Researchers will analyze whole exome and whole genome sequence data from 6,000 volunteers with Alzheimer disease and 5,000 older individuals without the disease to identify rare genetic variants. The goal is to search for therapeutic targets that might reduce the economic and human burden of this devastating disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have successfully retrained human gastrointestinal cells to produce insulin in response to glucose. This breakthrough could potentially replace damaged cells lost in type 1 diabetes, offering a new avenue for treating the condition.
A study suggests that eHealth interventions, such as interactive websites and video games, can reduce high-risk sexual behaviors and increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men. Digital outreach efforts on social networks and chat rooms also showed promising results in increasing HIV testing and reducing shame felt by young men.
A new drug called selumetinib has been found to delay progression of metastatic uveal melanoma, increasing progression-free survival by over double that of chemotherapy. The study's findings demonstrate a potential treatment approach for this rare and deadly form of melanoma.
A Columbia University School of Nursing study found that patients receiving home health care are vulnerable to serious infections due to poor hygiene practices. The research highlights the need for proper training and education for caregivers to prevent infections, particularly among patients with central venous catheters.
The Affordable Care Act empowers nurse anesthetists to expand access to anesthesia services, but state laws restrict their scope of practice. The article explores how the ACA affects CRNA practice and highlights roadblocks to full utilization of their skills.
A study sequencing the exome of 231 schizophrenia patients and their unaffected parents found that collective damage across several genes contributes to the disease. This discovery could lead to early detection and treatment strategies.
A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that variations in the FTO gene indirectly affect the function of the primary cilium, a hair-like appendage on brain and other cells. This abnormality increases body weight by affecting leptin receptors, leading to increased food intake and obesity.
Researchers discovered that FOXM1 and CENPF genes synergistically activate pathways associated with the most aggressive form of prostate cancer. The study identified these genes as a key driver pair in both mice and humans, and found that co-expression correlated with poor disease outcomes.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that miniature neurotransmission regulates synapse development and contributes to the growth of synapses. The findings suggest that abnormalities in this process may contribute to neurodevelopmental diseases.
Two types of spinal cord neurons were identified as enabling skilled forelimb movement: excitatory interneurons for accuracy and inhibitory interneurons for smooth movement. The discovery may lead to understanding normal human motor function and potentially treating movement disorders.
Researchers identified a new class of compounds, called pharmacologic chaperones, that can increase retromer levels and decrease amyloid-beta levels in cultured hippocampal neurons. The study found these compounds to be relatively non-toxic and showed promise in treating neurologic disease.
Researchers propose that Parkinson's disease could be linked to the immune system attacking healthy neurons, potentially leading to new treatments. The study found that certain neurons display antigens, which are recognized by T-cells and can kill them, raising hopes for a new understanding of the disease.
A four-year study of VA hospitals found that nurse tenure is associated with shorter lengths of stay and improved patient outcomes. Experienced RNs working overtime are more cost-effective than hiring temporary staff from agencies.
Researchers use optogenetics to study skin cells called Merkel cells, which play a crucial role in sensing fine details and textures. The discovery may lead to the development of new prosthetics and treatments for skin diseases.
Using mobile phones loaded with tobacco screening guidelines prompted nurses to screen patients for tobacco use in 84% of clinic visits and offer cessation counseling to 99% of smokers, according to a study from Columbia University School of Nursing.
A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to experience anxiety and depression due to menstrual irregularities. The study also found that body hair growth was strongly associated with anxiety, while obesity was linked to hostility.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have devised a new system for classifying periodontal disease based on the genetic signature of affected tissue. The new classification system may allow for earlier detection and more individualized treatment of severe periodontitis.
A recent systematic review of clinical trials found that vitamin D supplementation had little to no effect on depression. However, additional analyses suggested that vitamin D supplements may help patients with clinically significant depression when combined with traditional antidepressant medication.
Researchers found that delaying the onset of decisions can improve response accuracy by allowing the brain to focus on relevant information and block out distractions. This mechanism is more beneficial than prolonging the decision process, which increases reaction times.
Research from Columbia University School of Nursing and WHO found that one in five US hospitals don't make hand sanitizer available everywhere needed, missing a critical opportunity to prevent health care-associated infections. Only half of facilities have set aside funds for hand hygiene training.
A new study from Columbia University finds that the updated diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may lead to a 31% decrease in diagnoses. This change could result in thousands of children missing out on essential services and support.
A study published in Nature identified the CA2 region of the hippocampus as crucial for social memory, a function impaired in individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The findings suggest that targeting the CA2 region could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating these brain disorders.
Researchers found that prenatal vitamin A deficiency leads to airway hyperresponsiveness in adult mice by causing abnormal smooth muscle development. The study suggests that structural and functional changes in the lungs due to vitamin A deficiency during development may be an important factor in asthma susceptibility.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a toxin released by star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes that kills nearby motor neurons, leading to neuron loss in human ALS models. The study suggests new potential for slowing down or stopping the destruction of motor neurons and improving drug targets.
