Researchers used a novel brain imaging technique to visualize subtle brain changes in pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's patients. They found that individualized brain fingerprints can detect variations in brain function associated with worsening information processing.
A multicenter study found that patients with cystic fibrosis can safely take a dual combination of CF modulator drugs for four years while maintaining previously achieved clinical improvement. This breakthrough therapy has improved the quality and length of patients' lives, with some even seeing a 15% increase in lung function.
A team of scientists has identified Myo5b as a potential genetic driver of uterine corpus endometrial cancer (UCEC), a fourth deadliest cancer in women. Elevated levels of Myo5B were found in UCEC samples, suggesting its role in transporting nutrient-absorbing transporters to the surface of cancer cells.
Researchers developed a deep learning-based AI model to automate cirrhosis identification using large amounts of data from EHRs. The model successfully identified patients with cirrhosis with a precision of 97%, offering potential for early diagnosis and improved management of the disease.
Researchers found that long-term antibiotic use during adolescence disrupts the healthy gut microbiome, leading to changes in liver metabolism that promotes central fat accumulation. The study suggests that antibiotic treatment may have lasting detrimental effects on liver metabolism and promote adiposity.
A new approach by the Medical University of South Carolina aims to increase clinical trial participation, especially from diverse populations. By making patients eligible for research opportunities by default, while allowing opt-out, the team saw a significant increase in potential participants.
Hollings researchers create small molecule that targets CD38 enzyme activity, stimulating proliferation of natural killer cells and enhancing anti-cancer activity. The compound has potential as an adjuvant therapy to boost effects of existing treatments and reduce resistance to monoclonal antibodies.
A school-based wellness initiative led by MUSC's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness has been shown to reduce the average student BMI over time. The program, which targets policy, systems and environmental change, uses evidence-based strategies such as physical activity, nutrition and social-emotional wellness.
Researchers discovered HDAC5 plays a critical role in limiting heroin-associated memories and drug-seeking behavior. By regulating gene expression, HDAC5 opposes powerful drug cues that trigger relapse.
A team of researchers at MUSC discovered a neural circuit that inhibits motivated behaviors, which can prevent reward-seeking behavior in high-risk contexts. Administering opioids causes immediate disruption of this circuit, leading to even riskier behaviors.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered the cellular origin of normal pancreatic fibroblasts and cancer-associated fibroblasts, which play a key role in tumor progression. The findings suggest that targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts holds exciting potential for therapeutic benefits.
Researchers identified a link between sphingolipids and complement signaling that regulates cancer cell migration and metastasis. High levels of S1P inside cancer cells activate the complement molecule C3, leading to inflammation-promoting complex formation and driving cancer spread.
Research exploring cannabis and its impact on the oral microbiome found a link between frequent cannabis use and increased levels of bacteria Actinomyces meyeri in the mouth. The study suggests that this bacterial imbalance may contribute to neurological disease, such as Alzheimer's disease, and memory loss.
A new brief tele-cognitive behavioral therapy, BRIGHT, shows promise in reducing body-image distress among head and neck cancer survivors. The trial found that levels of body-image distress fell significantly for those who received the therapy compared to standard survivorship education.
A Medical University of South Carolina research team has discovered that HDAC1 plays a crucial role in packing DNA around histones, which can help target cancer cells with inhibitors. The novel egg extract system allows researchers to study DNA packing in real-time, outside of a cell.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers discovered hearing impairment in a novel preclinical model of autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory organs and their interactions with the brain in understanding ASD.
Researchers found that using tixagevimab-cilgavimab in blood cancer patients prevented moderate and severe COVID cases. The antibody provided protection but did not entirely prevent infection, highlighting the importance of additional safety measures.
Medical University of South Carolina researchers develop a novel LSD1 inhibitor that shows early promise at fighting neuroblastoma when paired with bortezomib. The combination boosts anti-tumor response and is a viable strategy for targeting high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
A study led by Dr. Ashish Deshmukh finds a significant increase in anal cancer incidence among women and men over 50 years old in the Midwestern and Southeastern states, with HPV infections and smoking identified as key risk factors.
Long-term use of systemic antibiotics can alter the gut microbiome, leading to reduced bone mass accrual and impaired skeletal maturation. Researchers found that minocycline therapy causes changes to the gut microbiome, disrupting normal communication between the liver and small intestine.
Researchers found a 3% per year increase in cervical cancer incidence in women in their early 30s, starting from 2012, and an increase in both localized and regional disease. The study suggests that improved screening rates are needed to address the rising incidence.
A study of 18,364 children hospitalized with COVID-19 found that pediatricians prescribed medications in accordance with guidelines in only 55-82% of cases. The use of recommended medications quickly increased after national guidelines were released in 2020, but compliance remained lower than expected.
A study aims to use e-visits to bridge the gap in smoking cessation services for rural smokers. Primary care providers are overwhelmed, but e-visits could provide an efficient solution.
A new MUSC initiative aims to increase the number of women entrepreneurs by offering coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities. The program will pair trainees with successful biomedical entrepreneurs, providing valuable role models and guidance. By addressing gender inequity in STEM fields, STEM-CREW seeks to advance the careers ...
