A clinical trial comparing traditional ferrous sulfate with a new iron polysaccharide complex preparation found that traditional treatment is more effective in treating iron-deficiency anemia in young children. The study, published in JAMA, showed that a low-dose daily treatment can be effective in restoring normal hemoglobin levels wi...
Researchers discovered autonomous 12-hour clocks that work independently from 24-hour cycles and can be modified by external factors. Altered 12-hour cycles have been associated with human diseases, such as diabetes and metabolic disorders. The study identified over 3,000 genes that follow 12-hour rhythms.
A study published in Nature reveals a previously unknown connection between pathways that prevent heart cell renewal. The discovery opens the possibility of developing strategies to promote heart cell growth and regeneration. This finding may also lead to improved cardiac function in children with muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that follistatin promotes decidualization and supports embryo implantation. In a mouse model, female mice lacking follistatin produced fewer pups and failed to attach embryos to the uterine wall.
Research identifies CRKL gene as crucial for normal genitourinary development, with gene dosage changes associated with developmental abnormalities. The study's findings have significant implications for initial patient diagnosis and potential treatments for individuals affected by DiGeorge syndrome.
A multi-institutional research team analyzed nearly 11,000 human cancers to identify molecular changes involved in cancer development. They confirmed previously known pathways and discovered new ones, such as IDH1 and VHL, which may be linked to targeted therapy.
MARRVEL, a big data search engine, enables researchers to efficiently access human genome variants and phenotypes from multiple databases. The tool provides a concise summary of the most relevant information, facilitating analysis and discovery.
Researchers discovered that changing the circadian clock in mouse liver alters how the body responds to diet and changes the microbes living in the digestive tract. The study found that mice lacking a specific gene in their liver had different gut microbiomes and responded differently to weight loss diets.
Researchers have identified 'silent seizures' in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, a discovery that could lead to new treatments. The findings suggest that these non-convulsive hippocampal seizures may contribute to or accelerate the degenerative process underlying the disease.
Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism by which E. coli bacteria regulate lipid storage in C. elegans, leading to increased fat accumulation and mitochondrial fragmentation. This discovery reveals unsuspected connections between bacteria and mitochondria, suggesting a new language for communication between the two.
Researchers developed a laboratory technique to test the effectiveness of treatments for breast cancer metastases in bone, mimicking interactions between cancer cells and bone cells. The 'bone-in culture array' model found that danusertib inhibits bone metastasis while other drugs stimulate growth of slow-growing cancer cells.
Researchers have identified specific types of bacteria that are abundant in individuals with colorectal cancer. Using a combination of markers, scientists anticipate the development of a noninvasive, sensitive clinical diagnostic test. The study confirms previously reported bacteria and identifies new ones associated with the disease.
Researchers discover bacteriophages that can effectively reduce bacterial levels and improve health in mice infected with antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs.' The study's findings suggest phages could be a promising alternative to antibiotics, with potential benefits including fewer side effects and the ability to evolve against resistance.
A team of researchers solved a medical mystery in just one day, identifying the genetic cause of intellectual disability in four male patients. They used advanced technology to search genomic databases and connect with other researchers, ultimately finding three more patients with the same condition.
Researchers discovered that tumor blood vessels and the immune system interact, with immune cells promoting vessel normalization to improve anti-tumor therapies. This bidirectional regulation may lead to better cancer treatment outcomes when considering both vascular structure and immune response.
Researchers developed a new method to design more effective breast cancer treatments by combining patient-derived xenografts and proteogenomic integration. This approach allows for the identification of potential targets for drugs and has shown promise in suppressing tumor growth in laboratory models.
Researchers have identified two distinct glioma subtypes associated with specific genetic markers, expanding the understanding of glioma susceptibility. The study found that these genetic markers increase the risk of developing brain tumors, but each marker only provides a modest increase in risk.
A team developed a new way to sequence genomes, assembling the Zika virus mosquito genome for less than $10,000. This allows for rapid creation of reference genomes for all species, including humans, tumors, and patients, enabling better diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine discovered that OTUD6B gene mutations cause a spectrum of physical and intellectual deficits. The study found 12 individuals carrying mutations in OTUD6B with similar clinical characteristics, including severe intellectual disability and cardiovascular problems.
A team of researchers has developed a new method, called 3D genome assembly, that can create a human reference genome from scratch for less than $10,000. This technology allows scientists to assemble the genome of Zika virus-carrying mosquitoes at a fraction of the cost and time required by traditional methods.
Researchers have found a gene mutation that may contribute to unexplained female infertility, affecting DNA methylation and embryonic development. Women carrying the mutation are healthy but may experience recurrent pregnancy loss or developmental disabilities.
Scientists have completed a model of the P22 virus's chemical structure with unprecedented detail, revealing the building blocks of proteins and their interactions. This breakthrough allows for more information about biochemistry and provides detailed annotations for future experiments.
Researchers analyzed over 60,000 individuals and found five with extreme numbers of genetic changes that couldn't be explained by random events. These copy number variants were predominantly gains in genes and present in all cells, suggesting they occurred early in embryonic development.
Scientists discovered specific brain signals associated with fearful experiences in rat brains, allowing them to predict location-based avoidance. The study suggests a potential mechanism for understanding memory loss in Alzheimer's disease.
