A large international study found that starting dialysis early in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury did not reduce mortality after three months. The accelerated renal-replacement therapy strategy did not show significant difference in survival between the two treatment approaches.
A new study found that living close to green space can mitigate changes in infant gut bacteria associated with formula feeding. Formula-fed babies living near natural environments had a gut microbiome more similar to breastfed babies, with increased presence of Proteobacteria.
A new study found that teenagers who go to bed late have a higher risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Researchers suspect that disruptions to melatonin production due to digital screen exposure may be the cause, and are urging clinicians to ask about sleep habits when diagnosing allergies and asthma.
A synthetic molecule has been designed to stop production of a toxic protein that destroys muscles in people with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Researchers found that the treatment effectively reduced DUX4 production by over 99% and improved muscle cell function.
Researchers have identified conjunctivitis as a potential primary symptom of COVID-19, leading to changes in patient diagnosis and treatment protocols. Ophthalmologists are now taking extra precautions when treating patients with conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, including wearing personal protective equipment.
Researchers found that RSV manipulates two gene receptors in cells to gain entry and infect. The discovery sheds light on how the common respiratory syncytial virus breaks into cells, a key step in infection. Current treatment options are limited, but blocking the interaction of the virus with the receptor may prevent infection.
A recent study by cardiologists at the University of Alberta found that combining a blood-thinning drug rivaroxaban with aspirin daily reduces major adverse events and mortality rates in patients with chronic coronary disease who have had an angioplasty. The treatment was found to be significantly better than aspirin alone in preventin...
Researchers found similarities between COVID-19 deaths and severe rheumatic illnesses, suggesting that treatments boosting immune-regulating NK cells may help. Regular exercise is also recommended to enhance NK cell activity in non-infected individuals.
Researchers are developing a vaccine targeting the spike protein, aiming to establish an immune response that protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The partnership with Tonix Pharmaceuticals accelerates the process, leveraging their expertise in product development.
Scientists at the University of Alberta have shown that remdesivir is highly effective in stopping the replication mechanism of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The drug works by tricking the virus into incorporating itself as a building block, effectively preventing it from replicating.
Vericiguat, a novel guanylate cyclase stimulator agent, has shown significant benefits in reducing negative health events in patients with worsening chronic heart failure. The VICTORIA trial demonstrated an absolute reduction of 4.2% in patients already receiving optimal care.
A pair of new studies indicate parents are more reluctant to have opioids prescribed for their children than doctors, citing fears of addiction and side-effects. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of treating children's pain while acknowledging the unknown risks of opioid treatment.
A new study links maternal depression during pregnancy to lower immunoglobulin A levels in infants, linking them to higher risks of infection, asthma, and depression later in life. The research found that even mild depressive symptoms had a significant impact on the infant's immune system.
Researchers found remdesivir works by mimicking natural building blocks for RNA synthesis, preventing viral replication. The study provides important insight into the mechanism of action of the drug and its potential effectiveness against COVID-19.
A new study finds that elder-friendly surgical care significantly improves outcomes for older patients after emergency surgery. The tailored treatment program assesses frailty, prevents infection, gets patients moving and home more quickly.
A new study by the University of Alberta found that pregnant women with elevated fasting blood sugar levels are at a higher risk of complications, including large babies, high blood pressure, and preterm births. Despite receiving diabetes drug treatments, these women were more likely to experience adverse outcomes.
Researchers found that microglia, immune cells in the brain and central nervous system, encase macrophages, preventing them from dispersing into areas they shouldn't be. This discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that virtual assistants such as Google Home and Alexa perform better than Siri and Cortana in providing accurate first aid information. However, even the top performers fell short, recognizing only 56% of topics correctly and giving accepted advice only 19% of the time.
A new treatment approach for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare blood disease, has been proposed by University of Alberta researcher Robert Gniadecki. He found that cancer cells originate from the blood, not the skin, and suggests treating malignant clones in the blood rather than waiting until they reach the skin.
A new study found that genetic testing in infant siblings of children with autism can predict future diagnoses, allowing for earlier interventions. The study identified copy number variations linked to ASD in 7% of the tested siblings.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have made a breakthrough in restoring lower-body function after severe spinal injuries using tiny spinal implants. The implants use hair-like electrical wires to trigger the networks that already know how to do the hard work, and have shown remarkable consistency across the animal spectrum.
A new study published in Scientific Reports found that short-term sugar consumption increases the risk of colitis and worsens symptoms in mice. Madsen's research revealed that high-sugar diets feed 'bad' microbes, leading to inflammation and immune system problems.
A new study found that less than 20% of Canadian patients with chronic kidney disease received a critical urine test within six months of diagnosis, highlighting a significant gap in care. The test is crucial for assessing the severity of kidney disease and guiding treatment.
New research warns Canadians against taking daily aspirin for primary prevention due to increased risk of major internal bleeding and potential increase in cancer deaths. Experts recommend alternative preventive measures such as smoking cessation, exercise, blood pressure tracking, and considering the Mediterranean diet.
Researchers at the University of Alberta are developing a new treatment that could help almost half of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy by restoring dystrophin protein production. The experimental cocktail of DNA-like molecules has shown dramatic regrowth of dystrophin, which acts as a support beam to keep muscles strong.
