A new gene editing technique using CRISPR/Cas9 has been shown to improve vision in rats with inherited blindness. The researchers successfully removed a genetic mutation that causes the disease, allowing the rats to see better. Further development is needed, but this breakthrough offers hope for treating inherited diseases.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that more than half of patients who experience sudden cardiac arrest ignore key symptoms prior to the event. These symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations, occurring up to a month before the fatal heart rhythm malfunction.
Researchers found a combination of adult stem cells and parathyroid hormone significantly increased new bone formation in laboratory animals. The therapy also showed enhanced stem cell migration to the area of bone fractures, leading to improved bone density.
A genetic study of 35,000 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reveals new insights into disease progression and severity. The research suggests that IBD may be an array of bowel disorders, rather than a single condition, and could lead to more effective treatments if identified early.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that certain antibiotics used to treat MRSA can worsen the infection in mice. The study suggests that these antibiotics may induce inflammation and damage tissues, making patients sicker.
A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute shows that about 15% of patients with bioprosthetic aortic heart valves develop blood clots on the leaflets, which can impair valve motion. However, anti-coagulation medications like Warfarin quickly resolve the issue for all patients, regardless of the type of valve or procedure.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have identified a novel genetic biomarker responsible for the progression of breast and prostate cancers. This discovery may aid clinicians in identifying patients who will respond better to common chemotherapy drugs that target aggressive forms of cancer.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new gene-editing technique involving low-dose irradiation, which is 10 times more effective than existing methods. This breakthrough could enable scientists to model human diseases more accurately and accelerate the discovery process.
A new study published in Circulation reveals African-Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest at a higher rate than Caucasians, with significant differences in age, diabetes prevalence, and hypertension rates. The study suggests that prevention strategies may need to be tailored to different racial and ethnic groups.
A groundbreaking online registry, Research for Her, has shown to enroll study participants more quickly than traditional paper-based registries. The Cedars-Sinai program has seen a 4.3 fold increase in registrations over a 14-month period, with an additional 50% boost in enrollment for the Gilda Radner Hereditary Cancer Program.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center identified Ets family genes as contributors to glioma brain tumors. Blocking these genes may lead to novel treatment therapies.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center tested two methods to preserve cognition in laboratory mice with Alzheimer's disease. Immune cells from bone marrow and a drug for multiple sclerosis were found to travel into the brain, resisting abnormalities associated with the condition. The study showed measurable benefits in mice.
Researchers have discovered a set of neurons in the medial temporal lobe that is indicative of an individual's confidence level in their memories. The study found that the activity of these neurons, known as familiarity and novelty neurons, is proportional to confidence, suggesting that they play a key role in assessing memory quality.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a tiny drug-delivery system that can identify cancer cell types in the brain through MRI virtual biopsies and then attack the molecular structure of the disease. The nanodrug can distinguish and fight tumor cells in the brain without surgery.
A renowned researcher has been awarded a $4.9 million grant to advance her work on retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal disease affecting 150,000 individuals nationally. The grant will support stem cell therapy aiming to delay the progression of the disease and preserve vision.
Cedars-Sinai gastroenterologist Mark Pimentel has developed two simple blood tests that accurately diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in millions of people worldwide. The new blood tests identify specific antibodies reacting to toxins from bacteria, such as salmonella, and confirm IBS diagnosis with greater than 90% certainty.
The 9-Valent human papillomavirus vaccine has the potential to protect against 80% of cervical cancers and approximately 19,000 other HPV-related cancers in the US. Researchers found that 70% of oropharyngeal cancer patient DNA samples harbored HPV, likely due to changes in sexual behaviors.
A new genetic mutation in the GLP1R gene has been found to decrease the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 14 percent. The discovery could lead to personalized treatment and prevention strategies for millions of diabetics worldwide.
A new study suggests that injecting stem cells into the eye may preserve vision in people with early-stage age-related macular degeneration. The treatment, which uses adult-derived human cells, has shown promise in laboratory rats and could potentially be used to slow or reverse the effects of the disease.
A new study published in Circulation found that middle-aged athletes are at low risk of having a sudden cardiac arrest while playing sports, with a survival rate of 23% compared to 13%. The study also shows that men are seven times more likely than women to have a sports-related sudden cardiac arrest.
A recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who exercise more have better erectile and sexual function, regardless of race. Higher levels of physical activity were associated with improved scores for sexual function, including the ability to have erections and orgasms.
A recent study found that individuals with high concentrations of methanobrevibacter smithii in their gut may experience lower weight loss after bariatric surgery. Researchers suggest that targeting this organism through dietary interventions or therapeutic drugs could improve post-surgical outcomes.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel method to generate transplantable corneal stem cells, which may benefit patients with life-altering forms of blindness. The study shows that these cells can differentiate into corneal cells in the laboratory, offering a promising treatment option.
A computer system was found to be more effective than doctors in collecting and translating accurate patient data, resulting in more complete and organized reports. The technology has the potential to enhance medical care quality and improve outcomes by harnessing thorough patient information.
A comprehensive genetic study found that more patients with ALS have a genetic origin than previously believed. Patients with mutations in multiple genes experience earlier disease onset. The study suggests that genetics may play a larger role in ALS, potentially affecting over one-third of all cases.
