Long-term exposure to ozone and other pollutants accelerates emphysema development, even among non-smokers. The study found a strong association between ozone levels and emphysema, with the strongest impact seen in people living in areas with high ozone concentrations.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a potential new therapy for pancreatic cancer. Their experimental compound, PTC596, has shown to be effective in combination with standard treatment, extending survival by three times in genetically engineered mice.
A study found that only 2.6% of youths with ADHD were prescribed antipsychotics, but many prescriptions lacked a clear rationale. The highest antipsychotic use was among preschool-age children, and fewer than half had been treated first with stimulants.
A simple pamphlet about the flu given to parents in pediatrician's waiting room increased vaccination rates among young children. The study, published in Pediatrics, found nearly 72% of vaccinated children received the handout compared to around 65% without.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nearly 1 in 7 brain-injured ICU patients show evidence of hidden consciousness just days after injury. Patients with such signs are more likely to recover, according to researchers at Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian. The technique used to detect hidden con...
A recent study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that watching TV for long periods increases cardiovascular disease risk. In contrast, working hours have little effect on the risk. The study also suggests exercising regularly can offset this increased risk and mitigate its effects.
Using 3D printing, researchers have successfully grown human hair follicles in a lab dish, paving the way for new hair restoration treatments. The breakthrough could lead to more effective hair growth drugs and increased accessibility of robotic hair restoration surgery for women and men.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that limiting ovarian cancer surgery to high-volume hospitals could improve survival but also reduce access for many rural and underserved patients. In fact, nearly 35% of low-volume hospitals had better-than-expected outcomes at 60 days and 51% at 2 years.
Researchers have developed a new gene editing tool called INTEGRATE that harnesses bacterial jumping genes to insert any DNA sequence into the genome without cutting DNA. This technology offers a precise and reliable alternative to current gene-editing tools, which can lead to errors.
A new study found that infants at high risk for autism were less able to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar speech patterns. The researchers suggest that interventions should begin during infancy for those at high risk.
A genomic collision may explain why many kidney transplants fail due to genetic incompatibility between donor and recipient. The study found that recipients with two copies of a deletion near the LIMS1 gene had a significantly higher risk of rejection when the donor kidney had at least one full-sized version of the same gene.
A new study found that a serotonin shortage in the gut can cause constipation, similar to depression, and that treatment increasing serotonin levels may alleviate both conditions. The research suggests that slow-release 5-HTP therapies could treat related brain-gut disorders.
Research at Columbia University found that providing clear information on the sugar content and health risks of sugary drinks can help families make informed choices. The study's lead author recommends using visual aids and graphic warning labels to inform parents about healthy alternatives.
Researchers found that individuals with more severe delusions sought more information before making a guess, supporting the idea of 'sticky' beliefs. The study suggests that cognitive training and neurostimulation may help shape inference-making and treat delusions.
In the multicenter clinical trial, TAVR showed superiority to open-heart surgery in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. One-year mortality rates were significantly lower with TAVR, with 42 deaths vs 68 in the surgical group. The study also found shorter hospital stays and fewer strokes for TAVR patients.
A new study finds that a drug given to pregnant women at risk of premature birth also lowers healthcare costs. The analysis revealed that pairs who received the treatment had average costs of $4,681 compared to $5,379 for those who did not receive it.
A study published in EMBO Reports found that the common oral bacterium F. nucleatum accelerates colon cancer growth by inducing the production of protein Annexin A1, which stimulates cancer cell growth. This discovery may help predict aggressive colon cancers and identify new treatment targets.
Researchers discovered lipid-filled particles (AdExos) released by adipocytes in mice that activate immune function and regulate metabolism. AdExos control the development of immune cells, inducing bone marrow cells to develop into macrophages that digest lipids.
A new 'smart drug', sacituzumab govitecan, has shown significant tumor shrinkage and improved patient outcomes in a clinical trial for women with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. The treatment resulted in better response rates and longer overall survival compared to traditional therapies.
A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that combining antidepressants with antipsychotic drugs may have benefits for individuals with schizophrenia. The research suggests that antidepressant use can reduce the risk of hospitalization by 16% compared to antipsychotics and by 22% compared to benzodiazepines.
Research reveals that patients with specific MAPK mutations are more likely to respond to immunotherapy drugs in glioblastoma. The study also found that tumors with PTEN mutations were less responsive to treatment, suggesting new targets for treatment development.
Researchers found that exercise increases brain levels of irisin, a hormone linked to improved memory and reduced Alzheimer's risk. Studies in mice suggest that irisin can protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline and may even help prevent or treat dementia.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and stillbirth, in mice infected with a common oral bacteria. The study suggests a new strategy for protecting pregnancy in women and may lead to the development of a prophylactic treatment.
A new prenatal genetic testing approach has been shown to improve the diagnosis of fetal anomalies, identifying a significant cause in nearly half of affected pregnancies. The technique, known as whole exome sequencing, offers a valuable addition to standard prenatal tests, providing clear diagnoses and easing parental fears.
A new study found that aerobic exercise training increases executive function and cortical thickness in the brain of young adults, suggesting that exercise can prevent or slow age-related cognitive decline. The flexibility of the exercise protocol made it more attractive to the general population.
