A study explores how daily stress affects blood pressure regulation and how genetics, obesity, and oxidative stress contribute to this process. The research aims to develop personalized treatments by identifying factors that make individuals respond differently to stress and therapy.
A recent study suggests that a specific biochemical process in the placenta may contribute to postpartum blues and depression. The researchers propose that an imbalance in serotonin levels, triggered by the withdrawal of interleukin-1 beta after birth, may lead to symptoms of depression.
Researchers investigated estrogen's action in the brain, finding that it protects neurons and enables learning and memory throughout life. Estrogen receptors are present in both men and women, and a protein called PELP-1 enables rapid hormone action.
Researchers found a compound in germinated brown rice that helps normalize blood sugar and enzymes out-of-whack with diabetes. This growth factor, ASG, increases levels of good enzymes and helps protect nerve membranes and homocysteine levels.
Researchers found that nuclear stress tests can detect diastolic dysfunction with a high specificity rate, identifying patients at risk of heart failure. The test plots out the heartbeat and measures the left ventricle filling pressure, providing a prognostic value in predicting diastolic dysfunction.
Researchers are studying two myostatin inhibitors to optimize recovery of injured soldiers, with promising results in muscle regeneration and bone formation. The goal is to develop a stronger, more rapid recovery for victims of traumatic limb injuries.
Researchers have identified a short-acting protein GILZ that may disrupt the fat production pathway, leading to increased bone formation and decreased fat accumulation. Dr. Xingming Shi believes sustained GILZ action could be used to develop targeted therapies for osteoporosis and obesity.
Researchers have identified HLA-G dimer as a powerful immune molecule that can help prevent organ rejection. This molecule works by down-regulating the immune response and has potential applications in treating autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Researchers use zebrafish to track GnRH neurons' migration, a critical step in pubertal development. The study aims to understand molecular mechanisms behind delayed puberty and its causes, such as Kallmann syndrome.
A common fruit fly has helped scientists discover a protein crucial for the insect's eggshell formation, which could be a potential target for pesticides. The protein, called palisade, is essential for the formation of the vitelline membrane, a key component of the eggshell.
A new statistical tool could help explain gene study variations by tracing coding sequences of genes to a single ancestral copy, accounting for genetic differences among subpopulations. Researchers will use this approach to analyze data from an existing database on stroke risk in black children, improving disease diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Lin Mei has been recognized by a mental health research charity for his schizophrenia studies, which focus on altered brain cell communication. His research suggests that a balance of brain cell excitation and inhibition may be key to understanding the disease.
Researchers have discovered a protein profile in the blood that can help diagnose and treat chronic sinusitis with a totally objective test. This breakthrough may aid in more effective management of the disease, which is characterized by recurring nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and sinus pressure.
A study by Medical College of Georgia found that occupational therapy using Nintendo Wii can slow disease progression, decrease medication needs, and increase function in Parkinson's patients. The therapy helps participants improve daily activities like dressing, walking, and fine motor skills.
Dr. Joe Z. Tsien's research identifies critical memory genes and manipulates them to enhance or impair memory in mice, shedding light on the molecular basis of learning and memory. His work also explores the role of teamwork and neural activity in intelligence, with potential applications for treating diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers are investigating how biomechanical forces affect blood vessel growth in the lungs of babies with congenital heart disease. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and potentially develop improved treatments for affected children.
Dr. Lin Mei received the 2008 Mathilde Solowey Lecture Award for his groundbreaking research on neural circuitry formation and synaptic plasticity. His studies have revealed potential causes of schizophrenia and seizures, as well as new treatment targets for psychiatric diseases.
Researchers studied 317 healthy teens aged 15-18 and found higher rates of albumin in the urine of black teens compared to their white counterparts, even with normal blood pressure. This suggests that kidney damage is apparent before hypertension develops in high-risk youths.
Researchers found that muscle cells play a vital role in communicating with neurons, and when this communication is disrupted, it can lead to nerve problems. The study provides new insights into the development of neuromuscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS.
Researchers at MCG are testing a handheld device that can transmit electrocardiograms wirelessly to cardiologists in rural areas, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks. The goal is to bridge the gap between medical expertise and geographical distance.
Researchers are exploring whether electronic personal health records enhance patient involvement in managing their hypertension. A year-long study of 720 patients will compare outcomes for those using the new system with standard treatment.
Researchers are exploring optimal dosage and timing for stem cell therapy in adults with strokes and newborns with ischemic injuries. Pilot studies indicate a 25% improvement in recovery, leading to plans for clinical trials within two years.
Researchers, led by Dr. Quansheng Du, are studying the complex process of cell division to understand how it can be targeted for cancer therapy. They focus on the mitotic spindle and its role in asymmetric cell division, which may lead to the development of cancer stem cells.
Researchers develop novel viral vector delivery system to alert immune system against cancer cells, bypassing the tumor's immune-suppressive mechanisms. The approach has potential for treating persistent infections and cancers.
The Medical College of Georgia has been designated as a Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program by the National Cancer Institute, receiving a five-year $2.3 million grant to expand access to latest cancer treatment and prevention strategies for minority patients.
