A new community program, SHE PREVAILS, is helping African-American women reduce their risk of HIV infection by addressing substance abuse and mental health issues. The program provides six-month comprehensive treatment and support services to 280 women in the Augusta region.
Researchers found that fiber activates Gpr109a receptors, which reduce inflammation in the colon and prevent cancer. Mega-doses of niacin may also help protect the colon and prevent conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
A study by researchers at the Medical College of Georgia has identified two players that must work together to destroy vision in patients with diabetes. The findings suggest that blocking the production of reactive oxygen species by either retinal cells or white blood cells may be a viable strategy for intervention.
Researchers have discovered that indoleamine 2,3-dioxigenase (IDO) can promote inflammation in response to infection, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets. By manipulating IDO's activity, scientists may be able to fine-tune the immune response and reduce cytokine storms associated with severe infections.
Georgia Regents University has joined the Cooperative Multicenter Reproductive Medicine Network to conduct large-scale clinical trials on male and female infertility. The network aims to develop novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for complex reproductive health issues, including polycystic ovary syndrome and delayed puberty.
Campylobacter infection affects millions more than Salmonella, with antibiotic resistance a growing concern. Researchers seek to understand biofilm formation and regulate CsrA's role in making the sugar coating that enables bacterial survival.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia discovered that disabling a key brain component impairs memory formation and retrieval. Mice lacking an NMDA receptor exhibit flat tones, poor associations, and difficulty recalling fearful memories, highlighting the importance of reverberation in memory consolidation.
Researchers found that messenger RNA can take a two-way journey down the cell's cytoskeleton, delivering proteins to specific locations and avoiding diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer, and Fragile X syndrome. This flexible navigation allows mRNA to bypass obstacles and reach its intended destination.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Josѐ A. Vazquez emphasizes the need for improved education on antibiotic use to combat multidrug-resistant organisms. The overuse of antibiotics in hospitals and communities contributes to resistance, which can spread through casual encounters.
Scientists have discovered an antibody to the protein LRP4, which plays a critical role in enabling the brain to communicate with muscles. This finding explains why some patients with myasthenia gravis may not have any obvious signs of the disease despite having low levels of antibodies.
Researchers have developed a method to accurately measure heart and respiration rates remotely, without physical contact, using a simple video camera paired with complex algorithms. The approach has been tested on humans, mice, pigs, and zebrafish, with high accuracy and reliability.
Researchers have found that erectile dysfunction drugs can protect the colon from inflammation and damage, potentially preventing or treating colon cancer. The drugs activate a tumor suppressive pathway in the gut, reducing excessive cell proliferation.
Researchers are working on a new treatment approach to block kidney and lung damage, as well as pain associated with sickle cell disease. The study aims to explore the therapeutic possibilities of endothelin antagonists, which selectively block the endothelin A receptor, and bosentan, which blocks both A and B receptors.
Researchers developed a test that can clearly distinguish early liver cancer cells from normal liver cells by giving them a distinctive red-brown hue. The test uses a probe to detect and stain a microRNA called mir-21, which is found in liver cancer but not healthy liver cells.
Dr. David Pollock emphasizes the importance of considering the endothelin system in hypertension research, particularly in salt-sensitive patients. His studies have shown that the kidney's endothelin B receptor plays a critical role in eliminating both acute and chronic salt loads by activating nitric oxide.
Dr. R. Clinton Webb, a leading expert in hypertension research, is honored with the American Heart Association Council on High Blood Pressure Research's Lifetime Achievement Award. He is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the field of hypertension and his dedication to mentoring and service.
Researchers have identified a simple method to detect patients who hold onto excess sodium, which may lead to high blood pressure. This method involves taking a second urine sample and blood pressure measure during a doctor's visit.
Researchers found that replacing positive and negative needleless connectors with zero fluid displacement connectors reduced CLABSIs by 60% and 94%, respectively. This simple change saved an estimated 13 lives and over $3 million in healthcare costs.
Researchers discover STING's critical role in treating autoimmune diseases by evoking expression of enzyme IDO, which blocks immune attack on healthy body constituents. Mice with STING deficiency had no response to DNA nanoparticles, highlighting the protein's essential role in recognizing the molecule that senses DNA.
Researchers are developing a sophisticated light sensor to monitor oxygen levels in leg muscles and signal when patients have pushed far enough before pain hits. The goal is to improve exercise tolerance and reduce symptoms for millions of Americans with peripheral artery disease.
Researchers aim to prevent diabetes-related damage to blood vessels in the retina by modulating the arginase enzyme. By stabilizing arginase levels, they hope to restore a healthy relationship between enzymes and reduce oxidative stress. This new approach may not only protect sight but also have broader benefits for cardiovascular health.
Research reveals that women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder have distinct brain blood flow patterns, particularly in regions involved in attention, emotion, and memory. This study provides novel insights into the physiological basis of sexual dysfunction and may lead to the development of new therapies.
Researchers identified a young woman with an estrogen receptor-α mutation that blocks the hormone's action, resulting in high estrogen levels and reproductive issues. The study found that the woman had significantly elevated estrogen levels compared to normal ranges, despite having no effect from estrogen.
A scientist is working to bolster the body's natural antioxidant system to interrupt a vicious cycle of inflammation and free radicals that cause vision loss in diabetes. The goal is to use a selenium supplement to improve the thioredoxin system, which helps neutralize excess free radicals.
