Researchers found that females have an advantage at the molecular level, with high NRF2 activity protecting against ferroptosis and promoting kidney resilience. This discovery suggests that female hormonal environments could be therapeutically harnessed to improve kidney repair in both sexes.
A COVID vaccine designed for oral administration neutralizes the SARS-CoV-2 virus in mucosal tissues, limiting infections and airborne transmission. The study found vaccinated hamsters were less symptomatic and shed fewer viral particles after exposure.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a potential new tactic to disrupt the repair mechanism that cancer cells use after treatment, blunting their ability to regenerate. This approach could present a new treatment strategy for targeted therapies.
A newly identified molecular signal can spot aggressive tumor cells in early prostate cancers, allowing for targeted treatment. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a test to guide treatment based on this genomic signature.
A recent review article by Duke University Medical Center suggests that antibiotics can be an effective first-line therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis cases, treating up to 70% of cases. However, the definitive treatment option remains surgery, usually done laparoscopically, for severely inflamed appendices or high-risk patients.
A survey of parents and caregivers of children with cancer revealed that nearly a third expressed hesitation to vaccinate against COVID-19. Factors associated with willingness or hesitancy included confidence in science, medicine, and vaccination, as well as concerns about infection risks and vaccine safety.
A large national survey found that positive and encouraging strategies are more effective in helping adults with severe food aversions than forceful approaches. Researchers recommend using structure around eating, providing safe foods, and teaching cultural or nutritional lessons to improve attitudes towards food.
A multicenter study found that oxytocin, a hormone used as an autism treatment, had no significant impact on social skills among children with autism. The study of 290 children aged 3-17 showed that oxytocin was safe but ineffective in boosting social abilities.
The new center will focus on identifying age-related changes that impact the development, progression, and experience of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Researchers will also investigate how factors such as race, age, female sex, and genetic predisposition contribute to racial and geographic disparities in dementia.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a mechanism where breast cancer cells use cholesterol to develop tolerance to stress, allowing them to resist ferroptosis and proliferate. This finding highlights the importance of lowering cholesterol in preventing cancer progression and offers new approaches for treatment.
A Duke-led team identified how multiple mutations on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein create variants that are more transmissible and resistant to antibodies. The researchers found that different variant spikes use distinct mechanisms to achieve this, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current vaccines.
A new study published in Cell journal suggests that COVID-19 antibodies lack the ability to enhance disease in animals. The research used mice and monkeys to test human antibodies, finding that they exert their defensive powers against SARS-CoV-2 infection, not exacerbating it.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a new type of anti-glycan antibody that can neutralize HIV by targeting its sugar coating. This breakthrough points to a novel vaccine strategy that could also be used against SARS-CoV-2 and fungal pathogens.
A new pan-coronavirus vaccine has proven effective in protecting monkeys and mice from various coronavirus infections, including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The vaccine triggers neutralizing antibodies via a nanoparticle and targets a cross-reactive site of vulnerability on the spike protein.
Researchers enrolled 50 Black and 50 white men with advanced prostate cancer to test hormone therapy abiraterone acetate plus prednisone. They found that Black men's PSA levels dropped further and more frequently, but disease progression and survival times were similar.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a gene expression method that can quickly identify the source of respiratory symptoms. The test has been shown to be accurate in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections, with results available in under an hour, improving clinical care.
Researchers at Duke University developed a digital app that assesses eye gaze patterns of young children to identify potential autism symptoms. The app uses computer vision and machine learning to track attention patterns, potentially providing an early screening tool for autism.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a key reason hormone therapies fail and proposed a new treatment strategy directly targeting the cancer's fuel source, glutamine. By inhibiting glutamine utilization, tumor growth is successfully inhibited in studies using prostate cancer cell lines and animal models.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new vaccination strategy to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In tests in mice, the vaccine administered directly to the bladder effectively cleared bacteria. The study suggests that reprogramming the body's immune response could be key to fighting off UTIs.
A survey of caregivers found that half experienced delayed care, while 77% reported increased feelings of anxiety. Many families struggled with interruptions to care and educational disruptions, highlighting the need for improved social support for pediatric cancer patients.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that individuals with an APOE4 gene variant associated with increased Alzheimer's risk have lower levels of inflammatory molecules in their cerebrospinal fluid, suggesting potential damage to synapses.
A recent study found that recurrent glioblastoma tumors with few mutations respond best to immunotherapy, suggesting a predictive biomarker for survival. The finding could lead to new approaches to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies in treating this incurable disease.
An AI model developed at Duke University successfully identified patients with Alzheimer's disease from retinal images, suggesting its potential as a predictive tool. The study provides proof-of-concept for machine learning analysis of certain types of retinal images to detect the neurological disease in symptomatic individuals.
The university's comprehensive approach, including pooled testing, daily symptom monitoring, and quarantine measures, significantly lowered infection prevalence. Combined with high compliance with masking and social distancing guidelines, the strategy successfully minimized large outbreaks.
A Duke Health-led research team has identified a key marker that will help speed effective vaccine designs for cytomegalovirus (CMV). The finding provides an immune surrogate to test the effectiveness of vaccine candidates, which could aid in vaccine evaluation and predict potential efficacy.
