A Phase I clinical trial has shown that a treatment designed to clear senescent cells in the brain is safe and effective in reducing inflammation. The treatment, which combines dasatinib and quercetin, was found to clear amyloid from the brain and lower inflammation in the blood.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that changes in the gut microbiome significantly impact cocaine use and cravings after withdrawal. The researchers discovered that a depleted microbiome led to increased cocaine-seeking behavior and altered neurobiological markers in reward-related brain structures.
A new preclinical study reveals that mitochondrial transplantation can lessen the damage to renal cells and kidneys, improving their function. The technology, where healthy mitochondria are injected into damaged tissue or organ, has the potential to transform renal transplant medicine.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will conduct a multicenter randomized control trial to test the benefits of enhanced primary care (E-PRIME) in children with complex chronic conditions.
A new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine reveals that cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and accurate tool to evaluate complex patients. Cardiac MRI reduced the need for invasive angiography over the long-term follow-up period, making it a highly reliable first-line testing option.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute highlights improved outcomes for patients treated with preoperative SRS, particularly in rates of tumor recurrence, meningeal disease, and adverse radiation effects. The two-year cavity local recurrence rate was 13.7%, the two-year meni...
A recent study found that American Indian and Alaska Native men are significantly less likely to receive prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams from primary care providers compared to White men. This disparity results in poorer prostate cancer outcomes, particularly for men between 50-59 years old.
A new study reveals that increased sugar intake and elevated blood glucose levels can cause amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers identified a metabolic sensor on neurons linked to this process, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for diabetic patients.
Researchers created a promising injectable cell therapy that reduces inflammation and regenerates articular cartilage in osteoarthritis patients. The treatment was tested in a pre-clinical model and showed ability to reverse cartilage damage and diminish inflammation.
A recent study found that a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by modifying biological pathways linked to the disease. The diet showed robust changes in gut microbiome and reduced levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter associated with Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will create a data infrastructure support center to assist innovation projects addressing opioid use disorder and pain management. The center will monitor real-time opioid overdose trends and inform prevention and treatment services.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine aim to improve hemodialysis quality with an individualized approach, tailoring treatments to each patient's unique medical needs. The project aims to reduce mortality and improve health-related quality of life for patients treated with hemodialysis.
A recent study found that the incidence rates of type 1 and type 2 diabetes continue to rise in children and young adults in the US. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic youth were particularly affected, with higher incidence rates compared to non-Hispanic white peers.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a strong association between lifetime experiences of discrimination and the incidence of dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,500 participants and discovered that individuals who reported experiencing more than two domains of discrimination had a greater risk o...
A new study called IGROOVE will investigate the effects of various dance styles, frequency, and social interaction on fitness, memory, and brain health in older adults. The research aims to answer fundamental questions about the optimal dosage of dance for cognitive benefits.
A new study suggests that even moderate amounts of alcohol can accelerate brain atrophy and increase amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that chronic drinking altered healthy brain function and behavior, potentially setting the stage for increased plaque proliferation.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine has demonstrated altered dopamine signals in the brain's striatum region related to counterfactual information and relief. Dopamine levels were lower in participants with a history of alcohol use disorder, suggesting impaired decision-making processes.
A new study using closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology shows significant improvements in sleep quality and autonomic nervous system function in adults with insomnia. The intervention, called CR-SOP, was found to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity.
A recent study found that phobic and agoraphobic symptoms are prevalent in adults with epilepsy, affecting their quality of life. The research, led by Dr. Heidi Munger Clary, analyzed a diverse sample of 420 adults with epilepsy and discovered that more than one-third reported significant phobic/agoraphobic symptoms.
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that families experiencing food insecurity have significantly higher health care expenditures. The research analyzed data from the 2016 and 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and found an annual difference of about $2,456 between food-secure and food-insecure families.
A study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that primary care providers frequently order prostate cancer screening tests, even when they provide little value to patients. The research team analyzed data from the National Ambulatory Medicare Care Survey and found a significant increase in low-value screenings, such as PSA...
A randomized clinical trial will examine the efficacy of two supportive programs delivered by telephone and video conference in improving pain, psychological distress, and sleep disturbances in women undergoing surgery. The study aims to address the whole person's mental and behavioral health to optimize surgical outcomes.
Researchers found no fatalities or significant injuries from VNR use, with a 92.6% success rate in taking combative individuals into custody. The study suggests that banning VNR may limit law enforcement's options, and that the technique is a safer alternative.
Researchers highlight the importance of sustained blood pressure control in reducing fatal cardiovascular events. The study found that intensive blood pressure management was beneficial during the SPRINT trial but lost its effects after two years without continued treatment.
A team of scientists will lead a Phase III trial to examine whether a novel physical rehabilitation intervention can reduce rehospitalizations and mortality in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The REHAB-HF program involves strength, balance, endurance, and mobility training exercises tai...
A new study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that daily multivitamin-mineral supplementation resulted in statistically significant cognitive improvement in older adults. The researchers estimated that three years of multivitamin supplementation roughly translated to a 60% slowing of cognitive decline.