Researchers hope targeted mental workouts can sharpen memory and focus in adults with schizophrenia by taking advantage of brain's natural plasticity. The modules use a game-like approach to improve speed and accuracy of information processing.
The TEDDY study has identified a unique perspective on which molecular and environmental factors contribute to type 1 diabetes. By parsing genetic mutations, scientists can better predict disease progression and identify potential protective factors.
A new approach using brain-training computer games is being explored to improve memory and thinking in forensic psychiatry patients, who are considered among the most severely mentally ill. The games may be used with psychotherapy, medication, and other approaches to help these patients restore their competency.
Scientists have genetically engineered mice to mimic high levels of neuregulin-1 associated with schizophrenia, and found that reversing this gene expression eliminated classic symptoms. The study suggests that targeting excessive neuregulin-1 levels could be a new approach to treating the disorder.
Researchers have discovered that carnitine supplements can normalize blood vessel dysfunction associated with congenital heart defects and even prevent damage after corrective surgery. High daily doses of carnitine for the first four weeks of life may also prevent endothelial dysfunction in children with heart defects.
The thymus teaches the immune system to ignore essential gut bacteria, reducing the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. Researchers found that regulatory T cells come from the thymus and can recognize both self- and non-self-antigens.
Scientists need to find better ways to prevent sickling in red blood cells, which impairs oxygen delivery and damages blood vessel walls and organs. Anti-sickling therapies are crucial to reducing damage and improving patient outcomes.
A study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can improve the quality of life for severely depressed patients who go into remission. However, patients may experience challenges with social function and emotional role after treatment.
Studies found women with PCOS identified through general population screening had similar obesity rates as those without the condition. However, women actively seeking treatment had significantly higher obesity rates. This challenges the long-held assumption that obesity is a hallmark of PCOS.
Researchers found that 35% of schizophrenia patients in relapse had UTIs, compared to 5% and 3% of stable outpatients and healthy controls. The association suggests that UTIs may trigger schizophrenia relapse.
Women who undergo surgical menopause experience a two-fold increase in cognitive decline and dementia due to premature estrogen loss. Research suggests that this leads to increased sensitivity to stressors and abnormal protein production, which can contribute to Alzheimer's disease. Follow-up studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers have identified the LY86 gene as a key contributor to obesity, finding high methylation levels associated with increased inflammation and insulin resistance. This association held up across various populations, suggesting a potential link between environmental factors and genetic expression.
Researchers found high activity levels of miR-93 in fat cells of women with PCOS and insulin resistance, contributing to glucose impairment. This study provides a new molecular mechanism for PCOS and insulin resistance, pointing towards targeted therapies.
Research shows PCOS affects both insulin and non-insulin approaches to glucose control, with declines in non-insulin activity seen in women with high insulin resistance. The study found visceral fat predicted difficulty controlling glucose via insulin, while subcutaneous fat was linked to regulation by non-insulin means.
Researchers identify semaphorin 3A as a sensitive biomarker for early detection of acute kidney injury, which can help minimize damage and potentially reverse it with rapid intervention. High levels of the protein in urine are accurate at identifying injured kidneys within two hours after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
Researchers have found that a signaling molecule called SDF-1 helps stem cells survive in the low-oxygen environment of bone marrow by activating autophagy, a survival pathway. However, with age or disease, SDF-1's role shifts, reducing stem cell survival and increasing the likelihood of fat cell formation.
Scientists have found that mild traumatic brain injuries can lead to swelling, reduced blood flow, and death of neurons. Astrocytes, which supply nutrients to neurons, swell quickly and significantly, smothering them and their branches. This secondary damage can occur within hours of the initial injury.
Researchers believe blocking the sodium transporter HVI may stop the vicious cycle of excessive sodium, free radicals, and hypertension. If successful, targeted treatment could help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a renowned pediatric researcher, has received the Founder's Award from the Southern Society for Pediatric Research for his groundbreaking work in neonatology and nutrition. His research interests include protein and lipid requirements of premature infants and liver dysfunction.
A new study finds that losing hope for a good night's sleep increases the risk of suicidal thoughts, independent of other types of hopelessness. The study suggests that addressing insomnia and negative thoughts about sleep can help prevent suicidal behavior.
Researchers have identified an Indian plant compound, gedunin, that attacks a co-chaperone of Hsp90 and leads to the inactivation of the Hsp90 machine, killing cancer cells. This finding may open new ways for targeting Hsp90 using established inhibitors.
Researchers found that protein erbin is critical to excitement in inhibitory brain cells, enabling them to suppress activity. The discovery sheds new light on schizophrenia and seizures, highlighting the importance of balance between excitation and inhibition.
Researchers aim to show a direct link between insomnia treatment and reduced suicidal thinking, with 138 adults enrolled over four years. The study assesses patient response to treating insomnia strategically as a focus of care, using sleeping pills like zolpidem alongside antidepressants.
A study found that older brains struggle to filter out unnecessary information, leading to reduced learning and memory capabilities. The researchers discovered a link between the NMDA receptor and long-term depression, which is essential for sculpting memories and eliminating unnecessary information.
A new virtual patient program, Denise, is being tested to help future physicians feel more comfortable and capable assessing suicide risk. The program aims to improve mental health education and reduce stigma around discussing suicidal thoughts.
Researchers found that telestroke networks can increase patient recovery, improve function, and reduce disability. With a network, hospitals can make nearly $360,000 annually, with each spoke hospital generating over $100,000 in revenue.