A new study suggests that a storytelling approach can help African-Americans with hypertension control their blood pressure through diet and medication adherence. The approach, which involves recognizable community members sharing positive messages, was found to be effective in improving blood pressure control among patients.
Dr. Sena-Esteves is investigating gene therapy techniques to replace the faulty gene causing Tay-Sachs Disease, a devastating neurological disorder. He's part of the Tay-Sachs Gene Therapy Consortium aiming to translate current results into a human clinical trial within three years.
Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered that paternal diet can reprogram lipid metabolizing genes in offspring, increasing the risk of diabetes and heart disease. The study suggests that epigenetic inheritance plays a significant role in complex diseases.
A UMass Medical School study found a genetic link in apnea of prematurity (AOP), with identical twins showing an 87% correlation. The research suggests heredity may play a strong role in determining an infant's susceptibility to AOP, leading to the development of more effective treatments and screening methods.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed FlexBone, a synthetic bone material with bone-like properties, to replace traditional bone transplants. The material facilitates tissue repair by absorbing proteins from the surrounding tissue, accelerating healing, and delivering growth factors.
UMMS researchers discovered a common link between familial ALS and sporadic ALS, suggesting that the SOD1 gene plays a role in both forms of the disease. The study found that an oxidized form of the SOD1 protein shared characteristics with the mutant SOD1 protein found in familial ALS.
A new monoclonal antibody, RAB-1, has shown promising results in a Phase 1 study, achieving protective antibody levels comparable to the current standard of treatment. The therapy could potentially save tens of thousands of lives annually by addressing supply problems and side-effect issues associated with human rabies immune globulin.
The study found that spine, hip, and upper leg fractures resulted in the greatest decrease in quality of life. Nearly 40% of women over 50 will experience a fracture, with chronic pain and reduced mobility being common consequences.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have found valproic acid to halt vision loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa, a severe neurodegenerative disease that causes blindness. The study suggests that low-dose valproic acid could be an effective treatment for photoreceptor loss associated with RP.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have discovered a new DAF-16 isoform that collaborates with other isoforms to regulate longevity and stress response in C. elegans. The newly found isoform, DAF-16d/f, works in concert with DAF-16a to promote organismal life span.
Scientists have identified two genes, Clock and cycle, that regulate the need to sleep and eat in fruit flies. The study found that these genes help flies regulate sleep when food is scarce, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying this conflict.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have identified a crucial pathway in malignant glioma cells that can be targeted with existing cancer drugs, offering new possibilities for therapy. The discovery was made using genome-wide RNA interference screening and has implications for the treatment of this deadly brain cancer.
Researchers have created a new type of tissue and bone scaffolding polymer that addresses long-standing limitations in grafting materials. The smart polymer combines tissue-like properties and strength, and can be reshaped to fit complex injury sites before surgery.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have identified a novel microRNA-mediated genetic pathway responsible for triggering vascular growth in zebrafish embryos. This discovery provides new insights into how vascular systems develop and may offer a potential therapeutic target for limiting blood vessel formation in solid cancers.
A landmark international study of over 60,000 women found that many are unaware of their risk factors for debilitating fractures, which can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and increased mortality. The study emphasizes the need for improved education on osteoporosis risk factors and treatment options.
Researchers discovered that two related photoreceptor proteins found in monarch butterflies can mediate magnetoreception by an unconventional photochemical mechanism. The study provides the first genetic evidence for a vertebrate-like Cry protein functioning as a magnetoreceptor in animals.
A combination of two fully human monoclonal antibodies shown to reduce Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection recurrence by 72%. The treatment resulted in a significant reduction in disease relapse, offering new hope for patients battling this debilitating condition.
Researchers have identified a genetic locus on chromosome 7 associated with canine compulsive disorder (CCD), a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The CDH2 gene region is linked to increased risk of CCD in Doberman breeds and may be involved in human OCD and autism spectrum disorders.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have discovered that monarch butterflies use their antennae to navigate towards Mexico, contradicting previous assumptions that the brain played a primary role. The study found that removing or blocking the antennae impaired the butterflies' ability to orient themselves correctly.
Researchers successfully delivered functional genes to patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, triggering the production of a protective protein. The study shows promise for gene therapy as a potential treatment option for this genetic disorder.
A genetic variant in the KIFAP3 gene has been linked to a significant increase in survival time for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The variant, found in over 1,800 individuals with ALS and nearly 2,200 unaffected controls, is associated with improved motor function and increased survival by 40-50 percent.
A human monoclonal antibody developed by Massachusetts Biologic Laboratories (MBL) neutralizes the Hepatitis C virus and prevents infection in a pre-clinical animal model. The antibody could be used as a therapy shortly before and after transplant surgery to prevent re-infection.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School describe a potent method to deliver therapeutic siRNA molecules orally, silencing genes in mice and showing promise for treating human diseases. The method uses yeast particles as a delivery shell, targeting specific cells and achieving gene silencing with minimal immune response.
