Researchers found that blocking a receptor thought to mediate cell suicide in normal cells paradoxically stopped tumor growth. The study suggests using a drug that blocks the receptor to treat cancer. Further research will explore how this receptor promotes tumor growth and develop new therapies.
Zoltan Takacs, a herpetologist and toxinologist, has been named National Geographic Emerging Explorer for 2010. He develops toxin-based drugs from venomous snake toxins, which have the potential to treat various diseases including cancer, circulatory disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
A mass extinction of fish 360 million years ago led to the demise of dominant species and created a new world. The Hangenberg event marked a critical shift in vertebrate diversity, with few surviving species giving rise to modern vertebrates, including humans.
A clinical panel recommends that patients' blood pressure should be closely monitored and controlled before starting angiogenesis inhibitors for cancer treatment. Treating a patient's hypertension before treatment begins and maintaining blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg can help control this side effect.
A study found that nearly one in ten primary care physicians experience conflicts with religious hospitals, with younger and less religious physicians more likely to face these issues. Most physicians feel they should refer patients to another institution if clinical judgment conflicts with hospital policy.
A study found that important information is not fully conveyed during hospital hand-offs, even when physicians rate their communication as successful. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating doctors about effective communication skills and highlight the risks of increased hand-offs due to restricted work hours.
A study published by University of Chicago researchers found that men can expect another 15 years of sexual activity at age 55, while women expect less than 11 years. The study also introduced a new health measure, 'sexually active life expectancy,' which was lower for both men and women.
Researchers have determined the relationship between brain waves and attention using a brain-computer interface device. High-frequency beta oscillations are linked to anticipation of oncoming information, while slower delta oscillations act as an internal metronome to fine-tune attention.
A team of University of Chicago scientists has developed a new micro-western array technology that enables the examination of hundreds of proteins simultaneously. This breakthrough may lead to more precise diagnoses and individualized treatments for cancers and other diseases.
Researchers found that sleep consolidates learning in starlings, a bird known for its vocal production and listening skills, mirroring human findings. The study replicates the sleep-dependent enhancement pattern observed in human studies, while also exploring the role of interference on learning.
Researchers have developed a new survival prediction equation for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), improving upon an outdated NIH equation. The new formula shows vastly improved survival rates, highlighting the need for accurate hemodynamic assessment.
New studies demonstrate the thalamus' importance in sensory processing, refuting its previous view as a passive relay station. The structure is found to be involved in higher-order cortical functioning, including auditory and visual systems.
Dr. Donald F. Steiner has made significant contributions to the understanding of insulin secretion and related disorders through his research on proinsulin and C-peptide measurement. His work has led to major improvements in therapeutic insulin development, diagnosis of pancreatic tumors, and islet transplants.
The number of Americans living with diabetes will nearly double from 23.7 million in 2009 to 44.1 million in 2034, and spending on diabetes will almost triple, rising from $113 billion to $336 billion. This growth is expected to add a significant strain to the healthcare system.
Researchers discovered that cells use 'regulated errors' to create resistant proteins against damage, using the amino acid methionine to neutralize reactive oxygen species. This novel non-genetic mechanism allows every protein to get some protection, making it a crucial defense strategy.
A new study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that purchasing prescription drugs in three-month supplies rather than one-month supplies can reduce out-of-pocket costs by an average of 29% for patients. The total savings, including third-party payers, averaged 18%, with estimated annual savings of $148.6 million.
New studies show that morphine can boost tumor-cell proliferation and inhibit the immune response, promoting angiogenesis and cancer metastasis. Shielding lung cancer cells from opiates reduces cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in both cell-culture and mouse models.
A new study reveals that the healthcare industry in the US accounts for nearly 10% of the country's total carbon dioxide emissions, despite only accounting for 16% of the nation's gross domestic product. Hospitals and pharmaceutical industries are among the largest contributors to this environmental impact.
Research found that mice lacking a crucial protein for insulin production have lower circulating insulin levels and impaired granule function. The discovery may explain a portion of Type 2 diabetes and help identify rare genetic cases.
Researchers found that chocolate and water can blunt a rat's response to heat by blinding the brainstem's activation during consumption, suggesting it may aid animals and help modern humans avoid overeating
Researchers found that social isolation caused increased tumor growth and altered gene expression in mouse mammary glands, suggesting potential molecular biomarkers and targets for preventive intervention in human breast cancer. The study also supports previous epidemiologic studies linking social isolation to chronic disease mortality.
A recent national survey found that physicians inaccurately believed in the FDA approval status of 22 drug-indication pairs, including lorazepam for chronic anxiety and quetiapine for dementia with agitation. The study highlights the need for better methods to inform physicians about the level of evidence supporting off-label drug use.
The study uncovered the unlikely genetic suspect, FOXC1, which critically contributes to Dandy-Walker malformation, a brain defect causing mental retardation and motor delays. The discovery provides new mechanisms and potentially improves treatment for the disorder, offering insights into embryonic brain development.
A study by the University of Chicago Medical Center found that premature babies born in poverty are significantly less likely to be ready for school, despite advances in neonatal care. The researchers found that socioeconomic status was the most powerful factor determining school-readiness level.
