A new fMRI test can detect neural dysfunction in HIV-positive individuals before they exhibit cognitive decline, according to a Georgetown University Medical Center study. The researchers found that the neural specificity in brain regions associated with face processing is reduced in HIV-positive participants.
Researchers found that women with BRCA1/2 mutations and treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy have low risk of cardiac dysfunction. Most participants had normal heart function, with only a few showing borderline reductions in heart function.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center show that YK-4-279 prevents tumor growth and spread in mice with prostate cancer harboring a common chromosomal abnormality. The agent targets the ETS fusion, producing new genes that push cancer cells to become more aggressive.
A study from Georgetown University Medical Center found that involving men in family planning programs resulted in women making more financial decisions and having greater control over their lives. The Standard Days Method, a couple-centered approach, was shown to be effective in empowering women.
Researchers studied adolescents' brain connections, impulsivity, and sugar intake to understand the risk of alcohol use and abuse. The findings suggest that reduced executive cognitive functioning and impaired connectivity in key brain networks may contribute to risky behaviors.
Researchers found that menthol reduces irritation from nicotine by desensitizing airway receptors. The study provides insight into how menthol affects the function of α3β4 receptors, which are expressed in both airways and other neurons.
A new study suggests that malfunctioning tau, not amyloid-beta plaque, is the key event triggering neuron death in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that when tau fails to function, neurons can't clear toxic proteins, leading to cell death.
A study published in Molecular Neurodegeneration finds that tau, not amyloid-beta plaque, causes neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest that remaining Abeta inside the neuron destroys cells, while malfunctioning tau prevents cells from clearing toxic proteins.
E-cigarette regulation by FDA could shift smokers away from lethal cigarettes and save lives. Clean-nicotine products may replace traditional tobacco, reducing nicotine levels and flavorings.
The new guidelines from the American Thyroid Association reaffirm levothyroxine as the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine has been thoroughly tested and found to be very effective in reversing symptoms of hypothyroidism in most individuals.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the 2005 Medicare law had no significant impact on reducing chemotherapy drug costs, contradicting economists' expectations. Instead, cancer care costs skyrocketed during the decade after the law passed.
Researchers from Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health developed strategies to change inequitable social norms resulting in gender-based violence. The study highlights the importance of community support, leaders, and positive social support in transforming gender roles.
A study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research suggests that a mix of gain- and loss-framed messages may work best to help convince smokers to quit. The research found that
Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center has received a five-year, $11.25 million P30 Cancer Center Support Grant to continue its laboratory science, clinical research and population-based programs. The NCI designation reaffirms the high quality work of dedicated cancer researchers at Georgetown.
Researchers are urging experts to study the functions of 'assemblages' - cloud-like protein formations that may hold clues to new treatments for diseases like Ewing sarcoma. These assemblages are made up of intrinsically disordered proteins that can trap and interact with other biological molecules.
Ebola treatment expert Jesse L. Goodman advocates for expedited studies of promising treatments while prioritizing patient safety. He suggests completing basic safety studies in healthy humans before treating sick patients.
A new study from Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health reports on the successful large-scale implementation of the Standard Days Method in Rwanda, a highly effective fertility awareness-based family planning method. The study highlights the importance of systematic monitoring and evaluation in scaling up health inno...
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has discovered a single gene that defines the difference between fast-growing, aggressive tumors and slow-growing, non-aggressive ones. The gene mutation GTF2l was found to be present in almost all indolent forms of thymoma, suggesting potential implications for treatment.
A recent study found that most elderly women with non-metastatic breast cancer comply with hormone therapy recommendations. However, non-white women were more likely to discontinue treatment, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that combining tamoxifen with hydroxychloroquine reverses resistance to the breast cancer drug in mice. The study's findings provide a promising new treatment option for women with advanced estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Researchers have discovered that over-expression of Cripto-1 makes lung cancer cells resistant to erlotinib, a widely used targeted therapy. Blocking Cripto-1 signaling restored sensitivity to the drug in cell lines and animals, suggesting a potential reversal mechanism.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a new technique to grow both normal and cancer cells indefinitely, transforming basic cancer research. This breakthrough allows for faster development of certain types of breast cancer in mice, with tumors behaving similarly to human breast cancer.
A recent study published in Pediatrics suggests that children exposed to a parent's nicotine-dependent smoking are at a higher risk of becoming heavy smokers themselves. Parental smoking cessation early on is crucial to prevent habitual smoking in the next generation.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have identified Yes-associated protein (Yes) as the critical switch that promotes cancer growth and progression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Inhibiting Yes completely shuts down further growth of pancreatic cancer, offering a promising therapeutic target.
A new study found that antioxidants may increase DNA damage from omega-6 fatty acids, but reduce formation of another type of damage. Green tea polyphenol and alpha-lipoic acid showed mixed effects on these damages.