Physician-researcher Sumeet Chugh receives $2.36 million grant to develop prevention strategies for sudden cardiac arrest. The study focuses on patients aged 35-59 years old and aims to identify risk factors, including sex hormones and genetics.
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a method to re-create stem cells from stored blood samples of deceased patients. This approach enables researchers to study the biological mechanisms behind diseases and potentially design new therapies for conditions such as Crohn's disease.
Researchers found that blocking the ALS mutation in the brain slowed disease onset and progression, suggesting that early dysfunction of brain motor neurons may contribute to later disease development. The study used rats with ALS, showing delayed disease onset and extended survival when suppressing the mutation in the brain.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have found that injections of cardiac stem cells may help reverse heart damage caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially leading to improved heart function and exercise capacity. The study involved laboratory mice infused with cardiac stem cells, which showed marked improvement in hea...
Researchers found that aging astrocytes lose ability to protect motor neurons, but replacing old cells with engineered protein improves neuron survival. A specially engineered protein called GDNF increases motor neuron survival when cultured with aging astrocytes.
Researchers have found that high-fat diets can lead to brain inflammation and heart disease in male laboratory mice but not in female counterparts. The study suggests sex-specific nutritional guidance is needed for effective obesity treatment.
Cedars-Sinai is part of a 5-center consortium collecting and analyzing thousands of pieces of data to develop molecular signatures for motor neuron disorders. The goal is to create a 'cloud' of information that shows relationships between proteins, genes, and RNA in cells.
In a breakthrough study published in Nature Communications, Cedars-Sinai researchers successfully targeted stem cells to injured heart muscle using antibody-studded iron nanoparticles. This innovative approach enables precise localization of the body's own stem cells to the site of injury, promoting regeneration and repair.
A new study found lower testosterone levels in men with sudden cardiac arrest and higher estradiol levels in both men and women were associated with increased risk. The research suggests that hormone levels may play a role in predicting patients' likelihood of suffering from the usually fatal condition.
Ashley Anh Vo, a transplant pharmacist at Cedars-Sinai, received the 2014 Clinician of Distinction award for her work on anti-rejection drugs. Her research identified IVIG as an effective therapy to reduce HLA antibody levels and prolong patient survival.
Congenital heart disease specialists have developed a nonsurgical technique to repair patent ductus arteriosus, a common cardiac birth defect. The minimally invasive procedure employs fluoroscopy and echocardiography to guide closure without exposing fragile infants to open-heart surgery.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing a combined investigational treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, combining radiation with chemotherapy and a PARP inhibitor. The study aims to identify patient biomarkers that can provide clues into individual treatment response and improve survival rates.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive gene therapy procedure that transforms ordinary heart muscle cells into specialized 'biological pacemaker' cells. This breakthrough could lead to a long-lasting treatment for patients with heart rhythm disorders, potentially eliminating the need for electronic pacemakers.
A new noninvasive optical imaging device has been shown to detect changes in the retina that occur before clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The device, developed at Cedars-Sinai, can differentiate between Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's diseases with high sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers found that some brain cells in the amygdala respond to judgments based on a viewer's subjective opinions rather than true emotion expressed. This discovery may provide insight into anxiety and unprovoked fear.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have created 3-D computer models to map the brain region involved in dystonia, identifying an anatomical target for further study. The models provide information for neurologists and neurosurgeons to consider when planning surgery and making device programming decisions.
African-American barbers will be enlisted in the fight against hypertension through a new grant, which aims to train barbers to conduct blood pressure checks and steer patients to lifesaving medical care. The study aims to test the effectiveness of barbershop hypertension programs and their cost-effectiveness.
A behavior-altering enzyme commonly used in depression medications has been linked to prostate cancer growth. Suppressing this enzyme may reduce or eliminate prostate tumor growth and metastasis, offering a potential new treatment for men with metastatic prostate cancer.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute identified a heart-specific form of protein BIN1 responsible for sculpting tiny folds in pockets on the surface of heart muscle cells. These microfolds trap chemicals controlling heartbeat, protecting against arrhythmia and heart failure.
Two drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have been found to slow the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal lung disease. Researchers conducted multicenter clinical trials to test their efficacy.
Professional surfer Richie Lovett has made a full recovery from clear cell chondrosarcoma, an uncommon form of bone cancer, thanks to pioneering surgical procedures. The groundbreaking technique developed by Dr. Earl Warren Brien removed the tumor and damaged bone in its entirety, replacing it with a prosthetic implant.
A study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found that a commonly prescribed drug can restore blood flow to oxygen-starved muscles of boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, shortening life expectancy. The results led to a phase III clinical trial for patients with the disease.
Exosomes secreted by cardiac stem cells carry messages that reduce cell death, promote growth of new heart muscle cells and encourage development of healthy blood vessels. The researchers pinpointed one microRNA as responsible for some of the benefits, suggesting it may be an attractive alternative to living-cell transplantation.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will conduct a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3K3A-APC, an experimental drug combining with rtPA to treat ischemic strokes. The study aims to reduce risks and improve outcomes for stroke patients.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method of computer-guided spine surgery, which uses high-speed CT imaging to navigate the spinal column from different angles. This technique improves precision and accuracy in placing reconstruction screws, reducing complications and post-operative pain.