A study by Columbia University researchers found that new omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are better at evading vaccines and antibody treatments than previous variants, causing more breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals. Only one available monoclonal antibody treatment remained highly effective against these subvariants.
A study published in Molecular Cell has identified a protein, MSRA, whose level of expression acts as a molecular switch between primary cancer growth and metastasis in PDA cells. The researchers found that high levels of MSRA expression keep the growing cells as part of the primary tumor, while low levels trigger metastasis.
Research reveals cancer cells use fat synthesis pathways that are sensitive to oxygen availability, leading to a crucial dependency on environmental fats. This vulnerability can be targeted by drugs, and altering diet composition may also influence cancer growth.
A new algorithm can analyze thousands of genomic variants to estimate a person's risk of developing chronic kidney disease, with the highest scores indicating tripled risk compared to the general population. Early detection may prevent many cases of kidney failure and reduce the need for transplant or dialysis.
The CONCERN initiative uses AI to analyze nursing documentation and predict patient outcomes, such as organ failure or cardiac arrest. By leveraging nurse expertise, the tool aims to improve patient care and reduce preventable deaths.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that the gene FMNL2 links cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting changes in FMNL2 activity cause toxic protein clearance issues. This mechanism may lead to a way to prevent Alzheimer's in people with hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease.
A Columbia University study found that altered thalamic activity in adolescence can lead to long-lasting cortical abnormalities, which may contribute to cognitive symptoms in schizophrenia. Boosting thalamic function during adolescence could potentially treat these symptoms.
The Silence ALS program aims to treat patients with rare genetic forms of ALS using antisense oligonucleotides, potentially delaying disease onset or slowing progression. The initiative focuses on individuals identified through Columbia University's ALS Families Project.
Researchers have gained new insight into how GPCRs operate, a step toward developing improved drugs. By probing the beta-adrenergic receptor, they uncovered details about β-arrestin activation by GPCRs, which could lead to pathway-specific compounds.
Researchers discovered that glutamate binds to specific patterns on its receptors, overturning the prevailing view of simple stepwise transitions. This finding may aid the development of more effective treatments with fewer side effects for conditions like depression, dementia, and epilepsy.
Researchers at Columbia University are studying the effects of heavy ion radiation therapy on hard-to-treat cancers, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The new linac booster will help scientists better understand how carbon ions work against cancer, potentially leading to more effective therapies.
Gram-negative bacteria use a crucial component in their outer membrane that shields them from immune system and antibiotics. Researchers discovered the structure of an enzyme linked to this process, which could lead to custom-designed drugs to counteract these deadly bacteria.
Far-UVC light has been shown to be highly effective in reducing airborne microbes in a real room environment, with an equivalent air exchange rate exceeding 184 per hour. This technology could potentially prevent the next pandemic by making indoor places as safe as being outside on a breezy day.
A multicenter study found that COVID patients on ventilators often take weeks to regain consciousness after removal of respiratory support. The study also discovered a correlation between blood oxygen levels and the time it takes to recover, with patients experiencing more episodes of low oxygen taking longer to wake up.
A new study by Columbia University researchers has identified key differences in immune cells and responses between MIS-C patients and other febrile infection patients. These findings may lead to faster diagnosis and better treatment of MIS-C.
Researchers found that mRNA vaccines lose effectiveness against all three Omicron subvariants, BA.1, BA.1.1, and BA.2, while only bebtelovimab remains effective as a treatment. The study highlights the need for booster shots to sustain immunity.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that gastric bypass surgery is the most effective treatment option for patients with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes, leading to greater weight loss and a higher rate of remission. The study found that gastric bypass produces better results regardless of diabetes severity.
A human polyomavirus (HPyV9) has been identified as a cause of severe skin rash and subsequent organ failure in solid organ transplant recipients. Routine testing for the virus is now recommended to prevent such cases, with the use of a new technique called VirCapSeq-VERT.
A small study found that COVID patients' brains display similar molecular changes to those with Alzheimer's disease, including increased phosphorylated tau and defective ryanodine receptors. The findings suggest a link between the immune response and neurological symptoms in long COVID patients.
A clinical trial has found selinexor to be effective in shrinking tumors in almost a third of patients with recurrent glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. The treatment induced responses in certain patients and allowed some to stay on the medication for over 12 months.
A phase 3 clinical trial is underway to test the safety and efficacy of jacifusen, an experimental drug that lowered levels of toxic protein FUS in a patient with juvenile ALS. The trial aims to determine if the drug can slow disease progression in symptomatic patients.
Researchers identified a single type of neuron responsible for coordinating leg movement in the spinal cord, which was found to be necessary and sufficient for locomotor behavior. The findings have important implications for developing new treatments for people with spinal cord injuries or motor disorders.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found that targeting neighboring bone cells may be a better strategy than directly targeting blood cancer stem cells. By blocking the communication between leukemia cells and osteoblasts, the study suggests a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia.
Researchers found that babies born during the pandemic's first year scored lower on social and motor skills tests at 6 months. The study suggests that maternal stress during pregnancy may have played a role in these findings.
A new study finds that the Omicron variant can evade immunity from previous infections and vaccines, with antibodies from double-vaccinated individuals showing reduced neutralizing activity. The study suggests the need for new vaccines and treatments to combat evolving variants.
