A study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine found a higher prevalence of heart abnormalities, including left ventricular hypertrophy, among triathletes who died during the swim portion of competitions. This suggests a plausible link between immersion pulmonary edema and swimming-related deaths in endurance athletes.
A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that gastric bypass surgery resulted in a nearly 30% greater weight loss compared to non-surgical patients after one year. The study also showed that patients who underwent gastric bypass maintained a 21% greater weight loss over 10 years.
A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that polymers can selectively target dying cells, halting chronic inflammation in lupus while enhancing flu immunity. The approach shows promise for treating a range of inflammatory conditions.
Eight people with spinal cord injuries regained partial sensation and muscle control in their lower limbs after training with brain-controlled robotics. The research, led by Miguel Nicolelis, offers promise for regaining strength, mobility, and independence for those with spinal cord injury, stroke, and other conditions.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center report a novel compound, tetraaryl cyclobutane (CB), that blocks testosterone from fueling prostate tumor growth in mice. The compound has a unique mechanism of action and may be effective against prostate tumors resistant to current anti-androgen drugs.
Researchers at Duke Health have discovered a new paradigm for how G protein-coupled receptors activate cell signaling mechanisms. The formation of 'mega-plexes' explains how signals can continue to be sent after internalization, opening up possibilities for targeted drug therapies.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered key immune differences that can help in the development of an effective HIV vaccine. The study found that HIV-infected individuals with broadly neutralizing antibodies had similar immune alterations as those with autoimmune disease.
A study by Duke Health and Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School reveals bladder cells' secreted chemicals can clear urinary tract infections. The research suggests new targets for developing remedies and provides insights into the herb Forskolin's impact on UTIs.
A recent study published in Diabetologia found that moderate-intensity exercise was as effective as a combination of diet and exercise in improving glucose control for individuals with pre-diabetes. Moderate exercise was shown to provide nearly the same benefit on glucose tolerance as the gold standard of fat and calorie restriction al...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discover that genetic mutations in pericyte cells lead to osteosarcoma and soft-tissue sarcoma. Activating beta catenin with lithium appears to limit cancer growth, offering new potential treatment options.
A new study found that resilience is a key factor in determining individual response to childhood trauma at the molecular level. Researchers discovered that child soldiers with PTSD who demonstrated high resilience scores had comparable gene expression to civilian youths without PTSD symptoms.
A study published in JAMA Oncology found that women with the BRCA1 gene mutation have a significantly higher risk of developing serous endometrial cancer, which has a mortality rate of 50%. The study suggests that women with this genetic mutation should consider removing their uterus along with their ovaries and fallopian tubes. Resear...
A new study analyzed the gun use, violent crime, and suicide rates of 81,704 people with serious mental illnesses in Florida. The research found that nearly four times the average suicide rate occurred among these individuals, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Researchers have identified a molecular key that allows breast cancer cells to invade bone marrow in mice, where they may be protected from chemotherapy or hormonal therapies. The study found ways to outmaneuver this tactic by preventing cancer cells from entering the bone marrow and flushing them into the bloodstream for destruction.
A new mouse model of a genetically-linked type of autism has been developed to study the role of genes in the disorder and its underlying brain changes. The researchers found that targeting a specific brain receptor could ease repetitive behaviors and improve learning in some animals.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed an antibody that selectively attacks cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The antibody works by targeting a specific protein on cancer cells, disabling their defense mechanism and triggering an immune response.
A recent study found that childhood obesity rates in the US have not declined, with severe obesity on the rise among adolescents. The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey and found that 33.4% of children between 2-19 were overweight, with 17.4% having obesity.
A national study found that a shorter, intensive radiation therapy schedule of about 5.5 weeks was comparable to the standard 8-week regimen in terms of controlling cancer, while also reducing treatment duration and costs. The researchers reported slightly more mild side effects in patients receiving the shorter schedule.
Women experiencing suspected heart disease exhibit similar classic symptoms to men, including chest pain and shortness of breath, but differ in diagnosis and risk assessment. The study found that women have more risk factors for heart disease than men, yet are often assessed as lower risk.
Research from Duke Health found that incorporating stress management into cardiac rehabilitation cuts risk of another heart incident in half. Patients who attended weekly stress-management groups had lower rates of cardiovascular events compared to those receiving only traditional cardiac rehabilitation.
Researchers found that high-risk lung cancer patients who are cleared of disease in their initial test do not need annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screenings. The study suggests that reducing the frequency of screening could save millions in healthcare costs and spare patients from radiation exposure and false positive results.
A new study from Duke Health reveals that patients undergoing thyroidectomy should seek surgeons who perform at least 25 operations annually to minimize risks. The study analyzed data from over 16,000 patients and found an association between surgeon case volume and complication rates.
A recent study found that women who underwent a double mastectomy showed little improvement in quality of life compared to those who had a single mastectomy. However, breast reconstruction was found to have a significant positive impact on psychosocial well-being and breast satisfaction.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found that prostate cancer patients with lymph-only metastasis have the longest overall survival, while those with liver involvement fare worst. The study analyzed outcomes of 8,736 men with metastatic prostate cancer and provides valuable information on prognosis and treatment approaches.