The Medical College of Georgia Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine has been selected to isolate RNA and DNA from the blood of thousands of children involved in a worldwide study of the causes of type 1 diabetes. The TEDDY study aims to identify environmental triggers for diabetes in children with known high-risk genes.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia Cancer Center have developed a cancer cell line that is resistant to histone deacetylase (HDAC) and heat shock protein 90 (hsp90) inhibitors, two promising cancer treatments.
A series of genes has been identified as protecting cells from the harmful effects of doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. The long-term goal is to develop ways to turn these genes off in cancer cells and on in heart cells to prevent or mitigate heart damage.
Two transporters, SMCT1 and SMCT2, can circumvent the blood-retinal barrier to deliver lactate and ketone bodies to a healthy eye, potentially preventing neuronal cell damage. Understanding these transporters' activity may enable early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and natural delivery mechanisms for drugs.
Researchers are studying a novel smoking-prevention strategy targeting black fourth-graders and their parents in Georgia. The program aims to reduce smoking rates by teaching life skills, communication, and assertiveness, as well as providing self-help information and nicotine replacement therapy.
A recent study elucidates the relationship between environmental stress and cancer by revealing how stress-inducing agents reduce SIRT1 enzyme activity, leading to increased cell survival. By targeting this process, researchers aim to develop new treatments that increase SENP1 activity to promote programmed cell death in cancer cells.
Researchers are investigating vinflunine as a potential treatment for advanced bladder cancer patients who cannot receive standard cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy due to kidney problems. The Phase II study aims to determine if vinflunine can effectively treat the disease while minimizing side effects.
Overweight children who exercised for just three months showed improvements in executive function and reduced their diabetes risk. The study found that regular physical activity can enhance cognitive development and reduce insulin resistance.
Researchers studying elevated homocysteine levels on vision found that it disrupts the retina's blood vessel network. Elevated homocysteine levels can also interfere with protein synthesis, collagen structure, and folate transport, leading to retinal damage and vision loss.
Researchers have reviewed literature on stress tests to determine the most effective strategies for physicians. The study highlights the importance of choosing the right stress test to accurately detect coronary artery disease, emphasizing the role of pharmacologic agents and exercise EKGs in maximizing sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers have developed a novel strategy to tackle aggressive leukemia by combining targeted therapies that degrade the mutated protein receptor and induce natural cell death. The approach uses histone deacetylase and heat shock protein 90 inhibitors to reduce the function of remaining proteins and kill leukemic cells.
Researchers report that Tregs respond stronger to foreign substances than their own body proteins, contrary to the long-held scientific belief. This finding has implications for emerging therapies targeting autoimmune diseases.
Researchers studying 523 pairs of twins aim to understand the role of environmental stress in cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. The study, funded by a $1.7 million grant, will evaluate twins' living environments and stress coping mechanisms over four years.
Researchers find that HSP 90 inhibitors can degrade proteins perpetuating inflammation, restoring lung function and reducing blood vessel leakage in ICU patients. The study suggests a potential new treatment for sepsis using these cancer-fighting compounds.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation shows that tumors use the enzyme IDO to directly activate existing regulatory T cells, which become strongly suppressive within a day. This discovery defines a tumor's survival strategy and suggests potential new leverage points for therapies.
Researchers found that green tea slowed skin cell growth and regulated genes involved in skin cell life cycles, potentially treating psoriasis and dandruff. However, more human studies are needed to determine the full effects of this treatment.
Lectins, a family of proteins found in undercooked legumes and grains, can make people feel temporarily miserable by disabling GI tract cells from repairing tears. This can lead to gaps in the epithelial lining, exposing the nasty internal world of the GI tract to the blood supply.
Research at the Medical College of Georgia found that regular brushing can cause minor cell damage, leading to increased calcium influx and triggering internal membrane repair. This process may promote gum health by stimulating collagen growth and strengthening tissue response to mechanical stress.
Scientists have discovered that cancer cells eliminate the enzyme protein kinase G (PKG), leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Reintroducing PKG into cancer cells has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis, suggesting a potential new avenue for targeted cancer treatment.
Researchers found that Bak protein breaks down mitochondria into vulnerable spheres, allowing Bax to poke holes and release pro-death contents. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of programmed cell death (apoptosis) and its potential role in diseases like stroke and cancer.
Researchers found that incorporating cosmetic principles into thyroid surgery can lead to better aesthetic results. The study analyzed 248 patients who underwent varying approaches to thyroid surgery, including minimally invasive and endoscopic methods.
Researchers have discovered a natural body lipid that signals cells to normalize growth and maturation. The finding, published in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, shows that bypassing the signaling pathway restores normal differentiation of skin cells in diseases like psoriasis.
Researchers are conducting phase I trials comparing slow-freezing techniques to a rapid method of cryopreservation that transforms tissues into glass-like structures. The goal is to make human eggs, ovarian tissue, blood vessels, and whole organs available when needed.
Researchers are focusing on preventing further brain damage after a stroke, targeting the penumbra region where blood flow is reduced by 60%. They hope to restore normal electrical activity in neurons and promote recovery. Dr. Sergei Kirov's study uses real-time microscopical imaging and pharmaceuticals to stop anoxic depolarization.
Researchers have identified a check and balance system for neuron activity managed by neuregulin-1, revealing new treatment targets for psychiatric diseases like schizophrenia and neurological disorders such as epilepsy. The findings also provide insights into the cognitive deficits associated with these conditions.