Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new technique to simplify the study of protein networks and identify individual interactions. By introducing synthetic proteins into cells, they revealed a key interaction between Grb2 and Ptpn11/Shp2 phosphatase that regulates embryonic stem cell differentiation.
Researchers identified a tiny mutation in BTK as the cause of drug resistance to ibrutinib in CLL patients, which destabilizes binding and allows leukemic cells to multiply freely. The finding could guide development of new agents to treat drug-resistant disease.
A study found that observing e-cigarette use increases young adult smokers' desire to smoke both combustible and e-cigarettes. The study suggests a need for policy attention on the secondary effects of e-cigarette use on observers.
A new study published in Diabetes journal found that poor-quality sleep during late pregnancy can increase the odds of weight gain and metabolic abnormalities in offspring. Disrupted sleep can lead to epigenetic modifications that reduce expression of the adiponectin gene, resulting in increased body fat and reduced activity.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that young binge drinkers who experience strong stimulation and reward from alcohol are at higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder over time. These heavy drinkers showed a strongly positive preference for alcohol in their 20s, with lower sedative effects.
The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center has been awarded a five-year, $3.9-million grant to serve as a Lead Academic Participating Site for the National Clinical Trials Network. The new network aims to improve cancer clinical trials' speed and efficiency.
Researchers found that filling of ecological niches slows the diversification of Himalayan songbirds. The study, which analyzed genetic relationships between 461 songbird species, discovered that eastern Himalayan species are separated from each other by six to seven million years, suggesting a slowing of evolution.
A study by University of Chicago scientists found that genetic variants associated with enjoying the effects of amphetamine also reduce the risk for developing schizophrenia and ADHD. This suggests a complex role for dopamine in these diseases.
Scientists from the University of Chicago discovered that DNA variants in SCN10A regulate SCN5A expression, suggesting a primary role for SCN5A in cardiac arrhythmia risk. The study highlights the importance of evaluating functional targets of genome-wide association study hits to avoid costly implications.
Researchers found that hypoxia stimulates the mislocation of SPOP to the cytoplasm, promoting rapid tumor growth. This shift enables SPOP to degrade key tumor-suppressor proteins, such as PTEN, leading to cancer progression. Understanding this mechanism may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
A study found that American Muslims' negative religious outlooks hinder their willingness to donate organs, while Arab Americans showed a greater acceptance. The research highlights the need for open discussion within the Muslim community and with medical authorities to address complex issues around religion and organ donation.
Researchers found a strong correlation between genital malformations in newborn males and increased rates of autism and intellectual disability. County-level analysis revealed that every one percent increase in malformations was associated with a 283% increase in autism rates.
A recent study discovered that IRX3 controls body mass and regulates body composition, with obesity-associated FTO introns interacting with IRX3. Mice without the IRX3 gene were significantly leaner due to reduced fat and improved glucose processing.
A new study finds that adipose fins have evolved repeatedly and independently in multiple species of teleost fish, representing a unique example of convergent evolution. The research provides a new model for exploring the evolution of vertebrate appendages and challenges traditional views on how new fins and limbs develop.
A single gene, doublesex, regulates complex wing patterns and structures required for mimicry in swallowtail butterflies. This study reveals that the gene's known role in sexual differentiation has been co-opted to control wing pattern.
The study reveals that beta-catenin increases in certain types of T cells, causing chronic inflammation in the intestine and colon, leading to cancer. The researchers also found that beta-catenin signaling alters the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory T cells.
A University of Chicago-based team used Beagle, a powerful supercomputer, to analyze genomic data, significantly accelerating speed and accuracy. The findings have immediate medical applications, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases.
Innate lymphoid cells play key roles in protecting against infection or parasites, but their origin and function were unknown until now. Researchers identify ILCPs in fetal liver and adult bone marrow, paving the way for a better understanding of the immune system's first line of defense.
Tibetans' genetic adaptations for high-altitude living were shaped by a mixture of two ancestral gene pools, one migrating early to high altitude and the other acquiring advantageous alleles from resident populations. This process, known as admixture-facilitated adaptation, was driven by natural selection.
A new study published in Cancer Research found that fragmented sleep accelerates cancer growth by altering the immune system's response to tumors. Well-rested mice had primarily M1-type tumor-associated macrophages, while sleep-fragmented mice had primarily M2-type macrophages that promoted tumor growth.
The study sheds light on the genetic overlap between modern dogs and wolves, suggesting interbreeding after dog domestication. Dogs are more closely related to each other than wolves, regardless of geographic origin, indicating a shared ancestry that diverged in recent past.
A study reveals a shift in competitive dynamics among crustose coralline algae due to ocean acidification, altering biodiversity. The researchers found that the dominant species, Pseudolithophyllum muricatum, no longer enjoys its competitive advantage, likely due to lower pH levels recorded over the last 12 years.
Rats will help a stranger in distress if they have had prior positive social interactions with the type of unfamiliar individual. This behavior is driven by social experiences and not genetics or kin selection. Rats are able to categorize others into groups and modify their social behavior accordingly.
The discovery of well-preserved pelves and partial pelvic fin material in Tiktaalik roseae reveals that the evolution of hind legs began as enhanced fins. This challenges the existing theory that large, mobile hind appendages developed after vertebrates transitioned to land.