Research from Duke University Medical Center found that children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder visit doctors more often in their first year of life. This suggests a potential new method for identifying the conditions earlier, which could lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
A new drug, vamorolone, has shown promise in reducing side effects associated with current steroid treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Interim results from a 24-month clinical trial suggest that vamorolone may retain or improve the therapeutic benefits of steroids while minimizing risks.
A blood-based test accurately predicts nine different respiratory viral infections, including influenza and COVID-19, up to three days before maximum symptoms. The gene expression assay detects the body's natural immune response signals to identify a viral infection with high accuracy.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that financial strains such as high debt, low income, and unemployment are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts. The study, conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need to consider financial stressors in mental health interventions.
A simple, low-cost device tests mask effectiveness in blocking droplet emissions during normal wear. The study found that N95 masks without valves and surgical/polypropylene masks perform well, while hand-made cotton face coverings provide good coverage, but bandanas and neck fleeces offer little protection.
A new vaccine targeting HER2-positive breast cancers has been shown to work effectively in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors, resulting in pronounced tumor reduction and long-term tumor-free survival. The study found that the vaccine primes the immune system, allowing the checkpoint inhibitor to rally T-cells to action.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 originated from a bat coronavirus and gained the ability to infect humans through exchanging a gene fragment with a pangolin coronavirus. The virus's genetic material was altered to bind to host cells, making it possible for it to infect human respiratory and intestinal epithelial cells.
Researchers found improvements in language communication and brain function in children with autism without intellectual disability after cord blood infusion. However, those with an intellectual disability did not show similar results.
Activated platelets attach to vessel walls and interact with mast cells, triggering a powerful inflammatory response that can lead to organ damage and death after heart surgery. Inhibiting platelet activation may prevent or minimize this response, according to a study published in Science Advances.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a poliovirus-based therapy that stimulates a natural immune attack on cancer cells in animal studies. The modified virus, called PVSRIPO, induces an immune response against mutated cancer cells found in diffuse midline glioma tumors, which are universally deadly in children.
Research led by Duke Health finds wide swings in young adult blood pressure readings increase cardiovascular disease risk by middle age. The study suggests ignoring variability in blood pressure readings may mask an early warning sign of heart disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed an immunogen that selectively bound to antibodies with necessary mutations, which led to the production of potent neutralizing antibodies. The study demonstrates the ability to engineer the immune system to create an environment where effective antibodies can be made.
A team of researchers identified a cell surface receptor, CXCR2, essential for hormone-resistant prostate cancer cells. They showed that targeting this receptor can halt tumor growth using a drug originally intended for lung diseases.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new technique to visualize how pre-cancerous stem cells spread throughout the colon, illuminating key differences in their growth patterns. The study found that newborns are more sensitive to mutations, leading to rapid field cancerization and increased cancer risk.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that adding weight management counseling to group visits improved diabetes outcomes for patients with uncontrolled diabetes. Participants who received the counseling showed significant weight loss, reduced blood sugar levels, and fewer episodes of hypoglycemia compared to those who on...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a mechanism for cartilage repair similar to salamanders' limb regeneration. Cartilage age depends on joint location, with ankles being younger, knees middle-aged, and hips older. MicroRNAs regulate this process and may be developed into arthritis medicines.
A study published in JCI Insight found that Apolipoprotein E interferes with bone healing in older individuals, leading to weaker bones and increased risk of re-fracture. Researchers discovered that reducing ApoE levels can reverse aging effects on the bones, promoting faster and more effective healing.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pulegone, contained in menthol and mint flavored e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, exceeds safety levels with potential carcinogenic properties. The FDA does not regulate pulegone's presence in these products, despite being banned as a food additive.
A genetic variant in the DNMT3A region of chromosome 2p appears to help people with MRSA clear blood stream infections by regulating immune response. The mutation reduces levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, allowing for a more effective host response.
Researchers found a specific gene associated with autism undergoes changes in the sperm of men who use marijuana, sparking further investigation into potential intergenerational effects. The study suggests a possible connection between cannabis use and autism, warranting urgent research given the increasing prevalence of marijuana use.
Researchers found that a drug used for Alzheimer's reversed brain inflammation and neuron damage in rats exposed to alcohol during adolescence. The study suggests that adolescent binge drinking can lead to subtle deficits in brain function, anxiety, and social behaviors.
A study by Duke University researchers found that children's common ailments like vomiting and fever require pediatric versions of therapies, which are often lacking in airline first-aid kits. Most incidents were handled by flight crew members, but parents should carry on medications for their children to ensure prompt treatment.
Research from Duke Health suggests that new e-cigarette laws could have unintended consequences on existing users, leading them to smoke more traditional tobacco cigarettes. The study found that limiting flavors or customizability of e-cigarettes might cause some users to increase their use of traditional cigarettes.
Researchers found that a 12% calorie reduction over two years improved cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and reduced biomarkers of chronic inflammation. Participants who maintained a 25% calorie reduction showed significant weight loss, primarily fat, and reductions in metabolic risk markers.
A new shingles vaccine has been shown to effectively prevent outbreaks of the painful rash among patients who have undergone stem cell transplantation. The study found that the vaccine reduced the incidence of shingles by 68% and related complications, offering promise for patients with immune-compromising conditions.