Researchers at UAlberta have developed a new microscope technology that allows them to observe particles in a living yeast cell and track the route of RNA transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This breakthrough finding has significant implications for medical advances and understanding of cellular biology.
Researchers found that flaviviruses target peroxisomes to subvert the body's early antiviral defenses. The degradation of protein Pex19 leads to a loss of interferon production, making cells more vulnerable to viral infection.
Researchers found that soaking islet cells in Anti-aging Glycopeptide (AAGP) protects them from tacrolimus, a toxic drug commonly used during transplants. This allows for fewer cells to be used, potentially treating more patients with the Edmonton Protocol.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential new pathway for treating multiple sclerosis by suppressing granzyme B, an enzyme that damages nerve cells. By inhibiting granzyme B with serpina3n, they found significant reduction in MS symptoms in human cells and pre-clinical models.
A University of Alberta study found that homeless people who felt disrespected during police interactions retained negative attitudes towards police for at least two years. The study suggests teaching empathic listening and communication skills to police can improve interactions with the homeless population.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown protein that plays a vital role in DNA repair, potentially leading to new biomarkers and treatments for cancer. The discovery could help prevent errors during the repair process, reducing the risk of mutations and cancer.
A study by University of Alberta researchers discovered a new molecular pathway that manages insulin production, offering hope for restoring the 'dimmer switch' in Type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that this pathway can be revived to control insulin secretion from islet cells.
A recent Alberta study found that pharmacist-led care can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients, with patients receiving enhanced care being twice as likely to reach their recommended targets. The RxACTION project demonstrated the effectiveness of pharmacists' independent prescribing and active patient management.
Researchers have found that two bile acids, ursodeoxycholic acid and tauroursodeoxycholic acid, can slow the progression of prion disease when given early in the disease process. These compounds bind to proteins causing disease and prevent them from spreading.
Scientists have developed a new technology that significantly improves the ability to target specific faulty genes and edit them with healthy DNA. The method reduces off-target DNA binding, allowing researchers to produce gene editing tools that are 100 times more specific for their target sequence.
A new study reveals that adverse childhood experiences can heighten a woman's risk of preterm birth, with the risk doubling if two or more events occur. Researchers hope to develop early interventions and predict which women are at risk of preterm birth.
A clinical trial is underway at the Royal Alexandra Hospital to test a new gene therapy treatment for choroideremia, a genetic disorder that causes inherited blindness. The treatment involves injecting a customized virus into the retina to transfer a healthy gene, with promising results already seen in early patients.
A recent UAlberta study reveals nearly half of severely obese patients require ICU admission and one in five do not survive after emergency surgery. The researchers attribute these findings to underlying health conditions, malnutrition, and impaired healing due to obesity.
A pilot study reveals significant early results for the program, with a 28% decrease in depression scores and 12% decrease in anxiety scores among students. The program has also led to a decrease in suicidal thinking and improved mental health outcomes.
Researchers found traditional teaching methods focus on factual knowledge rather than visual training, leading to improved results with perceptual training modules. Undergraduate students reached expertise in identifying skin cancers and benign lesions within two hours of training.
A University of Alberta study found that youth from families receiving government subsidies and First Nations children accounted for disproportionately high rates of self-harming behavior at Alberta's emergency rooms. The study suggests that social determinants, such as living conditions, play a crucial role in mental health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that parents of children at high risk for autism spectrum disorder reported more early concerns, particularly sensory and motor issues starting at six months. Early parental concerns can be predictive of autism diagnosis, highlighting the importance of talking to parents and taking their concerns seriously.
Researchers have developed a new technique for islet transplantation under the skin, which shows promise in reversing diabetes in preclinical models. This approach harnesses the body's natural ability to respond to a foreign body by growing new blood vessels, offering a safer and more reliable treatment option.
Lorne Tyrrell, a renowned virologist, has been awarded the 2015 Killam Prize for Health Sciences for his groundbreaking work on viral hepatitis. His research has led to the development of an effective treatment for hepatitis B and is being continued in efforts to create a vaccine for hepatitis C.
A new study from the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry found that keeping a pain diary can have unintended consequences on patient recovery. Patients who kept diaries had slower recovery rates compared to those who did not.
Researchers at the University of Alberta and University of Manitoba identified a link between infant gut bacteria and future food sensitization. The study found that infants with fewer diverse gut bacteria at three months old were more likely to develop food allergies by one year old.
A team of researchers from the University of Alberta has shown that betaretrovirus infects patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, a rare autoimmune liver disease. The study used next-generation sequencing to identify viral DNA integration sites in patient genomes, providing evidence of viral infection.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that the brain can regulate fat metabolism, potentially stopping the development of atherosclerosis and its associated risks. The researchers discovered that the brain uses the presence of fatty acids to trigger the liver to reduce its own lipid production.
Researchers from UAlberta found that nighttime leg cramps peak in summer and burden doubles in the season. The study suggests that patients can stop taking quinine during colder months when symptoms worsen.
A recent study found that communities with higher levels of Indigenous language knowledge and cultural continuity have significantly lower diabetes rates, contrary to expectations. The research suggests that reconnecting Aboriginal Canadians to their cultural roots may be a crucial factor in addressing the epidemic of modern times.