A research team has identified rare potent antibodies in an HIV-infected individual and determined sequential structures that point to how they developed. This finding will help guide researchers as they try to build an experimental vaccine that recreates the pathway that gives rise to these important broadly neutralizing antibodies.
A study suggests that sildenafil can reduce pulmonary edema caused by swimming in cold water, a condition known as SIPE. Athletes who take the drug before competitions have successfully completed triathlons and ultra events without incidents.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that meditation significantly reduced anxiety and fatigue in women undergoing breast cancer biopsies. Music also showed benefits, but to a lesser extent. The study suggests that meditation could be a valuable tool in improving patient care and satisfaction.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a gene signature test that accurately determines whether a respiratory illness is caused by infection from a virus or bacteria. The test shows high accuracy in classifying patients with flu viruses and other common infections.
Researchers discovered significant differences in immune-related genes among patients with and without E. coli symptoms, indicating innate resistance to infection. The findings could lead to new ways to boost the immune system and predict susceptibility to infections like E. coli.
A new injectable agent, LUM015, has been tested in a trial and found to identify cancerous tissue in human patients without adverse effects. The technology could significantly change the treatment of sarcoma by allowing surgeons to remove 100% of the tumor on the first attempt.
A mathematical model developed by Duke researchers suggests that active surveillance could be a viable alternative to surgery and radiation for select patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The study found that older women and those with serious health problems may benefit from delayed treatment, while younger women may not. Th...
Researchers found that PTSD patients exhibit heightened brain activity when viewing non-threatening images similar to their trauma, suggesting a generalized response. The study identifies key brain regions involved in this process, including the fusiform gyrus and locus coeruleus.
Researchers have found a potential treatment strategy for glycogen storage disease Ia by inducing autophagy in liver cells, which reduces fat and glycogen levels. A drug called rapamycin stimulates autophagy and improves liver size and function in animal models.
A study published in International Journal of Eating Disorders found a surprising link between bullying and eating disorders, with victims and bullies alike at increased risk. Children who were victims of bullying had nearly twice the risk of displaying symptoms of anorexia and bulimia compared to those not involved in bullying.
A new molecular pathway involved in heart attacks and death from heart disease has been identified by a Duke University research team. They found that stress on the endoplasmic reticulum organelle is associated with risk of future heart events and can be detected in bits of molecular detritus circulating in the blood.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a cell phone app to track exercise and calories did not result in significant weight loss for overweight young adults. In contrast, those who received personal coaching lost more weight over time.
Researchers at Duke Medicine have discovered that rhesus monkeys can transmit the virus across the placenta to their unborn offspring, establishing a first primate model to study mother-to-fetus CMV infections. The discovery aims to spur development of potential vaccine approaches against congenital CMV infections.
A new study found that drug-resistant E. coli infections are rising in community health settings, with cases doubling from 5.28 to 10.5 incidents per 100,000 patients between 2009 and 2014.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a combination of chemicals and UV light to clean patient rooms reduces the transmission of four major superbugs by 30 percent among overnight patients. This method was more effective than standard cleaning strategies, which often fail to eliminate germs on surfaces.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new zebrafish model to study Cryptococcal meningitis, allowing for real-time observation of the infection's spread. This model will enable scientists to test drug compounds and identify potential therapeutic targets, offering hope for disrupting this deadly brain infection.
A new bi-specific antibody, DART, has been developed to bind HIV-infected cells to the immune system's killer T cells, potentially clearing HIV infection. The molecule was engineered using HIV-targeting antibodies and showed early promise in pre-clinical models.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and the University of Alberta have discovered a new biochemical pathway that controls insulin secretion from islet beta cells in the pancreas. The study found that impairing this pathway, known as S-AMP production, disrupts normal glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
A highly detailed model of mouse brain connections may provide new insights into mental illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia. The study used diffusion MRI scans to create a 3D digital map of the brain's circuitry, exceeding previous resolution by 1,000 times.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that moderate and severe picky eating in children is linked to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social issues. Children with selective eating behaviors showed increased symptoms of generalized anxiety at follow-up intervals.
A new study led by Duke Medicine shows that bystander-initiated CPR substantially increased survival from cardiac arrest. The early application of CPR was associated with improved patient survival compared to situations where patients waited for EMS-initiated CPR and defibrillation.
A study from Duke University found that children with even mild psychiatric issues are more likely to face challenges in adulthood, including criminal charges, addictions, and education failures. The research suggests that early interventions can prevent these problems, but many children do not receive the necessary treatment.
Researchers at Duke University have successfully established brain-to-brain networks in primates and rodents, allowing them to work together to complete simple tasks. The brain networks, or Brainets, enable animals to exchange sensory and motor information in real-time, controlling movement and even predicting weather patterns.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that a nutritional supplement can improve exercise tolerance and reduce fatigue in mice by optimizing energy use in exercising muscles. The study suggests that carnitine and its enzyme CrAT work together to enhance muscle energy metabolism during exercise.
Patients with a low to healthy body weight had an average survival time of two-and-a-half months less than overweight and obese patients. The study suggests that there may be a relationship between having a lower BMI and poor treatment tolerance, putting thinner patients at risk for poor outcomes.
Researchers discovered a buffering mechanism that protects animals from severe genetic mutations, which may hold the key to understanding human diseases. By identifying these mechanisms, scientists can develop new treatments and improve clinical practice.