A new 'Cascade of Care' framework aims to address gaps in addiction care and monitor treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder. The model identifies key stages through which people must progress to increase the chance of reaching remission, and emphasizes prevention services targeting populations by risk level.
A new study found that regular aspirin use after delivery erases the increased risk of stroke associated with a history of preeclampsia in women under 60. Women in this age group who took aspirin had the same stroke risk as those without a history of preeclampsia, whereas those who did not take aspirin had a 50% greater risk.
A new study found that swapping 30 minutes of sitting for any type of physical activity reduces the risk of early death by up to 35%. The researchers also discovered that short bursts of activity and taking regular movement breaks can have a significant health benefit.
A new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that elderly individuals with age-related hearing loss had more symptoms of depression. The study analyzed data from 5,239 Hispanic participants and found a significant association between hearing loss and depressive symptoms.
A new study found that genes cause about 1 in 10 cases of chronic kidney disease in adults, and identifying the responsible gene has a direct impact on treatment. DNA testing reclassified the cause of kidney disease in 1 out of 5 individuals with a genetic diagnosis.
A phase three clinical trial found that sorafenib stopped progression of desmoid tumors for two years in 80 percent of patients who completed treatment. This is a significant increase in progression-free survival compared to placebo, with researchers describing it as 'a truly remarkable outcome'.
A new study found that certain neurons protect themselves from Alzheimer's by clearing toxic tau proteins, which accumulate in sluggish cells. The discovery suggests new treatment possibilities to support natural defense mechanisms against neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that many slow-growing NF1 gliomas contain few macrophages and produce proteins that can trigger an immune system attack, making them good candidates for treatment with immunotherapy. Clinical trials are now being planned for these high-immune tumors.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that circulating white blood cells from donors contain matured cells that educate recipients' immune system to be tolerant of donated tissues. The study suggests new strategies for managing organ transplantation and reducing immunosuppression.
A new study shows that fewer Americans have serious psychological distress, but those with less distress are getting more outpatient mental health care. The growth in treatment is driven by people with little or no distress, while those with serious distress often don't receive the care they need.
A new study found that women with early-stage cervical cancer who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy had a significantly higher risk of death compared to those who had open surgery. This was due to a 65% higher risk of mortality within four years after surgery.
A new study introduces a 17-item questionnaire to identify gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism, which can lead to behavioral problems. The screening tool correctly identified over 80% of children with GI disorders, offering hope for more effective treatment.
Researchers will assess reactions to genomic test results, including the impact on views of normality, capacity, responsibility, treatability, and prognosis, in individuals with autism and their family members. The Center aims to explore the benefits and challenges of using genetic information in clinical and research settings.
A study found a significant correlation between Republican gains in counties and increased death rates from alcohol, drugs, and suicide. Life expectancy was also linked to voting patterns, suggesting that health disparities may have influenced the election outcome.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered a new approach to targeted and more tolerable therapeutics for treating disorders like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. The study found that selectively activating the G protein signaling pathway can enhance motor function while avoiding negative side effects.
A phase three clinical trial has shown that tafamidis can reduce deaths by 30% and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations by 32%. The treatment also slows the decline in quality of life among patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. If approved, it would be the first medical therapy for this life-threatening disease.
Researchers captured detailed images of TRPV3, a skin-cell ion channel involved in temperature sensation. The study reveals how a mutation in the woolly mammoth's TRPV3 gene may have helped them adapt to cold environments and provides clues for new treatments of human skin diseases such as eczema and vitiligo.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have discovered that UV light can kill drug-resistant bacteria, a major cause of infections around skin-penetrating medical devices. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that far-UVC light delivered through optical fibers could be used to prevent catheter-based and drivelin...
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found evidence of how certain transport proteins are working at the molecular level, potentially leading to improved treatments for psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, and OCD. The study's findings suggest that a universal feature of these transport proteins may ...
Researchers found a gene that recruits immune cells in alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease causing hair loss. They discovered this gene is turned off in various cancers, protecting them from the immune system. By turning it back on, tumors can be made vulnerable to immunotherapy.
A new mouse study reveals that binge drinking during adolescence can impair working memory and increase the risk of becoming an alcoholic in adulthood. The study found altered neuron excitability and changes in the prefrontal cortex, which may help explain why adolescents who binge drink have memory problems.
Researchers found that boys with autism had lower fractal dimension in the right cerebellar cortex, indicating a flatter surface structure related to communication difficulties. This finding suggests rethinking the role of cerebellar function and structure in young individuals at risk for atypical brain development.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a potential link between microRNAs and sepsis, identifying two molecules that silence inflammatory gene expression. These biomarkers could help diagnose patients at risk of organ failure and death, allowing for faster treatment and potentially saving lives.
A new study found that even mild sleep disturbances can lead to elevated blood pressure in women, with nearly three times more common than severe sleep disturbances. Women who slept for seven to nine hours a night were significantly more likely to have high blood pressure.
Adults who survive opioid overdoses have exceptionally high risks of dying from respiratory diseases, viral hepatitis, and suicide. The study analyzed Medicaid records to find that survivors are substantially more likely to die of these causes than the general population.