People with IED have elevated levels of systemic inflammation markers in their blood, which correlates with aggression and impulsivity. Anti-inflammatories like Celebrex may help reduce aggression in those with the condition.
A new multi-gene test can identify breast cancer patients at high risk of developing aggressive triple-negative cancers. The test analyzes genetic signatures associated with poor prognosis, which may reveal potential targets for new drugs and therapies.
A new study reveals that US organ procurement organizations' implementation of First Person Authorization (FPA) has been inconsistent and incomplete. Despite legal backing from state laws, half the groups surveyed did not have a written policy for handling family objections.
Researchers discovered that S. aureus converts neutrophil extracellular traps into a toxic molecule, dAdo, which kills macrophages and allows the bacteria to avoid immune destruction. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms behind S. aureus infections and offers potential therapeutic targets.
The University of Chicago researchers will investigate 102 hypothetical genes from plague and brucellosis bacteria using cross-disciplinary approaches. This research aims to assign functions to these genes, which could inform studies across species with similar genes.
Researchers find RNA, not protein, catalyzes eukaryotic gene splicing, increasing complexity in higher organisms. This discovery enriches the 'RNA world' origin hypothesis, suggesting life on earth began with RNA-based systems.
Scientists have found that only a few genetic changes are necessary to spur the evolution of new species, even in populations still in contact and exchanging genes. The study reveals key genetic areas affected by natural selection and differing in just 12 small regions of the genome.
Researchers have found a potential new class of fast-acting antidepressants that could alleviate symptoms in as little as five days, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that mRNA expression levels do not always reflect differences in protein expression between humans and chimpanzees. This finding suggests that protein expression levels may evolve under greater evolutionary constraint, potentially due to a yet-uncharacterized compensation mechanism.
Scientists at the University of Chicago have made a breakthrough in developing prosthetic limbs that can mimic human sensations, including touch, pressure, and contact. The research uses neural interfaces to stimulate the brain, allowing for real-time sensory feedback, which could increase the dexterity and clinical viability of roboti...
Researchers from five institutions will investigate biological mechanisms driving biodiversity in American Limenitidini butterflies. The project aims to reveal if diversification can be explained by biotic interactions, accelerating adaptation and species evolution.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has discovered that two sets of nerve receptors in the skin convey information about fine textures through vibrations. This finding suggests that humans can discriminate between different fine textures, such as silk and satin, through these subtle vibrations.
Scientists from the University of Chicago have developed a unique genetic map that identifies associations between single-gene diseases and complex diseases. The study analyzed over 120 million patient records and found statistically significant correlations between 2,909 disease pairs, including previously unknown comorbidities such a...
Researchers at the University of Chicago are developing a new therapy for multiple sclerosis using exosomes containing specific microRNAs that promote myelination. The therapy has shown promising results in improving brain health and may also be useful in slowing the degradation of myelin with normal aging.
A new study confirms that arsenic exposure can impair lung function, with doses of 120 parts per billion causing damage comparable to decades of smoking. The study found significant impairment of lung function associated with lower concentrations than previously reported.
The discovery of Megaconus mammaliaformis sheds light on the evolution of modern mammals, revealing a 165-million-year-old proto-mammal with hair and fur. The fossil, found in Inner Mongolia, China, provides evidence that key biological functions related to skin and integument evolved before the rise of modern mammals.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that just 12 water molecules are responsible for the long recovery period of potassium channels. This finding has significant implications for understanding fundamental biology and designing pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center discovered a new layer of complexity in human gene expression, finding a single gene that encodes two separate proteins from the same mRNA sequence. This discovery could lead to a therapy for spinocerebellar ataxia type-6 (SCA6), a neurodegenerative disease.
Researchers discovered two key mutations that sparked a hormonal revolution 500 million years ago, leading to modern human reproduction, development, immunity, and cancer. These findings show how evolutionary analysis of proteins' histories can advance drug design and predict disease effects.
Dr. Graeme Bell has been awarded the 2013 Banting Medal for his pioneering work in understanding the role of genetics in diagnosing and treating diabetes. His research focuses on the biology of insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cells and the use of genetics to personalize treatment.
Research suggests that social stress can lead to increased metabolism in breast fat cells, which in turn stimulates nearby pre-cancerous cells to proliferate more rapidly. This local effect of fat cells in the breast may contribute to the development of triple-negative breast cancer.
Research reveals African-Americans have a greater decline in their sense of smell as they age, which can lead to impaired nutrition and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found that racial disparities in olfactory function cannot be explained by social, environmental or medical factors.
Researchers have identified a genetic variation that can help estimate the correct dose of warfarin for African-Americans. This discovery may improve the predictability of warfarin dosing by 21 percent, reducing hospitalizations for adverse drug reactions.
African-American women with breast cancer are more likely to carry inherited genetic mutations that increase their risk for breast cancer. Genetic testing can help identify at-risk family members and provide personalized strategies for early detection and prevention.
A hospital-based study found that patients who want to participate in their medical decisions end up spending more time in the hospital and raising costs of their hospital stay by an average of $865. The study suggests that encouraging patients to be more involved may not reduce costs, but rather increase length of stay and costs. Prov...
Despite promising initial results, a breakthrough treatment for Alzheimer's disease did not show any reduction in plaque burden after extensive testing. Three independent research groups failed to confirm the efficacy of bexarotene in reversing beta amyloid plaques.