A multi-center study provides clear guidelines for genetic testing in women with breast cancer, identifying those at high risk of ovarian cancer. The study found that nearly 40% of participants had abnormalities in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, associated with a 10-fold increase in ovarian cancer risk.
Researchers discovered a plant-like metabolic pathway essential for survival of certain parasites, including those causing malaria, toxoplasmosis, and cryptosporidiosis. The finding provides new targets for anti-parasitic medications, including the possibility of medicines related to herbicides.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions identify genetic regions on chromosomes 1p, 3q, and 4q that appear to contain genes triggering the onset of inflammatory bowel disease. The study confirms the role of previously localized gene IBD1 in concert with another disease gene on chromosome 1.
Scientists have created gene-altered mice that closely reproduce the clinical features of dilated cardiomyopathy, allowing for unprecedented study of early changes and development of new therapies. The model enables researchers to understand the causes and mechanism of the disease, ultimately aiming to develop more effective treatments.
Women in their 40s benefit more from annual mammography screening due to detectable cancers being larger and more aggressive. Mammograms for younger women are less effective compared to breast palpation, which also faces similar limitations in denser pre-menopausal breasts.
A study found that the ability to read mammograms varies significantly among general radiologists, with scores ranging from 8% to 98%. The experts detected more cancers but were also more likely to flag normal cases as abnormal.
A new theory suggests that small organic molecules may assemble into self-replicating biomolecules on the surfaces of silica-rich minerals, providing a potential mechanism for life's origin. Geophysicist Joseph V. Smith proposes that organophilic zeolites could have concentrated and protected these organic compounds from destruction.
Researchers capture first 'snapshots' of protein molecule converting light into chemical energy in under one billionth of a second. The breakthrough could lead to new optical computer mechanisms and insights into biomolecules.
A team of scientists has discovered a chain of five craters on two continents, indicating the breakup and subsequent impact of a fragmented comet or asteroid. The impacts may have contributed to one of the five greatest mass extinctions in history, with 80% of species becoming extinct.
A study by University of Chicago paleontologist David Jablonski reveals that recoveries from mass extinctions differ significantly across geographical regions. He found varying ratios of surviving local species to foreign invaders and unique patterns of diversification, challenging previous assumptions about extinction intensity.
A study published at JAMA found that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections resistant to many antibiotics are now present in non-chronically ill children outside of hospital environments. The researchers discovered a significant increase in community-acquired MRSA cases among children with no known risk factors.
Researchers have discovered a chaperone protein from yeast that controls a new, protein-only form of inheritance called a yeast prion. The discovery links the mechanism responsible for this new form of inheritance to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Creutzfeld-Jakob disease.
Researchers propose that reflective carbon dioxide ice clouds on ancient Mars retained thermal radiation near the surface, warming it enough for liquid water to exist. This mechanism provides clues about potential life forms on Mars and extends the habitable zone on extrasolar planets.
A study by University of Chicago researchers has shed light on the vital role of fat and cholesterol transport in maintaining healthy brain function. The team found that certain genetic variants, such as apoE4, can disrupt this process, leading to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
A 3D computer program is replacing traditional 2D hand-drawn charts with a morphable 3D body image, allowing for more precise assessment and calculation of burn surface area. This accuracy facilitates treatment planning and research, leading to potential improvements in patient outcomes and the development of new therapies.
Scientists have discovered a crucial region on nerve cells that may be essential for the actions of inhaled anesthetics, potentially leading to safer, more potent pain medications. The finding also provides insight into the genetics of alcohol addiction and may help develop new treatments.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy technique that restricts the activity of genes used for gene therapy to specific cell types, bypassing safety hurdles. This discovery could lead to targeted treatment of cardiovascular diseases and other disorders.
Scientists have found genetic switches that underlie the evolution of novel body structures, including distinctive feeding limbs called maxillipeds. In crustaceans, variations in the pattern of activity of two Hox genes correspond with anatomic changes tracing ancestral relationships and evolution.
Researchers found a significant link between maternal cigarette smoking and conduct disorder in boys, with 80% of sons of smokers developing the condition. The study suggests that nicotine may disrupt fetal brain development, highlighting the importance of preventing such disorders.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found a protein molecule that transmits genetic traits without DNA or RNA in yeast, forming long fibers like those seen in neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism behind these devastating brain disorders.
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, age-adjusted death rates from cancer have barely declined since 1991. The authors argue that resources should be redirected towards prevention and early detection, citing the challenges of changing behaviors such as smoking and diet.
A multi-centered team of researchers found a link between a specific gene abnormality and autism, potentially leading to more precise diagnosis and treatments. The study identified a shortened form of the serotonin transporter gene promoter as a key factor in autistic children.
A massive study found that primary care physicians who communicated effectively with patients during office visits had lower rates of malpractice claims. The researchers discovered specific conversational behaviors, such as facilitation and humor, that were associated with reduced risk of lawsuits.
Researchers found that Bcl-xL protein can insert itself into artificial membranes, allowing ions to pass through normally impermeable barriers. This discovery suggests a potential lead on how these proteins regulate cell survival and coordinate cellular activities.
Researchers use extreme X-ray power to 'movie' myoglobin protein, resolving decades-old structure-function riddle. This breakthrough enables drug developers to design better drugs by understanding dynamic molecular interactions.
Researchers have identified two interacting genes linked to adult-onset diabetes, which regulate gene expression in the liver, kidney, and intestine. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating this complex disorder.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have identified a mutation in a small flowering plant that disrupts male-female communication, leading to pollen tubes wandering aimlessly. This defect is similar to self-sterility observed in many plant species, which helps maintain genetic diversity.
A new theory and computer model predict gestation length and preterm birth risk using 16 significant factors. The Mittendorf-Williams Rule is twice as accurate as Naegele's rule in predicting gestation, with potential to lower infant mortality rates.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have found that testosterone can shrink experimental human prostate tumors that no longer depend on the hormone. This suggests a potential new approach for treating advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy technique that can produce and secrete proteins into the bloodstream indefinitely, without the need for viral delivery systems. This could drastically decrease the cost of treatments for certain types of anemia, which affect over 140,000 people in the US annually.
The study reveals that higher brain structures directly control the abstract information in a bird's song, while lower brain centers manage individual notes. Researchers hope to gain insight into how learning influences brain activity patterns.
A multi-center trial involving 73 patients found that tacrolimus rescue therapy effectively reverses refractory kidney rejection, maintains long-term kidney function, and reduces repeat rejection. The study's results suggest a significant advance in reducing organ loss from persistent kidney rejection.
A multi-institutional study found that surgery is effective for localized prostate cancer, with tumor grade being the best predictor of long-term survival. Ten years after surgery, men with grade 1 tumors had a 6% mortality rate, while those with grade 2 and 3 tumors had 20% and 23% mortality rates, respectively.
Scientists at the University of Chicago's Howard Hughes Medical Institute have discovered that an improperly folded protein in yeast cells can corrupt other proteins, leading to heritable changes. This finding supports the 'prion hypothesis' and provides direct evidence for protein-based inheritance.
Hospice care is underused in the US, with most patients enrolling too late to benefit from it. Short stays can lessen the effectiveness of hospice care, leaving little time for caregivers to learn about the patient's needs and arrange optimal care.
A study by Argonne National Laboratory and the University of Chicago Medical Center supports Benjamin Gompertz's theory of a universal law of mortality. The researchers analyzed data from sheltered animals and humans, finding statistically indistinguishable mortality curves that fit the Gompertz model.