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Coronavirus

Researchers retract study that found big risks in using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19

Researchers retract study that found big risks in using hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19

Steven Joffe of the Perelman School of Medicine commented on the retraction of a study that found major risks in the off-label use of hydroxychloroquine. “I’m concerned that the usual standards, both at the level of the journals and at the level of authors and faculty rushing to get high-impact work published, has meant that our usual standards have fallen,” he said.

USDA confirms that Winston the pug, believed to be first dog with coronavirus, was never infected

USDA confirms that Winston the pug, believed to be first dog with coronavirus, was never infected

Shelley Rankin of the School of Veterinary Medicine said there may have been discrepancies in how labs have tested pets for COVID-19. “Samples can be positive initially but can be degraded with specimen handling,” she said, and false positives “can also occur if the original specimen had a very low number of organisms.”

Politics, pandemics, and protests 
protective face mask colored to look like an american flag

Politics, pandemics, and protests 

Exactly how the coronavirus pandemic, the current unrest, and the nation’s economic woes will affect November’s presidential election is unclear, but voter turnout will be key, according to two political experts. 

Kristen de Groot

As states reopen, here’s what parents should know about distanced play dates, expanded social bubbles and more

As states reopen, here’s what parents should know about distanced play dates, expanded social bubbles and more

Alison Buttenheim of the School of Nursing offered advice to those considering expanding their social contact as shelter-in-places orders are lifted. “Wearing a mask, plus staying at least six feet (and farther) away, plus keeping the time together short is a good decision-making formula,” she said.

Performing organ transplants safely amid the COVID-19 outbreak
Closeup view of surgical tools on a tray while surgeons perform surgery in the background

Performing organ transplants safely amid the COVID-19 outbreak

The unique challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, coupled with fewer organ donations, led to a tremendous reduction in transplant procedures in the United States. But the Penn Transplant Institute is working through the crisis.

Penn Medicine

Coronavirus or COVID? A glossary to help navigate pandemic vocabulary
a close up of a newspaper with coronavirus written on top

Coronavirus or COVID? A glossary to help navigate pandemic vocabulary

As scientific jargon and new words become prevalent in headlines, social media, and everyday conversations, Penn Today provides key definitions and context for making sense of COVID-19.

Erica K. Brockmeier

In lockdown, a neighborhood opens up

In lockdown, a neighborhood opens up

Francesca Russello Ammon of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design spoke about how communities have become closer during the pandemic. “The scale of life has changed,” she said. “Your world has shrunk. The neighborhood and the block become really important.”

Bridging the communication divide for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities
Student Kate Panzer sewing protective mask

Alum Kate Panzer had just a little experience sewing before she began making the clear-fronted masks. “I’ve learned so much about sewing,” she says. “People across the world have pulled out their sewing machines to provide this resource.” (Image: Courtesy Kate Panzer)

Bridging the communication divide for Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities

Clear-fronted face masks, better and more frequent interpreters, and amped up involvement from local organizations have made a big difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michele W. Berger