In a phase 1 clinical trial, researchers found the LASSARAB vaccine to be safe and well-tolerated, inducing strong immune responses against Lassa fever and rabies. The vaccine demonstrated robust neutralizing antibody levels against the rabies virus, exceeding WHO's established threshold for protection.
A new multicenter trial demonstrates that hepatologists trained in palliative care can deliver the same quality-of-life benefits as a palliative care specialist. Quality of life improved significantly in both groups, with symptom burden and short-term mortality comparable between groups.
A new study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers reveals shared patterns between ribosomal RNAs and genes linked to brain disorders. The study found that these patterns are unique to each organism and shared primarily with genes of the nervous system, including genes for autism, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University reconstructed transcription in human mitochondria, showing how the molecular machinery works and revealing potential drug targets. This breakthrough could guide new therapies for mitochondrial diseases, affecting one in 5,000 people worldwide.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that VDAC2, a mitochondrial protein, can make liver cancer cells more vulnerable to existing treatments targeting BAK-dependent cell death. The study suggests that combining pre-clinical drugs targeting BAK could shrink tumors in mice with high levels of VDAC2.
A new analysis of over 18,000 cancer cases suggests that obese patients may fare better after immunotherapy treatment, with improved overall survival rates. The study's findings raise intriguing questions about the role of obesity in immunotherapy effectiveness and highlight the need for further research to understand this phenomenon.
A protein complex has been identified that repairs abnormal DNA responsible for neurodegenerative disease Huntington's. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic target to delay or prevent disease onset.
A new study from Thomas Jefferson University investigates the use of ondansetron to ease withdrawal symptoms in newborns with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Researchers found that a specific concentration of ondansetron can significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University used computational biology to analyze blood samples from people with and without ALS, discovering different combinations of small non-coding RNAs associated with disease progression and survival times.
A study by Nora Medina found that mothers with stronger prenatal connections had healthier, positive relationships with their children. Young, low-income mothers who faced challenges in their own parenting experiences also struggled with weaker attachments to their infants.
A new study found significant disparities in the use of MRI to detect prostate cancer, with Black patients and those in rural areas having lower rates of diagnostic testing. The study's findings highlight the need for enhanced access to MRI and improved prostate cancer outcomes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered two distinct signaling pathways controlling platelet spreading and clot contraction, potentially leading to targeted therapies for bleeding and thrombosis. The findings could also improve treatments for implanted devices like artificial valves and stents.
Thomas Jefferson University has initiated a phase 1 clinical trial for a Lassa virus (LASV) vaccine, currently enrolling healthy volunteers. The vaccine's safety and immunogenicity will be assessed in both the rabies virus and LASV.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a specific molecular change that affects the strength of pain sensation by altering action potential duration. This finding offers a novel approach to alleviate clinically relevant pain conditions through boosting potassium channel function.
A new study led by Thomas Jefferson University researchers highlights critical healthcare gaps that hinder long-term recovery for people living with OUD in Philadelphia. The study identifies challenges such as lengthy and restrictive assessment processes, inadequate operating hours, and lack of sufficient withdrawal management as barri...
A recent review paper suggests that cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system in various ways, influencing attention, hyperactivity, and anxiety in individuals with ADHD. However, the picture is complicated by the complexity of cannabis products and legal restrictions on marijuana use.
A new study by Thomas Jefferson University neuroscientist Jay Schneider suggests that high-quality maternal care and an enriched environment can reduce the toxic effects of lead exposure in rats. The findings provide hope for families with lead-poisoned children, particularly those from lower socioeconomic status.
Research suggests that social support decreases among pregnant and parenting individuals with OUD, but integrating community-based supports like doulas can increase trust and positive outcomes. A peer recovery doula model could provide an authentic bond for new mothers with OUD during the postpartum period.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University and Esperanza Health Center aims to overcome healthcare disparities by developing short, accessible videos to teach patients how to use health portals. The study identified key obstacles, including limited digital literacy, language barriers, and lack of trust in telehealth platforms.
Researchers from Thomas Jefferson University and the University of Maryland Baltimore developed a promising new vaccine candidate that protects against Lassa fever. The study demonstrated the vaccine effectively prevents severe cases of the disease and death in preclinical animal models, paving the way for research in people.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a novel screening tool to measure digital health readiness, addressing barriers to telehealth adoption. The tool assesses technical readiness and quality of care concerns, with promising results in improving equity.
A study by Dr. Hee-Soon Juon found that those who felt stigmatized reported worse depression and physical health, despite greater knowledge of the disease not alleviating feelings of judgment.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are designing more inclusive healthcare environments for autistic children with unique sensory needs. Their study proposes creating sensory adaptive environments and increasing training of medical professionals on sensory differences to improve healthcare experiences.
A cluster randomized controlled trial found that patient education about flu shots during a non-life threatening emergency department visit increases vaccination rates, particularly in patients without regular primary care. The study showed that participants who received video education materials were more likely to get vaccinated, wit...
A new study shows that HIV antiretrovirals can be taken together with gender-affirming hormone therapy without losing potency of either drug. The study found that estrogen and testosterone levels remained unchanged when participants took HIV medications alongside their hormone regimen.
