Penn Medicine researchers find gene variants linked to COVID-19 severity in Black Americans

The team from the Perelman School of Medicine found two potential pathways to target the two variants of the gene that make some Black Americans more susceptible to COVID-19 and sepsis complications.

Penn professor part of team receiving $9 million grant to fight Parkinson’s

Bioengineering professor Danielle Bassett and the other members of the team were awarded the Collaborative Research Network grant on Oct. 26 from the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s initiative.

From hiking to internships, Penn first years reflect positively on gap years

Many students who chose to defer enrollment at Penn said they made the decision to avoid taking classes online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philadelphia COVID-19 vaccine mandate deadline extended after fears of worker shortages

The mandate now requires hospital and long term care facility workers and higher education faculty, students and staff to receive only their first vaccine dose by Oct. 15.

Penn junior launches solar energy internship program to combat climate change

The 12 students who participated in the virtual internship worked with 14 solar energy sites in six states from May to late August. 

As COVID-19 disrupts travel, a global seminar on Indigeneity in South America turns to Zoom

Instead of traveling to Argentina and Chile, students who enroll in PSCI 313: People of the Land: Indigeneity and Politics in Argentina and Chile will conduct a series of Zoom interviews with experts in the field.

University of Pittsburgh issues two week shelter-in-place order due to rise in COVID cases

Beginning 12:01 a.m. this past Monday, students are required to remain in their dorms as much as possible, and may leave only for class, exercise, work, and to shop for essential items.

Penn students create website to centralize off-campus housing availability

Dormsy, launched on Oct. 20, currently has more than 200 users and 15 active off-campus housing listings. 

Ezekiel Emanuel says fully reopening the U.S. safely will take at least 12 more months

Emanuel, who is also healthcare advisor to former Vice Presidnt Joe Biden, said he believes that conditions are likely to improve only by November 2021. It could, however, be feasible to reopen colleges and universities before then depending on how a potential vaccine is rolled out.

Craving chocolate? This Penn alum’s 3D printing business can make you some.

Cocoa Press, Weinstein's chocolate printing business, builds and sells 3D chocolate printers to customers wanting to create unique chocolate designs. 

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia joins statement declaring racism a public health crisis

The Healthcare Anchor Network, a group of 50 health care systems in 45 states, released a statement on Sept. 27 titled “It is undeniable: Racism is a public health crisis."