A study by Columbia University researchers found that eusocial snapping shrimp have larger genomes due to an accumulation of 'jumping' genes called transposable elements. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the relationship between genome evolution and social behavior in various species, including humans.
A new study from Columbia University found that young adults with schizophrenia have the highest suicide risk and those aged 65 and older have the lowest. People with schizophrenia overall have a 4.5-fold increased risk of dying from suicide.
A new single-cell analysis tool identifies a unique sub-population of macrophages in kidney tumors associated with disease recurrence. The tool, called meta-VIPER, builds on previous techniques to accurately detect gene activity in individual cells, revealing potential targets for treatment and improving clinical outcomes.
Researchers identified multiple ways to achieve the same health benefits from exercise, as long as it includes plenty of light physical activity. The study found that replacing sedentary time with just two minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise is more efficient than replacing it with light physical activity.
A new study found that ultrasound treatment, called renal denervation, significantly lowered blood pressure in patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The procedure, which uses brief pulses of ultrasound to disrupt nerve signals, resulted in a 8-point drop in daytime blood pressure and an average decrease of 8.3 points at night.
A recent study published in The BMJ analyzed global data from over 303,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, highlighting significant heterogeneity in drug therapy choice. Adjunctive therapies, such as corticosteroids and anti-cytokines, emerged as popular forms of management for supportive care.
Scientists discovered esophageal cancers reactivate ancient retroviruses hidden in the human genome, which can make cancer more susceptible to immunotherapy. Researchers found a specific enzyme called ADAR1 degrades toxic double-stranded RNAs produced by ERV expression, and inhibiting it may enhance treatment efficacy.
Researchers created a detailed cell atlas of COVID lungs, revealing a trifecta of detrimental effects: runaway inflammation, direct destruction, and impaired regeneration of lung cells involved in gas exchange. This study provides leads on why survivors experience long-term respiratory complications due to lung scarring.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University can automatically scan electronic medical records for signs of chronic kidney disease, alerting physicians to patients in the earliest stages. The algorithm performs nearly as well as experienced nephrologists, correctly diagnosing kidney disease in 95% of identified cases.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that captures individual receptors on the surface of living cells with unprecedented detail. This breakthrough could lead to a new generation of drugs with greater specificity and reduced side effects, particularly for disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.
A new study found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in COVID-19 patients' brains, despite significant pathological changes and neurological effects. Inflammation triggered by the virus may cause damage to the brain's blood vessels and lead to 'brain fog' in mild cases.
A new study suggests that a stricter definition of high blood pressure during pregnancy could identify more women at risk of developing life-threatening complications. The revised definition would make over 50,000 additional women eligible for aspirin treatment to prevent preeclampsia.
A new study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that COVID-19 patients with dementia were more likely to experience delirium and confusion compared to those without dementia. While dementia itself was not a primary driver of mortality, other factors such as age and comorbidities played a significant role.
The Cohen Center will provide comprehensive, coordinated treatment for patients with Lyme and tick-borne diseases, offering affordable care with experienced physicians. The center will also integrate research and physician training into its clinical model, aiming to address the growing need for evidence-based treatments.
A new study identifies gene variants that cause a metabolic deficiency in the eye, linking it to a rare eye disease called macular telangiectasia type 2. The research found that most patients have a serine deficiency that leads to toxic lipid accumulation, causing damage to retinal cells.
Physicians report various symptoms, including chest pain, arrhythmias, and organ damage, in COVID-19 patients experiencing lingering effects. The experts emphasize the need for dedicated 'COVID-19 clinics' to provide longitudinal care.
Researchers found that anti-inflammatory therapies could be effective in preventing heart disease in people with clonal hematopoiesis, a common age-related blood condition. The study suggests that targeting the inflammasome may reduce cardiovascular risk and improve plaque stability.
Researchers found that cytokines CCL2 and CCL3 drive lung damage by attracting immune cells, while survivors had higher levels of antiviral T cells, suggesting these cells help control the virus. Targeting these cytokines with inhibitors may prevent lung tissue damage.
A recent study predicts that COVID-19 variants from the UK and South Africa may reduce vaccine effectiveness and increase the likelihood of reinfections. The study found that antibodies from Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were less effective against these variants, causing a reduction in protective efficacy.
A large-scale study published in JAMA Cardiology found that inflammatory heart disease is rare among professional athletes with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Only five out of 789 athletes developed heart inflammation, indicating a very low incidence of heart risk after mild COVID-19.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a new technique that uncovers tricks cancer cells use to evade immunotherapies. The approach identified new mechanisms of resistance and validated existing ones, providing insights into why some melanoma patients don't respond to treatment.
Researchers found that statin users had lower inflammation levels and a 50% reduced risk of death from COVID-19. However, randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm these findings.
The study found that serious mental illness was present in only 11% of all mass murderers and 8% of mass shooters. Non-firearm means resulted in significantly more casualties per event. The researchers also found that U.S.-based mass shooters were more likely to have legal histories or use recreational drugs.
Researchers found that training primary care physicians in depression recognition and medication treatment can prevent suicide, often halving the risk. Reducing access to lethal methods, such as firearms, is also crucial in preventing suicidal behavior.