Researchers at UMMS discovered a new gene whose mutations cause familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The FUS/TLS gene mutation is estimated to account for 5 percent of inherited ALS cases and implicate defective pathways previously identified in other genetic forms of ALS.
Researchers have confirmed the identities of the two missing Romanov children murdered in 1918 using DNA analysis. The study used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA to link the remains to Empress Alexandra and Crown Prince Alexei, resolving a 90-year-old mystery. Genetic connections were established through maternal and paternal lineages.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that medication errors involving chemotherapy are common in outpatient cancer treatment settings. The study revealed that adults and children alike were at risk of receiving incorrect doses or experiencing other medication-related mistakes.
MicroRNA researcher Victor Ambros, PhD, received the prestigious Lasker Award alongside Gary Ruvkun and David Baulcombe. The award recognizes their work on microRNAs, which are now understood to regulate genes in both animals and plants.
A new study found that microRNA may influence the development of alcohol tolerance by regulating gene expression in brain cells. MicroRNA-9 was shown to block the expression of certain BK channel variants, which exhibited high alcohol sensitivity and low tolerance.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School have developed a new technique to target individual genes for inactivation in zebrafish embryos using engineered zinc-finger nucleases. This method has the potential to answer questions that were previously out of reach and will fundamentally change how researchers make knockouts in model organi...
A unique HIV vaccine formulation has been shown to induce strong and balanced immune responses in healthy human volunteers. The combination approach used in the study achieved high titer antibodies that recognized a diverse group of HIV envelope proteins, providing promising results for future efforts to optimize HIV vaccine formulations.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School, led by Shan Lu and Katherine Ruiz De Luzuriaga, have received a $1 million grant to develop a pediatric HIV vaccine. The team will study regulatory T cells in infants, breast milk antibodies, and the impact of feeding on infant susceptibility to HIV infection.
A landmark observational study is tracking the management of osteoporosis in 60,000 postmenopausal women from around the world. The Global Longitudinal Registry of Osteoporosis in Women (GLOW) aims to improve diagnosis and treatment standards, with data collected over five years.
The study found a 50% decline in cystic fibrosis births and a decrease in severe gene mutations, suggesting that prenatal carrier screening may be reducing the number of affected births. The authors attribute the decline to the gradual implementation of preconception and prenatal screening for CF.
A recent UMass Medical School study found that over 80% of patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease do not improve their diet one year after diagnosis. The study used the Alternative Health Eating Index to assess dietary quality and found that only a small percentage of patients met recommended daily intake levels for fruits, veg...
Researchers have discovered a novel circadian clock mechanism in monarch butterflies, involving two distinct cryptochrome proteins. This mechanism is similar to that found in mammals and plays a critical role in navigation during migration.
Researchers at UMass Medical School discovered a complex pathway that allows cells to survive and die through autophagy, a process previously misunderstood. The study sheds light on the relationship between autophagy and cell death, with potential implications for cancer, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's treatments.
The UMass Chan Medical School Heat Shock Protein Consortium will investigate the causes of type 1 diabetes with dual grants from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and The Iacocca Foundation. The research aims to understand the role of cellular stress in autoimmune diabetes, with specific focus on endoplasmic reticulum st...
UMMS associate professor JeanMarie Houghton received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, recognizing her work on the link between gastric cancers and bone marrow-derived stem cells. Her research aims to understand the progression of events leading to cancer development and develop targeted treatments.
Researchers at UMass Medical School are developing new strategies to combat HIV/AIDS, including designing inhibitors that can evade drug resistance. The $8.5M grant will support studies on the structure and function of HIV protease, aiming to create more effective treatments for patients.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have identified a new pathway for cancer cell growth and survival, providing a blueprint for the design of novel anticancer agents. The study found that targeting the Hsp90 chaperone in the mitochondria can induce massive tumor cell death while sparing normal cells.
The study will follow 100,000 children from birth to age 21, collecting data on biological and environmental samples to identify solutions to pressing health issues such as autism, diabetes, and obesity. The research aims to provide valuable insights for developing preventive strategies and guidelines to promote healthy development.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that an initial experience of relaxation in response to nicotine is the strongest predictor of future addiction among sixth-graders. Other factors that predicted addiction include familiarity with cigarette advertising, novelty-seeking personality and depressed mood.
A new study by UMass Medical School researchers found that certain popular weight-loss plans significantly outperform others in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The Ornish, Weight Watchers High Carbohydrate, and New Glucose Revolution plans scored highest due to their emphasis on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that 94% of 14-15 year olds watched R-rated movies and 38.5% watched weekly, suggesting the R rating may not prevent teen smoking. The study suggests glamorization of smoking in movies can be a significant risk factor for youth smoking.
A new study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that 10% of youth who smoke cigarettes are addicted within two days of first inhaling from a cigarette. Adolescents who smoke even just a few cigarettes per month suffer withdrawal symptoms when deprived of nicotine.