The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine has been awarded a five-year, $24 million grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services to advance its lung-on-a-chip technology. The funding will be used to model the effects of chlorine gas on human lungs and develop treatments for resulting injuries.
Researchers will focus on extending clinical research in cardiovascular and neurocognitive complications of cancer treatments to improve patient well-being. The team aims to protect the heart from damage caused by chemotherapy drugs and define who may be at risk.
Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine scientists have developed a faster and more efficient gene editing tool using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The new delivery system packages both essential components together, enabling transient Cas9 expression and avoiding unwanted results.
A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that youth football players with higher vertical jumping ability and faster times in speed and agility drills experience more head impacts, especially during games. The researchers analyzed performance on physical ability tests and on-field head impact data to quantify exposure.
Researchers found a modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet altered gut microbiome and reduced Alzheimer's markers in participants with mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that specific gut bacteria changes may impact dementia development.
A small pilot study found that adults with MCI can learn to practice mindfulness meditation, demonstrating that memory impairment does not preclude learning such skills. Participants who practiced daily showed improved understanding of key tenets of mindfulness, suggesting a potential non-pharmacological treatment for MCI.
The Comprehensive Post-Acute Stroke Services (COMPASS) study shares post-stroke care findings with patients, caregivers, and clinicians. The study compares conventional treatment to comprehensive care models, providing valuable insights and resources for improved patient outcomes.
Researchers found that self-diagnosis using the internet can lead to successful diagnoses of rare inherited conditions like autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD). The study received over 665 referrals from 1996 to 2017, with positive genetic testing results in 27% of cases.
A new iPad app, mPATH-CRC, will be tested in North Carolina and Kentucky clinics to increase colorectal cancer screenings. The project aims to determine the optimal way to implement technology-based programs to improve medical care delivery.
Researchers found that radio waves targeting a specific calcium channel can block the growth of liver cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. The treatment, approved for use in Europe, uses a handheld device that emits radio frequencies via a spoon-shaped element placed on the patient's tongue.
Boosting type 1 interferon production has been shown to clear viral infections and increase immunity against cancer in an animal model. Glycolysis-derived lactate plays a critical role in limiting RLR signaling, which enables the activation of type 1 IFN production.
Researchers developed a gel-based delivery system to improve tissue regeneration in kidney injuries. The study found that the system could significantly enhance cell proliferation and survival, leading to rapid functional recovery.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that endovascular aneurysm repair had similar long-term overall survival rates as open repair, making it a viable option for patients. The minimally invasive procedure is also less painful and has a shorter recovery period than open surgery.
Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have successfully engineered vascularized functional renal tissues using a novel biomimetic scaffold. The study's findings suggest that this approach may be a more feasible and practical treatment strategy for patients with chronic kidney disease.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing an objective, brain-based test to diagnose autism. The study used fMRI to measure the response of autistic children to social cues, finding that their brains respond differently than typically developing children.
A study of over 4,500 participants found that those under 75 who closely followed the DASH diet had a significantly lower risk of developing heart failure. The research suggests that the DASH diet can reduce heart failure risk by almost half, making it a promising element in primary prevention.
A study published in the journal Obesity found that nonhuman primates on a Mediterranean diet ate fewer calories, had lower body weight, and less body fat compared to those on a Western diet. The findings suggest that a Mediterranean diet may protect against obesity-related diseases.
A study found that patients who stayed on phentermine longer experienced greater weight loss than those who took the drug for three months or less. Longer-term use was not associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.
Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made breakthroughs in treating chronic kidney disease with cell therapy. Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells injected into diseased kidneys showed improvement in kidney function and structural recovery after 10 weeks, reducing damage to capillary clusters.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Health will investigate deep brain stimulation as a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease, building on previous studies that showed significant improvements in cognitive function in young nonhuman primates. The five-year study aims to determine if DBS can improve memory and counteract...
Researchers developed a mobile skin bioprinting system that can print bi-layered skin directly into wounds. The technology uses the patient's own cells, accelerating wound healing and reducing scarring.
Researchers have created a new CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system that reduces off-target effects and improves gene editing efficiency. The 'hit and run' approach delivers Cas9 activity transiently, allowing for highly efficient genome editing while minimizing unwanted results.
A team of researchers has identified a potential new therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease by suppressing the activity of a signaling molecule called eEF2K. This approach may improve protein synthesis capacity and alleviate cognitive and synaptic impairments associated with the disease.
A nationwide clinical trial aims to investigate the effects of lifestyle interventions on brain health and cognitive function in older adults. The U.S. POINTER study, funded by a $35 million grant, will compare two lifestyle interventions focusing on healthy diet, physical activity, and social challenges.
A clinical trial led by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that intensive control of blood pressure significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older people. MCI is a precursor to early dementia and increases the risk of dementia progression, but reversion to normal cognition is possible.
A new study finds that people with pre-diabetic blood sugar levels are at a lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease. However, most individuals will go on to develop diabetes unless they take measures to reduce their blood sugar levels.
