making it suitable for applications such as plane wings or prosthetic legs that also serve as batteries.
A recent study analyzed the gut microbiomes of ethnically diverse Africans from seven populations, revealing wide ranges of microbiome profiles. The researchers found that while there were differences between industrialized and non-industrialized populations, there were also unexpected similarities between groups.
By using stimuli-responsive materials and geometric principles, researchers have designed structures that can determine their response to the environment through physical and chemical changes. These 'embodied logic' systems can switch between multiple configurations in response to pre-determined environmental cues, enabling complex mec...
Researchers identified an FDA-approved drug, resperine, that hampers metastasis in animal models by disrupting the uptake of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles by healthy cells. This process prevents cancer cells from seeding and thriving in distant tissues. Resperine's success suggests a potential anti-metastatic therapy strategy.
A large-scale study found a positive correlation between brain volume and cognitive test performance, with larger brains performing slightly better. However, the effect is relatively small, explaining only 2% of variability in test results.
A new animal model of age-related macular degeneration has been developed, allowing researchers to study the environmental risk factors that promote the condition. The model replicates aspects of human AMD, including lipid accumulation and inflammation, which can lead to vision loss.
A new study reveals that the protein Del-1 plays a vital role in clearing inflammation by connecting dying neutrophils to macrophages. The 'location principle' suggests that homeostatic molecules perform different regulatory functions depending on their location.
A University of Pennsylvania study found that limiting time on Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram leads to significant decreases in depression and loneliness. The researchers connected social media usage with decreased well-being through objective data tracking iPhone battery screens.
Researchers suggest water availability, not carbon dioxide levels, drove the emergence of C4 plants, which supplemented the earlier C3 pathway. The C4 pathway enabled plants to make food with less water loss, gaining a competitive advantage in relatively arid environments.
A team of Penn Engineers has developed a new material called nanocardboard, an ultrathin equivalent of corrugated paper cardboard. It is made of aluminum oxide film with a thickness of tens of nanometers and can spring back into shape after being bent in half.
Researchers found that a specific mark on RNA molecules protects them from degradation under stressful conditions, enabling plants to more effectively respond to drought and salt stress. This mechanism could be manipulated to develop more resilient crop varieties.
Researchers found that images of diseased body parts and testimonials from real people were the most effective individual features in pictorial warning labels. The study analyzed over 300 warning labels and recruited nearly 1,400 current smokers to view them and answer questions about their effect.
A new study reveals that ancient fish species originated in shallow ocean waters, not coral reefs. The researchers analyzed fossil records and created a database to reconstruct the early habitats of vertebrates, finding that they diversified in near-shore areas.
A subset of T cells known as Th17 cells contribute to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. The study identifies these cells as key mediators of the condition and finds that inhibiting their development holds promise as a new therapeutic approach.
Charles Kane and Eugene Mele have been recognized for their groundbreaking research on topological insulators, which exhibit unique properties making them ideal for ultra-efficient electronics. Their work may also enable super-fast quantum computing.
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and University of Wisconsin-Madison are developing a stem cell-based approach to treat blindness in dogs. The researchers aim to generate specialized retinal cells using adult stem cells and transplant them into the retina.
The Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women's Health program supports junior faculty members Melanie Kornides and Jennifer Lewey to pursue research projects on sex differences and women's health. C. Alix Timko continues her second year of a BIRCWH-sponsored study on adolescent eating disorders.
Researchers developed an algorithm that accurately predicts depression based on social media data, including mentions of hostility and loneliness. The study analyzed Facebook posts from over 1,200 people with depression diagnoses and found a strong correlation between certain language markers and future diagnoses.
A new report reveals a protein, deltaNp63, that directs myeloid-derived immunosuppressor cells (MDSCs) to the primary tumor and metastatic sites, promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Blocking deltaNp63 or MDSCs reduced tumor growth and metastasis in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer.
A study of identical twins found that parenting styles that are harsher and less warm increase the likelihood of aggressive behavior and callous-unemotional traits in children. The researchers suggest that interventions aimed at improving parental warmth and reducing harshness could help prevent these behaviors.
A new study on Samuel Morton's 19th-century skull collection found that while Morton accurately measured brain size, his conclusions on racial intelligence were based on racist biases. The analysis of handwritten documentation revealed systematic underestimations of African cranial capacity due to inconsistent data collection methods.
Researchers at Penn Vet are developing a novel gene-engineered chimeric autoantibody receptor T cell (CAART) immunotherapy to treat pet dogs with naturally occurring autoimmune skin disease. The treatment may also lead to breakthrough therapies for humans with autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at Penn Vet are developing a genetically engineered cell-based therapy approach to treat pemphigus in pet dogs, which may lead to breakthroughs in human autoimmune disease treatment. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel gene-engineered chimeric autoantibody receptor T cell (CAART) immunotherapy.
Researchers studied Hadza people in Tanzania, finding that an individual's propensity to share depends on how much the group shares. The study highlights humans' capacity to adapt to different social environments.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a common thread linking nearly all TNR expansion diseases: misfolded 3D genome patterns. Nearly all unstable repeats are located at genome folding boundaries, suggesting new research questions for diagnosis or treatment.
A new study published in PNAS found that engaging in self-transcendence tasks can increase receptivity to health messages and lead to increased physical activity. Participants who reflected on values bigger than themselves showed greater brain activity in reward regions compared to those who focused on their own least important values.
The Center for Sub-Cellular Genomics will develop new technologies to measure genomics elements at the scale of sub-cellular structures in single cells. This may enable new insights into neurogenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as autism and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have successfully conducted a Phase I clinical trial in China, showing that stem cells extracted from baby teeth can regrow dental tissue, promoting healthy root development and increased blood flow. The treatment has been found safe and effective, with patients regaining sensation in their injured teeth.
Using fMRI scans, University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people who donated a kidney to an anonymous recipient were more sensitive to a stranger's fear and pain, with activation in the anterior insula brain region. This study provides the first clear link between real-world altruism and empathy for the pain of strangers.
Studies have found that roadside dust contains traffic-related abrasion particles, including tire wear and brake pad debris, which can pose health risks to humans and wildlife. Researchers are warning that climate change may exacerbate this problem, leading to increased pollution and potential harm to ecosystems.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that exposure to anonymous, bipartisan social networks can lead liberals and conservatives to improve their forecasting of global-climate trends. In the study, 88% of Republicans and 86% of Democrats correctly analyzed climate data after interacting in social media networks.
Researchers used fMRI data to analyze brain activity of infrequent and frequent news readers, finding that the former group was better at predicting article popularity. The study suggests that people who don't normally read the news are more representative of general population trends.
A six-session school-based program significantly reduced the chances that students would force sex on someone else, with an effect that held true over four years. The intervention also showed promise in reducing victimization, although this effect was not significant over the entire time period.