A long-term epidemiologic study found that a race-based formula for diagnosing lung disease is no better than a race-neutral equation, which could lead to more accurate diagnoses and treatments. The study used data from thousands of patients and compared the two formulas, finding that the race-neutral equation yielded better predictions.
A study published in PNAS found that individuals with severe schizophrenia have a higher number of rare mutations than those with typical forms of the illness. This discovery could lead to more precise treatments for this chronic disease, which affects over 3 million Americans.
A new gene therapy called LentiGlobin has been shown to completely eliminate episodes of severe pain caused by sickle cell disease and restore blood cells to their normal shape. The treatment uses a patient's own stem cells and has the potential to give people with this disease their life back.
A new study reveals that infant immune systems are robust and efficient, allowing them to quickly respond to new pathogens. This may explain why infants are less affected by COVID-19 than adults, who take longer to react.
A study found that the percentage of psychiatrist visits involving psychotherapy dropped to 21.6% between 1996 and 2016, with rural and Black/Hispanic patients experiencing significant declines. The shift towards medication management is attributed to economic factors and a national shortage in psychiatric services.
A recent study by Columbia researchers found that health care workers with poor sleep were twice as likely to report symptoms of depression than their better-rested colleagues. Improving sleep may help reduce psychological problems and improve overall well-being among health care workers.
The study found that cervical cancer rates in NYC neighborhoods with low socioeconomic status are significantly higher than those with high socioeconomic status, highlighting the need for neighborhood-level interventions to increase access to preventive services.
A five-year study from Columbia University found that a single dose of ketamine improved thinking and reasoning, independent of depressive symptoms, making those in suicidal crisis less likely to harm themselves. The study also showed greater cognitive improvements in those given ketamine compared to midazolam.
Researchers found cannabis use disorders among pregnant patients had sharply higher levels of depression, anxiety, and nausea, warranting clinical concern. The study's findings underscore the need for further exploration of the disorder and its links to psychiatric and medical conditions.
A study published in Science Immunology found that the lung and lymph nodes of COVID survivors store the memory of the infection, which can provide long-term protection against reinfection. The discovery has important implications for designing and administering vaccines to target immune cells in these tissues.
A study on fruit flies found that intermittent time-restricted fasting increased longevity and improved healthspan. The study suggests that stimulating autophagy at night could provide humans with similar benefits without the need for drastic dietary changes.
The grant will support the work of the Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research in accelerating the application of scientific discoveries. The funding has enabled the establishment of over 70 services and programs to help Columbia researchers translate medical discoveries into treatments.
Researchers are developing a vaccine to prevent oxycodone use disorder, which affects half of those treated with existing medications. The experimental vaccine has shown promise in preclinical studies and is now being tested in a phase 1a/1b clinical trial at Columbia University.
A new study in mice suggests that preterm birth may alter long-term brain development due to the loss of placental hormone allopregnanolone. Reduced ALLO levels led to changes in brain structure and behavior, including autism-like behaviors, which were prevented with a single injection of ALLO.
The 25x5 Symposium, a collaboration of over 300 stakeholders, focuses on reducing clinical documentation burden through the development of strategies and approaches for improving electronic health record efficiency. The symposium aims to decrease the burden by 75% within four years.
Patients with Lyme disease have a 28% higher rate of mental disorders and are twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the diagnosis. The study reveals that having multiple episodes of Lyme disease is associated with a higher risk of mental health problems, including depression and suicidal behavior.
A newly discovered fat 'shield' protects natural killer cells from their own deadly biological weapons, but also allows some cancer cells to evade an immune system attack. The shield is made of lipids and reinforces the cell membrane before an attack, preventing the toxic substances from penetrating the membrane.
A multinational observational study compared the safety and efficacy of ARBs and ACE inhibitors, finding no significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes but a lower risk of side effects with ARBs. The study analyzed data from over 3 million patients worldwide and used advanced mathematical techniques to reduce bias.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that heart problems in children hospitalized with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) mostly resolved within a few months. The study, which followed 45 patients, showed that most cardiac and immunologic abnormalities returned to normal within weeks after hospital discharge.
Researchers found that reducing PTHrP levels can prevent metastasis and improve survival in mice with pancreatic cancer. The study also showed promising results with anti-PTHrP antibodies targeting human pancreatic cancer cells, offering a new potential treatment approach.
Researchers have linked specific genes to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) using genome-wide analysis, pointing toward novel avenues for treatment. The study identified a strong correlation between OCD and rare mutations in genes such as SLITRK5.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a link between psychological stress and graying hair. The study, published in eLife, revealed that hair color can be restored when stress is eliminated. Stress-induced changes in mitochondria may explain how stress turns hair gray.
A multinational study published in The BMJ found significant differences in adverse event rates among over 126 million people across four continents. The study highlights the importance of considering population differences when monitoring vaccine safety.
Researchers have visualized the structure of the MFSD2A transporter protein, which allows omega-3s to enter the brain. The study provides insight into how this protein can be used to design drugs that mimic omega-3s and hijack the system for neurological treatment.
A new study found that COVID-19 in children and adolescents produces more symptoms and complications than seasonal influenza, including asthma, obesity, and rare conditions. Fatality rates were rare, with most 30-day complications being hypoxemia and pneumonia.