Scientists develop nasal antiviral spray that prevents SARS-CoV-2 transmission in ferrets, suggesting its effectiveness in preventing infection in people exposed to the new coronavirus. The lipopeptide-based spray is inexpensive, stable, and does not require refrigeration, making it an ideal solution for halting COVID-19 spread globally.
A study from Columbia University suggests that cells used to study the human blood-brain barrier in labs aren't what they seem. The researchers discovered a possible way to correct the error, raising hopes for creating a more accurate model for studying certain neurological diseases and developing drugs.
A new study reveals that errors in chromosome packing may cause B-cell blood cancers. Researchers identified a critical protein called DIS3 that maintains genomic architecture and prevents cancer. The findings could lead to new biomarkers and therapies targeting genome instability.
A new study found that up to 20% of glioblastomas are fueled by overactive mitochondria, making them potentially treatable with current clinical trial drugs. Researchers discovered four types of brain cancer, including the mitochondrial subtype, which has a slightly better prognosis.
A new study stratified tumors into 112 subtypes and found Master Regulator proteins control the transcriptional state of each subtype. Targeting these proteins with novel drug classes could benefit a larger fraction of patients. The analysis identified 24 Master Regulator modules, mechanistically controlling cancer cell survival.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that specific functional units within genes, called exons, can impact autism severity. The researchers analyzed genetic and clinical data from over 2,500 people with autism and discovered that children with truncating mutations in the same exon often exhibit similar symptoms.
A recent study published in The Lancet Digital Health found no increased risk of COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization, or complications for patients taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs. The study analyzed data from over 1.1 million patients and provided robust evidence to support the safety of these medications.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have created a technology using synthetic llama antibodies to prevent specific proteins from being destroyed inside cells. This approach could be used to treat dozens of diseases, including cystic fibrosis, by selectively rescuing imperfect but functional proteins.
A new study finds that tiny malfunctioning compartments in neurons, called endosomes, are commonly defective in Alzheimer's patients. Endosomal trafficking disruption is associated with high levels of tau proteins in spinal fluid and blood, making it a promising target for developing therapies.
Researchers identified a genetic signature in localized prostate cancer that can predict metastasis and treatment response. The signature, called META-16, was highly effective at predicting time to metastasis and response to anti-androgen therapy.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a potential neurobiological mechanism for hallucinations and delusions that fits within the hierarchical model of psychosis. The study suggests that these symptoms share a common mechanism but also depend on symptom-specific pathways.
Researchers found that administering immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy earlier in the course of disease can slow cancer progression. Combining the therapies also kills myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which appear to overpower immunotherapies, thereby improving response rates.
Children and adults produce different types and amounts of antibodies in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with children clearing the virus more efficiently. The study found that children produced fewer neutralizing antibodies against the virus's spike protein compared to adults.
A recent study published in Cell reveals that CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing can lead to undesirable outcomes, including the elimination of entire chromosomes or large sections in human embryos. The research warns against premature clinical application of this technology until further development and testing are conducted.
Researchers studying COVID-19's impact on US college students aim to understand how the pandemic has disrupted their personal, educational, and economic plans. The study will examine decision-making styles, values orientation, and substance use/mental health patterns.
A new study found that coronaviruses use mimicry to trick human immune proteins, including those controlling blood coagulation and complement activation, which may drive pathology in infected patients. The researchers discovered over 150 protein mimics used by coronaviruses, including many involved in severe COVID-19 disease.
A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...
A recent study of over 7,000 patients with congenital heart defects found that these individuals had a lower-than-expected risk of developing moderate or severe COVID-19 symptoms. However, patients with certain genetic syndromes and those with advanced disease were more likely to develop severe symptoms.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection rarely transmit the virus to their newborns when basic infection-control practices are followed. This suggests that more extensive measures like separating COVID-19-positive mothers from their newborns may not be necessary.
Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were more likely male, younger and had fewer comorbidities than those with influenza. Despite this, however, those with COVID-19 were seen to generally be healthier, with lower rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
Researchers developed an algorithm to predict sex-specific adverse drug effects, identifying 20,817 adverse drug effects posing sex-specific risks. The algorithm addresses confounding biases and provides an opportunity to minimize adverse events by tailoring drug prescription and dosage to sex.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered a distinct antibody profile in patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which differs from those with celiac disease. This finding could lead to better detection methods and potential new therapies for celiac disease treatment.
The Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center has been renewed as a designated Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute, with a five-year support grant of $26.5 million. The center will continue to provide cutting-edge care and research for cancer patients in the New York City metropolitan area.
A global study of over 320,000 patients found that hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin increases cardiovascular risks, including mortality, in the short and long term. The combination therapy was associated with a 65% relative increase in cardiovascular-related mortality compared to sulfasalazine.
Researchers have identified an array of new genes that cause stillbirth, significantly increasing the understanding of the condition's genetic foundations. The findings suggest that genetic analysis could be used to counsel parents who have previously experienced stillbirth and unlock new human biology.
A recent study found that only half of pregnant women worldwide who need Rh disease treatment actually receive it. The study, published in PLOS One, estimates that complications of Rh disease may be linked to the deaths of at least 50,000 fetuses and 114,000 newborns annually globally.