Researchers aim to find new targets in the brain to prevent and treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases using Serial Analysis of Gene Expression (SAGE) technology. The $2.75 million funding will support Columbia University's technology transfer and commercialization efforts.
Dr. Rita Charon, a Columbia University professor, has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship to complete her book on narrative medicine. Her research focuses on the literary and narrative techniques that enable physicians to achieve empathy with patients.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center has received a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to expand its oral health services for underserved children. The program, led by the School of Dental and Oral Surgery (SDOS), aims to provide comprehensive medical care, including dental services, to children in need. With the suppor...
Researchers found that African Americans scored lower on neuropsychological tests due to poor educational experiences, but incorporating reading tests addressed this issue. The study suggests that including reading assessments can improve diagnosis accuracy among individuals with diverse educational backgrounds.
Researchers found that elderly patients with lymph node involvement in colon cancer experienced a 30% reduction in mortality at five years after diagnosis with both chemotherapy and surgery. This contradicts the common assumption that age is a deterrent for these treatments, allowing doctors and patients to make more informed decisions.
A study published in Nature found that mice without a serotonin receptor gene exhibit anxiety-like behaviors, indicating the gene plays a crucial role in regulating emotional circuitry. The research suggests that anxiety may be laid down during early development, and that adult brains without the serotonin receptor create normal behavior.
Dr. Marianne Legato receives the American Medical Women's Association Woman in Science Award for her groundbreaking research on gender-specific medicine, aiming to redefine traditional health models and improve women's health outcomes.
Scientists have identified a family of six proteins, called ZIGs, responsible for maintaining the wiring of the nervous system. The discovery was made in C. elegans and suggests that analogous human ZIG proteins may play a role in neurological disease pathology.
Researchers found a mass extinction event occurred less than 30 thousand years before giant theropod dinosaurs emerged, linked to an asteroid or comet impact. The discovery was made in lake sediments from the Newark Supergroup basins, showing a quadrupling of iridium abundance and fern spore spikes.
Scientists have identified ILT3 and ILT4, a key pair of molecules that function as a brake for the immune response. Increasing their activity on dendritic cells may create tolerance to foreign tissues, while decreasing it can enhance the immune response against malignant cells.
A team of researchers has identified a family of six proteins, called ZIGs, responsible for maintaining the wiring of the nervous system in mature organisms. These proteins play a crucial role in keeping the anatomy of the nervous system intact, and their discovery may lead to new insights into neurological diseases.
Researchers have identified a gene called LGI1 associated with a rare type of epilepsy characterized by auditory hallucinations and other symptoms. The discovery provides new insights into the cause of common epilepsy.
A study conducted in Harlem found that 30% of adult residents suffer from oral health problems, with those with public insurance only slightly more likely to receive care due to limited provider availability. The high rates of unemployment and lower household income may be contributing factors.
The largest US study on osteoporosis risk factors found that almost half of women over 50 are at risk for the bone disease. The study, led by Dr. Ethel Siris, highlights the need for more women to get tested and treated for osteoporosis, as it can lead to debilitating fractures.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center used PET scanning to assess abnormal energy metabolism in the hearts of young patients with fatty acid metabolism disorders. They found that affected children have a diminished capacity to use fatty acids and experience metabolic crises if untreated.
The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize recognizes the groundbreaking work of Dr. Avram Hershko and Dr. Alexander Varshavsky on the ubiquitin system, which regulates protein balance in cells. Their research has far-reaching implications for understanding cellular processes and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have found that protease inhibitors used in AIDS treatment can lead to severe cardiovascular problems by accumulating a certain apolipoprotein in liver cells. This accumulation causes the liver cell to release excessive lipoprotein particles into the bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart disease.
A recent study by Columbia researchers suggests that low doses of radiation can cause widespread mutations in living cells, even if they only affect a small percentage of the population. The findings highlight the importance of considering the 'bystander effect' when assessing radiation exposure risk.
Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a treatment for heart failure by correcting a specific cellular defect. Beta blockers prevent the excessive phosphorylation of the ryanodine receptor, allowing it to respond to signals and release calcium ions as needed. This finding offers new hope for treating heart failure.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered that estrogen therapy improves consistency in older women, a key indicator of cognitive function. The study, which involved postmenopausal women taking hormone replacement therapy, found that estrogen users performed more consistently than those not taking the hormone.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that warfarin and aspirin provide no significant difference in preventing another stroke in ischemic stroke patients without atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed 2,206 individuals for two years, showed no statistically significant differences between the tw...
A landmark clinical trial at 22 medical centers has found that implanted heart pumps with wearable controls significantly increase the likelihood of terminally ill heart failure patients surviving a year, with a 52.1% one-year survival rate compared to 24.7% for those receiving medication and medical monitoring.
Researchers identified a specific mutation in the presenilin 1 gene that increases beta amyloid expression, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study found 18 unrelated families with the same mutation, suggesting a common ancestral origin.
Exisulind, a new selective apoptotic anti-neoplastic drug, delays disease progression in men with recurrent prostate cancer by slowing the rise of PSA levels. The study also found significant inhibition of tumor growth in mice, suggesting potential as a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer.
A study of 199 women planning in vitro fertilization found that a 50% pregnancy rate was significantly higher for those who had people praying for them compared to the non-prayer group. The researchers acknowledge the results are incredible and hope to provoke discussion on potential biological or other factors at play.
