Researchers at MUSC found that BDNF application to nucleus accumbens reduces cocaine-seeking behavior and reverses relapse. The study suggests BDNF has a fine-tuned effect on addiction, with timing-dependent impacts.
Researchers found that PTEN loss in normal breast tissue cells can lead to increased genetic instability and reduced response to radiation therapy. The discovery suggests that targeting stromal cells with low PTEN may help predict which patients are more likely to benefit from radiation treatment.
Hollings Cancer Center researchers discovered that cancer cells protect their telomeres from damage to prevent cell death, contributing to their long lifespan. By inhibiting this mechanism, the researchers hope to develop a new treatment for cancer and potentially delay aging.
Researchers found that PIM-2 kinase negatively regulates T cell responses, while PIM-1 and PIM-3 positively regulate them. Inhibiting PIM-2 accelerated graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in allogeneic bone marrow transplant, but also produced robust tumor immunity.
A novel therapy inhibits complement activation in affected brain tissue to preserve neurons and reduce inflammation after stroke. This treatment shows promise in preventing chronic inflammation and improving neurological deficits.
A new blood test biomarker has been developed to distinguish between benign and malignant lung tumors with 98% accuracy. This breakthrough technology allows healthcare providers to confidently diagnose and treat patients with low-to-moderate risk nodules, reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina discovered a specific form of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) that binds to glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP), regulating B cell activity. The GARP:TGF-beta axis may serve as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases.
A clinical trial has shown that a combination of checkpoint inhibitors and an immune stimulation drug can control the progression of non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment was administered in an outpatient setting and demonstrated significant prolonged survival in patients.
A new study finds that the microRNA family miR-17-92 plays a critical role in regulating T-cell and B-cell pathogenicity, leading to chronic graft-vs-host disease. The research also suggests that blocking this miRNA may be an effective way to reduce cGVHD symptoms.
Researchers detected tDCS-generated electric fields (EFs) deep in the brain using DBS electrodes in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study provided dose-dependent and montage-specific evidence that scalp-applied current penetrates the brain, challenging previous assumptions.
A new portable device worn like a visor can detect severe stroke in patients with over 90% accuracy, allowing for timely and comprehensive care. This device simplifies the decision-making process for emergency personnel, enabling them to quickly identify patients who require endovascular therapy.
A researcher uses mass cytometry technology to visualize a person's immune system, creating an 'Instagram' of millions of blood cells. This technique predicts cancer treatment responses and identifies potential biomarkers for patients who will respond positively to immunotherapy.
A new clinical trial using a tailored intervention may minimize lung cancer occurrence and mortality rates for those at higher risk. The study will compare the effectiveness of counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and gain-framed text messaging in supporting high-risk smokers who want to quit.
Researchers developed a new device measuring blink reflex parameters to help diagnose concussions. The Blink Reflexometer TM assesses blink reflex data, providing an objective measure of primitive reflex changes, allowing for accurate diagnoses and decision-making in sports settings.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics reports the use of pyridostigmine to reverse complications from botulinum toxin therapy in pediatric patients. Early treatment with pyridostigmine can alleviate symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, and patients may regain normal function within days.
The COMPASS trial found that the ADAPT technique is at least as good as stent retrievers for treating large-vessel occlusions, with 52% of patients achieving functional independence. Aspiration also showed a non-significant trend in favor of reperfusion success.
A study by MUSC Health found that using a mechanical ISDD and educating staff led to a nearly four-fold decrease in contaminated blood cultures. This reduction resulted in improved accurate diagnoses, decreased antibiotic use, and cost savings.
A clinical trial investigates whether dietary and exercise interventions can decrease AGEs, which have been linked to cancer, in prostate cancer survivors. Preliminary data suggest that AGEs may be a better biomarker for lifestyle changes than previously used markers.
Pericytes, a type of cell on brain blood vessels, grow to cover empty space left by neighboring cells. This brain plasticity may help fight age-related vascular disorders like Alzheimer's disease and stroke.
A recent study found that smokers who use e-cigarettes tend to smoke less and have increased quit attempts, making them a potentially valuable tool for quitting smoking. The study also showed that higher-dose e-cigarettes had stronger outcomes, with participants smoking an average of 37% fewer cigarettes.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that cancer cells use the unfolded protein response to alter their circadian rhythm, contributing to tumor growth. Misfolded proteins cause disruptions in this natural clockwork, allowing cancer cells to survive conditions that would kill normal cells.
Researchers have discovered that T cells with a protein called CD26 on their surface are highly effective against aggressive solid tumors. These cells, previously overlooked in cancer immunotherapy, can resist apoptosis and repopulate after infusion, making them ideal for adoptive cell transfer therapy.
The Blink Reflexometer uses high-speed video to analyze the blink response in patients, providing quantitative measurements comparable to electromyography. A small validation study showed promising results, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic indicator of neurological health.
Researchers at MUSC identified a mechanism that regulates signaling events leading to cell migration and metastasis. The study found that ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) affects cell migration by disrupting the ability of cells to form focal points in primary cilia.
Researchers at MUSC develop an ex vivo model of ICP-induced cellular injury to understand early cell-injury mechanisms and identify biomarkers associated with pathological pressure. The novel model successfully initiates cellular stress in a cell-specific manner, offering potential for therapies to minimize neurological deficits.
