Researchers found that men had greater pain relief from smoking marijuana after analyzing data from 42 recreational marijuana smokers. Women reported a small increase in pain tolerance but no significant decrease in pain sensitivity.
A research team led by Rebecca Schnall is developing a mobile app using existing in-person intervention MyPEEPS to deliver HIV prevention information to diverse young men. The five-year clinical trial will test the effectiveness of the mobile version among 700 racially and ethnically diverse adolescent MSM.
Researchers recommend measures to reduce US firearm suicide rates, including targeted legislation and smart gun technology. Public education and research are also crucial in preventing firearm suicides.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a biological explanation for wheat sensitivity, which is not related to celiac disease. People with non-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity have a weakened intestinal barrier that leads to a body-wide inflammatory immune response.
Researchers found that low UPSIT scores predicted dementia and cognitive decline in older adults, while entorhinal cortical thickness was associated with UPSIT score in those who transitioned to dementia. Odor identification testing may be useful in detecting early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that adults with moderate or more severe pain are at a 41% higher risk of developing prescription opioid use disorders. The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analyzed data from over 34,000 adults and confirmed previous findings on age and sex as risk factors.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center will play a key role in the launch of the Data and Research Support Center for the NIH's Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The center will standardize and organize large datasets to help researchers identify individual factors contributing to health and illness.
A phase 2 clinical trial found that adding olaratumab to doxorubicin increased median overall survival by nearly a year in patients with advanced sarcoma. The combination therapy showed no significant increase in treatment side effects.
A new study found that an intranasal flu vaccine led to the production of T cells in the lungs that provided long-term protection against multiple flu strains, including those not present in the vaccine. This could provide universal protection against emerging viral strains.
A toxic Alzheimer's protein can spread through the brain via the extracellular space, jumping from neuron to neuron. The spread of tau may explain why only one area of the brain is affected in early stages but multiple areas are affected later.
Researchers have captured new images of a calcium-shuttling molecule that has been linked to aggressive cancers. This discovery could lead to the development of novel therapies and diagnostic tools for diseases caused by malfunctioning calcium adsorption.
The grant will support Columbia University's Precision Medicine Initiative and integrate special populations into translational research efforts. The Irving Institute aims to increase focus on precision medicine, develop translational therapeutics, and nurture a cadre of junior scientists with diverse backgrounds.
Four NYC medical centers, including Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, will collaborate on a $46.5 million NIH grant to enroll 1 million+ US volunteers in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. The program aims to improve health outcomes by understanding individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and genetics.
Researchers found that cancers in several species of bivalves are caused by independent clones of cancer cells with distinct genetic profiles. In one species, cross-species transmission was observed, revealing a previously unknown mechanism of disease spread among marine animals.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that a narrow wavelength of ultraviolet (UV) light, known as far-UVC, safely kills drug-resistant MRSA bacteria. This finding offers a potential solution to reducing surgical site infections, a major public health concern.
A multicenter study found that single exposure to general anesthesia before age 3 does not cause cognitive deficits in healthy children. IQ scores and secondary neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed later in life, showing no significant differences between exposed and non-exposed groups.
A large-scale observational study found significant variations in treatment pathways for patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and depression worldwide. The study analyzed 250 million patient records from four countries and identified unique treatment patterns for each condition.
A new study suggests that lowering blood pressure goals for adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease could prevent up to 43,000 additional deaths from cardiovascular disease each year. The simulation also found that intensive blood pressure treatment would be cost-effective and improve treatment outcomes for men.
A study found that patients with a larger hippocampus are more likely to respond to exposure-based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers examined the relationship between hippocampus volume and response to treatment in 50 participants with PTSD.
The offspring of depressed parents have a higher risk for depression, morbidity, and mortality that persists into middle age. Children with a family history are more likely to experience recurrent episodes of depression as they mature.
A national survey of over 34,000 adults found that individuals with bipolar disorder are equally likely to develop anxiety as depression after experiencing an episode of mania. This study may lead to a broader clinical definition of bipolar disorder that includes episodes of mania along with anxiety or depression.
Researchers found that mice with autism-like genetic mutations had fewer neurons in the gut, slower gut movement, and poor gut lining. Increasing serotonin activity during development prevented these changes. The study suggests a shared underlying abnormality for some patients with autism and gastrointestinal problems.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that using a hearing aid significantly improves cognitive test scores in older adults with hearing loss. The researchers suggest that this may help prevent or slow the development of dementia.
Researchers have discovered a new neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by GNB1 gene mutations, leading to severe developmental delays and seizures. Whole-exome sequencing of patients revealed the genetic mutations, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that heavy cannabis users have lower dopamine release in the brain's striatum, a region involved in working memory and attention. This effect is similar to other addictive substances and may impair learning and behavior.
A new mouse model has been developed to study anorexia-like conditions triggered by a combination of genetic risk, stress, and dieting. The model closely resembles the conditions leading up to anorexia in humans, particularly in adolescents, and may help identify prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study has identified a pattern of brain activity linked to memory problems in people with schizophrenia. The findings provide evidence that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is compromised in patients with schizophrenia and may be a specific target for treatment.
Researchers found a common variant in a non-coding RNA that may contribute to intestinal inflammation in people with celiac disease. The study suggests factors outside of protein-coding genes play a role in the development of celiac disease.
A new genetic urine test has been developed to predict high-grade prostate cancer, identifying 92 percent of men with elevated PSA levels who had high-grade cancers. The test could spare hundreds of thousands of men from unnecessary biopsies and reduce the risks associated with the procedure.
A multicenter clinical trial found that long-acting naltrexone injections significantly reduced opioid relapse and overdose risk compared to counseling alone. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of extended-release naltrexone as a treatment option for individuals with opioid addiction.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have successfully generated a new type of human embryonic stem cell carrying a single copy of the human genome. These 'haploid' stem cells show potential as a powerful tool for genetic analysis in biomedical fields such as cancer research and precision medicine.
Researchers tested a low-dose dopamine-1 receptor agonist for treating cognitive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, but found no significant improvements. The study suggests that higher doses of the medication may be more effective in counteracting these symptoms.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that medical marijuana programs with less regulation had higher enrollment rates, raising concerns about potential recreational users. The analysis of state-specific characteristics highlights the need for policymakers to differentiate among programs to interpret the effects of...
Researchers at Columbia University are reengineering and simplifying music to make it more enjoyable for listeners with cochlear implants. By analyzing which parts of music are most important for listener enjoyment, they aim to develop software that can take original pieces and reconfigure them or allow users to engineer their own music.
Researchers used fluorescent false neurotransmitter 200 to observe synaptic activity in mice, revealing that only a small number of synapses may be active at any given time. This discovery could help understand how brain signals are transmitted and potentially shed light on brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
A multicenter trial found that corticosteroids significantly reduced severe respiratory complications and hospital stays in late preterm babies. The study's lead investigator believes this will transform the way healthcare is delivered to mothers at risk of late preterm delivery.
Researchers discovered a new way to classify gliomas by analyzing their molecular characteristics, specifically DNA methylation levels. This approach predicts which tumors are more likely to grow rapidly and can guide treatment decisions.
Researchers used CRISPR to repair a genetic mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition causing blindness in at least 1.5 million cases worldwide. The study marks the first time researchers have replaced a defective gene associated with a sensory disease in stem cells derived from a patient's tissue.
Researchers found that younger smokers are more likely to have psychiatric disorders than older smokers. The study suggests that mental health screening may be warranted for this population to address related problems early.
A new biomarker, CDX2, has been identified that predicts which stage II colon cancer patients may benefit from chemotherapy. The study found that tumors lacking CDX2 expression were more likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy than those with CDX2 expression.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that statins can help reverse the process leading to vascular injury in people with sleep apnea. By reducing inflammation and preserving CD59 on cell surfaces, statins may lower the risk of heart disease in these individuals.
Researchers discover a new treatment approach to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's. A drug called rolipram boosts the activity of the proteasome, which clears out toxic proteins from the brain.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found stronger DMN connectivity in individuals at high familial risk for depression. The study suggests that this increased connectivity may be a precursor, or biomarker, indicating a risk of developing major depressive disorder.
Recurrent Strep A infections may lead to autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders in children through a previously unknown route. Immune cells triggered by the infection travel along odor-sensing neurons to reach the brain, causing inflammation and promoting neuroinflammation.
Researchers discovered a single genetic mutation responsible for 20% of severe congenital heart disease cases accompanied by neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used genomic sequencing to analyze 1,213 children with congenital heart disease and identified a subset of genes that act as conductors in organ formation.
Researchers have created a comprehensive catalog of known animal toxins and their physiological effects on humans, summarizing nearly 42,723 effects on the body. The Venom Knowledge Base (VenomKB) may spur the discovery of new compounds and medical treatments for various diseases.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that neighboring serotonin-producing brainstem regions exert different and sometimes opposing effects on behavior. Alterations in serotonergic neuronal activity in the DRN and MRN produce markedly different behavioral consequences, leading to an imbalance between DRN and MRN activ...
Researchers demonstrated that specific regions in the brain represent sweet and bitter tastes, allowing for control over sensory perception and behavioral actions. Silencing or activating these regions can evoke different taste perceptions, including sweet or bitter, without actual tasting.
The Jonas Center will remain a national organization with partnerships at nursing schools nationwide, deploying philanthropy to prepare the next generation of nurses. The center aims to address the dire shortage of nursing faculty by preparing nurses with doctoral degrees.
Adults with short stature receive fewer lung transplants, have higher death and respiratory failure rates while waiting, report says. Researchers call for height to be taken into account when allocating donor organs to address disparity.