A new study has found that radioactive seed localization (RSL) is an effective and comfortable alternative to traditional wire localization for breast cancer surgery. Patients who received RSL reported less pain and anxiety, while surgeons rated the technique as more convenient and satisfying to perform.
Scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have discovered a new way to kill cancer cells by blocking their ability to clean up harmful waste. By inhibiting peroxiredoxin-3, researchers found that toxic levels of hydrogen peroxide overwhelm cancer cells, destroying them.
A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that a stress response in immune cells contributes to chemotherapy-induced nerve damage. By blocking this pathway, researchers aim to develop new treatments to protect cancer patients from debilitating side effects.
A team of researchers developed a battery-free wearable patch that measures bioimpedance to detect skin lesions, distinguishing between healthy and abnormal skin. The patch's effectiveness was tested on 10 volunteers, showing significant differences between healthy and suspicious moles.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that a brief sound-based neurotechnology intervention can improve well-being by reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and insomnia in healthcare workers. The intervention uses acoustic neuromodulation guided by each participant's unique brainwave patterns.
A new digital health program has been found to significantly increase lung cancer screening rates among people at high risk. The study, which tested a direct-to-patient program, showed that 24.5% of participants completed a screening CT scan within 16 weeks, compared to 17% in the usual care group.
A new trial finds that empagliflozin and intranasal insulin safely improve brain health in people with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease. The medications target metabolic and vascular problems, improving memory, brain health, and blood flow.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that individuals living in socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed measurable differences in brain structure and function, including a thinner outer layer of the brain and white matter changes. These findings suggest that the environment in which people live can shape th...
A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that regular phone support after losing weight is crucial for maintaining weight loss. Participants who received monthly phone calls maintained an average of 8% weight loss from their starting weight, with about 60% keeping off at least 5% of their initial weight.
A groundbreaking brain imaging study confirms intranasal insulin safely reaches key memory regions in older adults with Alzheimer's. The research reveals differences in uptake among individuals with early cognitive decline, paving the way for personalized treatment approaches.
A new study found that weighted vests and resistance training did not prevent bone loss in older adults undergoing intentional weight loss. The researchers call for alternative strategies to protect skeletal health in aging populations with obesity.
A new strategy for screening anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients has shown a significant increase in screening rates from 12.6% to 29.2% using an electronic health record-based approach. The study found that younger patients and white patients were more likely to complete the screeners.
A new study highlights the success of a financial toxicity tumor board in reducing cancer treatment costs. The board has assisted over 9,321 patients with copay assistance and provided free medication to 16,495 patients, resulting in total savings of $393 million.
A new type of hearing aid using an array of micro-epidermal actuators can significantly improve the hearing experience for patients with conductive hearing loss. The device uses vibrations on the skin behind the ear to bypass the ear canal and directly reach the inner ear, enhancing sound quality and control.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that nearly half of underage purchase attempts at tobacco retailers in New Jersey resulted in a sale. The researchers identified significant gaps in the implementation of federal legislation raising the minimum age for purchasing commercial tobacco products to 21.
Researchers analyzed data from the SPRINT MIND trial and found that intensive blood pressure control significantly reduced the risk of mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The study also showed sustained benefits over seven years, contradicting earlier results.
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is part of a major undertaking to bring together experts from around the country to develop vision-restoring whole eye transplants. The project, valued at up to $56 million, aims to overcome technical, biological, and immunological hurdles in whole eye transplant.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a strong association between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and higher blood pressure and lower cognitive scores. The study analyzed data from over 500 adults aged 55+ and used the Area Deprivation Index to measure neighborhood disadvantage.
The NSF-Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine has awarded $2.5 million in grants to six innovative companies to support the commercialization of regenerative medicine products. The funding is expected to catalyze technological advancements, strengthen the local economy, and drive regional competitiveness.
FetTech and Novex Innovations partner to expand regenerative medicine, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth. The collaboration is part of the NSF-funded Piedmont Triad Regenerative Medicine Engine's ecosystem.
A new North American population-based study found preterm birth associated with higher mortality risks throughout life, especially during infancy and early childhood. Researchers identified a range of causes contributing to the increased mortality risk after preterm birth.
The project aims to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing rates for children with acute respiratory tract infections, linked to adverse health events and antibiotic resistance. The program will provide tools and education to support providers in using narrow-spectrum antibiotics only when necessary.
A team led by Timothy Sell will investigate cervical spine injuries in special forces combat soldiers, analyzing design features and risk factors for injury prevention. The study aims to develop interventions to reduce chronic pain and disability among military personnel.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will investigate factors that facilitate or hinder conversations between physicians and patients about medical misinformation. The study aims to develop a toolkit to increase health literacy and counter misinformation among older adults, who are disproportionately affected by hea...
