Scientists discover a new gene, sphinx, in Drosophila melanogaster that regulates male-male courtship behavior. The absence of the gene leads to increased male-male interaction and altered mating habits.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center report positive results from a human trial of sorafenib, a cancer drug, as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension. Eight out of nine patients improved their exercise capacity and six experienced significant improvements in right ventricular ejection fraction.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have discovered a novel genetic marker, H2A.Z, linked to breast cancer progression and metastasis. Elevated expression of this protein can help physicians make better predictions and treatment choices for patients.
Breast cancer incidence rates in US women over 50 declined sharply in 2002 and 2003, but only among Caucasians. For African Americans, there was virtually no change in invasive breast cancer rates. The study suspects genetic variations in estrogen metabolism may play a role in how women of African ancestry respond to hormonal therapies.
A tiny variation in the CHI3L1 gene increases blood levels of YKL-40, a biomarker for asthma. The genetic variation also lowers YKL-40 levels and protects against asthma. Researchers found similar connections between the CHI3L1 variations, YKL-40 levels and asthma susceptibility in three genetically diverse populations.
Researchers have identified a master regulator of EMT that consists of a specific group of microRNAs called miR-200. Introducing miR-200 into late cancer cells may provide a new form of treatment by preventing cells from going through EMT and becoming more invasive.
A recent study published in Medical Care found that patients who receive free drug samples have significantly higher out-of-pocket prescription costs than those who don't. The study analyzed data from over 5,700 patients and found that patients receiving samples spent an estimated $244 for a six-month period.
Researchers have discovered that an enzyme called MMP-2 is necessary for ovarian cancer to attach itself to new sites, and that blocking its production can slow the spread of the disease. In a mouse study, early treatment with an MMP-2 inhibitor reduced tumor growth by 68% and nearly doubled survival time.
A new book by Steven Small and colleagues examines how the brain functions when people participate in sports as athletes, coaches, and fans. The study reveals that professional athletes activate only critical regions of the brain, while novices have to engage multiple regions due to emotional involvement.
A new drug, JPC-2056, is 10 times more effective than the current gold-standard treatment for toxoplasmosis and has no toxicity. It inhibits the action of an enzyme produced by the parasite, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers have identified a new target for cancer therapy by targeting the non-malignant cells surrounding tumors, which can stop tumor growth in mice. This approach has shown promise in reducing tumor size and slowing growth of well-established cancers after a single injection of T cells.
Differences in gene expression levels between people of European and African ancestry can impact how they respond to certain drugs. The study found significant differences in several unrelated processes, including genes involved in producing antibodies to microbial invaders.
A growing body of evidence supports preventive measures for high-risk women, including those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Primary care physicians should learn about genetics, take a comprehensive personal and family history to advise patients at increased risk.
Researchers found a strong correlation between climate and genetic variations influencing metabolic syndrome risk, with some genes associated with cold tolerance having protective effects while others increase disease risk. Climate adaptations may have played a role in the emergence of metabolic disorders.
Scientists from University of Chicago Medical Center report that moving active genes to nucleus periphery can silence them, preventing transcription. This novel form of gene regulation involves attachment to inner nuclear membrane, blocking transcription through proteins residing on the membrane.
A new study by University of Chicago Medical Center researchers found a remarkable overlap between the effects of nicotine and opiates on dopamine signaling in the brain's reward centers. The findings suggest that these two addictive substances share common underlying brain chemistry mechanisms.
Researchers found common properties among successful drugs, including high precision, specific connectivity, and tissue specificity. These characteristics can help pharmaceutical companies select promising targets and reduce the cost of drug development.
A study found that only 65% of Illinois public school sex education teachers covered the four basic topics required for comprehensive instruction. Additionally, 30% of teachers had never received sex-education training, and most lacked confidence in teaching these topics without such training.
Researchers discovered a significant amount of variation in genetic recombination events among individuals, with some hotspots being used more by one sex. The study found heritable differences in recombination rate and hotspot use, which could provide insights into the evolution of recombination rates.
A sense of personal control over sexual behaviors significantly impacts Latina women's decisions on timing their first sexual intercourse. The study reveals a strong correlation between young Latina women's perceptions of family expectations and their own beliefs regarding the optimal age for sex initiation. This unique research contri...
The study found that Medicare Part D led to a 13.1 percent decrease in out-of-pocket expenses for patients and a 5.9 percent increase in prescription use. Researchers compared data from over 117,000 patients who were eligible for Part D with comparable patients who were not.
A study found that a small portion of chromosome 16, known as 16p11.2, is significantly associated with autism. The deletion occurs in only four out of 712 subjects with autism, yet it is the second most common recurrent genomic disorder linked to the condition.
45% of Chicago internists report using placebos in clinical practice, viewing them as therapeutic tools with psychological and physiological benefits. The study highlights the need for recognition and discussion about placebo use and its implications.
A recent study found that suppressing slow-wave sleep in healthy young adults significantly decreases their ability to regulate blood-sugar levels. After only three nights of selective slow-wave sleep suppression, subjects became less sensitive to insulin, resulting in reduced tolerance to glucose and increased risk for type 2 diabetes.
A mutation in the dynein protein may cause inherited neuropathy by disrupting cargo transport in sensory nerve cells, leading to severe proprioception defects and early-onset locomotion problems. This study provides crucial clues for developing better treatments for peripheral neuropathy.