A new neurosurgical procedure has been deemed safe for measuring dopamine and serotonin in the human brain. The study, published in PLOS One, found no significant increase in infection rates among patients who underwent the procedure.
Researchers created a novel tumor organoid system to examine the impact of bacterial metabolites on immune checkpoint blockage, a promising cancer treatment. The system showed that certain bacterial-released factors improved immune cell viability and increased treatment efficacy.
Researchers have discovered that the FDA-approved drug 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) can reverse botulism symptoms in pre-clinical models. Continuous infusion of the drug produces rapid and sustained therapeutic benefits, supporting its immediate clinical use for botulism patients.
A $3.1 million grant will enable researchers to collaborate on a prospective study investigating early signs of heart vessel damage in young, pre-menopausal breast cancer survivors. The CROWN study aims to identify biomarkers that correlate with cardiovascular risk and develop strategies to lower the risk of irreversible heart disease.
Researchers have discovered that human urine-derived stem cells have the ability to regenerate tissue and become various cell types, making them a promising source for stem cell therapy. The study also highlights the importance of telomerase activity in maintaining regenerative potential.
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine has established a research program using organoids and artificial intelligence to study viral threats. The program aims to develop predictive algorithms for medical countermeasures and diagnostics by tracking biochemical changes in 3D organs infected with different viruses.
Researchers developed a novel nanoparticle to deliver ARL67156, an enzyme inhibitor that prevents ATP degradation into adenosine, selectively targeting solid tumors. The treatment substantially suppressed tumor growth and resulted in prolonged survival in mouse models.
Researchers found promising new biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease in blood tests, but found that comorbidities can increase levels and provide false positive results. The study suggests more research is needed before these tests can be used in clinical settings.
A study published in Obesity found that two specific brain networks, FN1 and FN2, are strongly linked to weight loss success. The neural circuits involved sensory and motor skills (FN1) and self-regulation and attention (FN2).
Researchers at WFIRM have developed a novel method to refine CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, increasing efficiency and decreasing large DNA deletions. The technique, which fuses DNA polymerase I or the Klenow fragment to Cas9, improves safety and functional editing outcomes.
Researchers will enroll 1,000 adults in a placebo-controlled trial to assess the effects of low-cost phentermine on weight loss and related health metrics over two years. The study aims to provide long-term treatment options for patients struggling with obesity.
A team of researchers at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has received a $2.5 million grant to study appendiceal cancer, which affects only 1 in 100,000 people annually. The goal is to develop personalized therapy and improve treatment decisions by understanding the molecular differences between appendiceal and colon cancers.
A recent study found that self-administered screening using a tablet device detected twice as many people with depression, fall risk, or intimate partner violence compared to usual in-person screening. The study suggests that this method provides more privacy for patients and accurate health information.
A team of researchers has discovered blood biomarkers that can predict patient response to immunotherapy treatment for melanoma. The study found that patients with increased lactate levels and specific lipid and amino acid metabolites were more likely to respond to treatment.
A new study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found a significant link between food insecurity and higher infant mortality rates in North Carolina. The study analyzed health data from all 100 counties in the state, finding that infants in North Carolina had a 36% higher mortality rate compared to national averages.
Researchers have discovered a nanoparticle therapeutic that enhances cancer immunotherapy and treats malignant pleural effusion. The treatment targets the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
Researchers have identified senescent cells in human brains that can serve as a target for a new Alzheimer's treatment. The study found that approximately 2% of brain cells are senescent and have abnormal accumulations of tau protein, which correlates with disease severity.
A study found that Medicaid expansion led to a 31% increase in bariatric surgery access for lower-income white adults. However, this benefit did not extend to Hispanic and Black adults, highlighting ongoing disparities in healthcare access.
A recent study found that amniotic fluid-derived, neonatal, and adult cells can be used to deliver long-lasting Factor VIII protein for Hemophilia A treatment. The researchers identified cells from umbilical cord tissue as the most promising candidates, which yielded high levels of Factor VIII mRNA and blood clotting activity.
The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine and local partners receive an NSF grant to develop a regional regenerative medicine educational network. The project aims to address the workforce needs of the rapidly evolving field, focusing on skilled technician development in biomanufacturing.
A recent study published in Circulation found that eliminating 200 calories and exercising four days a week significantly improved aortic stiffness in older adults with obesity. The results suggest that moderate caloric reduction and aerobic activity are more effective than restrictive dieting for improving vascular health.
Researchers have shown that targeted radio-wave therapy is safe and effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. The therapy improved overall survival by more than 30% in patients with well-preserved liver function, as well as those with more severe disease.
The study aims to compare two interventions: Intensive Tailored Telehealth Management (ITTM) and Intensive Clinic Management (ICM). Researchers hope to answer how to effectively manage blood pressure among stroke survivors and whether telehealth is the most effective strategy.
The school will support five projects to examine the role of social determinants on healthcare access, including virtual care, home-based monitoring for new mothers, and a community health worker program for frail older adults. The initiatives aim to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes.