A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who switch to clozapine have better outcomes, including fewer hospitalizations and longer medication adherence. The findings provide important guidance for clinicians caring for this vulnerable population.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that inhibiting the Janus kinase (JAK) family of enzymes promotes hair growth in mice and human hair follicles. The study suggests that JAK inhibitors, approved for blood diseases and rheumatoid arthritis, could be used to restore hair growth in humans.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center analyzed data from 8,846 individuals over 50 years old with celiac disease, finding no increased risk of dementia before or after diagnosis. However, a small increase in vascular dementia was observed in patients with celiac disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered that long-term use of L-DOPA leads to dyskinesia due to striatonigral neurons becoming less responsive to GABA. This suggests that modulating these neurons could prevent or delay dyskinesia.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a gene variant, APLP2, that increases the risk of myopia in children who spend more time reading. Spending time outdoors is found to reduce this risk.
A study published in NPJ-Schizophrenia found that an automated speech analysis program accurately predicted psychosis onset in high-risk youths. The analysis, which measured semantic coherence and syntactic structure, correctly differentiated between individuals who developed psychosis and those who did not.
A new assessment tool, KSPHI, measures physical traits associated with Klinefelter syndrome, linking them to psychosocial function in children. The study found that boys with more physical traits reported worse quality of life, highlighting the need for early intervention and hormonal therapy.
A diet high in refined carbohydrates may lead to an increased risk for new-onset depression in postmenopausal women, according to a recent study. The study found that greater consumption of dietary fiber, whole grains, vegetables, and non-juice fruits was associated with decreased risk.
A new algorithm, DeMAND, is helping scientists identify the full repertoire of proteins affected by a drug. By analyzing gene expression changes and protein interactions, DeMAND provides a more comprehensive picture of a drug's effects.
A unique brain network in humans controls and redirects attention, allowing us to select and prioritize information based on our needs. This network, which includes the dorsal and ventral attention networks, may have evolved to better process complex social cues and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant stimuli.
Research by Eric Kandel's lab shows prion-like proteins, like those causing mad cow disease, are critical for maintaining long-term memories in mice. These proteins work by creating aggregated structures that turn on protein synthesis necessary to maintain the memory.
A recent study found that antipsychotic medication use declined in children under 12 years old between 2006 and 2010, while increasing in adolescents and young adults. Boys are more likely than girls to receive antipsychotic prescriptions for conditions like ADHD.
Pediatricians may do more harm than good by prescribing acid-reducing medications to children with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms. The study found a seven-fold increase in C. diff. infection risk among children who used these drugs.
The study found a significant association between birth month and disease risk, with people born in May having the lowest risk of disease and those born in October having the highest. The researchers identified nine types of heart disease that correlated with seasonal effects, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
Researchers have discovered a new gene mutation that causes achromatopsia, a rare eye disorder marked by color blindness and light sensitivity. The ATF6 gene mutation may lead to targeted treatments for this form of color blindness.
A new study found that over half of popular probiotics contain traces of gluten, raising concerns for patients with celiac disease. The study tested 22 top-selling probiotics and found 12 had detectable gluten levels, posing a potential hazard to those with gluten intolerance.
Researchers found that bats use a unique array of sensory receptors in their wings to provide feedback during flight. The bat wing's distinct sensory circuitry allows for rapid adjustments in wing position, optimizing flight control.
A study at Columbia University Medical Center found significant DNA anomalies in 31% of children with CKD, linked to neurocognitive disorders. Routine genetic screening could lead to personalized care and earlier detection of complications like diabetes and seizures.
Researchers identify JAK/STAT3 cell signaling pathway as driver of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a particularly aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Compounds targeting this pathway show promise in inhibiting disease progression, offering new hope for effective treatments.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found a defect in pancreatic cells that can lead to high blood sugar levels and impaired glucose balance. An experimental drug called Rycal has been shown to stop the leaky channels and normalize glucose levels in mouse models.
Columbia University researchers have identified a unique set of patient-specific T cells that react to donor tissue, increasing in number before rejection but decreasing after acceptance. The study supports combining kidney and bone marrow transplants to reduce organ rejection and potentially eliminate lifelong immunosuppression.
Columbia University researchers successfully converted human skin cells into hypothalamic neurons, a type that regulates appetite. These neurons provide a patient-specific model for studying the neurophysiology of weight control and testing potential therapies.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that household net worth, rather than just income, plays a significant role in determining breast cancer patients' ability to afford treatment. The study suggests that physicians and health insurers need to consider this economic variable to ensure equitable care.
Researchers at Columbia University find that brain neurons apply Wald's sequential probability ratio test to make simple decisions, just like Alan Turing did with the Enigma code. This neural implementation of the test allows for rapid weighing of probabilities and rational decision-making.
A mobile app with decision support features significantly increased diagnosis rates for tobacco use, adult and pediatric depression, and obesity among registered nurses. The app prompted clinicians to follow evidence-based guidelines and encouraged detailed conversations with patients about their health.