A new study from Columbia University found that hospitals are not following evidence-based guidelines for preventing health care-associated infections. Despite decades of research, approximately one in 10 hospitals lack checklists to prevent certain infections, and these checklists are followed only half the time. The study's findings ...
A recent study from Columbia University School of Nursing found that hospitals with a high number of contract nurses had significantly higher levels of patient dissatisfaction and lower quality ratings. The study suggests that equal pay for equal work is essential for better patient outcomes, as low job satisfaction among contract nurs...
A study suggests that moderate doses of radiation therapy to the unaffected breast can kill premalignant cells and reduce the risk of second breast cancers. The treatment could prevent tens of thousands of cases, according to researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers identified matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a key factor contributing to motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings suggest that MMP-9 inhibitors may offer a new therapeutic option for treating this incurable neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found a single mutation in osteoblasts can cause AML in mice and nearly 40% of patients with the disease. The mutation leads to cancer in adjacent bone-marrow stem cells through signaling pathways.
A study found that simultaneous administration of these vaccines increases the risk of fever in young children, with about a third experiencing a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher on the day of or day after vaccination.
Researchers used high-resolution fMRI to identify where Alzheimer's disease starts, spreads from the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) to other areas of the cerebral cortex. LEC dysfunction occurs when changes in tau and amyloid precursor protein (APP) co-exist, damaging neurons that then spread to adjoining regions.
Researchers have successfully transformed human stem cells into functional lung and airway cells, opening up new possibilities for regenerative medicine. The breakthrough has significant implications for modeling lung diseases, screening drugs, and studying human lung development.
Researchers discovered a potential new treatment for malaria by targeting the parasite's vulnerability to oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone. Oxytocin has been shown to enhance brain activity while processing social information in children with autism spectrum disorders.
A new study by Columbia University researchers has found a single overactive enzyme that worsens both impaired insulin sensitivity and overproduction of glucose in obese individuals, suggesting a potential target for treating type 2 diabetes. The enzyme MK2 can be inhibited with metformin, leading to additive benefits when combined.
A new method predicts the time from Alzheimer's disease onset to full-time care, nursing home residence, or death with high specificity. The method uses a complex model based on data gathered from a single patient visit and can predict outcomes such as time to assisted living or incontinence.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have devised a novel hair restoration method that can generate new human hair growth, potentially expanding the use of hair transplantation to women and younger patients. The approach uses dermal papilla cells from patient donations to induce hair follicle growth in tissue culture.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center researchers suggests that narrow-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light could dramatically reduce surgical wound infections. The researchers found that 207-nm UV light was as effective at killing MRSA bacteria as a conventional UV lamp, but resulted in less damage to human skin cells.
Researchers found that osteocalcin, a bone-derived hormone, plays a powerful role in prenatal brain development and cognitive functions such as learning, memory, anxiety, and depression. Osteocalcin promotes the birth of neurons, increases neurotransmitter synthesis, and affects behavior in adult mice.
A new three-gene biomarker can accurately predict which low-risk prostate cancers will become aggressive, helping doctors determine whether men need active surveillance or invasive treatment. The test has shown promising results in a retrospective study of 43 patients, and further clinical trials are planned.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies RbAp48 as a significant contributor to age-related memory loss, which can be reversed. The researchers found that RbAp48 plays an active role in the process and propose it as a target for therapeutic intervention.
A multicenter prospective clinical study is investigating the effects of chromosomal abnormalities found prenatally through microarray analysis on developmental delays and birth defects. Researchers aim to share genetic variances with parents during pregnancy, providing them with detailed genetic counseling.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center created DNA nanorobots that can identify and tag specific human cells based on multiple surface proteins. This allows for precise targeting of cancer cells with minimal impact on healthy cells, potentially revolutionizing cancer treatment.
Patients with celiac disease who have persistent intestine damage are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those whose intestines have healed, according to new research. The study found that the risk of lymphoma is significantly lower in patients with healed intestines, approaching that of the general population.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified 18 new genes responsible for glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. About 15 percent of patients may be eligible for personalized treatment with existing drugs used in other cancers.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identifies key molecular pathways leading to late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The research highlights several new potential drug targets, including SV2A and RFN219, which are involved in the processing and trafficking of amyloid precursor protein.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered a new genetic mutation, KCNK3, linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare fatal disease. The mutation affects potassium channels in the pulmonary artery and can be reversed with a phospholipase inhibitor.
A study by Columbia Nursing researchers found that automated reporting of immunization data through EHRs increased knowledge about individuals and communities, allowing medical and public health officials to make informed decisions. This led to reduced lag times, improved documentation, and enhanced efficiency in vaccine tracking.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a genetic mutation that causes congenital malformations of the kidney and urinary tract. The findings suggest that DSTYK mutations account for 2.2% of urinary tract defects in humans, providing a new diagnostic category for clinicians to make precise molecular diagnoses.
A new rat brain study reveals that sensory information travels to two places at once: the thalamus and deeper cerebral cortex layers. Signals are relayed from the thalamus to both layer 4 and 5 simultaneously, contradicting decades of dogma.