Penn Vet News

Researchers breathe new life into lung repair

A collaborative effort from teams across Penn culminates in new techniques to repair lung tissue after damage from flu and COVID-19.

Using fMRI, new vision study finds promising model for restoring cone function

School of Veterinary Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine researchers identified a retinal disease to evaluate the success of gene and cell replacement therapy.

Regenerative Ag Alliance promotes stream health through agroforestry

After meticulous planning, the Alliance planted an initial 250 trees at New Bolton Center with assistance from enthusiastic volunteers and students from Penn Vet and Weitzman. The project aims to enhance water quality in local streams and develop a replicable agroforestry model for the region. Next steps include planting additional areas of shrubs and trees, allowing native plants and grazing livestock to coexist on the same land, creating exciting opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty.

By the Numbers: Penn Vet’s agricultural impact

In addition to excellence in teaching and clinical care for companion animals, Penn Vet makes indispensable contributions to the state’s agriculture sector.

The Endangered Species Act at 50

Ahead of the anniversary, experts from four schools across the University share their thoughts on the landmark legislation.

Three takeaways on respiratory illness in dogs

Deborah Silverstein of the School of Veterinary Medicine advises dog owners to stay calm but take certain precautions.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Shed New Light on the Evolution of Adaptive Immunity in Cold-Blooded Vertebrates

[December 1, 2023; Philadelphia, PA] – Upon infection or immunization, all jawed vertebrate species generate proteins called antibodies that bind and neutralize pathogens. Strong and long-lasting antibody responses in warm-blooded species such as mammals are produced in secondary lymphoid microstructures (SLMs) among which germinal centers (GCs) are the centerpiece.

Who, What, Why: John Donges

For more than two decades John Donges has worn many hats while working at Penn Vet. This year, he served as editor of the 100th issue of Bellwether, Penn Vet’s alumni magazine.

Wry Not’s Triumph Over a Twisted Fate

Uncovering the role of skin microbiome and immune response in cutaneous leishmaniasis

Two new studies led by Phillip Scott of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Elizabeth Grice of the Perelman School of Medicine demonstrate how bacteria found in leishmaniasis skin lesions and an associated immune response drive disease burden and treatment failure—and suggest new possibilities for treatment of the parasitic disease.

Study shows promise for iNKT cell platform to treat cancer

Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine have shown that invariant natural killer T cells from a healthy donor can persist in MHC-mismatched canines, demonstrating a reliable platform to inform human clinical trials.

University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine Receives Grant to Develop Veterinary Training Program for Rural Communities

Principal investigators Joseph S. Bender, DVM, MS, and Sarah Rassler, VMD, awarded grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to enhance rural veterinary services and bolster economic viability of livestock producers.

Deans of health schools discuss climate change in their fields

Deans and leaders from the schools of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dental Medicine, Nursing, and Social Policy & Practice discussed climate and health at a Climate Week event.

Removing the barrier surrounding solid tumors clears path for T cells

Penn researchers uncover a new way to target solid tumors. Using CAR T cells to remove cancer-associated fibroblasts surrounding pancreatic tumors allows T cells to infiltrate and attack the tumor cells.

Climate Week 2023 highlights the links between biodiversity and the climate crisis

The climate crisis impacts everyone. During Climate Week at Penn, which will be held from Sept. 18-22, everyone is invited to find their place in the climate movement.

Genetic switch turns tumor suppressor into oncogene in colorectal cancer

Researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine have shown that an enzyme that suppresses early-stage colorectal cancer switches to become an oncogene as the cancer progresses.

Social ecology and community work in the Galápagos

Daniel Beiting, PhD, associate director of the Institute for Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases, expanded his work this summer in the Galápagos, giving Stephanie Sila, V’25, an ideal opportunity to gain first-hand experience in identifying different mosquito species and human disease cases on the island.

Penn Vet students helping animals and their owners in Thailand

This summer, 14 students from Penn Vet traveled to Thailand to spay and neuter cats and dogs for owners who would otherwise be unable to afford the procedures.

Could we breed cows that emit less methane?

In a new study, researchers from the School of Veterinary Medicine identified attributes of low-methane-emitting dairy cows that could be used as targets for selective breeding.

Penn Vet Names Christopher J. Lengner, PhD, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences

June 26, 2023; Philadelphia, PA – Andrew M. Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, Gilbert S. Kahn Dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn Vet) has announced the appointment of Christopher J. Lengner, PhD, as the Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences effective July 1, 2023.