News from

Public Health

Reset All Filters
957 Results
The outbreak history forgot
A lab tech with a pipette and petri dish during the Legionnaires disease outbreak of 1976.

A laboratory technician performs an unidentified test during an investigation of Legionnaires’ disease, which is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium, Legionella pneumophila.

(Image: CDC/Martin D. Hicklin, MD)

The outbreak history forgot

It’s been 50 years since Legionnaires’ disease was discovered in Philadelphia. David Barnes, associate professor of history and sociology of science, says people can learn a lot from that moment.

From Omnia

2 min. read

What to know about measles and the current outbreak
Microscopic view of the measles virus.

Image: Kateryna Kon/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

What to know about measles and the current outbreak

Healthcare epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist Judy O’Donnell gives facts about measles and its symptoms and important information regarding vaccination and immunity.

4 min. read

Testing AI against public health’s existing tools
A researcher holding a vaccine vial and a smartphone.

Some of the study’s participants interacted with a chatbot that answered questions about the HPV vaccine, while others read standard public health materials about the vaccine.

(Image: Sylvia Zhang)

Testing AI against public health’s existing tools

A collaborative research team at Penn looks at when, how, and to what extent AI enhances public health communications through a randomized controlled trial of AI-powered chatbots and parental vaccine hesitancies.

Ian Scheffler

2 min. read

5 (more) surprising signs you’re getting older

5 (more) surprising signs you’re getting older

As one ages often the sense of taste may diminish, Lisa M. Walke of the Perelman School of Medicine says caution should be used before adding salt to add flavor “You want to be mindful if you do this, particularly if you have medical conditions such as high blood pressure,” says Walke.

The lasting impacts of West Nile virus on Pennsylvania bird populations
American goldfinch.

Image: Fernando Burgalin Sequeira / 500px via Getty Images

The lasting impacts of West Nile virus on Pennsylvania bird populations

Using mosquito surveillance data, researchers at Penn Vet have modeled the occurrence of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania bird species. Understanding how species traits influence response to the virus will improve wildlife conservation and disease management strategies.

From Penn Vet

2 min. read

Partnering with local digital leaders to promote violence prevention
(from left to right): Social media creators Manny 215 [Manny Clark], Prince Dre, Fis Banga, and Ant Brown on stage with facilitator Tamara Russell at the Creators for Community Safety Summit. Brown is speaking and holding a microphone. The slideshow in the background reads: "Panel: Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution"

(From left) Social media creators Manny 215 [Manny Clark], Prince Dre, Fis Banga, and Ant Brown on stage with facilitator Tamara Russell at the Creators for Community Safety Summit. Brown leads the content creator team that is developing the CUREiculum campaign set to pilot at select Philadelphia public schools this fall.

(Image: Courtesy of the School of Social Policy & Practice and the Annenberg School for Communication)

Partnering with local digital leaders to promote violence prevention

A team of Philadelphia-based content creators is collaborating with Penn public health experts to develop a comprehensive anti-violence campaign tailored for youth across the City, with youth-focused workshops and educational materials to be piloted in select Philadelphia public schools this fall.

5 min. read

Immune-inspired public health strategy improves detection of disease-carrying insects

Immune-inspired public health strategy improves detection of disease-carrying insects

A disease surveillance strategy modeled on the body’s immune system detected more disease-carrying insects than the typical, top-down approach used conventionally, according to a study led by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine and the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Peru.  Their work was published recently in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

Traditional food program reduces heart failure hospital visits in Navajo Nation

Traditional food program reduces heart failure hospital visits in Navajo Nation

In a randomized clinical trial, medically tailored meals rooted in traditional Diné foods are linked to fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits, improved quality of life, and reduced food insecurity among heart failure patients.

2 min. read

A new role for dental providers? Rethinking where vaccines are given
Dental provider talking to a patient.

nocred

A new role for dental providers? Rethinking where vaccines are given

Vaccinations have traditionally been administered in primary care settings or pharmacies. However, for about a decade, some states have authorized dentists to administer vaccines, and many others did so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of this approach has led some countries and states to expand or consider expanding the role of dental providers in delivering routine vaccines, including those against COVID-19 and the human papillomavirus (HPV), and in providing vaccine education.

2 min. read