A lack of insurance leads to worse cancer survival across the 16 most common cancers, with uninsured patients 60-64 facing significantly poorer outcomes than their older counterparts. This disparity is driven by the high costs of newer potentially lifesaving treatments, which can be unaffordable for those without insurance.
Researchers screened over 60,000 blood samples from asymptomatic individuals for IgG antibody to the viral spike protein, finding strong correlations between high anti-S IgG levels and neutralizing activity. The study also showed age-related differences in antibody responses and a higher prevalence of COVID-19 among African Americans.
Researchers discovered that a specific gene mutation, EPHB2, causes autism predominantly in females, while males are less affected. The study highlights the importance of considering sex-specific differences in ASD research to develop personalized treatments.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center are evaluating the impact of a proactive opt-out approach to smoking cessation interventions on people living with HIV. The study aims to refine delivery and implementation strategies to increase tobacco treatment uptake and reduce smoking-related health complications.
Researchers at MUSC developed an AI software to predict CAD blockages' significance without catheterization. The software analyzes CT images of heart vessels and plaques, estimating blood flow and identifying high-risk features. This noninvasive method saves time, costs, and risks for patients and clinicians.
A recent study from Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina found that rural children are less likely to receive preventive dental care than their urban counterparts. This disparity can have serious consequences for children's oral health, including increased risk of decay and bacterial growth.
By integrating telemedicine, physicians at MUSC Health have shortened the time between stroke symptom onset and treatment by 15-20 minutes. This reduces complications from tPA and improves functional outcomes for patients.
Researchers at MUSC developed RINS, a digital platform that integrates clinical study data from disparate systems, providing metrics on translational science efficiency and effectiveness. This allows for informed decisions on improving translational research practices.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that over 60% of US adults who vape are interested in quitting, with former cigarette smokers having the highest intentions. Despite e-cigarettes being seen as a potential tool for smoking cessation, many users struggle to quit, and current treatments may not be effective for all users.
A school-based telehealth program in South Carolina provides accessible care to underserved children, improving academic performance and reducing ER visits. The program uses a time-efficient process that removes geographic barriers, ensuring timely treatment and medication administration.
The Medical University of South Carolina has enrolled children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in a trial of remestemcel-L, a novel cellular therapy. The treatment showed significant improvement within 24 hours for two patients, offering hope for better management of the rare but life-threatening condition.
Researchers found that complement inhibition can reverse mental losses after traumatic brain injury, even when treatment is delayed until two months post-injury. The study showed that blocking complement interrupted neurodegeneration and improved cognitive function.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway in the brain that provides pain relief and reduces opioid cravings. The study found that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) targeting the motor cortex was significantly more effective at reducing pain and opioid urge than targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).
A MUSC researcher has been awarded a $9.9 million contract to test TB treatment interventions in areas with severe disease prevalence. The goal is to shorten treatment duration and improve patient adherence, particularly for individuals with latent TB infection.
Researchers found that activating STING molecule reduced GVHD severity and mortality rates in a mouse model. The study suggests that a STING-activating drug might protect bone marrow transplant recipients from GVHD.
A single strain of Bacteroides fragilis significantly reduced graft-versus-host disease by protecting gut integrity, according to a proof-of-concept study. The bacteria increased overall gut microbial diversity and reduced donor T cell proliferation, which triggers GVHD.
A nationwide study aims to better understand the intersection of COVID-19 and cancer, examining long-term outcomes and treatment protocols. The research hopes to identify key factors that make certain patients more prone to severe COVID-19 infections.
A new study using a nationwide self-reported dataset found that elementary school-age Black children are 3.5 times more likely to be suspended or placed in detention than their white peers, despite controlling for socioeconomic factors. The researchers believe systemic racism and unconscious bias may contribute to the disparities.
A survey is being conducted to characterize marijuana use among cancer patients receiving care at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The study aims to explore how often patients are using marijuana, why they're using it, and their perceptions of its efficacy in managing symptoms. The findings will provide insight into the prevalence and spec...
Researchers at MUSC discover lysyl oxidase plays key roles in promoting fibrosis in scleroderma, and its levels can be used to monitor treatment response. The findings suggest LOX could be a promising biomarker for assessing fibrosis progression or regression.
A study found that vitamin D status during pregnancy is associated with altered gene expression in the placenta, which may contribute to the development of preeclampsia. The researchers also observed a correlation between sFLT1 and VEGF gene expression levels.
MUSC researchers discovered blocking an energy pathway for T-cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplant reduces graft-versus-host disease, while maintaining ability to kill leukemia cells. The study uses a lysosomal acid lipase-deficient mouse model, showing promising results with FDA-approved inhibitor orlistat.
Researchers have developed a new approach to generate T-cells faster, using polarized Th17 cells that can effectively eradicate tumors in just four days. This breakthrough has immediate clinical implications, offering a potentially long-lived and effective therapy for patients with advanced solid tumors.
A study by researchers at MUSC and the NIH found that reminders of drug use can alter brain cells' motivation and increase cravings. The study showed that enlarged dendritic spines facilitate enhanced connectivity between brain cells, making relapse more likely.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can identify patients at high risk of intentional self-harm using unstructured clinical notes. The model achieved an accuracy of 98.5% in identifying current at-risk patients, but struggled with predicting future self-harm due to the presence of irrelevant information.
