Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Georgetown University Medical Center


Drinking kombucha may reduce blood sugar levels in people with type-two diabetes

A small pilot study found that drinking kombucha for four weeks reduced fasting blood glucose levels in people with type-II diabetes. The fermented tea drink was shown to lower average blood sugar levels by 48 milligrams per deciliter, with no significant difference between the group consuming kombucha and those consuming a placebo.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

Biology behind new drug used to treat triple-negative breast cancer uncovered

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered the biological mechanism of TTP488, an experimental drug that impairs aggressive triple-negative breast cancer from metastasizing. The finding enables clinical trials to explore the drug's effectiveness in preventing TNBCs from spreading, offering new hope for patients with...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Determining how a sugar molecule can affect cancer cell response to chemoradiotherapy

A team of researchers at Georgetown University's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has discovered a key role for glucose in regulating DNA synthesis and cancer cell response to chemotherapy. By targeting this pathway, the researchers hope to develop new treatments that make lung cancer more responsive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Understanding how to best transform speech into tactile vibrations could benefit hearing-impaired people

Scientists at Georgetown University Medical Center successfully transformed spoken words into patterns of vibration that activated the brain's auditory speech recognition system. The study opens doors to novel sensory substitution devices replacing lost sensory function, aiming for effortless and natural perception.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateMay 17, 2023

Study finds relationship between discrimination and frailty in Black cancer survivors

A recent study by researchers at Georgetown University found a significant association between discrimination and frailty among Black cancer survivors. The study, which surveyed over 2,200 participants, revealed that those who experienced more discrimination had higher frailty scores, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalCancer·TypeSurvey·DateMar 20, 2023

Climate change portends wider malaria risk as mosquitos spread south and to higher elevations in Africa

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that Anopheles mosquito populations are gaining an average of 6.5 meters per year in elevation and moving south by 4.7 kilometers annually. Climate change is helping these species reach colder parts of the continent, potentially explaining recent changes in malaria transmission.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalBiology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

Study finds adverse impact of climate on mental health in Bangladesh

A recent study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that climate-related events have a profound impact on mental health outcomes in Bangladesh. The research, published in Lancet Planetary Health, reveals a high correlation between temperature increases, humidity levels, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study in mice suggests that expression of estrogen-related gene can impact post-menopausal breast cancer risk and prevention strategies

A study using a mouse model found that over-expression of the Esr1 gene increased the risk of developing estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in older women. Giving anti-hormonal drugs to mice with Esr1 over-expression lowered or reversed this risk.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Women with elevated breast cancer risk could see mortality benefit from estrogen-blocking drugs

A new study suggests that estrogen-blocking drugs can not only prevent breast cancer but also reduce the risk of dying from the disease. Researchers used computer models to determine the lifetime benefits and harms of these treatments for women at high risk, finding a significant impact on mortality.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 1, 2022

Technique developed in mice could aid detection of cancer in dense breasts

A novel imaging approach developed in mice may help detect early signs of cancer in dense breasts, which is essential for improved breast imaging and prognosis. Researchers created an analytic computer program that sorts mammary gland tissue into two assessments, resulting in better detection accuracy.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 14, 2022

Intensive telephone-based cessation counseling results in improved smoking quit rates

A national, randomized trial found that intensive telephone-based cessation counseling resulted in a two-fold greater cigarette quit rate than minimal counseling and nicotine replacement. The study also showed significant benefits for people with higher nicotine dependence and those who engaged more with the counseling.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 12, 2022

Lack of diversity of microorganisms in the gut or elevated metabolite implicated in heart failure severity

A systematic review found that reduced gut microbiome diversity and elevated trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) metabolite levels are associated with increased risk of death and hospital visits in heart failure patients. Further research on the impact of diet and potential interventions is underway.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalHeart Failure Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Geoengineering could return risk of malaria for one billion people

A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center scientists found that geoengineering the climate could shift malaria transmission regions, increasing the risk of infection in some areas. The research used climate models to simulate malaria transmission under different warming scenarios with and without geoengineering.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2022

Researchers find humans have given wild animals their diseases nearly 100 times

A study by Georgetown University researchers found that humans have transmitted diseases to wild animals nearly 100 times, with most cases occurring in captive settings like zoos. The study highlights the need for long-term monitoring and better understanding of wildlife disease to mitigate risks for human health and conservation.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalEcology Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 23, 2022

Researchers use artificial intelligence to guide the search for the next SARS-like virus

A study led by Georgetown University scientists demonstrates the power of artificial intelligence in predicting viruses that could infect humans, such as SARS-CoV-2. The research team identified 40 new bat hosts of betacoronaviruses and found that models harnessing data on bat ecology performed well at predicting new hosts.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 10, 2022

Trial stopped early: Giving immunotherapy before targeted therapy improves survival in advanced melanoma

A clinical trial found that giving immunotherapy before targeted therapy improves survival in advanced melanoma patients, with a two-year overall survival rate of 72% compared to 52%. The study suggests that immunotherapy should be the initial approach for treating metastatic melanoma patients, regardless of BRAF mutation status.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2021

Vascular defects appear to underlie the progression of Parkinson's disease

Researchers identified a significant vascular defect in patients with moderately severe Parkinson's disease, which may explain earlier study findings and provide a new target for therapeutic intervention. The discovery highlights the blood-brain barrier's crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNeurology Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 12, 2021

Experimental drug boosts immunotherapy effectiveness in pancreatic cancer in mice

Researchers found that an experimental dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor enhanced immunotherapy effectiveness by boosting immune cells around the tumor, reducing growth and eliminating cancer in some mice. The combination treatment also instilled an immune-cell memory, allowing the immune system to recognize and kill cancer cells later.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2021

Survey of US dentists shows high rate of opioid prescriptions despite knowledge of effective alternatives

A survey of US dentists found that an overwhelming majority believe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-acetaminophen combinations are as effective or more effective in managing dental pain as opioids. However, nearly half still prescribe opioids, highlighting a disconnect between their knowledge and prescribing habits.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeSurvey·DateOct 21, 2021

For the first time, stroke study reveals optimal timing and intensity for arm and hand rehabilitation

A phase II clinical trial found that intensive rehabilitation of arm and hand use after a stroke is most effective 60 to 90 days after the event. The study showed significant improvement in hand and arm function, with benefits also seen when rehabilitation started at less than 30 days post-stroke.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 20, 2021

Tweaking AI software to function like a human brain improves computer's learning ability

Artificial intelligence can learn new visual concepts faster using a technique that mirrors human visual learning, improving its ability to quickly recognize objects from sparse data. The approach enables computers to leverage prior learning and simplify complex visual concept representations, leading to improved learning efficiency.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Computational Neuroscience·DateJan 12, 2021