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.
Research suggests that REM sleep plays a crucial role in protecting the cornea from suffocation by circulating aqueous humor. This theory challenges the conventional view of REM as a dream-processing mechanism, proposing a new purpose for this stage of sleep.
A new study by Columbia University researchers establishes the first mathematically sound definition of epilepsy, requiring two unprovoked seizures for a diagnosis. The study found that patients who have had two seizures are at high risk of recurrence, with a 73% chance of having a third seizure within five years.
Researchers at Columbia University have identified the first human gene associated with hair loss, offering new possibilities for treating various forms of alopecia. The 'hairless' gene initiates a cascade of events that stimulate hair growth, potentially leading to more effective treatments and gene therapy.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified the P-TEN gene as a new breast cancer susceptibility gene. The discovery could lead to better tests for early detection and more effective treatments for women with Cowden's syndrome, an autosomal dominant disorder that increases breast cancer risk by 50-75%.
Researchers successfully transferred a normal human beta globin gene into mice bone marrow cells, achieving long-term expression and high levels of production. This breakthrough holds promise for the treatment of sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia.
Researchers discovered a molecule, ERAB, that causes early neuron damage in Alzheimer's disease. The finding may lead to therapies that inhibit the interaction of ERAB and amyloid-B peptide, protecting neurons from damage.
Researchers created a topical hand cream that prevents two common latex allergy reactions, sensitization and contact dermatitis. The cream's zinc gel composition forms a protective matrix on the skin's surface, binding soluble latex proteins and other irritants to prevent allergic responses.
Researchers have discovered cellular and biochemical mechanisms that could lead to the development of new drugs to prevent or treat Huntington's disease. The study identifies neuronal intranuclear inclusions as aggregates of huntingtin protein, which interacts with brain cells.
The Associated Medical Schools of New York has launched a statewide initiative to strengthen physician training on end-of-life care. The program aims to improve attitudes towards death and dying, and provide emotional and ethical support for patients and families.
Researchers found that mice with the human gene Bcl-2, which protects against cell death, developed ALS significantly later and lived longer than those without. The study suggests that gene therapy could delay ALS onset and lead to the development of drugs mimicking protective genes.
A new study found that prophylactic surgery can prolong life expectancy by approximately 8.5 years, but at a significant impact on quality of life. The study also concluded that prophylactic surgery is cost-effective compared to cancer treatments.
The study identifies mutations of P-TEN in advanced brain, breast, and prostate cancers, suggesting a new potential target for cancer treatment. The discovery represents one of the first genes implicated in aggressive brain tumors.
Researchers have created a mouse model that mimics Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia (FCHL), a disorder causing high cholesterol and triglycerides, leading to premature heart disease. The study suggests APOC3 genetic variations underlie the disease, offering new hope for drug development.