Researchers at the GW Cancer Center will develop a model to study the COMPASS complex in pancreatic cancer and possible targeted therapies. The goal is to identify molecular vulnerabilities and treat patients based on their likelihood to respond to tailored treatments.
Researchers uncover shift in specialized features of alvarezsaurs through discovery of Xiyunykus pengi and Bannykus wulatensis fossils. Early members had relatively long arms with strong-clawed hands and typical meat-eating teeth, contrasting with modern mole-like arms and single claw.
A new study analyzing all US climate change lawsuits over 26 years found that pro-regulatory litigants win renewable energy and energy efficiency cases by a ratio of 2.6 to 1, while coal-fired power plants face more losses. The researchers identified effective strategies for building a case, including the use of climate science and coa...
Developing vaccines for human parasites has proven challenging, with key challenges including immune response issues and limited scalability. GW researchers have outlined five key lessons learned along the critical path to vaccine development, aimed at accelerating progress in eradicating these diseases of poverty.
A review published in Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders suggests that transgender women on estrogen therapy are at increased risk for cardiovascular events. The data is unclear for transgender men, but the review highlights the need for further research on hormone therapy's effects in older populations.
Researchers at George Washington University are investigating the CC2D1A gene's role in making males more susceptible to autism than females. The study aims to identify molecular mechanisms underlying this disparity and potentially develop sex-specific therapies.
A GW researcher studied the potential of combining nitric oxide-releasing nanoparticles with efinaconazole to improve onychomycosis treatment. The study found that this combo is more effective and has a lower cost than current treatments, opening doors for better regimens.
A recent clinical trial has shown that tamsulosin is not effective in promoting the passage of ureteral stones, contradicting previous small studies. The study's findings suggest that the medication may be beneficial for specific subgroups of patients with larger or distal stones.
A recent GW study reveals that many patients and medical care providers hold a 'Why not take a risk?' mentality when it comes to antibiotics, despite knowing their limitations. This mindset can lead to unnecessary prescribing and the spread of superbugs, causing significant harm.
A recent study published in the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology found that high volume gynecologic surgeons have significantly lower complication rates compared to low volume surgeons. This is especially concerning for women undergoing complex surgeries such as hysterectomies and gynecologic cancer treatments.
A new analysis by George Washington University researchers finds that health concerns are cited in a minority of climate lawsuits but may have critical potential for protecting communities. The study suggests that including health benefits in climate litigation could catalyze effective policy-making.
A review of vitamin D research highlights ethical concerns with placebo groups in clinical trials, particularly in vulnerable populations. The authors propose solutions and recommend guidelines for the use of placebos to mitigate risks and ensure informed study design.
A study published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found an FDA-approved topical solution to be less cytotoxic and damaging to melanocytes than cryosurgery, suggesting a safer option for seborrheic keratosis removal
A recent study found that consuming food at restaurants, fast-food outlets, or cafeterias is associated with increased levels of phthalates in the body. The study suggests that eating at home may be less likely to contain high levels of these chemicals, which are linked to fertility problems and other health issues.
A study found that most healthcare professionals lack knowledge and understanding of recommended obesity treatments, including behavioral counseling and pharmacotherapy. The results suggest that additional obesity training is needed among health care professionals to improve patient care management, communication, and behavior change.
A team of researchers found evidence of early humans using coloring materials and obtaining raw materials from distant sources around 320,000 years ago. This discovery pushes back the evolutionary timeline and suggests that early humans developed social networks and complex behaviors earlier than previously thought.
A researcher at George Washington University is studying the link between stress in the brain and obesity-induced hypertension, with a focus on understanding how cell stress may alter blood pressure regulation. The five-year study aims to identify potential new treatments for hypertension using existing drugs.
A new study found that US immigration policies are causing significant psychological distress among Latino parents, with 64% reporting worries about family members getting separated. The researchers also found that these parents are more likely to avoid medical care, police help, and social services due to immigration news and policies.
GW and UGA researchers develop GlyGen portal to integrate glycan data with gene and protein data, enabling more effective analysis. The project simplifies the process of understanding glycans' roles in diseases like cancer.
Researchers at George Washington University are exploring a possible link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cardiovascular disease. A recent grant of over $1.5 million will investigate the brain renin-angiotensin system's role in this connection.
A recent study found that latent HIV reservoirs exhibit inherent resistance to CD8+ T-cells, making it challenging to eliminate the virus. Researchers at George Washington University used their most powerful combinations against these cells, but were unable to kill the virus, which remained present at high levels.
Researchers at GW and US Acute Care Solutions analyzed commercially-generated patient experience data from 2012-15, finding high variability and limited construct validity. Facility-level scores were shown to have greater construct validity than physician-level scores.
Researchers at George Washington University will follow children with autism through adolescence and into adulthood to understand differences in ASD risk between boys and girls. The study aims to identify biomarkers of developmental pathways that might differ for boys and girls, and generate insights on how to further explore the data.
Three GW astrophysicists contribute to global effort identifying kilonova explosion, a rare event roughly 1,000 times brighter than a nova. The discovery confirms predictions of gravitational waves and electromagnetic radiation from neutron-star mergers, providing insights into the formation and expansion of our universe.
A GW School of Medicine researcher is leading a five-year study on how cocaine affects HIV replication and transcription. The goal is to identify biomarkers for cocaine use and develop therapeutics for cocaine-using HIV-infected individuals.