Researchers at MUSC are testing whether mesenchymal stem cells can help people with treatment-resistant lupus. The study, led by Gary Gilkeson and Diane Kamen, marks a milestone in lupus research and aims to develop better treatments.
Researchers developed a hybrid Th1/17 T cell that combines the strong effector traits of Th1 cells with the durability of Th17 cells, providing a potent and durable anti-tumor response in preclinical models. The hybrid cells maintained their effectiveness even after long-term persistence in the body.
Researchers found permanent effects on human brain structure due to microgravity, including crowding and narrowing of the brain's central sulcus. The study aimed to understand the causes of VIIP syndrome, a condition affecting astronauts' vision and intracranial pressure.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that female medical interns are more likely to suffer from symptoms of depression than their male counterparts, with a significant portion due to work-family responsibilities. The research suggests that the conflict between long work hours and household duties can predispose individuals...
The South Carolina Cancer Disparities Research Center aims to understand the reasons behind racial and ethnic health disparities in cancer research. The center will increase SCSU's ability to conduct cutting-edge research, inspire new generations of researchers, and engage the general public in cancer research.
Researchers are launching a national study to understand why fewer than 30% of children with sickle cell disease receive transcranial Doppler screening, which can prevent strokes. The goal is to identify barriers and implement strategies to increase access to the life-saving test.
A clinical trial led by Medical University of South Carolina is investigating frankincense as a possible treatment for breast and colon cancer. The study aims to assess whether boswellic acid, an extract from Indian frankincense, can reduce inflammation and slow tumor growth.
Researchers at MUSC are developing a gene-modifying treatment for sickle cell disease by targeting the LSD 1 enzyme. The potential breakthrough could lead to a disease-modifying treatment and fast-track human clinical trials in as few as three years.
The National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center is developing a Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center to provide fast and comprehensive services to those affected by mass casualty events. The center will focus on social support, mental health treatment, and technology-based tools to help survivors and their families.
A precision medicine trial is helping doctors target the genetic makeup of high-risk neuroblastoma tumors. Victoria Thompson, a two-year-old girl, is part of the trial and has seen promising results after innovative treatments.
A recent study published at Medical University of South Carolina found that epigenetic enzyme HDAC5 influences the brain's response to drugs, leading to persistent triggers for relapse. The research suggests that understanding these connections could lead to better treatments for addiction.
A novel peptide mimics the pathway that HPV-positive cancer cells use to respond to treatment, leading to increased cell death in HPV-negative cancer cells. The peptide improves therapeutic intervention in HPV-negative head and neck cancers.
A recent study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina identifies CNPY2 as a key molecule triggering the unfolded protein response, which contributes to certain metabolic disorders. The study found that CNPY2 plays a crucial role in sustaining cellular stress when the UPR becomes active.
Researchers at MUSC find that adding vitamin D to hypothermia and N-acetylcysteine treatment improves sensorimotor function, working memory, and reduces brain injury volume in male newborns. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in both males and females, highlighting the need for sex-based treatment approaches.
A non-coding RNA, PNUTS lncRNA, encourages cancer growth and metastasis by soaking up microRNA-205 that prevents epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In breast and lung cancer cell lines, PNUTS lncRNA promotes tumor development.
The Blink Reflexometer device detects changes in blinking patterns to identify concussions and neurological disorders like Parkinson's, Huntington's, and schizophrenia. The technology aims to provide a portable, rugged, and fast aid for trainers to make objective calls about player safety.
Researchers developed a novel method to identify neural structures associated with impaired auditory word comprehension after stroke. The study mapped white matter connections beyond the damaged area, revealing crucial networks involved in speech comprehension and proposing targeted therapy approaches.
Researchers used modularity metric to analyze brain connectivity in 90 stroke patients, finding that highly fragmented left hemisphere communities were associated with more severe aphasia. The study provides new insights into the underlying mechanisms of language recovery after stroke.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found a significant correlation between microstructural white matter changes and aphasia recovery after speech therapy. The study supports the dual-stream language model and highlights the importance of structural plasticity in semantic skills, leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Researchers at MUSC found that gp96 is essential for maintaining a balanced immune system in the gut, preventing colitis. Without gp96, pAPCs become more inflammatory, leading to an imbalance of T cell populations and the development of colitis.
Researchers used C. elegans to identify a genetic signature of mesodermal-epithelial communication involved in human cancer cell proliferation. The study uncovered 33 genes conserved between worms and humans that control this network, providing a roadmap for new cancer therapies.
Researchers found that co-administering an antibody that neutralizes tumor-released soluble MHC I chain-related molecule (sMIC) improves anti-CTLA4 therapy effectiveness and reduces treatment-related colitis. The combination therapy dramatically improves CTLA4 therapy response and avoids colitis, suggesting a new powerful immunotherapy...
Primary colorectal tumors secrete VEGF-A, inducing CXCL1 and CXCR2-positive myeloid-derived suppressor cells to recruit at distant sites, establishing niches for future metastases. Liver-infiltrating MDSCs facilitate tumor cell survival in the new location.
Researchers at MUSC found that using FDA-approved small molecules can improve the potency and function of T cells in adoptive T cell therapy, making them more effective against melanoma. The treatment reduces regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment and enhances antitumor activity.
Researchers found that platelets release TGF-beta to suppress T cells and promote immune tolerance to certain cancers. Adding antiplatelet drugs like aspirin may improve adoptive T cell therapy against melanoma and other cancers.