The National Institutes of Health has awarded $8 million to establish a new center for research into alcohol addiction. The Wake Forest Translational Alcohol Research Center will study behavioral and neurobiological factors associated with vulnerability and resilience to alcohol use disorder.
A pilot study found that noninvasive brainwave mirroring technology significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress in military personnel. The treatment, HIRREM, improved insomnia, depressive mood, and anxiety symptoms, with durable effects through six months after use.
Researchers propose a revised cancer staging approach that incorporates liquid biopsy to improve diagnosis and treatment accuracy. The new system has shown promising results in guiding cancer care, particularly in detecting early-stage cancer and tracking treatment response.
Researchers developed lab-engineered ovaries that improve bone and uterine health, body composition, and are more effective than hormone drugs in an animal model. The treatment could provide a safer, more natural alternative to hormone replacement medications.
Researchers from Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine discovered that sodium percarbonate and calcium peroxide improved insulin-producing cell function and viability in lab-built bioartificial pancreas. Oxygen-generating materials could potentially supplement cells' high oxygen needs, aiding in diabetes treatment.
Researchers will develop microfluidic biomarker detection platforms to monitor human responses to space radiation, focusing on hematopoietic and gastrointestinal systems. The goal is to prevent or lessen negative effects of simulated space radiation on these tissues.
Scientists at Wake Forest Baptist will use a $9.2 million grant to develop new molecularly targeted drugs and drug delivery systems for aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma. The goal is to directly attack tumor mass and cells in surrounding areas, increasing therapeutic efficacy.
Researchers created micro hearts, lungs, and livers that can mimic human organ responses to medications. The 'body-on-a-chip' system aims to improve drug development by identifying toxic side effects early on.
A new $5 million NIH grant will investigate the effects of a genetic variation on kidney transplant outcomes in African American donors. The study aims to improve matching of donor kidneys with recipients and extend post-transplant kidney function.
Researchers found an increased mutation rate in genes, including TP53, among African-American patients with smoking-related cancers. The study suggests that these genetic differences may contribute to resistance to chemotherapy and poorer outcomes.
A new study found that children born prematurely to mothers who were overweight or obese before pregnancy are at higher risk for low cognitive scores and difficulties with self-regulation. The study suggests that behavioral interventions to reduce pre-pregnancy weight may help mitigate these impairments.
A large-scale study has identified over 50 new genetic markers associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a common autoimmune disease. The research found that certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop SLE and experience more severe symptoms.
A new clinical trial will assess the effectiveness of improvisational dance in improving gait and balance problems associated with cognitive impairment and memory loss, as well as reducing apathy and depression. The 12-week program will be divided into four groups, including dance with social engagement and dance only.
A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that moderate-intensity exercise reduced the risk of major mobility disability by 31% in older adults with extreme obesity. The structured physical activity program improved participants' ability to perform common daily activities, such as walking a block around the neighborhood.
A study by researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that youth football players aged 9-13 experience more forceful head impacts as they progress to higher levels of competition. The study recorded over 40,000 head impacts and found significant differences in impact exposure between different levels of play.
A comprehensive medical weight-loss program showed no significant difference in one-year weight loss outcomes between patients with insurance coverage and those who paid out of pocket. However, insurance-covered patients had slightly lower dropout rates compared to self-paid individuals.
A new study found that intensive lowering of blood pressure reduced left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and prevented cardiovascular events. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than120 mmHg improved heart muscle, but did not correlate with fewer incidents.
A new behavioral intervention program called HOLA en Grupos has been shown to increase condom use and HIV testing among Latino MSM, reducing the risk of infection. The program achieved a 100% retention rate and significant increases in knowledge and skills, providing a promising solution for addressing this growing public health concern.
A closed-loop acoustic stimulation brainwave technology significantly reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a small pilot study. The intervention, high-resolution relational resonance-based electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM), showed a 89% decrease in symptoms and improved balance in brain pattern activity.
Children are more severely injured from ATV-related accidents than adults, with data showing an estimated 99,600 injuries requiring emergency treatment in the US. The primary causes of these injuries include vehicle rollover, collision with stationary objects, and ejection from the vehicle.
Wake Forest Baptist researchers found that MIR506 inhibits malignant cell growth and metastasis in pancreatic cancer cells. The molecule induces autophagy, a process that promotes cancer cell death.
High-intensity physical activity for as little as 10 minutes a day may benefit young people with large waist measurements and elevated insulin levels. The study found that vigorous exercise was associated with reduced waist circumference and insulin levels, but had inconsistent effects on other biomarkers.
The presence of a certified athletic trainer at youth football practices and games can enhance player safety through improved injury awareness, prevention, and assessment. This was found in a study published in Athletic Training & Sports Health Care, which reported a decline in injuries from 25 to 14 over two seasons.
A study using human stem cells found that deep space radiation may increase the risk of leukemia in humans. The research team identified a dietary supplement as a potential protector against these effects.
A study found that patients with renal dysfunction upon admission are more likely to die while hospitalized and have lower chances of being discharged home. Those with normal kidney function have better short-term outcomes, according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test.