Researchers found that supplementing tryptophan in mice diet increased inflammation-suppressing T-reg cells and reduced colitis symptoms. The findings suggest a potential non-invasive method for improving long-term colitis management.
Researchers found a novel molecular player driving neuroendocrine prostate cancer progression. The discovery uncovers new avenues for treating this aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified a new compound that can be added to existing asthma medications to make them more potent and longer-lasting. This approach could lead to improved symptom relief and reduced side effects for patients who require frequent doses.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University shows adding sensory integration assessments can help guide therapeutic activities for individuals with autism. The assessments provide new information on deficits in multiple and varied categories of sensory integration, which are not recognized by current diagnostic tests.
Researchers found that stress granules are abundant in obesity-related pancreatic cancer and blocking their formation stops cancer growth in animals. The study reveals a potential new direction for developing cancer therapy by targeting stress granule formation.
A recent study by Hee-Soon Juon PhD found that the obesity paradox in lung cancer diagnosis does not hold true for African Americans. While obesity is associated with lower rates of lung cancer diagnosis in the general population, this relationship was not statistically significant among African Americans.
New research from Thomas Jefferson University shows that early childhood enrichment can reverse the effects of lead poisoning on brain development. Over 3,500 genes in the hippocampus are affected by lead exposure, but approximately 80% of gene expression changes are reversed in animals living in stimulating environments.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a new Listeria-based booster that improves the protection of vaccines against recurring colon cancer. The combination of viral and bacterial vaccine approaches shows safe and far more effective results than either approach alone.
The US Preventive Task Force's revised guidelines have increased the proportion of African Americans screened for lung cancer, a move expected to lead to more lives saved. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 800 patients and found that those eligible under the new criteria had a significantly higher rate ...
A recent study published in Movement Disorders suggests that COVID-19 may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by making brain cells more susceptible to damage. Researchers found that mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to exhibit characteristic features of Parkinson's disease after exposure to a toxin.
The largest survey to date found remarkable consistency in interventions across US hospitals based on available clinical evidence and national guidelines. Novel communication methods enabled the near universal adoption of dexamethasone for patients requiring supplementary oxygen, within six-eight months of a randomized clinical trial d...
A new study published in Neurosurgery found that even moderate COVID-19 infection increases the risk of death in younger, healthier stroke patients. The research examined 575 patients with severe stroke and found that COVID-19 patients were nearly 10 years younger and had fewer cardiovascular risk factors.
A new study suggests that common blood pressure medications can prolong survival for pancreatic cancer patients. The study found that patients who took ARB-type therapies and ACE inhibitors had a lower risk of mortality compared to those who did not.
Researchers aimed to tackle racial disparities in prostate cancer by targeting educational interventions to populations at highest risk. A study in Philadelphia neighborhoods found that prostate-specific education improved knowledge and intention to screen, with similar effects on control groups.
Researchers found immune cells in lens trying to fix damage and responding to long-lasting inflammation. Immune cells integrate into lens capsule, increasing invasion with disease progression, contradicting decades of scientific understanding.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that women with advanced melanoma are more likely to die from checkpoint inhibitors, a class of cancer treatment. The researchers analyzed health records of 1,369 patients and discovered a significant difference in mortality rates between men and women treated with the same combinatio...
A new study found that orgasmic meditation produces a distinctive pattern of brain function, affecting areas associated with sexual stimulation and traditional meditation. The practice was correlated with alterations in the autonomic nervous system and reported profound spiritual experiences among participants.
Researchers found that CAR-T cells require a high number of antigens to kill melanoma cells, but TCR-T cells are more effective in detecting and killing tumor cells with lower levels of target molecules. This study could lead to better immunotherapies for solid tumors.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a drug cocktail that can mitigate disc degeneration associated with aging, reducing chronic back pain. By targeting senescent cells, the treatment slowed disc degeneration when administered early in life.
Researchers found no evidence of increased suicide risk among patients taking recently developed antiseizure medications. The study suggests that the FDA's blanket warning on anti-seizure medications may not be justified, highlighting concerns about its impact on patient treatment and trial results.
Researchers developed a peer-led intervention called the Bridge that helps patients prioritize their health, access healthcare, and develop skills to self-manage their health. The approach showed a 50% reduction in emergency room use for participants in the intervention group.
Research from Thomas Jefferson University found that e-cigarette vapor increases levels of the coronavirus receptor ACE-2 in lung tissue of mice, making them more susceptible to infection. Male mice were found to have a greater increase in ACE-2 when exposed to nicotine, highlighting a potential sex difference in vaping-related risks.
A distinctive inflammatory signature has been found in C90RF72 ALS patients, characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory molecules in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. This finding informs the development of targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for this subgroup of ALS patients.
Thomas Jefferson University researchers identified a highly efficient human reverse transcriptase, polymerase theta, which can convert RNA sequences back into DNA. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that polymerases only work in one direction and has implications for various fields of biology.
Researchers found that a commonly used risk-prediction model for lung cancer does not accurately identify high-risk Black patients who could benefit from early screening. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, aimed to strengthen the argument for more inclusive guidelines for screening eligibility.