MUSC researchers have identified a new biomarker that may predict which patients are at risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. High levels of plasmacytoid dendritic cells expressing ICOS ligand are associated with increased severity of GVHD and lower survival rates.
Pediatric brain cancer researcher Jezabel R. Blanco will receive a $300,000 grant to explore medulloblastoma, a subtype of brain tumor that tends to be particularly deadly in children under three. Her research aims to target the stem cell reservoir of these tumors and develop new treatments.
Researchers conducted transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on themselves and a group of volunteers in zero gravity to assess its safety and efficacy. The study aimed to compare TMS results under Earth's gravity to those in zero gravity, with potential implications for long-term space missions.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center identified multiple obstacles that prevent head and neck cancer patients from receiving timely radiation treatment, leading to worse survival outcomes. The study presents a novel framework for understanding these barriers and aims to improve patient care through an intervention strategy.
Researchers are exploring how patterns of collagens serve as biomarkers for breast cancer risk and progression, with a focus on addressing health disparities. A $3 million grant is supporting the study, led by Dr. Peggi Angel at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Researchers at MUSC are using new technologies to conduct remote smoking cessation clinical trials, reaching smokers in rural areas and beyond. With electronic consent and smartphone-enabled devices, participants can complete trials from home, providing more representative data.
The TL1 program requires students to shadow physicians treating patients with diseases at the center of their research, bridging basic science and clinical cultures. This rotation provides a two-way street of education, where students learn about patient problems and bring basic science questions to address them.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that genetic variation in three specific brain genes can predict the effectiveness of naltrexone in treating alcohol use disorder. Patients with certain combinations of gene variations showed consistently reduced drinking when taking naltrexone, making personalized medicine a po...
Researchers at Gruthan Bioscience aim to develop a new class of cholesterol-lowering drugs for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, a rare form of high cholesterol. The startup plans to use its novel cell platform to identify and test promising compounds.
The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) rapidly adapted telehealth technologies to meet patients' needs during the pandemic. The hospital's four-pronged response ensured continuity of care for COVID-19 patients and continued outpatient care.
A team of researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina has identified a critical player in resistance to targeted therapy in lung cancer. The protein NRP2b was found to drive resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells that had become resistant to therapy, and inhibiting it caused the death of these cells.
A new database of 40 breast cancer cell lines will help speed the development of new gene-targeted therapies by providing genomic and proteomic information. Researchers aim to identify functional genes that drive cancer growth and develop targeted therapies based on unique gene changes in each patient's cancer.
Researchers at Hollings Cancer Center are studying T-cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment to discover ways to revitalize immunity against tumors. The team's work may lead to a new approach for immunotherapy by targeting the stress response that undermines T-cell function.
The new volume uses a health equity approach to focus on factors associated with cancer disparities research and identifies potential solutions. Studies highlight the impact of lifestyle on breast cancer risk and link mammary gland development to breast cancer disparity.
The MUSC team, led by Leslie Lenert and Dee Ford, developed a prototype called Portable Remote Operational Wireless Enabled Surge Specialist ICU (Prowess-ICU) to address COVID-19 surge capacity. The Prowess-ICU model integrates technology-based and patient-centered care solutions within existing regional health care networks.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that the brain uses similar visual areas for mental imagery and vision, but with less precision. This study has potential applications for understanding PTSD and other mental health disorders affecting mental imagery.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have developed a vitamin K-based compound that eliminates medication-resistant epileptic seizures in mice. The compound works by increasing brain cells' ability to produce energy and protects mitochondrial health, making it a promising new treatment option for those with epilepsy.
Researchers at Hollings Cancer Center found a strong association between elevated AGEs in the body and breast cancer risk, particularly among women consuming high-AGE diets. The study's results suggest that reducing AGE intake through healthier food choices and physical activity may help lower cancer risk.
Researchers have developed a 3D model of the human heart to study heart attacks and drug toxicity. The model uses induced pluripotent stem cells to recreate the physiological conditions that occur during a heart attack, providing insights into how cells respond in the short term and long-term damage.
Recent studies by Hollings Cancer Center researcher Chanita Hughes-Halbert highlight the importance of effective chronic disease prevention and management for male minority prostate cancer patients and veterans. The research emphasizes the need for better training programs and social determinants-based approaches to address underlying ...
MUSC has established two new centers to support digestive and liver disease research, providing stable funding to over 30 investigators and creating a pipeline for future researchers. The centers aim to foster multidisciplinary collaborations and provide necessary resources for cutting-edge research.
Researchers at MUSC discovered beta-arrestin2's role in regulating nitric oxide production and found that reduced levels lead to portal hypertension. Overexpression of beta-arrestin2 enhances NO production, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina report that adding a compound to reduce inflammation improves learning, memory and motor recovery after stroke. The treatment may also extend the treatment window by reducing risk of hemorrhage.
Researchers discovered a new resistance mechanism that inhibits protein dynamics in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making existing treatments ineffective. The findings suggest that designing new antimicrobials targeting this mechanism could lead to effective treatments.
Researchers at Hollings Cancer Center have developed a novel flow cytometry technique to quantify protein production in T-cells. This study reveals that T cells with robust protein production are more effective at controlling tumor growth.