A study found that only about 5% of collected controlled medications were susceptible to abuse, while the majority consisted of non-controlled substances. The research suggests that these programs may not be as effective in reducing the availability of controlled medications as initially thought.
A study published in the journal Obesity found that a simple brain scan can predict weight loss success in elderly individuals with high accuracy. The researchers used MRI scans to measure brain gray and white matter volume, which provided higher prediction accuracy than using either one alone.
A study published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that women's sexual function declines significantly before and after menopause, with menopause itself being a key factor. The study also discovered that hysterectomy has a lesser impact on post-surgical sexual decline compared to natural menopause.
A recent study suggests that the digital rectal exam (DRE) is no longer necessary for prostate cancer screening due to its limited effectiveness and potential risks. The DRE has been shown to capture an additional small population of men with significant prostate cancer, but it also subjects a large number of men to unnecessary tests.
A combination of formoterol and budesonide found to be safe and effective in treating moderate to severe asthma, with a lower risk of exacerbations than single-therapy budesonide. The therapy showed no significant increase in serious adverse events, providing reassurance for healthcare providers.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have identified a novel pain-killing compound, BU08028, that is not addictive and provides safe and effective pain relief without respiratory side effects. The study showed that the compound blocked the detection of pain for up to 30 hours and did not cause physical dependence.
Researchers successfully combined a heart monitoring device with an existing CEW to detect and store cardiac rhythms, producing both incapacitating charges and interpretable EKG signals. The modified prototype demonstrates the potential for safety measures like cardiac biomonitoring to be incorporated into law enforcement devices.
A study using animal model reveals that cocaine leaves a long-lasting imprint on dopamine system, contributing to relapse episodes in addicts. Re-exposure to the drug after a short abstinence period fully reinstates tolerance and binge-like behavior.
A new study published in the journal Menopause found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. The treatment resulted in a 36.7% decline in frequency of hot flashes after six months, with benefits persisting for another year.
Intensive therapies to reduce high blood pressure cut the risk of heart disease in older adults by nearly a third and death by almost a quarter. Participants with diabetes or heart failure were excluded from the trial.
A mobility assessment tool may help predict early postoperative outcomes for older adults by identifying those at risk of complications. The study found that preoperative scores on the Mobility Assessment Tool: Short Form (MAT-sf) were predictive of early postoperative complications, longer hospital stays and discharges to nursing homes.
A review of medical treatments for migraine during pregnancy and lactation has identified four treatment options that require caution, including magnesium, ondansetron, acetaminophen, and butalbital. Safe alternatives such as non-pharmacologic options like healthy lifestyle habits, relaxation training, and meditation are available
Scientists have developed a mini-model of human body to test tumor responses to drugs and predict metastasis, aiming to pinpoint best treatment. The 'metastasis-on-a-chip' system has potential for advancing cancer investigation and drug discovery.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation does not employ the body's opioids to reduce pain, but instead uses a different pathway to provide significant pain relief. The researchers used a thermal probe to induce pain and observed a 24% reduction in pain ratings among meditation participants.
Regenerative medicine scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have developed a novel 3D printing system that can produce living tissue structures with functional blood vessels. The system uses bio-degradable materials and water-based gels to promote cell growth, enabling the creation of complex tissues such as bone, muscle, an...
Researchers developed a new technology to detect disease biomarkers in nucleic acids, which can be used as indicators of what's going on inside cells and tissue. The approach uses nanotechnology to identify specific target sequences and quantify them through electronic signatures.
A daily dose of beetroot juice significantly improved exercise endurance by 24% after one week, while also reducing resting systolic blood pressure by 5-10mmHg. The study found that the juice's inorganic nitrate content has beneficial effects on vascular health and oxygen metabolism.
A study of 6,733 participants found that a slow heart rate was not associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the researchers noted that bradycardia may be problematic in people taking medications that also slow their heart rate.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found an association between obesity and the formation of blood clots in children and adolescents. Obesity was a statistically significant predictor of blood clot formation in juveniles, contributing to increased incidence of pediatric venous thromboembolism.
Researchers from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center reviewed the scientific evidence for top-selling over-the-counter dietary supplements sold to improve male sexual health. While some natural supplements show promise, they lack robust human evidence and can be pure or weak.
Regenerative medicine researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have found that decellularized human pancreata can be used as a platform for building a new bio-artificial pancreas. The study successfully re-populated the organ structures with patient cells and showed promising results in animal trials.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that mindfulness meditation reduced pain intensity by 27% and emotional aspect of pain by 44%, compared to a 11% reduction in sensation of pain and 13% reduction in emotional aspect with placebo cream. Mindfulness meditation also activated brain regions associated with self-...
A new study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120mmHg can reduce the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy by 39%, compared to the standard target of 140mmHg. This reduction in blood pressure was associated with a lower risk of heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.
A new study found that severely obese children are more likely to develop heart disease and diabetes, with the risk increasing as obesity severity increases. The study suggests that implementing a more complex classification system could help target interventions and treatments for these high-risk children.
Researchers found that the antidepressant sertraline increased the volume of one brain region in depressed subjects, while decreasing two brain areas in non-depressed subjects. The study used middle-aged female monkeys to replicate human depression and tested the effects of sertraline on brain volumes.