Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have found that neonatal vaccination with certain bacteria can prevent adult asthma in mice. The protective effect is due to the selection of specific immune system B cells that produce IgA antibodies, which bind and inhibit allergens before triggering asthma.
Researchers at UAB have successfully created as yet unknown new materials by applying pressures greater than those found at the center of the Earth. By using tiny nanocrystalline-diamond anvils, they were able to reach pressures of up to 264 gigapascals.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which Merkel cells in the skin transmit sensory information to nerve endings, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating conditions like diabetes, cancer treatment, and fibromyalgia. This understanding may also enable preventive care for these patients.
Scientists have discovered how ataluren works to treat genetic disorders by allowing the cell's machinery to 'run' over premature stop signs. The drug inserts amino acids similar to those in non-mutated genes, enabling proteins to function normally.
UAB researchers found that removing transcriptional bookmarks can improve reprogramming of human fibroblasts to create induced pluripotent stem cells. This process may increase the yield and quality of iPS cells, essential for patient-specific cell-replacement therapies.
University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers are developing a way to wrap insulin-producing cell-clusters from pigs in a thin protective coating to prevent immune rejection. The goal is to transplant these cells into humans to treat Type 1 diabetes, with promising results in preclinical work.
Researchers at UAB found that the biomarker detected 14 of 15 bacterial infections in cerebrospinal fluid, outperforming the current diagnostic gold standard. The test showed excellent diagnostic capability with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 86%. This breakthrough could improve patient care and reduce healthcare expenses by d...
A new study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery suggests that patients with isolated moderate to severe mitral valve regurgitation may benefit from surgical repair at an earlier stage than previously thought. The research, led by UAB/VA investigators, found severe underlying cardiac muscle damage in asymptom...
Scientists have identified a mechanism that alters neural excitability, a key factor in diseases such as epilepsy, depression, and drug addiction. The discovery provides insight into these conditions and may offer a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers found that infants' airways are colonized with bacteria or bacterial DNA at birth, which could predict severe lung disease. The 'healthy' pattern of colonization seen in BPD-resistant infants is protective, with increased abundance of Lactobacillus.
UAB researchers have discovered that levodopa induces widespread DNA methylation changes in brain cells that contribute to the development and maintenance of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Modulating global DNA methylation may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent or reverse this condition.
A study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that preterm infants with acute kidney injury have distinct protein profiles in their urine compared to those with healthy kidneys. This discovery could help physicians diagnose kidney health in newborns and improve treatment outcomes.
A recent study found that 72% of children harbor at least one strain of Streptococcus mutans not found in any cohabiting family members. The research suggests that child-to-child transmission is a significant route of infection, particularly among African-American and low-socioeconomic groups.
UAB will receive $200,000 per year in base funds for the next five years through the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. The network focuses on addressing preterm birth through translational research, genetics, and new technologies.
Researchers have found an interaction between a mutant gene and alpha synuclein in neurons that contributes to Parkinson's disease pathologies. Drugs now under development may block the process by targeting LRRK2 kinase activity.
A recent study by researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham found that imposing a mild to moderate strain on muscles and nerves can provoke symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Participants with CFS reported significantly increased body pain and concentration difficulties during the procedure, as well as greater symptom inten...
Researchers will assess treatment of asymptomatic babies born with congenital CMV and investigate frequency of neonatal herpes infections in the US and Peru. Early detection and close follow-up can lessen the effects of congenital CMV in infants.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a quality-control checkpoint in pre-B cells that restricts the range of antibodies produced by mature B cells. The discovery has potential implications for making vaccines more potent.
Research suggests that extra-coding RNAs play a critical role in regulating DNA methylation patterns in the adult brain, particularly in memory formation. By interacting with DNA methyltransferase enzymes, ecRNAs control the addition or removal of methyl groups at precise spots on chromosomal DNA.
A new biomarker, phosphorylated protein kinase LRRK2, has been found in patient urine samples and correlates with the presence and severity of Parkinson's disease. Elevated levels of this biomarker predict the risk for onset of Parkinson's disease and may be a promising guide for future clinical treatments.
A UAB study finds that laundry pod detergents are far more likely to cause poisoning injuries in young children than non-pod detergents, with an estimated 71% of pod-related exposures classified as poisoning. The research estimates there were almost 36,000 cases of injury due to all types of laundry detergent between 2012 and 2014.
A ketogenic diet has shown promise in reducing tumor size and progression in ovarian cancer, with a new clinical trial aiming to replicate these results in humans. The trial aims to investigate the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on ovarian cancer patients' quality of life and cancer-related measures.
Researchers found that women generally outlive men across multiple species, with a ubiquity of survival advantage. However, they also appear to be in poorer health through adult life, with higher rates of physical limitations and health problems like osteoarthritis and back pain.
Researchers are developing a custom-engineered tissue patch using robotic 3-D printing and computer-assisted manufacturing. The patch aims to replace or protect damaged heart muscle after a heart attack, offering new hope for patients with post-infarction left ventricle remodeling and heart failure.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is developing a training program to equip health care and public safety workers with the skills and knowledge needed to protect themselves and their communities from potential exposure to contaminated materials or infected individuals. The program, funded by the National Institute of Environmenta...