A recent study suggests that limiting contact in football practice can reduce head impacts, but the correct approach involves adjusting practice methods such as reducing speed and improving tackling technique. The researchers found that full-speed tackling and blocking drills resulted in the highest head impact severity and frequency.
Researchers created a patient-specific tumor 'organoid' model to identify the most effective treatment for each tumor. The study successfully generated organoids for nine out of 12 patients, demonstrating the potential for personalized medicine.
Researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine discovered that gut bacteria can enhance or inhibit the effectiveness of anti-diabetes drugs. The review of over 100 studies suggests that modulation of the gut microbiome may be a target to improve or reverse medication efficacy for type-2 diabetes.
A study published in Cell Reports found that a Mediterranean diet increased mammary gland lactobacillus and reduced breast cancer risk. The researchers also plan to investigate oral interventions and bacterial-modified compounds to protect women from breast cancer.
A new accelerated diagnostic protocol, HEART Pathway, is effective in identifying low-risk ED patients with acute chest pain who can be safely sent home without hospitalization or comprehensive cardiac testing. The study found a 6% reduction in hospitalizations and significant decreases in median length of stay and use of stress testing.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist will join nationwide clinical trial networks, NeuroNEXT and NIH StrokeNet, to develop new treatments for neurological diseases and improve stroke prevention. The institution aims to enroll patients from historically underserved groups and make meaningful contributions to both networks.
Researchers found that individuals with higher dispositional mindfulness exhibited greater deactivation of the posterior cingulate cortex and less activation in the default mode network. This led to reduced pain reports. The study suggests a neural basis for why some people may feel less pain than others.
Researchers will examine connections between cardiovascular disease and brain health in a 3,000-participant study. The study aims to determine whether heart health explains increased incidence of Alzheimer's disease among different racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine discover a safe and non-addictive pain medication called AT-121, which suppressed addictive effects of opioids and produced morphine-like analgesic effects. The compound also blocks abuse potential of prescription opioids like buprenorphine, offering hope to treat pain and opioid abuse.
Researchers at Wake Forest School of Medicine developed a probiotic cocktail from infant feces that modulated the gut microbiome and enhanced SCFA production in mice and human feces. This finding suggests these human-origin probiotics could be used to treat diseases associated with gut microbiome imbalance.
Researchers have discovered a genetic marker, MUC16 mutation, associated with higher tumor mutation load and improved responsiveness to immunotherapy in gastric cancer. This finding could help identify eligible patients for immunotherapy treatment, which currently responds positively in only 20-30% of cases.
Gene expression analysis of blood samples from 15 kidney transplant recipients revealed that the most robust gene expression changes occurred in the first day following transplantation. A comparison between living donors and deceased donor groups identified 11 genes that may play a key role in kidney repair and regeneration.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist will investigate lifestyle interventions on cognitive resilience in older adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The four-year study aims to confirm earlier findings that intensive lifestyle intervention may decrease cognitive impairment, but paradoxically increase it in those with severe obesity.
Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have created an advanced brain organoid that closely resembles human brain anatomy. This innovation enables faster drug discovery and screening for neurological conditions, as well as improved understanding of the blood-brain barrier.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a Mediterranean-type diet enhances the good bacteria living in the gut, increasing diversity by up to 7% compared to a Western diet. The study used an animal model and analyzed fecal samples to confirm these findings.
A new study found that nearly half of people with metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) developed metabolic syndrome within 10 years, increasing their risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. MHO is defined as a body mass index of more than 30 and two or fewer risk factors.
Researchers successfully implemented a prosthetic system that utilizes individual brain cell patterns to enhance memory encoding and recall. In a pilot study, participants showed significant improvements in episodic memory performance, with the most notable gain observed when stimulated with correct-answer codes.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a fluorescing nanoparticle that can find tumors and generate heat to destroy cancer cells. The nanoparticles, called Hybrid Donor-Acceptor Polymer Particles (H-DAPPs), successfully localized and killed breast cancer in mice, showing potential for future human trials.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a nanotechnology-based approach to measure hyaluronic acid, a molecule indicative of osteoarthritis. This technology enables the detection of small amounts of HA in synovial fluid, allowing for better assessment of disease progression.
A new iPad app, mPATH-CRC, was developed to improve colon cancer screening rates. The app simplified the process of ordering a screening test, increasing screenings from 15% to 30% among participants. While the app showed promise, it is not intended to replace doctors' care, but rather to augment it and encourage patient participation.
A new study found that obesity is not a risk factor for severe acute respiratory illnesses, including the flu, in children or adults. The study of 3,560 participants showed no increased risk for hospitalization based on weight.
A multi-site study found that police use of force is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all calls and arrests. Most significant injuries were associated with firearms and dogs, while conducted electrical weapons like Tasers were rarely used in force incidents.
The research developed mini-livers that can mimic fetal development and function, generating hepatocytes and bile ducts. This advancement may lead to improved treatments for congenital liver diseases.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that civic engagement in adolescence is associated with higher education levels and income as adults. Teens involved in volunteering, voting, or activism tend to perform better in health and mental well-being.