Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed an innovative approach to treat peanut allergies by retraining the immune system using nanoparticles. The study found that delivering molecules to the lymph nodes quells allergic reactions, providing long-lasting tolerance without repeated exposures.
A study led by Duke Health found that a short course of the Alzheimer's drug donepezil can reverse structural and genetic brain changes caused by alcohol exposure in rats. This reverses dendritic spine density, affecting learning and memory. The research identifies a specific gene target for potential repair.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that pregnant women in North Carolina experienced reduced secondhand smoke exposure since the passage of the 'smoking ban' in 2009. Despite overall reductions, racial and socioeconomic disparities persisted among African-American, unmarried, and less-educated women.
Researchers have found a new mechanism of immunotherapy resistance that appears to be reversible, potentially enhancing the effect of current therapies. The approach targets a signaling pathway within the tumor microenvironment, which is manipulated by melanomas to silence dendritic cells.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found players with higher scores on vision and motor tasks completed on large touch-screen machines had better on-base percentages, more walks, and fewer strikeouts. High scores in perception-span task were associated with an increased ability to get on base.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that stem cell transplant significantly improves survival and reduces the need for immune suppressant drugs in patients with severe scleroderma. The regimen, which includes chemotherapy and radiation, showed a highly significant benefit compared to conventional drug therapy.
A new population-based model has been developed to track new HIV infections with greater accuracy, enabling researchers to better target prevention strategies and evaluate interventions. The tool uses biomarkers to identify recent infections, reducing false classifications and costs for studies.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that obesity can add five weeks of asthma symptoms per year in preschoolers. The research suggests that maintaining a healthy weight may be an effective strategy for controlling asthma, and that inhalers work effectively for all preschoolers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center are using drug discovery methods that have fueled cancer breakthroughs to identify alternatives to antibiotics for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. By targeting vulnerable areas of disease-causing bacteria, they aim to develop new therapies that spare the normal gut microbiome.
A $10 microchip can be mounted onto a traditional ultrasound probe, providing 3-D imaging abilities similar to CT scans or MRIs. This technology has the potential to improve patient care, especially in emergency medicine and trauma cases where CT scans are not available.
A phase two trial showed improved motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy who received an infusion of their own umbilical cord blood cells. The improvements were greater than those seen in children receiving lower doses or a placebo, and exceeded expected gains from traditional therapies.
A quarter of adults with problematic marijuana use have anxiety disorders in childhood and late adolescence. The study also found that some teens who abuse pot outgrow habit in adulthood. Childhood maltreatment and peer bullying were linked to an increased risk of chronic marijuana abuse, but not necessarily earlier use.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that fever in early pregnancy can cause heart and facial birth defects, but using a fever reducer like acetaminophen may help prevent these defects. The study used zebrafish and chicken embryos to demonstrate the impact of fever on development.
A recent study has identified 150 genetic drivers of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a common form of blood cancer. The research, led by Duke Cancer Institute scientists, found correlations between specific genes and treatment responses, opening up new avenues for targeted therapies.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that biologic valves used in trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and open-heart surgery continue to perform well up to five years after implantation. The results provide reassurance for the long-term benefits of minimally invasive valve replacement.
A recent study by Duke Cancer Institute found that ACA Medicaid expansion significantly reduced uninsured rates among white patients and those living in higher-income areas, but had little impact on black patients and residents of high-poverty areas. In contrast, states without expanded Medicaid saw a decline in uninsured rates primari...
A modified poliovirus therapy has been found to induce an inflammation process that counteracts cancer cells' ability to evade the immune system. The therapy activates dendritic cells and macrophages, which present tumor antigens to T-cells, launching a targeted immune response.
Researchers at Duke Cancer Institute identified a natural compound, koningic acid, that selectively shuts down the Warburg Effect in cancer cells. This phenomenon, where cancer cells voraciously consume glucose for energy, is controlled by an enzyme called GAPDH.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that cardiac arrests in predominantly black neighborhoods are more likely to result in delayed CPR and defibrillation, which can lead to poorer survival rates. The study analyzed over 22,000 cases of cardiac arrest outside the hospital and found a significant disparity in CPR ...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a molecule, Takinib, that appears to spur cell death in tumors and inflammation. By targeting the TNF-alpha signaling process, Takinib inhibits an enzyme called TAK-1, which controls cell survival.
A study by Duke University researchers found that one-third of insured cancer patients pay more out-of-pocket than expected, despite health coverage. This 'financial toxicity' can lead to decreased treatment adherence and worsen mental and physical state.
Researchers developed a multilayer clustering algorithm to sort through dozens of data points from two large studies, identifying two distinct groups: rapid decliners and slow-moving disease. The 'rapid decliners' group showed twice the rate of brain atrophy and progressed faster to dementia.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center questions the effectiveness of risk-reducing mastectomy for women with BRCA mutations who have already had ovarian cancer. The procedure is found to be cost-effective only for women diagnosed between 40-50 years old and at least five years post-ovarian cancer diagnosis.
A comprehensive global effort is needed to address the growing burden of hearing loss, with half a billion people affected worldwide. The proposal emphasizes increased access to screenings, treatments, and preventive measures, as well as low-cost interventions using smartphones and telemedicine.
A recent study by Duke University researchers demonstrates a vaccine approach that appears to protect fetuses from congenital CMV infection. The findings, published in JCI Insight, suggest potent antibodies can prevent viral transmission and severe disease in developing fetuses.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new antibody that can restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy rituximab in leukemia patients with natural resistance. The study found that adding the antibody to rituximab increased cancer cell death by 45% in five out of 11 patients.
