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.
The study identified a new class of drug-targets, called master regulators, which are rarely mutated in cancer patients. The algorithm predicted the same top drug for almost half of metastatic patients, leading to rapid FDA approval for a clinical trial.
A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that excess zinc in muscles contributes to cachexia, a debilitating muscle-wasting syndrome affecting 80% of advanced cancer patients. The discovery could pave the way for developing drugs to treat or prevent muscle wasting in cancer patients.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found a specific serotonin receptor that enhances memory, with drugs targeting this receptor showing promise for boosting cognitive function. The study used optogenetics to demonstrate the role of serotonin in strengthening neural communication and improving spatial memory.
Researchers successfully implemented cognitive remediation throughout New York State's psychiatric hospital system, recognizing and addressing cognitive deficits in serious mental illness. The embedded quality assurance program evaluation tools indicated that cognitive remediation was sustainable and effective.
Researchers created patient-specific bladder cancer organoids that mimic actual tumors, allowing for testing of multiple drugs and predicting individual response to treatment. The use of these personalized models may improve understanding of the genomics of bladder cancer and develop new therapies.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that children as young as 8 years old with obesity are at risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Elevated waist circumference at age 3 and increased weight gain between ages 3 and 8 are associated with higher levels of a liver enzyme called ALT.
Researchers found that a liver enzyme increases abdominal fat inflammation in obese mice, leading to insulin resistance. Soothing this inflammation improves insulin sensitivity without affecting weight.
A study found that young Americans with nonfatal self-harm attempts had a sharply higher risk of suicide in the months following, especially among adolescents. The risk was highest for those who survived violent methods of self-harm.
A national study of over 86,000 kids with congenital heart disease found that children from low-income neighborhoods had a higher mortality rate and higher hospital costs after heart surgery compared to those from higher-income neighborhoods. The disparity persisted even after accounting for race, insurance, and disease severity.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that people with schizophrenia who experience auditory hallucinations tend to hear what they expect, an exaggerated version of a perceptual distortion. Elevated dopamine can exacerbate distorted perceptions.
A study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that far-UVC light can efficiently kill aerosolized influenza viruses in the air without harming human tissues. The use of overhead far-UVC light in hospitals, schools, and other public spaces could provide a powerful check on seasonal influenza epidemics.
A study by Columbia University researchers found that loss of Rbfox genes disrupts the assembly of the axon initial segment, crucial for neurons to fire action potentials. The team identified the Rbfox-controlled splicing of the Ankyrin-G gene as a key factor in this process.
Researchers discovered specific cells in the hippocampus that fire when animals are anxious, triggering anxiety-related behaviors. The findings suggest a direct pathway to respond to anxiety-provoking environments, opening up new areas for exploring treatment ideas.
A new study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that some psychiatric medications may be underprescribed in children and adolescents. The study analyzed prescription rates with prevalence rates for ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression, and discovered no significant overprescription.
A large clinical trial found that solanezumab, a monoclonal antibody-based treatment for Alzheimer's disease, did not significantly slow cognitive decline. Researchers propose alternative strategies and ongoing studies may lead to effective treatments.
Researchers identified two new breast cancer genes MSH6 and PMS2, associated with a doubled risk of developing breast cancer by age 60. The study suggests expanding genetic screening for these genes in women with Lynch syndrome.
Researchers have identified a new precision medicine approach for metastatic pancreatic cancer, analyzing tumor RNA to match patients with targeted drugs. The approach has shown clinical responses in three of four patients, targeting 'master regulator proteins' responsible for cancer cell survival.
A new study published in Cancer Cell suggests that stress accelerates the development of pancreatic cancer by triggering the release of 'fight-or-flight' hormones. Beta-blockers, commonly used medications that inhibit these hormones, were found to increase survival in a mouse model of the disease.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered that a gene fusion can cause cancer by increasing mitochondrial activity and fueling cell growth. Drugs targeting this pathway can prevent tumor growth in human cancer cells and mice with brain cancer.
Scientists have obtained detailed snapshots of the structure of a membrane pore that enables epithelial cells to absorb calcium. This finding could accelerate the development of drugs to correct abnormalities in calcium uptake, which are linked to various types of cancer.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that wearing amber-tinted lenses before bed can improve sleep quality in individuals with insomnia. Participants wore wrap-around frames with amber or clear lenses for seven consecutive nights, resulting in an average of 30 minutes extra sleep and improved insomnia severity.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine was significantly more effective than a sedative in reducing suicidal thoughts in depressed patients, with improvements occurring within hours. The treatment showed promise as a rapidly acting treatment for reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with depression.
Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that cancer patients with more versions of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes respond better to checkpoint inhibitors. The study also showed that certain HLA patterns affect survival and may be relevant for understanding side effects observed with immunotherapy.
A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center reveals that cancer gene PTEN works with CFTR to keep lung tissue free of potentially dangerous infections. The findings may explain why cystic fibrosis patients have a higher risk of GI cancer.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that DNA sequencing may offer real clinical value in diagnosing and managing patients with chronic kidney disease. The researchers analyzed 92 adults with kidney disease, yielding a diagnosis in 22 participants, including 13 individuals whose cause of kidney failure was unknown.
A study of over 13,000 opioid overdose deaths found that individuals with chronic pain conditions were at the highest risk of death. The study also reveals that many who died had been diagnosed with depression and anxiety, highlighting the importance of early intervention for those at high risk of fatal overdose.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a microscopic data recorder using CRISPR-Cas technology, allowing bacteria to monitor their surroundings and record temporal changes. The system has proven its ability to handle multiple signals and record for days.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified biomarkers that can aid in the development of better treatments for schizophrenia. The biomarkers were successfully tested in over 90% of individuals who received ketamine, and reliably distinguished them from those who had been given a placebo.
A new analysis of 10.5 million patients found that mothers' exposure to sunlight, air pollution, and carbon monoxide during pregnancy may increase their child's lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation, depression, and anxiety. The study also found that relative age at school enrollment is a stronger predictor of ADHD.
A study suggests that odor identification tests can identify patients with mild cognitive impairment who may benefit from cholinesterase inhibitor treatments. Short-term improvements in smell identification scores predicted longer-term cognitive improvement with donepezil treatment.
Scientists at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified several compounds that selectively inhibit FOXO1, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver. These findings offer a promising approach to developing new, safer treatments for diabetes.
Basal progenitor cells have been identified as the 'cell of origin' for Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal adenocarcinoma. The discovery promises to accelerate the development of precise screening tools and therapies.
A new review finds that genetic evidence used in the courtroom is unlikely to reduce culpability, as judges and juries perceive defendants' genetic factors both as a mitigating factor and an increased likelihood of re-offending. This mixed perception cancels out any potential effect on blame assignment.
A new medicated skin patch has been developed that can transform white fat into brown fat locally, increasing metabolism and reducing fat. The patch was tested in obese mice with significant results, including a 20% reduction in treated side fat and lower fasting blood glucose levels.
A study by Columbia University Medical Center found that US suicide attempts have increased, especially among younger, disadvantaged adults with mental health issues. The study also revealed significant risk factors for attempted and completed suicides, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A preliminary study at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that marijuana use can cause temporary paranoia and psychosis-related effects in individuals at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder. This population includes those with family history of psychosis or other risk factors.
A new study from Columbia University Irving Medical Center identified a potential biomarker that predicts atypical development in 1- to 2-month-old infants at high familial risk for developing autism spectrum disorders. Infants at high risk have elevated 'noise' and increased randomness in their spontaneous head movements during sleep.
A new study found that adults who sit for one to two hours without moving have a higher mortality rate than those with shorter bouts of sedentary time. Breaking up long sitting periods into shorter intervals can help reduce death risk, according to researchers.
Researchers found that pentoxifylline boosts the effectiveness of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in mice with melanoma, increasing the cure rate to around 40 percent. Disabling regulatory T cells could lead to improved cancer treatment outcomes.
A new class of compounds, hexahydroquinolines (HHQs), shows promise in preventing Plasmodium falciparum parasite transmission from infected hosts to mosquitoes. HHQs also enhance the effectiveness of existing antimalarial treatments, making it harder for drug-resistant parasites to emerge.
A study led by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that boosting blood levels of osteocalcin reverses age-related memory loss in mice. Osteocalcin binds to a receptor called Gpr158 in the brain's memory center, and restoring youthful levels of the hormone improves cognitive function.
Researchers have developed a new technique called Orion to flag regions of the non-coding genome that are likely to contain disease-causing genetic changes. This method identifies stretches of DNA that vary little from person to person, which are most likely doing something important and more likely to cause disease.
Scientists discovered that molecules help the tongue communicate with the brain to identify the correct taste. By rewiring the taste-system of mice, researchers found that taste receptor cells determine their own connectivity by providing instructive signals to neurons.
Researchers captured three-dimensional snapshots of the AMPA-subtype glutamate receptor in action, shedding light on its role in memory and learning. The study's findings provide new insights into the fundamental process involved in brain function.