In mice, obese fathers pass on their weight and gene expression changes to their daughters, increasing the risk of obesity and breast cancer later in life. This study provides evidence for a potential paternal link to cancer risk, challenging traditional research focus on maternal influences.
A comprehensive study of over 15,000 men with localized prostate cancer found that primary androgen deprivation therapy does not extend survival. The treatment is associated with serious adverse events and mitigates against its use as a primary treatment option.
Researchers have discovered a blood test that can predict cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease within three years with greater than 90 percent accuracy. The test identifies 10 lipids in the blood, which appear to reveal the breakdown of neural cell membranes in participants who develop symptoms.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered that a small region within the amygdala in bats is responsible for producing emotional calls and sounds. This finding may lead to new treatments for malfunctions in emotional responses, such as pathological aggression.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers suggests that implementing comprehensive tobacco control recommendations could reduce smoking rates by about 40% and prevent 50 million deaths. The study estimates that raising taxes on tobacco products would have the greatest impact in reducing smoking rates.
A panel of 55 genes impacted by loss of protein SYK predicts invasive breast cancer, with better survival rates for patients without gene changes. Researchers found that 80% of patients without genetic alterations were still alive after 18 years, compared to 20% with gene changes.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that telephone genetic counseling is comparable to in-person counseling. The study, led by Georgetown University Medical Center, involved 669 women and showed that phone counseling reduces costs and expands access to genetic testing for rural areas.
New study finds less gray matter in dyslexic brains is a consequence of poor reading experiences, not the root cause. The research suggests that experience-induced changes in the brain may be responsible for cognitive impairment in dyslexia.
A study found that 50 years of tobacco control efforts have added nearly 20 years to the life of eight million Americans. The researchers attributed this reduction to the 1964 Surgeon General's report and subsequent tobacco control activities.
A nearly 20-year observational study found that regular vigorous exercise reduces the risk of developing estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancer in black women. The study, which involved over 44,700 black women nationwide, showed a significant protection against this aggressive subtype of breast cancer.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE has provided the first explanation for type of antimalarial drug resistance. The research found a link between autophagy and resistance to malaria parasites, with implications for developing new antimalarial drug therapy.
A molecule that helps cells stick together is over-produced in rheumatoid arthritis and various cancers, including breast and brain tumors. The discovery of cadherin-11 has led to the development of candidate drugs to inhibit its expression, with one already in a clinical trial.
Researchers found significant loss of neurons in the retina's inner nuclear and ganglion cell layers, suggesting Alzheimer's disease presence. The study suggests a potential new way to diagnose or predict Alzheimer's through eye examination, using optical coherence tomography.
Researchers found that individuals with low mindfulness scores performed better on tasks requiring implicit learning, suggesting that mindfulness can prevent the development of automatic habits. This finding implies that mindfulness may help individuals avoid forming both positive and negative habits through unconscious processes.
Researchers developed a simple dot test called the Triplets Learning Task (TLT) to assess dopamine loss in Parkinson's disease. The test shows promise as a non-invasive way to evaluate dopamine deficiency and may lead to new ways to improve treatment for PD patients.
A recent animal study from Georgetown University Medical Center suggests that 'cold turkey' withdrawal from morphine can trigger a decline in mental health. Researchers found that treating addicted animals with morphine both increased protective CCL5 protein and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting a beneficial effect.
A new study found that pregnant rats exposed to an obesity-linked hormone during pregnancy lost their reduced breast cancer risk after birth. Researchers believe this may be related to gene changes in healthy breast cells.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables can protect rats and mice from lethal radiation doses. The compound, DIM, also showed potential in preventing or mitigating sickness caused by radiation exposure.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a genetic mutation, STAG2, linked to low-risk bladder cancer. The study found that 36% of low-risk bladder cancers had mutated STAG2, suggesting that testing the gene could help guide clinical care.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that decision aids increased men's knowledge and reduced conflict about PSA screening, but did not impact their decisions. The tools were equally effective in improving knowledge and reducing decisional conflict.
Researchers discovered that nearly half of participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease had impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. The resveratrol study aims to investigate the link between glucose levels and Alzheimer's risk, raising potential for earlier diagnosis and prevention strategies.
A study from Georgetown University Medical Center found that more than half of mothers disclose their genetic test results to their children, especially teenagers. Mothers who don't share the information with their children tend to be unsatisfied with their decision.
A study published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization found that tobacco control measures can prevent 7.4 million premature deaths by 2050. The measures, known as MPOWER, are evidence-based and have been implemented in 41 countries with significant success.
A Georgetown University expert says graphic tobacco warning labels can survive a First Amendment challenge if they depict health consequences and are supported by scientific evidence. The FDA must provide clear evidence of the labels' impact on smoking rates to prevail in court.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered two forms of Gulf War illness based on brain region atrophy and compensatory brain use. The study found that pain levels increased in one group with loss of brain matter in adjacent regions, while another group showed substantial increases in heart rate and brain stem atrophy.