A phase II clinical study shows that vismodegib can dramatically shrink basal cell skin cancers and prevent new ones in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome, a rare genetic condition. The treatment offers an alternative to surgical removal, but side effects remain a consideration.
Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center will present on grief and major depression, exploring the complexities of complicated grief. The session also delves into the ethics of psychiatric relationships with pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to patient care.
Researchers found blacks and Hispanics have a higher risk of developing precancerous colorectal polyps compared to whites, with a higher rate in the upper portion of the colon. Colonoscopy may be a more effective screening test for these populations than sigmoidoscopy.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center presented studies on the impact of large-vessel acute ischemic stroke on cerebral blood vessels and found that dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired after the event, but normalizes by week two. Additionally, they discovered increased regional expression of Lingo-1 in the essential...
A molecular pathway that controls the retention and release of brain stem cells has been identified. The discovery reveals that this pathway is critical for the adhesion of stem cells to their niche and for stem cell maintenance, suggesting a new idea in understanding stem cell regulation.
A study has identified a promising treatment approach for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), a highly aggressive childhood cancer. The dual PI3K gamma/delta inhibitor CAL-130 significantly prolonged survival in mouse models and prevented proliferation of human T-ALL cells, setting the stage for clinical trials.
A new study suggests that targeting the glucagon pathway could be an effective way to lower blood sugar levels without disrupting other functions of this hormone. Researchers found that blocking calcium signaling through CaMKII can regulate hepatic glucose production, leading to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced liver fat.
Researchers have developed a personalized immune mouse that can recreate an individual's immune system, allowing for unprecedented analysis of abnormalities contributing to type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. This model has the potential to develop individualized immunotherapies against cancer and infection.
A study by Columbia researchers suggests that intestinal progenitor cells can be coaxed into producing insulin, offering a potential new treatment for type I diabetes. The technique involves knocking out the Foxo1 gene in these cells, which then produce functional insulin-producing cells.
A study by Columbia University School of Nursing found that fast-food menu calorie counts are legally compliant, but the information is often unclear and difficult to interpret, particularly for low-income communities. The researchers developed a seven-item 'menu rating tool' to improve the usability of calorie postings.
A new study published in PloS One suggests that abnormal tau protein propagates along linked brain circuits, jumping from neuron to neuron. This finding opens new opportunities for studying Alzheimer's disease and developing therapies to halt its progression.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that women over 50 who undergo egg donation have similar rates of obstetrical complications as younger recipients. Despite concerns about increased risks, the research suggests thorough medical screening is essential for all pregnant women regardless of age.
Researchers identified a genetic variation in the RBMS3 gene that increases the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients taking bisphosphonates. A genetic screening test could help determine safe treatment options, reducing the need for medication discontinuation or invasive dental procedures.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified the origin of esophageal adenocarcinoma as the gastric cardia, where bile acid and inflammatory cytokines activate stem cells. The study highlights possible targets for new clinical therapies, including inhibiting notch signaling.
Researchers have identified a urinary biomarker called uNGAL that can diagnose acute kidney injury (AKI) in emergency patients within 30 minutes, reducing the risk of in-hospital death. The study found that combining uNGAL with creatinine levels significantly improves the identification of patients at risk of death or dialysis.
Scientists have discovered that roundworms can pass on immunity to a virus through small RNA molecules, which were not dependent on the organism's genome. This finding suggests that Lamarckian inheritance may provide adaptive advantages to an animal by allowing them to hold onto beneficial genes until needed.
Researchers have discovered a vast new gene regulatory network in mammalian cells that could explain genetic variability in cancer. The mPR network allows mRNAs to communicate through small RNA molecules called microRNAs, influencing the expression of other genes.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that two genes, FUS/TLS and TDP-43, work together to support motor neuron survival in familial ALS. The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggest that therapies targeting these genes may offer new hope for treating familial ALS.
A study found a higher prevalence of undiagnosed celiac disease in women with unexplained infertility, which was significantly higher at 5.9%. Dietary changes, specifically a gluten-free diet, improved fertility rates for these women.
Researchers have found that de novo protein-altering mutations account for more than 50% of sporadic schizophrenia cases. These genetic errors are present in patients but not in their parents. The study suggests that many more mutations may contribute to the disease, paving the way for new treatments.
Columbia University researchers have successfully converted human skin cells directly into functional forebrain neurons, providing a promising alternative to traditional stem cell therapies. The induced neurons exhibit characteristics similar to those of healthy neurons and can transmit signals, indicating their potential for replaceme...
Aging causes muscle weakness due to calcium leakage from ryanodine receptor channel complex, leading to reduced muscle function. An experimental drug called S107 stabilizes calstabin1, improving muscle force and exercise capacity in aged mice.
The Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at Columbia University Medical Center has received $38.9 million in renewed funding from the National Institutes of Health. The institute, which aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and medical practice, will use the grant to expand its work over the next five y...
Research found that premature infants with abnormal brain ultrasounds are at increased risk for specific psychiatric disorders. The study followed a group of premature infants until age 16 and found a relation between perinatal brain injuries and certain psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center developed an identification protocol for high blood sugar levels in dental patients. They found a simple algorithm using two dental parameters was effective in identifying pre-diabetes or diabetes.
