Research at the University of Chicago found that pre-existing flu immunity shapes antibody responses to influenza infections and vaccinations. The quality of these responses differs between individuals who are vaccinated or naturally infected, with vaccinated individuals generating more adaptable antibodies that target conserved regions.
A new study found that proteins become biochemically addicted to complex interactions, even if they serve no purpose. The 'hydrophobic ratchet' mechanism drives the accumulation of useless complexity inside cells.
A study found that virtual doctor visits are increasingly used, with different demographics accessing them at varying rates. Telephone visits were more likely among older patients, Black patients, and those with Medicaid or Medicare insurance.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have identified two new genes associated with preterm birth: HAND2 and GATA2. These genes play a crucial role in endometrial decidualization and embryo implantation, suggesting that their roles in pregnancy may be more important than previously anticipated.
A new investigational study aims to improve community perceptions, access, and use of COVID-19 testing resources by providing at-home tests and digital educational tools. The research seeks to address disparities in COVID-19 testing patterns among underserved populations, with a focus on increasing education and access.
Researchers at the University of Chicago challenged a popular theory on neural population dynamics, finding different activity patterns in the motor cortex for reaching and grasping behaviors. The study, published in E-Life, revealed less orderly neuronal activity patterns during grasping motions compared to reaching movements.
A clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that finerenone significantly slows the progression of diabetic kidney disease by 18% compared to a placebo. The study also found a reduction in cardiovascular event rates, offering new treatment options for patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.
A study published in Immunity explores polyreactive broadly neutralizing antibodies and their role against influenza viruses. The researchers found that these antibodies are commonly polyreactive and preferentially induced by novel and pandemic-level influenza viruses.
Researchers at University of Chicago Medicine are launching a four-year trial to test two interventions for personalized diabetes care in older adults. The 'My Diabetes, My Community' trial incorporates personalized sugar control goals, telephonic care management, and community-based resource access.
The University of Chicago research team has created a novel self-assembling nano-vaccine called ToxAll to protect humans from toxoplasmosis. The vaccine uses immunosense technology to boost each component of the immune system and deliver components of the parasite to relevant target cells.
A study by University of Chicago Medicine found that medical scribes can increase physician productivity by up to 20%, allowing for more time to focus on patients. The initial cost of employing a scribe can be recovered in less than a year, after which profits follow.
The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination has been awarded $5 million to implement a COVID-19 testing project targeting low-income Latinx individuals and those with criminal justice backgrounds. The project will use an evidence-based Social Network Testing Strategy to increase testing rates among these populations.
Researchers developed a new nanoscale metal-organic framework design to deliver targeted, personalized vaccines for cancer treatment. The approach leverages radiation treatment and the adaptive immune response to kill cancer cells directly and trigger an immune response against tumor cells.
A new study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can lower daytime resting heart rates in patients with prediabetes who have obstructive sleep apnea, reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Optimal CPAP treatment also lowers heart rates during the day, similar to regular exercise.
Patients value clear information about religious hospital policies and want early disclosure of potential restrictions. Women express frustration with lack of transparency, highlighting the need for more effort from healthcare institutions to inform patients.
A new study published in JAMA Cardiology found that 30,000 out of every 100,000 stress tests performed each year were unnecessary for patients undergoing knee and hip replacement surgeries. Despite a decrease in overall stress testing since 2006, the study highlights the need for educational initiatives to improve the utilization of me...
Researchers discover that West African lungfish can regenerate lost tails using similar molecular mechanisms as amphibians, suggesting a common ancestor possessed this trait. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary origin of tail regeneration and offers potential opportunities for regenerative medicine.
A new study reveals that telomere length in whole blood cells can serve as a reliable proxy for other tissues, with 15 out of 23 tissues showing positive correlation. The findings help clarify conflicting results on relationships between individual traits and telomere length.
A retrospective study of 489 patients found an association between vitamin D deficiency and the likelihood of becoming infected with COVID-19. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were almost twice as likely to test positive for the coronavirus compared to those with sufficient levels.
The study aims to test the efficacy of LY-CoV555 in reducing viral load and clinical symptoms in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. The trial will enroll 400 total patients and provide a potential new treatment option for those with compromised immune systems.
A new small molecule treatment reduces colon cancer metastasis by locking up cancer cells' ability to change shape and move throughout the body. The treatment cut the rate of cancer metastasis in half, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
A targeted therapy called rucaparib has been successfully used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer who have mutated BRCA1/BRCA2 genes. The treatment resulted in a 41% objective response rate and improvements in prostate-specific antigen levels for over half of the patients.
A new study demonstrates the potential of an intranasal vaccine platform using self-assembling peptide nanofibers tagged with antigens, inducing an immune response and activating T cells without adjuvants. This technology offers a safer and more effective alternative for generating long-lasting immunity against diseases.
The University of Chicago will host a new COVID-19 medical imaging resource center, creating an open-source database with thousands of medical images to aid in understanding and treating the disease. The center will also provide a framework for researchers to develop machine intelligence tools and systems.
A deep learning algorithm can quickly and accurately screen cancer patient biopsies for genetic alterations that inform treatment options and likelihood to respond to specific therapies. The study found detectable mutations in 13 out of 14 tested tumor types, including lung, colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers.