Duke University researchers have identified a potential new mechanism for Parkinson's disease, suggesting that misfolded alpha-synuclein protein spreads from gut endocrine cells to the brain. This finding could lead to earlier diagnosis and development of therapies targeting the protein.
A Duke-led research team developed an investigational vaccine that added three more targets to the original RV144 human vaccine candidate. The resulting pentavalent vaccine protected over half of the vaccinated animals from simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection, demonstrating improved protection compared to the original regimen.
A phase one study of 11 patients with glioblastoma who received injections of an investigational vaccine therapy and an approved chemotherapy showed the combination to be well tolerated while also resulting in unexpectedly significant survival increases. The researchers found that the combination significantly slowed the progression of...
A survey of over 422,000 college freshmen found that transgender students were more likely to experience negative consequences from drinking, including memory blackouts, academic problems and conflicts. Transgender students were also more likely to cite stress reduction or relationship troubles as motivation for drinking.
A Duke Health-led research team has developed a synthetic HIV outer envelope mimic that induces broadly neutralizing antibodies with vaccination. The study supports the concept of designing vaccine candidates that mimic critical regions of HIV.
A study of over 94,000 patients with atrial fibrillation found that only 16% received recommended anticoagulation therapy prior to stroke. Patients who did receive treatment had less severe stroke outcomes and lower mortality rates. Adherence to guidelines could prevent up to 88,000 strokes per year in the US
A study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that over half of older women with early-stage breast cancer received more radiation therapy than necessary, adding to healthcare costs. The researchers estimate a potential savings of $164 million by reducing radiation therapy regimens from six weeks to four weeks.
Duke researchers have identified a group of proteins detected in specific quantities in the mucous, which are 86 percent accurate in confirming the infection is from a cold or flu virus. The discovery aims to develop a quick, noninvasive test to determine the cause of upper respiratory illness and appropriate treatment.
Prostate cancer cells grow with malfunction of cholesterol control in cells, a process that allows them to accumulate fat and stimulate uncontrolled growth. Identifying this process could inform the development of better ways to control cholesterol accumulation in tumors.
A new study led by Duke Health has found that babies born at 23-24 weeks of pregnancy are showing small but measurable improvements in survival rates and neurodevelopment. The study analyzed the records of over 4,200 infants and found a larger percentage developing into toddlers without cognitive or motor delays.
A study by Duke Health researchers has identified a shared root cause of Huntington's disease with Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The team found that a biochemical explanation for the breakdown of quality control processes in Huntington's disease, which can be restored by chemically inhibiting CK2, holds promise for ...
A new gene therapy has demonstrated effectiveness in clearing glycogen buildup from muscles in mice, potentially replacing enzyme infusions. The therapy uses a modified virus to deliver a gene that produces an enzyme missing in people with Pompe disease.
A large randomized trial found that using UVC machines can reduce the transmission of four major superbugs by a cumulative 30 percent, particularly for MRSA. The study suggests that adding UV light to standard cleaning can be an effective strategy in reducing infections in hospitals.
Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke even before conception appears to impair fetal brain development throughout pregnancy, damaging regions involved in learning and memory. The impact was most severe with exposures occurring in late gestation, but adverse effects also occurred when mothers were exposed prior to conception.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a potential treatment for Prader-Willi syndrome using G9a inhibitors. The study suggests that these small molecules can activate the maternal copy of the gene responsible for the disorder, leading to improved growth and lifespan in mice with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that a combination of existing targeted therapy and investigational molecule can induce breast cancer cell death in preclinical experiments. The approach has wide implications for advancing treatment if successful in planned clinical trials.
A randomized clinical trial led by Duke University School of Medicine researcher found that individual cognitive therapy relieved PTSD symptoms better and quicker than group therapy. Nearly half of participants who received one-on-one therapy improved so much they no longer carried a PTSD diagnosis, whereas almost 40 percent of those i...
Researchers found that for every 10-20 instances of temporary gun seizures, one suicide was prevented. The study suggests that risk-based gun removal laws could help identify people at increased risk of violence but without a history of violence.
A study found that only 46% of hospitalized atrial fibrillation patients receive oral anticoagulants, which can help prevent strokes. Researchers say this highlights a gap in care and emphasizes the need for better optimization of medication decisions during hospital stays and at discharge.
A mouse study found an antibody can soothe raging, nerve-driven poison ivy itch by blocking an immune system protein. The researchers also discovered that blocking another receptor for the protein alleviates itch, paving the way for potential treatments.
A Duke University study reveals that hospital rooms and patients can spread germs through contact with healthcare personnel. The research found that nurses' clothing and patient room surfaces were frequently contaminated with pathogens, highlighting the need for enhanced infection control measures.
A new study compares Botox to sacral neuromodulation as treatments for urge incontinence, finding that Botox provides more daily relief but may be associated with more adverse events. The study analyzed data from 381 women and found a significant reduction in symptoms with botulinum toxin.
A new study has found that adalimumab (Humira) is an effective, non-steroid alternative for treating eye inflammation in patients with non-infectious uveitis. The medication targets a protein that promotes inflammation, delaying treatment failure and reducing symptoms.
Aspirin has been found to have a molecular link that explains its ability to reduce the risk of both cardiovascular disease and colon cancer. The researchers discovered a gene regulatory protein that not only influences platelet function but also suppresses tumors in the colon.