The NETT trial found that advanced emphysema patients with severe lung obstruction or evenly distributed damage should not undergo Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS). Instead, high-risk patients had a 30-day mortality rate of 16% and only slightly improved functional outcomes six months after surgery.
Researchers found that adding leptin to sibutramine increased weight loss in obese rats, as it prevented a decrease in leptin levels that normally occurs with weight loss. This study provides new clues on how to overcome the plateau effect and may lead to successful treatments for obesity.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a combination of two genes that selectively kill pancreatic cancer cells in test tube experiments. The mda-7 protein and K-ras antisense DNA combination prevents tumor growth in animals, offering a potential new treatment option for this aggressive disease.
Dr. Barr will investigate the relationship between rising acetaminophen use and a 20-year increase in asthma prevalence, exploring potential mechanisms behind the association. The research aims to inform treatment strategies and public education about pain medication use.
Columbia University researchers found that synchronizing light therapy with a person's biological clock doubles its effectiveness as a treatment for winter depression. The most effective time was 8.5 hours after melatonin onset, which can be estimated by examining the patient's sleeping pattern.
Columbia University researchers have identified a target molecule called RAGE that contributes to cellular damage in diseases like diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Blocking RAGE has shown promise in halting or reversing cellular damage in animal studies.
A study published in the journal Stroke found that Chlamydia pneumoniae infection is associated with a higher risk of first ischemic stroke, particularly due to inflammation caused by the infection. The researchers also discovered that shorter-lived IgA antibodies were strongly linked to the risk of having a first stroke.
Historical case of Eva Peron's secret surgery highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing medical care with social and political implications, according to Dr. Barron H. Lerner. Despite apparent openness in modern times, many confidential details remain hidden from public scrutiny.
The Columbia University Asthma Coalition aims to improve asthma care among high-risk populations through a three-pronged approach. Researchers will implement culturally appropriate programs, increase public awareness, and form partnerships with primary care providers to ensure implementation of National Asthma Education and Prevention ...
Researchers found that blocking the interaction between two naturally occurring molecules restricts tumor growth and spread in mice. Inhibition of RAGE-amphoterin interaction decreased tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion without affecting angiogenesis.
A molecular-level malfunction in patients with heart failure can be repaired with existing treatments, suggesting a new approach to treating the root cause of the disease. The research reveals that a malfunctioning calcium channel is responsible for the defect, and beta blockers may prevent or reverse its development.
Researchers found a new class of drugs called selective apoptotic anti-neoplastic drugs (SAANDs) that can safely slow tumor growth in men with advanced prostate cancer. The study showed significant results with minimal side effects.
A new study suggests that a caspase-inhibiting drug could help delay ALS symptoms and prolong life. Researchers found that mice treated with zVAD-fmk lived 22% longer than untreated littermates, providing proof of principle for this potential treatment.
A new study by Dr. Wafaa M. El-Sadr found that HIV-infected patients with restored immunity can safely defer taking prophylactic antibiotics due to low infection rates. The study showed that antiretroviral therapy reconstitutes protective immunity, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections.
The IDEATel project aims to improve health and access to care for rural and inner-city residents with diabetes. The four-year grant will study the efficacy of telemedicine in enhancing patient quality-of-life and reducing healthcare costs.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that levels of two blood factors associated with heart disease risk vary during a woman's menstrual cycle. Levels of PAI-1 decreased steadily as the cycle progressed, while vWF peaked at days 2 and 23, potentially increasing heart attack risk for postmenopausal women.
A self-collected test for human papilloma virus (HPV) is as sensitive as Pap smears in detecting cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions of the cervix. The test has shown promise in increasing cervical cancer screenings in both developed and developing worlds.
The crystal structure of gp120 in action provides valuable clues for vaccine design, revealing how the virus binds to T cells while maintaining changeability. Researchers can now use this information to create targeted compounds that interfere with the interaction between gp120 and CD4 receptors.
Researchers found that relatives of individuals with colon polyps have a slightly less than doubling of risk compared to the general population, rising to about 10-12% over a lifetime. The study suggests that these individuals should receive colonoscopy instead of sigmoidoscopy for screening.
Scientists identify a common gene family responsible for generating rhythmic electrical impulses in both the brain and heart. This discovery could lead to the development of screening tests and therapeutic applications for cardiac and neurological disorders.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that exposure to household smoking during childhood and adolescence can lead to diminished lung function in young adulthood. The researchers measured lung function in over 1,400 students and found that a mother's smoking in the home was associated with reduced air flow rates.
A study found that family coordinators significantly improved asthma management in Latino and African-American families. The coordinators guided the families through four phases of self-regulation, increasing their knowledge and compliance with prescribed therapy.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center reveals that inner-city asthma patients often rely on emergency rooms due to insufficient disease management. The research highlights the urgent need for comprehensive asthma intervention in Harlem, targeting community health workers to educate and support patients.
Researchers found that African Americans and Hispanics with the APOE-4 allele have a similar risk of Alzheimer's disease as whites, but those without the allele had significantly increased risks. The study suggests that there may be new genes or environmental factors involved in the disease.
Researchers found that combining the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genetic test with clinical examinations significantly improved diagnosis accuracy for Alzheimer's disease. The study showed a 45% to 16% reduction in false positive diagnoses, emphasizing the potential of ApoE testing as a diagnostic aid.