Scientists have discovered that Broca's region in the brain plays a crucial role in interpreting speech by constructing unique interpretations of spoken words. This mechanism allows humans to hear new sounds when conflicting verbal and visual signals are present.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that psychiatrists are less religious than other physicians but more comfortable addressing patients' spiritual concerns. Psychiatrists are twice as likely to discuss spiritual issues with patients and more likely to encourage patients in their own religious ideas.
A randomized trial found that cardiac resynchronization therapy did not improve peak oxygen uptake in patients with Class III heart failure and mechanical problems. The study's results suggest that CRT may only benefit a smaller subgroup of patients with narrower QRS complexes.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic variant, rs7008482, strongly associated with increased prostate cancer risk in African-American men. This variation is located within a gene involved in DNA repair and may confer an inherited predisposition to genetic instability.
Researchers create artificial plant chromosomes from small rings of naturally occurring plant DNA, allowing for the introduction of multiple genes at once. The technology enables more consistent and controlled expression, potentially increasing agricultural productivity and improving biofuel production.
Scientists from the University of Chicago and Kyoto University suggest that a DNA-repair mechanism normally prevents tumor growth may instead contribute to poor-prognosis breast cancer in BRCA1 carriers. Elevated RAD51 levels may help cells compensate for the defect, but also lead to genetic instability and increased tumor risk.
The University of Chicago will establish a Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERT) to focus on hospital medicine and economics. The grant will support research projects on the effective use of hospital therapeutics, gene-drug interactions, and quality-improvement teams.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that many diabetics experience a significant burden from managing their condition, which can be as impactful on quality of life as the disease itself. Patients reported being distressed by end-stage complications and disliked intensive treatments.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded the University of Chicago Medical Center nearly $23 million to conduct translational research. This project aims to develop personalized therapies and improve access to medical care for the diverse population of the South Side of Chicago, where health disparities are prevalent.
Researchers discovered 10 mutations in the insulin gene causing permanent neonatal diabetes, a rare form of diabetes affecting young children. Early detection and treatment targeting ER stress might preserve or restore insulin production.
A nationwide survey of American physicians found that psychiatry is the least religious medical specialty, with Jewish psychiatrists making up over half of the field. The study also revealed that religious physicians are less likely to refer patients to psychiatrists and more likely to send them to clergy or counselors. This gap in rel...
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that family-based treatment, which involves parents, doubled the percentage of teens who abstained from binge eating and purging after six months. The study involved 80 adolescents with bulimia nervosa or partial bulimia nervosa.
The first comprehensive national survey of older adults' sexual attitudes and behaviors found that most people ages 57-85 consider sex an important part of life. However, nearly half reported at least one sexual problem, including lack of desire, vaginal dryness, or erectile dysfunction.
Researchers found that rats most susceptible to addictive drugs had stronger nicotinic acetylcholine receptor responses, which can increase brain excitation and reward. This suggests that targeting these receptors may be a promising approach for treating multiple addictions.
Researchers discover a poorly understood mechanism linking smoking to lung damage, where toxins in cigarette smoke open unpaired hemichannels that lead to rapid cell death. Drugs preventing hemichannel opening offer new ways to prevent cellular damage and potentially treat diseases tied to oxidative stress.
The discovery provides new insights into the evolutionary process, suggesting that the coelacanth's fin pattern is similar to that of paddlefishes, sturgeons, and sharks. The fossil sheds light on the developmental evolution of limbs in tetrapods, challenging the conventional understanding of primitive fish models.
A large survey of US physicians found that religious doctors are slightly less likely to practice medicine among the underserved than secular colleagues. Despite this, many religious physicians describe their practice as a calling and report intangible rewards from serving vulnerable patients.
A study of long-term female cancer survivors found that they valued sexuality but were not adequately prepared for the sexual issues introduced by their cancer or treatment. Discussing sexual consequences with physicians matters greatly to these patients, yet infrequent conversations occur.
Researchers propose a 'value meal' approach to decrease medication costs while increasing benefits from expensive cancer drugs. By taking certain medications with meals or grapefruit juice, patients may use up to 80% of the prescribed dose and reduce side effects.
Researchers discovered a genetically engineered herpes simplex virus reduces smooth muscle cell proliferation and restores endothelial layer in arteries following angioplasty. This study provides an important step towards treating vascular disease with genetically engineered viruses.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered a new genetic marker called let-7, which appears to define different stages of cancer. The study found that high levels of let-7 expression are associated with less aggressive cancer, while low levels are linked to poor prognosis.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center re-evaluated carotid artery narrowing standards, finding that existing methods may be too aggressive. The new standards, developed using high-resolution ultrasound techniques, indicate a lower threshold for determining significant narrowing.
Axitinib produced tumor regression or stable disease in almost 75% of patients with advanced thyroid cancer, according to a phase-2 trial. The study also found that axitinib prevented tumor growth and had a favorable side effect profile.
A study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that African-American men radically underestimate the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis after a needle biopsy for suspected prostate cancer. This underestimation can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
Scientists found that genes present in primitive bony fish like paddlefish are also found in tetrapods, overturning the long-held theory of limb acquisition. The study reveals a pattern of gene activity similar to that seen in tetrapod limbs in paddlefish fins.