Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a process in the brain that may link Alzheimer's disease to stroke. A peptide called p25 is believed to cause an increase in amyloid beta production, which is linked to Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered a new gene involved in determining hair texture in humans. Mutations in P2RY5 cause hereditary woolly hair, which is characterized by coarse, dry, tightly curled and sparse hair.
A study of over 7,000 patients found that bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis has little to no effect on the risk of bone necrosis. However, clinicians face significant challenges in treating bone necrosis when it presents itself in patients.
Researchers found that leaky muscle cells cause fatigue in both marathoners and heart failure patients. An experimental drug that plugs the leak may provide relief from exhaustion for those with chronic heart failure.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a brain region that can be stimulated to reduce cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation. The study used repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to improve working memory performance in young adults after extended sleep deprivation.
Researchers at Columbia University have developed a novel porous structure that facilitates the delivery of bioactive cues, accelerating host tissue integration and new bone growth. This controlled-release approach reduces the need for high drug doses, offering a promising solution for orthopedic and dental implants.
A recent study has identified a link between BRCA1 mutations and the loss of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN in breast cancer. This discovery opens up new avenues for treating aggressive forms of breast cancer by targeting proteins in the PTEN pathway.
Studies show that watching violent programs can cause parts of the brain to become less active, leading to reduced ability to control aggressive behavior. This effect is seen after repeated viewings of violence and is not observed with non-violent movies.
The overuse of CT scans in the US may result in a future public health problem, with an estimated 1.5-2% of cancers potentially caused by radiation from CT scans. Columbia researchers suggest reducing CT-related radiation dose, replacing scans with non-radiation options, and decreasing total scans to prevent unnecessary irradiation.
Two carotid stenting trials, CAPTURE 2 and EXACT, demonstrated 30-day patient outcome results consistent with longstanding AHA guidelines for asymptomatic patients. The studies showed that carotid stenting achieved outcomes comparable to surgery in a population of high-risk patients.
A multi-center study found that repeated courses of steroids given to premature babies may increase the risk of cerebral palsy. The study, led by Dr. Ronald Wapner, followed 556 infants and found that six out of 248 who received multiple steroid courses had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers at Columbia University Medical Center will investigate the link between type 2 diabetes and heart disease using a $10.8 million NIH grant. They aim to understand how insulin resistance contributes to accelerated atherosclerotic lesion progression in diabetics.
Researchers identified a brain network in the frontal lobe associated with cognitive reserve, which builds through mentally-stimulating activities and provides protection against Alzheimer's disease. The study found that participants with higher levels of cognitive reserve could activate this network while working on difficult tasks.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found increased visual processing areas in the brain of patients who underwent Vision Restoration Therapy (VRT) after stroke or traumatic brain injury. The therapy, which uses daily visual stimulation, showed enhanced activity levels one month after treatment.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered that the skeleton acts as an endocrine organ, releasing osteocalcin to regulate blood sugar and fat deposition. This hormone boosts insulin sensitivity and enhances insulin-producing cells, preventing type 2 diabetes in mice.
A $2.5M NIH grant supports research using adult stem cells to engineer soft tissue for facial reconstruction after injuries or surgery. The Columbia University team aims to develop a process that allows patients to use their own stem cells to create long-lasting implants.
Researchers found that ICUs with higher staffing levels had lower incidence of hospital-associated infections, including central line associated bloodstream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Higher overtime hours were associated with increased rates of infection and skin ulcers.
Researchers found that astrocytes, carrying a mutated gene, induce motor neuron death in ALS patients. The study suggests that targeting these cells may lead to effective therapies and earlier diagnoses. This discovery could involve transplanting embryonic stem cells to replace damaged neurons.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that too much memory can be detrimental to cognitive function. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that suppressing neurogenesis in the hippocampus improves working memory. This implies that a balance between memory growth and...
A gene expression profiling test has been shown to correlate with oxygen saturation levels, pressure in the heart before pumping, and electrical properties of the transplanted heart. This test may provide a valuable tool to tailor therapies to meet the specific needs of each heart transplant patient.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have received a $3 million grant to explore the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease. The study will investigate two primary areas: identifying genetic variants in unique populations and understanding how the amyloid protein becomes toxic, leading to neurodegeneration.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have uncovered the complex structure of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central energy gauge for cells. This discovery provides crucial details about the molecule necessary for developing new therapies for diabetes and obesity.
Researchers discovered a new genetic variant SORL1 associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The gene is linked to an increased risk of toxic amyloid beta peptides in the brain, leading to Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Jingyue Ju's innovative DNA-sequencing technology, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, overcomes accuracy limitations of other systems. The license agreement with Intelligent Bio-Systems enables the development of a high-throughput DNA sequencing platform.
A new study found bivalirudin, an anti-clotting agent, is equally effective as a combination of injectable blood thinners in treating acute coronary syndromes, resulting in fewer cases of major bleeding. The medication reduced the risk of mortality by reducing bleeding complications.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center present several studies on cardiovascular diseases, including the molecular roots of atrial fibrillation, genes influencing heart transplant rejection, and the cost of end-stage heart failure. Additionally, they explore the potential of stem cells to repair cardiac damage in patients wi...