A new study from UChicago found that rats are less likely to help a trapped companion if they are with other rats that aren't helping. However, the presence of confederate rats made of an antianxiety drug can actually increase helping behavior in duos and trios.
A new pilot study found that three military veterans with PTSD experienced marked improvements in symptoms after inhaling a single dose of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. The effects, however, were not consistent across all patients, and further research is needed to determine the treatment's efficacy and optimal dosage.
A new tetrahydroquinolone compound, JAG21, has been discovered to eliminate both active and dormant forms of Toxoplasma gondii and P. falciparum parasites. The compound shows promise in treating toxoplasmosis and malaria, with the potential to prevent and cure all life-cycle stages of malaria.
A new study found patients with cavernous angioma have distinct gut microbiomes compared to healthy individuals. The imbalance of bacteria produces lipopolysaccharide molecules that cause brain lesions.
A team of researchers identified the evolutionary 'missing link' in hemoglobin evolution, revealing that complexity can emerge through simple mechanisms. The study found that just two mutations triggered the emergence of modern hemoglobin's structure and function over 400 million years ago.
New research reveals that ancient hominins had a mosaic of ape and human features. The study resolves a question about whether these species had prolonged childhood, which allowed for cognitive and social skill acquisition.
Scientists at the University of Chicago discovered that signals in the motor cortex act like a series of clutches when it comes to moving, and that these signals can be disrupted to slow the brain's initiation of movement. This finding has potential implications for treatments of Parkinson's disease.
Research on fossilized fish from the late Devonian period details the evolution of fins as they began to transition into limbs. The study used CT scanning to examine fin shape and structure, constructing digital 3D models that allowed researchers to infer how fins worked and changed.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers reveals how lactate regulates immune cell function and contributes to cancer growth. The discovery offers a potential breakthrough in developing targeted therapies for various types of cancer.
The University of Chicago is part of a 3½-year project aiming to harmonize cancer research data, advancing treatments and providing better care. The Center for Cancer Data Harmonization will align with the National Institutes of Health's Cancer Research Data Commons.
Exposure to violence negatively impacts physical and psychosocial health in urban adults. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with limited physical activity, poor nutrition, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Chronic hypervigilance also linked to increased blood pressure, memory impairment, and anxiety disorders.
A new study suggests a significant link between exposure to environmental pollution and an increase in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders. The study found poor air quality associated with increased rates of bipolar disorder and major depression in both the US and Denmark.
A 165-million-year-old fossil of Microdocodon gracilis, a tiny shrew-like animal, reveals the earliest example of modern hyoid bones in mammal evolution. This discovery sheds light on when early mammal ancestors first evolved sophisticated hyoid bones that enabled them to swallow food like modern-day mammals.
The study found that the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) of the posterior parietal cortex is directly involved in guiding decisions about visual patterns. The researchers used a computer game to test the monkeys' ability to make decisions based on visual stimuli.
Researchers analyzed RNA sequence data from human stem cells as they developed into cardiomyocytes, identifying hundreds of genes associated with varying expression. These 'shooting star' differences may explain complex diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Researchers found that decreasing day length alone triggers dramatic weight loss in Siberian hamsters, regardless of food or temperature. The study reveals the cascade of signals that prepare the hamsters for winter, controlled by thyroid hormone and gene expression.
The POLO trial shows that olaparib significantly reduces the risk of disease progression or death in metastatic pancreatic cancer patients with BRCA mutations. Progression-free survival was 7.4 months on the olaparib arm, compared to 3.8 months on the placebo arm.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that opioid use by a parent is associated with a doubling of the risk of suicide attempts by their children. The researchers analyzed data from over 240,000 parents and found that children whose parents used opioids were more likely to attempt suicide.
A recent study found that over 25 parrot species are breeding in 23 US states, with many being escaped pets or released by owners. Monk parakeets, Red-crowned Amazons, and Nanday Parakeets are among the most common species.
Researchers compared two cardiac resynchronization therapies in a pilot study, finding comparable rates of response between His bundle pacing and biventricular pacing. The study suggests that His bundle pacing may be a viable alternative for treating heart failure patients with electrical disturbances.
A new study published in Science Advances suggests that the South African fossil Australopithecus sediba is unlikely to be the direct ancestor of humans. Instead, researchers believe that Australopithecus afarensis, known for the 'Lucy' skeleton, is a stronger candidate.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discover that obesity reprograms immune cells in breasts to promote tumor formation in triple-negative breast cancers. Obesity promotes inflammation through metabolically-activated macrophages, which fuel tumorigenesis and encourage tumor growth.
Researchers identify nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) as a key player in promoting metastasis of ovarian cancer cells. The study reveals that the stroma surrounding tumor cells, rather than the cancer itself, drives disease progression and poor outcomes.
A recent genome-wide association study found that childhood-onset asthma is associated with nearly three times as many genes as adult-onset asthma. The study identified 61 independent asthma-related genes, with most being specific to childhood onset. The findings suggest different mechanisms cause the inception of asthma in childhood c...
A national survey found that 81% of hospital pharmacy managers experienced medication hoarding due to drug shortages, with over two-thirds reporting more than 50 shortages. The survey highlights the need for more systematic approaches to address the issue and decrease rationing.