A study found that a more intensive text messaging program helped some pregnant women quit smoking during pregnancy. The combo of Text4baby and Quit4baby was particularly effective for women age 26 and older and those in the second and third trimester. However, resolve to quit seemed to disappear postpartum.
Researchers used CRISPR to study the WntA gene's role in butterfly wing patterns. The results showed how this gene has orchestrated the evolution of diverse wing patterns across multiple species. This discovery sheds light on biodiversity and could have implications for understanding human anatomy.
A study by George Washington University researchers found that air pollution and coal-fired power plants were the subject of most cases, while renewable energy and energy efficiency saw pro-regulation plaintiffs win more than twice as frequently. Courts are expected to play a significant role in shaping climate policy in the US.
A research team at GW University will study the body's natural defenses against HIV, focusing on killer T-cells that can kill infected cells. The goal is to boost these immune cells to eliminate viral reservoirs and provide guidance for further therapeutic strategy development.
Research highlights the disproportionate impact of beauty product-related chemicals on women of color, who face higher levels of exposure and health risks. The study suggests that marketing practices and societal pressure contribute to this issue, emphasizing the need for improved testing and disclosure to advance environmental justice.
Researchers found exposure to temperature extremes can negatively impact birth outcomes for pregnant women, including changes in gestation length and birth weight. The study highlights the need for further research on climate change's effects on maternal health and neonatal outcomes.
A GW researcher argues that the human genus may have originated by chance, rather than in response to environmental changes. Computer simulations suggest that clusters of species originations could be caused by random fluctuations, rather than a single broad-scale event.
A study published in mBio found a ten-fold increase in certain bacteria under the foreskin can increase HIV risk, suggesting that penile microbiome may be a previously unrecognized risk factor. The researchers also suggest that this risk factor may be sexually transmissible and could lead to novel ways to protect against HIV infection.
The GW Cancer Center received a $100,000 grant from the Avon Foundation to fund a patient navigator and Spanish-speaking support group for breast cancer patients in the D.C. area. The program will provide resources to help 300 breast cancer patients overcome barriers in the healthcare system.
Prevention of young adult obesity can significantly impact US rates of obesity and related diseases, costs, and premature death. Interventions targeting this age group may also reduce prevalence in children, making it an essential focus for reversing the epidemic.
Researchers at the GW Cancer Center discovered that removing the HDAC11 enzyme from T-cells enhances their ability to attack cancer tumors. The study highlights this enzyme as a key regulator of T-cell function and a potential target for immunotherapy.
Researchers have created a highly efficient solar cell that captures nearly all the energy in the solar spectrum, converting direct sunlight to electricity with 44.5% efficiency. The new design uses concentrator photovoltaic panels and stacked cells to capture energy from specific wavelengths of light.
Research found that genes responsible for differential RNA splicing contribute to tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance in African American men with prostate cancer. The study suggests these genetic variations lead to the production of protein isoforms that make tumors more aggressive, while also causing drug resistance.
A study of 4,162 emergency department patients with chest pain found that certain symptoms are more predictive of heart attack in different racial and gender groups. Symptoms varied significantly among white males, black females, and others, highlighting the need for tailored diagnosis approaches.
Cancer researchers at GW Cancer Center investigate how mantle cell lymphoma cells develop resistance to targeted therapy Ibrutinib. They found that the cells adapt by activating alternative pathways, such as PI3K-AKT-mTOR, allowing them to continue progressing.
Researchers at George Washington University are testing a candidate recombinant hookworm vaccine in a Phase II clinical trial. The study aims to prove the efficacy of the vaccine against hookworm infection and its potential benefits for millions of people infected worldwide.
A study by GW researcher Raya Elfadel Kheirbek found that centenarians have a lower incidence of chronic illness compared to those in their 80s and 90s. The researchers identified lifestyle factors, such as not smoking or drinking, and discipline as key contributors to this phenomenon.
Raja Mazumder is developing databases BioMuta and BioXpress to standardize cancer genomics data, making it easier for researchers to integrate and compare data across various platforms. The project aims to connect cancer genomics mutation and expression data within an evolutionary context.
Researchers at George Washington University found a co-occurrence of COMT and BRCA 1/2 variants in women who remained cancer-free, suggesting potential protective effects. Further research is needed to confirm the findings and explore the mechanisms behind this association.
A new study found that ultra-pure water forms ice crystals most efficiently in wedge-shaped surfaces with 45-degree or 70-degree angles. This discovery could impact transportation safety and the production of frozen food.
Xiaoyen Zheng, a GW researcher, has received a $1.7 million grant to continue studying the Hedgehog receptor's mechanisms. Her research aims to understand the role of ciliary trafficking in regulating the Patched component.
A new study develops a tool to catalog police and law enforcement interactions with black men, finding that discrimination is associated with depression symptoms. The Police and Law Enforcement Scale can help document bias and provide greater insight into how institutionalized racism shapes the health of people in black communities.
A new study examining the muscles of bonobos found they are more closely related to humans than common chimpanzees. This is the first study to compare the anatomy of the three species, providing evidence for a possible link between bonobos and human ancestors.
Providers who prescribe PrEP believe their role is to support informed sexual health decisions, and the protective benefit of PrEP outweighs any potential increase in risky behavior. More than 1.2 million Americans are eligible for PrEP, but less than 100,000 have been prescribed it.
Research found that defective HIV proviruses can produce viral proteins, reducing the effective immune response and interfering with HIV cure. This discovery highlights a previously unknown obstacle in HIV treatment and may lead to new courses of therapy.