A recent study challenges the practice of using Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity as a proxy for genetic differences in breast cancer research, citing methodological problems and unintended consequences. The study highlights disparities in access to care and potential stigmatization, introducing gaps in testing and treatment for other groups.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating gum disease during pregnancy does not improve pregnancy outcomes, but is safe for pregnant women. Further research is needed to develop more specific treatment guidelines for pregnant women with periodontitis.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that elevated inflammatory biomarkers, such as Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP, are associated with increased risk of recurrent stroke and mortality after a first stroke. The study's findings may lead to the use of prophylactic treatments to reduce stroke risk in people with elevated biomarkers.
The NIH will provide $54 million over five years to Columbia University Medical Center to establish an Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. This investment will enable the expansion of core resources available to clinical researchers, including biomedical informatics support and biostatistical analysis.
Up to 20% of patients with heart disease meet criteria for major depression, highlighting the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The NHLBI Working Group calls for more research on the link between depression and cardiovascular health.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered an emotional control circuit that regulates fear responses in the brain. The study found that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the frontal lobe, activates to resolve emotional conflicts and dampens activity in the amygdala, allowing for emotional cont...
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have successfully restored normal memory and synaptic function in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease. By increasing the levels of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (Uch-L1), they were able to improve the animals' ability to create new memories.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have discovered a protein switch that activates chronic pain. The switch is an enzyme called protein kinase G (PKG), which sets off processes generating pain messages when activated. Turning PKG off relieves pain, making it a potential target for therapy.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that a cancer-causing protein can promote growth of axons in damaged spinal cord and brain cells. This discovery could lead to new therapies for treating neurological diseases.
A new study has demonstrated the use of PET imaging to track diabetes progression by measuring beta cell mass. The method uses a molecule expressed in both beta cells and the central nervous system, allowing for non-invasive imaging of beta cells in rats and potentially human subjects.
A large clinical examination found that 185 out of 187 women returned to menstruation within 90 days of stopping a non-cyclic oral contraceptive. The study results suggest that women can expect a quick return to menses after discontinuing daily oral contraception.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of colon cancer patients who stopped chemotherapy died sooner than those who completed treatment, with survivors receiving longer-term benefits. The research highlights the importance of adherence to chemotherapy regimens for colon cancer patients.
A study analyzing 551 men with prostate cancer found that a 30% decline in serum PSA levels within three months of treatment can reduce the risk of death by at least 50%. The researchers suggest that PSAs could be used as reliable endpoint measures for prostate cancer treatment efficacy.
A study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons annual meeting found that sodium hyaluronate reduced chronic pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the shoulder by nearly 50%. The results were comparable to a previous study that led to the approval of the drug for knee pain, and are being reviewed by the FDA.
A landmark trial found that carotid stenting significantly reduces the risk of stroke in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery disease, with a lower rate of major complications compared to medical therapy. The study also showed better outcomes for younger patients and no increased risk of undetected complications.
The TAXUS Express trial showed that paclitaxel-eluting stents reduced restenosis by 40% and cardiac events by 11.5%, compared to vascular brachytherapy. The benefits were achieved without compromising safety, making drug-eluting stents the new standard of care for most patients with restenosis.
Researchers have identified two genes, Factor H and Factor B, that explain nearly three out of four AMD cases. The study suggests a specific immune response pathway plays a central role in the disease's development.
Research highlights importance of early oral health screenings for young patients with diabetes, as gum disease onset is younger than previously recognized. Studies show significant disparities in dental care access and a perceived lack of need among diabetic patients.
A new test can identify up to a third of patients who are unlikely to benefit from implanted cardiac defibrillators. The Microvolt T-wave Alternans (MTWA) test measures electrical activity in the heart and may reduce healthcare expenses due to lower ICD implantation costs.
Columbia University researchers found that stem and progenitor cells are deficient in a quality control checkpoint, leading to chromosomal defects. This deficiency may explain how cancer stem cells arise from normal cells and acquire mutations that increase tumor malignancy.
A new screening test has been developed to detect Down syndrome in pregnant women at an earlier stage of pregnancy and with greater accuracy. The test combines a blood analysis with an ultrasound scan to determine the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, allowing for prenatal diagnosis within the first trimester.
A recent Columbia University study published in Nutrition and Cancer showed that Zyflamend reduces prostate cancer cell proliferation by up to 78% and induces cancer cell death. The research confirms Zyflamend's COX-1 and COX-2 anti-inflammatory effects, with independent anti-cancer benefits against prostate cancer cells.
Researchers developed two screen-and-treat methods, HPV DNA testing and visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), which reduced the prevalence of cervical cancer precursor lesions by 77% compared to traditional cytology-based screening. Cryotherapy was found to be highly efficacious and low-cost.
A Columbia University study shows that aprotinin decreases blood glucose levels and insulin resistance in diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery, reducing the risk of complications. The study's findings have important implications for the management of blood glucose levels during heart surgery.