Researchers inhibit autotaxin, an enzyme that promotes cancer cell survival and metastasis, decreasing tumor growth by up to 70% and improving chemotherapy effectiveness. The discovery offers a new therapy potential for breast and thyroid cancer patients.
A UAlberta team discovered a protein linked to metabolic regulation is critical in pulmonary hypertension development. Lower levels of Sirtuin3 have been found in patients with the disease, and gene therapy approaches show promise for improving symptoms.
A new study from University of Alberta researcher Sunita Vohra examines the use of alternative therapies among pediatric cardiac patients in Canada. The study found that 64% of patients at Stollery Children's Hospital reported using complementary and alternative medicine products, with most having no regrets about their choices.
A University of Alberta researcher has found that frailty among critically ill adults is surprisingly common and associated with higher mortality rates and poorer quality of life. The study aims to provide clinicians with a bedside tool to assess frailty and improve patient care.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have explained how a key protein in the heart changes in heart failure, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind this complex condition. By studying troponin I, they discovered that increased calcium sensitivity actually helps trigger contraction, despite slower relaxation.
Research identifies two genes, FOXC1 and PITX2, that cause cerebral small vessel disease, a condition increasing stroke risk up to tenfold. Mutations lead to impaired vascular stability, ultimately resulting in long-term stroke risk.
University of Alberta researchers have developed a new resuscitation method that combines oxygen flow and chest compressions, increasing survival rates for newborn babies. The technique has already helped save the lives of eight infants in a clinical trial.
A new study confirms the role of invadopodia in cancer spread, showing that preventing their formation can stop cancer entirely. The study identifies a potential therapeutic target for drug development to prevent invadopodia formation.
A deck of cards created by UAlberta researcher Geoff Ball helps parents engage in discussions about their child's weight management. The CONversation Cards, recognized with a GEM award, aim to improve health outcomes and patient-centered care.
Researchers found that an enzyme thought to reside only in mitochondria can also produce acetyl-CoA in the nucleus, leading to faster cancer cell growth. The discovery may have broader implications for understanding epigenetic regulation in various physiological and pathological conditions.
Researchers found that pharmacist-led interventions show a significant improvement in blood pressure and cholesterol levels compared to current standard of care. Nurse-led care saw a 30% improvement, while pharmacist-led care achieved a 43% improvement in improving patient outcomes.
UAlberta researchers found that activating both AMPK and retrograde response pathways simultaneously can benefit cells with damaged mitochondria. This study provides a new concept for dealing with metabolic problems associated with mitochondrial disorders.
A new study led by Meghan Azad found that probiotics have no effect on preventing childhood asthma. However, the research did identify a potential association between probiotics and lower respiratory infections in babies who received them as infants or in utero.
Medical researchers at the University of Alberta found that one chemotherapy drug prevents another from working, making combination therapy ineffective. This discovery will guide oncologists on how to combine or avoid certain drugs, ultimately leading to better treatment options for patients.
Medical researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a potential drug target for a rare genetic disease, paving the way for an alternative treatment. The discovery links specific defects in the enzyme to specific symptoms and could lead to the development of drugs to treat less severe forms of the disease.
Researchers at UAlberta have discovered a potential new treatment for colitis by using a leukemia drug to reverse symptoms in lab tests. The discovery suggests that inhibiting inflammation can reduce the likelihood of patients with ulcerative colitis developing colorectal cancer later in life.
A new study reveals that body mass index (BMI) is not an effective predictor of mortality in bariatric surgery patients. Researchers found that sex, smoking status, and diabetes are better indicators of risk. The study suggests that the current practice of prioritizing bariatric surgery for obese women may be misguided, as men who are ...
A team of UAlberta medical researchers has developed a potential new treatment for atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem affecting 1 in 200 people. The new drug, based on the resveratrol compound found in red wine and nuts, regulates electrical activity in the heart and reduces abnormal heart-rhythm episodes.
A new MRI technique has been developed to detect Fabry disease, a genetic condition that affects the heart, brain, and nerves. The T1 mapping test can identify microscopic changes in the heart muscle structure that are not visible on regular images, allowing for early detection and treatment.
Medical scientists at the University of Alberta have made a key discovery about how the immune system kills healthy cells while attacking infections. Their research could lead to better solutions for cancer and anti-viral treatments by manipulating the immune system response to block collateral damage.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism of DNA repair that operates differently from previously thought. The research reveals how proteins BRCA1 and TopBP1 communicate, which could lead to more targeted cancer therapies. Researchers aim to explore ways to exploit these findings for improved treatments.
Research reveals delayed brain development in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) compared to those without the disorder. Children with FASD show greatest gains in reading ability among other cognitive measures as their brains develop.
Researchers from the University of Alberta have developed a test to detect pathogenic E. coli in meat at food processing facilities, improving safety and reducing costs. The device is easy to use and can provide results in under an hour, making it an exciting application for the food industry.
A clinical trial found that music significantly reduced children's reported pain and distress during IV procedures. The study also showed improved satisfaction levels for parents and healthcare providers. Researchers hope to continue exploring the benefits of music as a distraction from pain.
Research at the University of Alberta found that rats with low birth weights are more susceptible to age-related vision loss. The team's findings suggest a potential link between low birth weights and complex diseases like age-related eye disorders.