Perelman School of Medicine

Fluorescent markers highlighting individual cells.

Bioengineering technology keeps track of living cells and tissues

A new chemistry technique developed by Jina Ko, assistant bioengineering professor, and colleagues allows for a wider range of fluorescent markers to be added to individual cells without damaging them in the process.

A transgender patient wearing a mask and hospital gown on a hospital bed.

Helping transgender patients navigate health care

Penn Medicine Center for Health Equity Advancement and Penn’s Program for LGBTQ Health works to address the specific health care needs of gender diverse patients.

A large grassy area covered in a display of t-shirts erected with names of people killed by gun violence around a sign that reads MEMORIAL TO PHILADELPHIANS MURDERED BY ILLEGAL GUNS.

Managing mental health amid gun violence

In 2021, Philadelphia saw a record number of 486 homicides by shooting as well 1,846 non-fatal shootings. According to clinical psychologist Leah Blain, exposure to trauma, including to gun violence, increases the risk of negative health outcomes.

An adult wearing a mask squatting next to a child wearing a mask at the end of a slide on an outdoor playground.

Q&A

Children younger than 5 eligible for COVID-19 vaccines

In a Q&A, Lori Handy of Penn Medicine and CHOP discusses what it means now that this final group can get protection, plus offers recommendations for families with concerns about doing so.

Stress protein in fibroblasts may be a good target for future cancer drugs

A Penn study finds the ATF4 protein is overactive in many types of tumor cells and tumor-supporting fibroblasts to promote tumor survival, and may be a good target for future cancer treatments.

Illustration of different cell types that eventually give rise to sperm shows that blocking an early stage of cell development can prevent the formation of sperm

A newly identified stem cell regulator enables lifelong sperm production

Research led by Jeremy Wang of the School of Veterinary Medicine has discovered that the enzyme DOT1L, a stem cell renewal factor, is essential for mice to produce sperm throughout their adult lives.

Lots of gold blobs, some larger and closer to the front of the image, some smaller and farther away, on a pinkish background.

University of Pennsylvania’s first NFT commemorates mRNA research

Proceeds from the July auction of the non-fungible token—a digital asset—will benefit ongoing research at Penn.

Text messaging shows promise in reaching unvaccinated patients

A Penn study finds that while automated texting did not get more patients to get their vaccinations against COVID-19, it reached roughly the same amount as manned phone calls.

Pregnant person in doctor's office holding belly

High blood pressure conditions during pregnancy increase cardiovascular disease risk 10 years later

A Penn Medicine study sheds light on challenges and potential solutions; Black women are particularly affected.

A put-out cigarette standing on its end, next to half of another crumpled cigarette. In the background are two whole cigarettes.

Q&A

Parental nicotine use and addiction risk for children

In research done using rats, Penn Nursing’s Heath Schmidt and colleagues found that males that engaged in voluntary nicotine use had offspring more likely to do so, too. Some offspring also developed impaired memory and anxiety-like behavior.

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