Researchers have identified a new gene, TBK1, associated with sporadic ALS, highlighting the importance of inflammation and autophagy pathways. The study also found that OPTN may be a major player in the disease, interacting physically and functionally with TBK1.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center developed nanoparticles that deliver a special type of healing molecule to fat deposits in arteries, slowly releasing the drug and repairing damage. The approach avoids common side effects and may prevent heart attacks by targeting inflammation hotspots.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center has found that a drug targeting the fused protein in glioblastoma may lead to significant clinical improvement and tumor reduction. The research suggests that developing a more precise drug could result in better treatment outcomes for patients with brain cancer.
Full implementation of new guidelines could prevent 56,000 cardiovascular disease events and 13,000 deaths annually, with cost-effectiveness found in treating stage 1 hypertension for some patients. Treating women ages 35-44 with stage 1 hypertension without CVD may not be cost-effective.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified the brain's on-off switch for thirst, revealing two types of neurons that drive and suppress the sensation. The study uses optogenetics to activate specific neuron populations in the subfornical organ, leading to increased drinking behavior in mice.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a stem cell capable of regenerating both bone and cartilage. The discovery, published in the journal Cell, suggests that this stem cell could be exploited to treat osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Further study is needed to determine if this technology can be appl...
Elderly ICU patients who develop infections are 35% more likely to die within five years. Effective infection prevention programs can extend life by up to 15.55 years and reduce costs by over $150,000 per patient.
A large-scale analysis of hundreds of patients and nearly 1000 genes found that diverse genetic mutations lead to different disease outcomes in autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed that more damaging mutations usually result in worse outcomes, while high-IQ cases are often triggered by milder mutations.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have found that the immune systems of patients with celiac disease react to specific types of non-gluten protein in wheat. A group of molecules known as serpins, along with four other types of wheat protein, are identified as novel non-gluten immunogenic proteins.
A study published in Science has identified a single mutated gene, K13, as the cause of growing resistance to malaria drugs in Southeast Asia. This finding provides a way to detect emerging resistance and potentially eliminate it before spreading globally.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a way to replace the meniscus with a personalized 3D-printed implant infused with human growth factors, promoting tissue regeneration in sheep. The therapy could provide an effective and long-lasting repair of damaged menisci, reducing the risk of arthritis.
Researchers found that generic aromatase inhibitors increased treatment adherence by 50% compared to brand-name counterparts, while also decreasing co-payment costs. The study highlights the critical need to address medication non-adherence, particularly in the context of costly oral cancer therapies.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that dietary flavanols can improve cognitive function and reverse age-related memory decline in healthy adults. The study showed noticeable improvements in the function of a specific brain region and significant performance on a memory test.
A new algorithm has identified KLHL9 as the driving force behind aggressive glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. Reintroducing KLHL9 protein suppressed tumors in mice transplants, offering hope for a possible treatment strategy. The approach also revealed new genes involved in breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that robotic-assisted surgery for benign ovarian surgery has more complications and is significantly more expensive than conventional laparoscopic surgery. The median total cost of robot-assisted oophorectomy was $7,426, compared to $4,922 for conventional laparoscopic oophorectomy.
The study found increased infection rates for various types of infections in US nursing homes, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and viral hepatitis. Simple interventions such as proper hand hygiene, reducing catheter use, and routine screening for MDROs can help reduce the risk of infection.
Research suggests that e-cigarettes with nicotine can alter brain biochemistry and prime users to respond to other substances. This could lead to increased risk of addiction to marijuana and cocaine among adolescents and young adults.
The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center has been awarded an $18 million grant to continue its groundbreaking research and provide high-quality patient care. The center, led by Dr. Stephen Emerson, is recognized as one of the top cancer centers in New York City and the country.
A study found that children with autism have a surplus of synapses in the brain due to a slowdown in synaptic pruning during development. The researchers discovered that administering a drug called rapamycin can improve autistic-like behaviors in mice, even when given after the behaviors have appeared.
Scientists have discovered that blocking nerve signals using surgery or Botox can slow stomach cancer growth and increase survival rates in mice. This finding offers a promising new treatment approach for this devastating disease, which affects over 2 million people worldwide.
A study found that 40% of patients with pacemakers and defibrillators have limited health literacy, posing serious risks. Patients may misunderstand device instructions or fail to manage co-existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified the immune cells responsible for destroying hair follicles in people with alopecia areata. A small number of patients showed complete hair regrowth after treatment with an FDA-approved drug, JAK inhibitors, which eliminated attacking T cells and restored hair growth.
A study by Columbia University School of Nursing found that NPs in Massachusetts have better relationships with physicians and administrators compared to those in New York State. The researchers recommend improving the practice environment for NPs in NY by promoting their role and providing opportunities for involvement in organization...
A new study using roundworms reveals that starvation induces specific changes in small RNAs, which are inherited through at least three consecutive generations. The researchers found that these changes target genes involved in nutrition and result in a longer life span for the progeny of starved worms.
Columbia University researchers create a way to develop personalized gene therapies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a leading cause of vision loss. They use induced pluripotent stem cell technology to transform skin cells into retinal cells, which are then used as patient-specific models for disease study and preclinical testing.