Researchers have discovered two short peptides that significantly improved memory and reduced physical changes in the brain of mice with Alzheimer's disease. The treatment uses a process of computer modeling and artificial intelligence to develop an optimized oral version of the drug, which could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered how breastfed babies absorb large amounts of calcium, building healthy bones. This mechanism could be key to treating osteoporosis and other bone diseases later in life.
University of Alberta researchers have identified a unique biological marker that can predict the course of myasthenia gravis and develop personalized treatment plans. The biomarker, composed of 12 metabolites exclusive to patients with myasthenia gravis, enables early diagnosis and more effective management of the disease.
University of Alberta researchers found a critical protein called PEX3 in the cells of a deadly infectious parasite, opening the door to less harmful treatment options for millions suffering from diseases. The discovery could lead to effective drug treatments that target and kill parasites without harming human hosts.
A new clinical trial will test the effects of the anti-obesity drug setmelanotide on participants with Bardet-Biedl syndrome or Alström syndrome, two rare genetic disorders that include obesity as a symptom. The trial aims to assess the drug's ability to lead to significant weight loss in these individuals.
Researchers have identified how precision cancer drugs work, enabling new applications and combination therapies. The discovery reveals the role of PARP proteins in DNA repair, increasing sensitivity to radiation therapy and potential for treating aggressive cancers.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a specific genetic marker linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. The study found that up to 40% of women carrying the genetic variation are at higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those without it.
Researchers have developed a new medical therapy that could protect people with cardiovascular disease by boosting the body's natural defences. The treatment, which is based on a peptide called apelin, has shown promising results in mice and humans, reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that fibrinogen inhibits MMP2, an enzyme important for normal organ development and repair. High levels of fibrinogen may excessively inhibit MMP2, leading to arthritic and cardiac disorders.
A large-scale study of nearly half a million births in Canada found that first-trimester fainting episodes are linked to preterm births, low birth weight, and increased heart problems. Researchers urge expectant mothers who faint during pregnancy to report it to their doctors.
Researchers have identified eight protein biomarkers that enable accurate differentiation between endometrioid and high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas. This breakthrough could lead to more precise diagnosis and tailored treatment for patients, reducing the risk of undertreatment or overtreatment.
A Canadian study of over 2,400 families found that spending two hours or more of screen time per day is associated with clinically significant behavioral problems in preschoolers. Organized sports and good quality sleep were also identified as protective factors against the negative effects of screen time.
Researchers have developed an experimental combined drug therapy that dramatically shrinks tumours and prevents metastasis in mice by targeting the DNA repair capability of cancer cells. The treatment has few side-effects compared to traditional chemotherapy and is being tested in clinical trials.
A new study found that babies sleeping less at three months old are more likely to have mothers without a university degree or experience prenatal depression. The researchers analyzed data from over 600 infants and their mothers, revealing that maternal education and prenatal depression significantly impact infant sleep duration.
University of Alberta researchers have discovered a way to make chemotherapy more effective against cancer while blocking its harmful side effects on the heart. By stabilizing a specific metabolic protein, they were able to prevent heart damage and enhance tumor regression in preclinical mouse models.
Researchers pinpointed the premelanosome protein (PMEL) gene as the cause of pigmentary glaucoma, a condition that affects 150,000 people in North America. The study found that mutations in this gene lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
Researchers have identified a key molecule named PI3K alpha that binds to gelsolin and suppresses its enzyme activity, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. The discovery offers potential for targeted therapies in patients with heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Alberta developed a machine-learning algorithm to analyze brain function images and predict schizophrenia diagnosis with 78% accuracy. The model also identified patients who would respond positively to antipsychotic treatment risperidone with 82% accuracy.
University of Alberta researchers discovered 11 genes that play essential roles in cancer cell metastasis, enabling the blockage of over 99.5% of cancer metastasis in living cells. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets for preventing cancer spread.
A team of researchers from UAlberta has identified a new pathway in the brain that could lead to the development of a new treatment for anxiety disorders. By targeting the peptide NPY, they found that it can reduce anxiety and increase stress resilience. This breakthrough provides hope for finding new avenues for treatment.
Researchers have identified pyroptosis, a type of programmed cell death associated with inflammation, as a key mechanism in multiple sclerosis. The discovery of the process and its link to brain cells has led to the development of a potential new treatment using an anti-inflammatory drug.
A University of Alberta study found that nearly six per cent of patients have a heart attack without any blockage in the arteries, with five per cent experiencing another heart attack or death within one year. Patients with MINOCA are twice as likely to be female and require more aggressive preventive treatment.
The University of Alberta has successfully produced enough medical isotopes for 1,000 diagnostic procedures a day using a particle accelerator called a cyclotron. This innovation addresses the shortage of technetium-99m, a crucial isotope used in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
University of Alberta researchers develop a new guide molecule, bridged nucleic acid (BNA), to improve the accuracy of gene-editing technology. The BNA is shown to be much more stable and stringent in finding the correct DNA sequence to cut, promising to bring gene-editing closer to therapeutic reality.
The molecular microscope system uses gene chips to read molecules in heart and lung transplant biopsies, providing more precise readings with fewer tissue samples. The system is showing promising results for both heart and lung transplant biopsies, improving patient outcomes and reducing errors.