Researchers from the University of Chicago discovered a 'yin-yang' effect between estrogen and retinoic acid on gene expression in breast cancer cells. This balanced control can lead to new ways of preventing and treating breast cancer, including more precise diagnoses and novel anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers found that combining grapefruit juice with the cancer drug rapamycin can increase its effectiveness in treating various types of cancer. Twenty-five patients showed stable disease or partial response to the treatment, with some experiencing reduced side effects due to increased bioavailability.
Research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveals the mineral phosphate plays a crucial role in its deadly behavior, potentially leading to new treatments that disarm the pathogen without killing it. Excess phosphate can mitigate harm caused by activated P. aeruginosa, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers found a naturally occurring compound, azelaic acid, that primes plants' immune systems, allowing them to mount faster and stronger defense responses. The compound, already tested in humans for skin conditions, could lead to an inexpensive and environmentally safe way to improve crop resistance.
A new study has found that large size and fast bite were the main reasons for the extinction of certain fish 65 million years ago. Today, these same features characterize large predatory fishes that are in decline and at risk of extinction themselves.
A study published in PNAS found that the genetic toolkit for fin and limb development is linked to gill skeleton formation in sharks. This discovery provides evidence for an evolutionary connection between fins, limbs, and gills., The research suggests that common developmental programs patterned different anatomical structures.
A multi-center study recommends that men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer can safely choose observation over immediate treatment, closely monitored. This approach is associated with a low risk of metastatic spread and is not a total disregard for patients with prostate cancer.
Marshall Lindheimer, a renowned expert in kidney function and blood pressure control during pregnancy, has made significant contributions to the understanding of preeclampsia. His research has led to the development of treatments for transient diabetes insipidus during pregnancy.
Researchers have identified a diagnostic biomarker SPOP that can accurately detect clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. The study found that 99% of clear cell RCC samples showed elevated SPOP levels, making it a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool.
A study found that 2.2 million older US adults take multiple medications, with half involving nonprescription medications, increasing the risk of harmful drug-drug interactions. The most common interaction was bleeding problems, often caused by combining prescription and over-the-counter medications.
A recent study published in JAMA found that skipping one hour of sleep per night can increase the risk of coronary artery calcification, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. The study, which followed 495 healthy volunteers, found that those who slept less than five hours per night were more likely to develop calcified arteries.
Leukemia takes over bone marrow niches, crowding out healthy stem cells. Blocking cancer cell chemical signals could help protect stem cells and improve treatment strategies. Researchers develop approach to blunt leukemia's effect on stem cells, potentially boosting immune system response.
A new global evaluation system for neuroblastoma has been recommended to improve treatment outcomes for children. The system, developed by the International Neuroblastoma Risk Group, will enable quicker identification of optimal treatments and facilitate clinical research.
Surgeons at the University of Chicago Medical Center have successfully performed the world's first pediatric robotic bladder reconstruction, using the DaVinci system. The innovative technique resulted in good outcomes and minimal complications, with the patient regaining full control over her bladder after six weeks.
A new study found that many African-American women perceive disrespect and inadequate explanations when visiting healthcare facilities, leading them to skip mammograms. The study suggests training physicians in cultural sensitivity and community-based health educators can help address these concerns.
A study found that diabetes treatment costs increased from $6.7 billion in 2001 to $12.5 billion in 2007, driven by the rise of newer, more expensive medications. The average number of medications per patient also increased, with only 47% prescribed a single drug in 2007.
A team of scientists has discovered a tiny juvenile Heterodontosaurus fossil, shedding new light on the evolution of plant-eating dinosaurs. The fossil's unusual teeth suggest that these early herbivores may have engaged in occasional omnivory, using their canines as defensive weapons or to supplement their diet with small animals.
Researchers reveal Tiktaalik roseae's internal head skeleton, showing key intermediate steps in the transformation of the skull that accompanied the shift to life on land. The study demonstrates that the gradual transition from aquatic to terrestrial lifestyles required significant changes in the head and neck structures.
A study published in Pediatrics found that microwave ovens pose a significant risk of scald injuries to young children due to their ability to open the oven. The researchers recommend locking mechanisms and increased warning campaigns to reduce accidental injuries.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect tiny breast cancers, including ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), in mice. The method has shown promising results in detecting small tumors less than 300 microns in diameter and distended milk ducts with cancer.
A recent study by University of Chicago researchers found that animals farmed for meat are the primary source of campylobacteriosis, a common food poisoning bug. The bacteria were commonly found in chicken and livestock, with 57% of cases linked to chicken consumption.
The Chicago Center for Systems Biology will focus on transcriptional networks, studying how multiple genes work together to regulate life's basic processes. Researchers will use complex biological models to understand gene regulation in response to environmental and genetic variation.
The University of Chicago Medical Center study found that the complexity of care and on-call duties can detract from residents' medical education, regardless of hours worked. Residents experience sleep loss, longer shifts, and reduced educational time when assigned to more patients.
A US study found numerous errors in the testing process at family medicine clinics, with adverse consequences more common for minority patients. The research highlights the need for office-by-office improvements to mitigate these errors and reduce harm.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that targeted radiation therapy can eradicate all signs of disease in up to 21% of patients with stage-IV cancer who have only a few sites of metastasis. The treatment was well-tolerated, with limited side effects, and showed promising results in controlling tumor growth.
Recent discoveries of flatfish fossils have revealed a gradual evolution of asymmetrical skulls, contradicting Charles Darwin's explanations for the species' unique anatomy. The fossils, dated to the Eocene epoch, show intermediate stages between modern flatfish and their primitive ancestors.