A new study reveals that inpatient food insecurity among caregivers during pediatric hospitalizations is associated with longer hospital admissions and increased odds of readmission. Caregivers experiencing food insecurity were found to have a 2.4 day longer length of stay and 1.8 times higher odds of readmission within 30 days.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has been instrumental in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing transparent decision-making and prioritizing equitable access to vaccines. The committee's virtual meetings enabled timely discussions and evidence review, allowing for rapid approval of COVID-19 vaccines. H...
A study analyzed news reports on scientific evidence, sources of authority, and limitations for three unproven therapeutics. It found that experts' opinions were often cited over scientific publications, and non-experts made claims about safety and efficacy.
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine is part of a new $18 million NSF initiative, COMPASS, aimed at enhancing global pandemic prediction and prevention capabilities. The collaboration will focus on understanding pathogen emergence and training the next generation of scientists to tackle this critical challenge.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will test a multilevel intervention, FinFit, to address financial hardship among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. The five-year trial aims to reduce financial burden by targeting education, insurance, and financial asset levels.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine are studying the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatments for migraine, which affects nearly half of those with the condition and leads to significant disability. The five-year study aims to identify therapies that target long-term efficacy and safety.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine has been awarded a $28.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries. The grant will support initiatives such as rapid response to health emergencies and the recruitment of diverse academic learning health system workforce.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have been awarded a five-year, $27 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to study the connections between heart health and brain health. The study will examine how cardiovascular disease contributes to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Researchers found that women who had their ovaries removed before menopause experience reduced white matter integrity in multiple brain regions. This reduction may contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia later in life.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine suggests that vigorous physical activity can lower the risk of cognitive decline in high-risk patients with hypertension. People who engage in one or more sessions of vigorous exercise per week had lower rates of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine has received a $1.5 million grant to study bone microarchitecture in patients following bariatric surgery. The researchers will use high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) imaging to assess bone loss and muscle changes after weight-loss surgery.
A Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trial found that donepezil did not improve memory or other cognitive functions in breast cancer survivors. Despite this, researchers emphasize the need for further trials with different approaches to address cancer-related cognitive impairment.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that school-entry requirements are linked to an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. The study showed that these requirements, currently only implemented in a few states, can lead to higher HPV vaccination rates among adolescents.
A new study found a link between midlife racial discrimination and increased levels of Alzheimer's disease markers, including phosphorylated tau181 and neurofilament light, in older age. Researchers analyzed data from 255 Black Americans over 17 years, revealing that chronic stress from racism contributed to dementia risk.
Researchers found that patients with impulse control disorder (ICD) are less affected by the consequences of their actions, particularly when on medication. This suggests that ICD patients may experience positive feelings from taking risky actions based on expectations, rather than processing negative feedback.
The REHAB-HFpEF study, led by Dalane Kitzman, aims to reduce rehospitalizations and mortality in older patients with HFpEF. A novel physical rehabilitation intervention is being tested at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago.
The D-CARE Study successfully enrolled 2,176 racially/ethnically diverse persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of adaptable recruitment strategies. The study provides valuable insights into how to better support patients with dementia and their caregivers.
A team of scientists has successfully used a neural prosthetic device to recall specific memories in adults with epilepsy. The device uses a person's own memory patterns to facilitate the brain's ability to encode and recall memory, showing promise for cognitive enhancement technologies.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the APOA4 gene causing chronic kidney disease by analyzing DNA from affected families. The mutation leads to unstable and aggregated APOA4 protein depositing in the kidney, resulting in progressive kidney disease.
A five-year study called RHYTHM-B will test innovative strategies to improve hypertension outcomes for Black patients. The research team will enroll 780 non-Hispanic Black patients and compare two interventions: remote self-management support and in-person care.
A new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows that dopamine release plays a crucial role in encoding reward and punishment prediction errors, allowing the brain to adjust its behavior. Dopamine not only signals positive experiences but also optimally encodes negative outcomes.
The study aims to test two interventions to lower blood pressure in stroke survivors, including telehealth and in-person clinic management. Over 1,550 participants will be enrolled, with a focus on under-represented populations at higher risk for recurrent stroke.
A new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows that frailty is associated with higher rates of death and major morbidity after surgery. The electronic frailty index (eFI) may help identify patients who are at risk, according to the findings.
Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine successfully created full thickness human bioprinted skin, promoting quicker healing and more naturally appearing outcomes. The bioprinted skin facilitated human-like skin architecture in vivo, with improved wound closure, reduced scarring, and enhanced tissue formation.
A new study reveals that 92.5% of cancer practices screen patients for distress, but only 16% routinely screen caregivers, leaving many at risk. The research team aims to understand barriers to caregiver screening and improve supportive care services.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with higher levels of ectopic fat, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research team used CT scans to measure and analyze data on body fat distribution, revealing a J-shaped pattern between alcoho...