MUSC researcher Joe Delaney, Ph.D., is awarded $453,000 to investigate aneuploidy in ovarian cancer. His project aims to target the cadmium response pathway and develop a new type of cancer drug for patients.
Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating the response to drug cues, acting as brakes on neuronal communication. By slowing down overactive communication, astrocytes can reduce the drive to seek drugs and prevent relapse.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that scleroderma patients have reduced levels of antifibrotic protein Cathepsin L, packaged in an inactive state. Increasing Cathepsin L levels and function could have therapeutic benefits for patients with lung fibrosis.
Researchers at MUSC found that extracting and isolating Treg cells and transplanting them back into the same system successfully treats osteogenesis imperfecta for a year. The treatment results in stronger bones, increased osteoblast numbers, and decreased osteoclast numbers.
A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.
A recent study found associations between socioeconomic stressors and specific N-glycosylation patterns in Black and White women, suggesting that molecular markers may be linked to socioeconomic status. The research also identified differences in glycosylation patterns in normal breast tissue based on body mass index (BMI) and ancestry.
Researchers have found that targeting the GLI protein is more effective in treating medulloblastoma than previously thought, with a potential breakthrough in reducing tumor aggressiveness. The study's findings offer new hope for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for children with this rare cancer.
Bone marrow donors can now receive significantly reduced opioid medication during and after the donation procedure, resulting in a more comfortable experience. The new pain control method, using regional anesthesia, drastically decreased opioid usage from 84% to 23% among patients.
Researchers found that progesterone levels can affect smoking cessation success in women. By timing a quit attempt during the low-to-high increase of progesterone, women may be able to achieve higher abstinence rates and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
The integrated tool allows tracking of clinical trial enrollment and cost effectiveness, enabling study teams to ensure trials are the best fit for the enterprise. It also enables standardization of data collection and reporting, giving the institution a competitive edge.
A new training program at MUSC and Clemson University aims to make future data scientists aware of health inequities, particularly in rural communities. The SC BIDS4HEALTH program will build on existing relationships with HBCUs and community groups across the state.
Research finds that excessive mitochondrial damage caused by alcohol exposure can lead to chronic liver disease. Mitochondrial depolarization triggers mitophagy, a process removing damaged mitochondria; however, constant removal causes additional liver tissue damage.
Two Medical University of South Carolina epidemiologists investigate how COVID-19 disruptions affected pregnancy outcomes, particularly for racial and ethnic minority communities. They aim to determine whether pandemic-caused disruptions worsened already poor maternal and infant health statistics.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that blocking the enzyme polymerase reduces the virus's ability to multiply. This discovery exposes an Achilles' heel that could be targeted with a therapeutic. Polymerase is a key tool for DNA replication and repair, making the virus vulnerable to disruption.
A recent study by MUSC shows that quality improvement efforts have decreased complications for all patients and narrowed the gap in surgical outcomes between black and white patients. The research, led by Dr. Thomas Curran, analyzed data from over 30,000 patients who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2020.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have developed a highly accurate and minimally invasive test for detecting liver fibrosis. The test, GlycoFibroTyper, measures changes in sugar molecules attached to antibodies in patient blood samples.
Firearm-related deaths have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death among children under 19, with a widening racial gap. Secure gun storage counseling and hospital-based violence intervention programs show promise for prevention and reduction of all three categories of gun violence.
A study led by MUSC researchers found that inhibiting the complement system with CR2Crry can prevent long-term brain damage and improve outcomes in premature infants with germinal matrix hemorrhage. The treatment has shown improved survival, weight gain, reduced brain injury, and enhanced motor and cognitive performances.
A study of NASA, ESA, and Russian space agency data found that extended spaceflight leads to changes in the brain's perivascular spaces. The research, led by Medical University of South Carolina scientists, used MRI scans to evaluate brain changes before and after six months on the International Space Station.
Researchers at MUSC have developed a device to remove toxic chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin, from the blood after cancer treatment. The device uses heat and an activated carbon filter to effectively remove the drug, potentially reducing harmful side effects.
The Southeastern Consortium for Lung Cancer Health Equity aims to address disparities in lung cancer screening among racially and ethnically diverse populations. Researchers will develop more precise methods for identifying those at highest risk of lung cancer diagnoses.
Researchers found that brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease had higher levels of the protein Fli-1 and fewer pericytes lining their smallest blood vessels, leading to leakage. Blocking Fli-1 improved memory in mice, suggesting a promising new approach to treating the disease.
Researchers found a relationship between regionalized fibrosis in the left ventricle and mitral valve prolapse disease, suggesting potential benefits from earlier surgical intervention. Advanced fibrosis could be added to traditional markers for mitral valve repair.
Scientists have discovered a new therapeutic approach to aid the immune system in fighting cancer, offering hope for better solutions for patients. Researchers found that blocking the EP4 molecule can 'free' the immune system and restore its cancer-fighting functions.
Researchers at MUSC and University of Florida successfully visualize the complete human brain lymphatic system in living humans using a new non-invasive MRI technique. This breakthrough enhances our understanding of brain function and may provide insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
A recent study found that a subset of immune cells within the alveolar bone marrow were activated by the presence of commensal oral microbes, leading to increased osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and bone loss. Reducing the burden of commensal microbes through oral antiseptic rinses can help protect against alveolar bone loss.