A study found that most US patients with celiac disease have insufficient small intestine biopsy samples, affecting diagnosis. The research suggests that taking more than two biopsy samples can increase the correct diagnosis rate sevenfold.
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) face a higher risk of death when accessing tertiary care centers, according to recent research. Early detection and referral methods can shorten the time from symptoms onset to referral, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that neural stem cells can adapt to stressful environments by producing more neurons when conditions become favorable. The study suggests a novel form of brain plasticity and potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
The PARTNER Trial found that catheter-based aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is as safe and effective as open surgery for patients at high risk for surgery, with similar one-year survival rates. TAVR also showed improved recovery times and reduced risk of complications compared to open heart surgery.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have developed a potential non-steroidal birth control pill for men that prevents conception with reversible male sterility. The compound, which interferes with retinoic acid receptors, showed no apparent side effects and restored fertility soon after drug administration was terminated.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a modified form of vitamin A that slows the formation of detrimental dimers, leading to improved vision and ocular health in mice with Stargardt's disease. The study provides hope for treating age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt's disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed an innovative yeast-based screening method to identify a possible new treatment for the fatal childhood disease NP-C. The approach, known as 'exacerbate-reverse', has shown promising results in repairing genetic pathways that exacerbate lethality in yeast models.
Researchers identified four new genes, MS4A, CD2AP, CD33, and EPHA1, linked to Alzheimer's disease risk, adding to the understanding of the disease's causes. The findings may help determine who is at risk and aid in drug development.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new way to stimulate neuron production in the adult mouse brain, improving cognitive functions. The study suggests that stimulating neurogenesis may contribute to treatment of anxiety disorders, including PTSD and panic disorder, by enhancing pattern separation.
Researchers found that osteocalcin enhances testosterone production, leading to improved sperm count and reproductive success in male mice. The study suggests that low osteocalcin levels may contribute to male infertility in humans.
A team of researchers has created a 'reporter mouse' that can detect kidney damage in real-time by generating light, offering a potential solution to current diagnosis methods. The technique uses the NGAL protein, which can report toxic cellular stresses, and meets the criteria for a true biomarker.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that pre-menopausal Chinese-American women have greater bone strength than Caucasian women due to a higher plate-to-rod ratio in trabecular bone. The study used advanced 3-D imaging analysis technique Individual Trabeculae Segmentation (ITS) to analyze bone microstructure.
Bacteria, specifically Enterobacter hormaechei, found in excised atherosclerotic plaque tissue of patient who suffered a heart attack. The data suggest that chronic infection may underlie the process of atherosclerosis.
Gökhan S. Hotamisligil, a Harvard expert on inflammation and obesity, received the 2010 Naomi Berrie Award from Columbia University Medical Center. His work focuses on the molecular basis of links between obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Researchers found that damaged mitochondria in the brain's neurons can lead to impaired synapses, crucial for normal brain function. Modifying cyclosporin, a drug already approved for organ transplant patients, may help slow down Alzheimer's disease at its earliest stages.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a novel molecular pathway underlying Parkinson's disease, which involves polyamines and toxic proteins in neurons. The study suggests that polyamine-lowering drugs may be able to slow the disease's progression and potentially lead to early detection tests.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered that bone resorption plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. The study suggests that stimulating the release of insulin and improving glucose uptake in cells could be a new target for type 2 diabetes treatment.
A study by Columbia researchers has identified eight genes associated with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease affecting 5.3 million Americans, and found that drugs targeting these pathways may lead to new treatments.
A new study found that nearly 49% of women with early-stage breast cancer did not complete their full hormone therapy regimen. Younger women were more likely to discontinue treatment. The study highlights the need for better understanding and interventions to reduce treatment non-compliance.
A new technique developed by Dr. Jeremy Mao and his team can orchestrate stem cells to migrate to a three-dimensional scaffold infused with growth factor, holding the potential to yield an anatomically correct tooth in nine weeks once implanted. This approach avoids the need for harvested stem cell lines or creating environments outsid...
A team of investigators has identified a new gene, APCDD1, which causes progressive hair loss beginning in childhood. The discovery provides insight into the process of hair follicle miniaturization, shared with male pattern baldness, and may lead to non-hormonal treatments.
A landmark international study found that many postmenopausal women at high risk of fractures fail to recognize their risk factors. The study highlights the need for improved education about osteoporosis risk factors and treatment to prevent debilitating fractures.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found a genetic variant causing disrupted communication between brain regions, leading to working memory deficits and increasing the risk of schizophrenia. The study used a mouse model with a 22q11 deletion mutation, which showed impaired neural activity and behavior in cognitive tasks.
A study led by Columbia University Irving Medical Center researchers found that acupuncture significantly improved joint pain and stiffness in breast cancer patients undergoing aromatase inhibitor therapy. The treatment reduced pain severity and improved physical well-being.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center successfully used mouse embryonic stem cells to replace diseased retinal cells and restore sight in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa. The study showed promising results, with one-fourth of the mice regaining vision after receiving the stem cells.