A recent study published in Frontiers in Genetics found that black men with more genetic variants descended from West Africa tend to have a lower waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, indicating less central adiposity. This suggests that certain genes may provide partial protection against obesity.
Researchers have developed a novel therapeutic strategy for treating cystic fibrosis, restoring lung cell function to 50% of healthy levels. By using a yeast genetic model, they identified key targets that can rescue the misfolding of the deltaF508-CFTR protein, which affects nearly 90% of patients with cystic fibrosis.
Researchers found that viral adaptation in HIV can predict a person's current disease status, as well as the degree to which newly transmitted HIV-1 is adapted to their new host. This knowledge can help design more effective vaccines by focusing on parts of the virus that are most difficult to undergo adaptation.
Researchers found that a JAK/STAT pathway inhibitor, AZD1480, reduces neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease rat models. The study suggests that Jakinibs may be an important new approach to slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers aim to determine if enhancing cognitive functioning through speed of processing training can improve quality of life in middle-aged and older adults with HIV. The study will compare the effects of varying amounts of specialized speed of processing training on cognitive ability and everyday functioning skills.
Researchers propose a new model identifying an unanticipated property of newly formed, immature neurons in the dentate gyrus. These cells enhance pattern discrimination by having fewer synaptic connections and high intrinsic excitability.
Researchers discovered a genetic variant that influences vaccine response and autoimmune disease risk. Individuals with this variant express an additional immune system receptor on their B cells, which activates antibody production, potentially leading to autoimmune diseases.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that occasional marijuana use is not associated with long-term loss of lung function. Marijuana smoke was shown to increase lung air flow rates and capacity, but only up to moderately high levels of use.
Research by Wally Carlo found that antenatal corticosteroids significantly reduce mortality and neurodevelopmental impairments in extremely preterm infants from 22 to 25 weeks gestation. The study showed a 33% decrease in mortality and a 20% decrease in neurodevelopmental impairments.
A new saliva test has been developed to identify cytomegalovirus (CMV) in newborns with high accuracy, enabling early detection of potential hearing loss. The test, which shows promise in a multi-center study, may revolutionize the way CMV infections are detected and treated in infants.
Researchers found that alemtuzumab is as safe and effective as basiliximab or antithymocyte globulin in preventing organ rejection after kidney transplant. The study's results suggest that the less expensive drug option could lead to cost savings without compromising patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that an antioxidant called MitoQ can prevent damage to the liver caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The study suggests that MitoQ may be a useful agent for treating liver damage caused by prolonged, habitual alcohol use.
A study found that black Americans are more willing to spend all their personal finances on cancer treatment to extend life, compared to whites. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding patients' financial decisions in delivering high-quality care.
Two studies published in JAMA describe the first clinical applications of whole-genome sequencing in patients with cancer, enabling targeted therapies based on genetic mutations. The technology is becoming increasingly affordable, with costs expected to drop below $10,000 within five years.
A study found that cosmic radiation accelerates atherosclerosis development in mice, worsening existing lesions. This discovery could inform treatment and prevention strategies for long-duration space missions.
Researchers at UAB have discovered that blocking a specific receptor on glioma cells can starve them of nutrients, effectively stopping their invasion in the brain. The target is a drug already approved for use in Europe, which increases blood vessel size.
A study published in Neurology found that eating fried fish in the stroke belt states of Alabama, Georgia, and others is associated with a higher risk of stroke. The study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids in fish may reduce stroke risk, but frying destroys these nutrients.
Researchers at UAB found that robotic surgery for upper airway and digestive track malignant tumors is as effective as standard minimally invasive techniques, with a two-year survival rate of 86.3%. The study also showed improved swallowing function in patients.
Researchers have identified a protein that compromises kidney function and cause nephrotic syndrome. A naturally occurring precursor to an acid in the body may offer a new potential treatment for some forms of the condition.
New research suggests that exposure to nicotine during pregnancy can lead to a decrease in adult stem cells and alter synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, increasing the risk of behavioral problems such as ADHD. The findings may provide a brain-circuitry mechanism for learning disabilities in children born to smoking mothers.
New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham suggests that Celebrex may help prevent some non-melanoma skin cancers. The study found that celecoxib was highly effective in preventing cancer development from pre-cancerous actinic keratoses lesions, especially in patients with large numbers of lesions.
Researchers found a high rate of weight gain in animal populations, despite varying diets and activity levels. The study suggests that alternative causes, such as epigenetics, may contribute to the obesity epidemic.
A small study shows that VX-770, targeting the defective CFTR protein, improves lung function and other key indicators in cystic fibrosis patients. The drug has shown promise for treating the root cause of the disease.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that cigarette smoke inhibits the enzyme Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase (LTA4H), preventing it from shutting down proline-glycine-proline (PGP). This leads to chronic inflammation and a never-ending cycle of neutrophil recruitment. The study identifies PGP as a biomarker for lung d...
Researchers found that only 51% of HIV-exposed infants received nevirapine, a minimal dose needed to protect them from mother-to-child transmission. The study highlights the need to expand programs and improve monitoring to address programmatic failures and common problems in preventing mother-to-child transmission.