Research at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital found that specific brain cell subpopulations play a role in epilepsy. Astrocytes were divided into distinct subpopulations, each with unique gene expressions and functions. These subpopulations may contribute to brain tumor progression and seizure onset.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel approach to treating juvenile Batten disease by activating a protein called TFEB, which stimulates the cell to produce more lysosomes and degrade cellular waste. This breakthrough may lead to improved neurological symptoms in patients with the condition.
A study found that premature birth can lead to poor muscle growth, affecting strength and function throughout life. Prenatal stress and malnutrition may contribute to this issue by exposing the fetus to high levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to muscle atrophy.
Researchers used a laboratory model of the human gut to study how rotavirus evades the immune system. They found that the virus suppresses the production of IFN proteins aimed at controlling its growth, but adding type I IFN can reduce viral replication.
A new technique called MATQ-seq increases the accuracy of detecting gene expression in single cells to 90%, allowing scientists to study how cancerous tumors begin and potentially uncover better treatments, diagnosis, and prevention strategies.
Researchers discover mutations in the REEP6 gene as a significant contributor to retinitis pigmentosa, a leading inherited eye disorder. The study identifies seven new cases of patients with tunnel vision and vision loss, shedding light on the genetic basis of this devastating disease.
Researchers discovered the TFEB gene plays a central role in regulating muscle metabolism and energy use during exercise. Overexpressing TFEB improved mitochondrial health and increased energy production in mice, suggesting potential new treatments for diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Researchers found that inhibitory brain cells form maps that broaden with maturation, unlike excitatory neurons which refine and define areas. This discovery sheds light on how the brain organizes and processes information.
An international team of scientists has identified variants of the EBF3 gene causing a developmental disorder with features in common with autism. The discovery opens the possibility of diagnosing other patients with similar clinical disorders, providing relief to their parents and improving genetic diagnosis.
Researchers discovered a link between genes nardilysin and OGDHL, which are crucial for mitochondrial function, and progressive loss of neurological functions in humans. Mutations in these genes lead to neurodegeneration, characterized by the accumulation of cellular trash.
A Baylor College of Medicine team discovered that disrupting the natural cycle of muscle fuel usage can lead to diabetes but also enhances exercise endurance. Mice with disrupted HDAC3 showed superior endurance by burning more lipids and less glucose.
Scientists have discovered a new mutation in the PKD1L1 gene associated with laterality defects and complex congenital heart disease. The study provides hope for affected families by offering prenatal or pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to prevent the condition from being passed on.
Researchers used whole exome sequencing to analyze nearly 7,400 patients, identifying a genetic cause in 28 percent. The study shows that multiple genes can be involved in complex diseases, leading to imprecise diagnoses. A unified analysis combining clinical and genetic features provides more precise diagnoses.
Baylor College of Medicine has been awarded a $27.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue its knockout mouse project. The project aims to generate and phenotype lines for 1,000 new genes using Cas9/CRISPR technology.
A new human immunodeficiency has been discovered due to a faulty RASGRP1 gene, affecting T cells, B cells, and Natural Killer cells. The study identified a potential treatment using the drug lenalidomide, which reversed some effects of the mutation.
Researchers have broken down lung cancer into distinct subtypes with unique molecular profiles, suggesting potential for personalized therapies. The study identifies specific subsets of cancer cells that may be responsive to immunotherapy, a promising approach for treating the disease.
Researchers discovered a rare genetic variant in TM2D3 linked to late-onset Alzheimer's disease among Icelandic participants. The variant is estimated to increase the risk of Alzheimer's by approximately six times.
Researchers discovered that genetic variations in ATAD3A are associated with rare neurological syndromes, including global developmental delay and visual, neurological, and heart problems. A study using Drosophila melanogaster revealed that mutations in the gene cause an aberrant phenotype in mitochondria.
African American men have higher incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer due to genetic factors and socioeconomic disparities. MNX1 is a new oncogene identified as more active in African American prostate cancer, which can lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment approaches.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine identified a potential new strategy to prevent Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting the enzyme Nuak1, which reduces tau accumulation in the brain. The study used a three-pronged approach and confirmed results in human cells, fruit flies, and mouse models.
Scientists have discovered that the Rap1 gene plays a crucial role in energy balance and that its inhibition can restore sensitivity to leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and body weight. The study suggests that targeting Rap1 may be a potential therapeutic approach for treating human obesity.
A new mouse study has identified nearly one-third of all genes in the mammalian genome as essential for life, shedding light on mammalian development and human disease. The research provides a comprehensive catalog of these genes and their functions.
A study has discovered a new mechanism in the mouse brain that regulates obesity, finding that Rap1 gene inhibition can reduce body weight and improve leptin sensitivity, potentially leading to a new therapeutic target for treating human obesity.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism explaining BPH development, linking inflammation and cell proliferation. Deleting the androgen receptor in prostate epithelial cells triggers an inflammatory response promoting luminal cell proliferation.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully grown human noroviruses in laboratory cultures of human intestinal epithelial cells by adding bile to the cultures. This breakthrough allows researchers to explore and develop procedures to prevent and treat infection, as well as better understand norovirus biology.
Researchers have linked a neurodevelopmental disorder to a mutation in the SON gene, which plays a crucial role in essential cellular processes. The discovery provides a new diagnostic tool and offers potential treatment options for patients with this condition.