A new study reveals that random DNA sections can evolve into novel proteins, contributing to biodiversity and challenging classic assumptions about protein evolution. At least 175 de novo genes were detected, with 57% translating into new peptides.
A new study finds that urban African-Americans are significantly more likely to live in trauma deserts with limited access to advanced emergency medical care. The introduction of UChicago Medicine's Level 1 Trauma Center has reduced Chicago's disparity sevenfold, but racial disparities persist in New York City and Los Angeles.
Researchers have found a pair of old drugs that can disrupt disease-causing pathways in triple negative breast cancer. Metformin and heme, previously used to treat diabetes and porphyria, were tested in mice and produced encouraging results when combined.
New research reveals that neurons in the brain's somatosensory cortex respond differently to various features of a surface, creating a high-dimensional representation of texture. This complex neural landscape allows for the rich sensation of texture, enabling us to distinguish between subtle differences.
A new study found that removing at least 70% of the intracerebral clot is crucial for patients to make a meaningful recovery after a brain hemorrhage. The research, known as MISTIE III, involved 506 patients and showed that ideal outcomes were achieved when no more than 15 milliliters of clotted blood remained at the site of injury.
Researchers found that eliminating protein YTHDF1 boosts dendritic cell activity, leading to better immune response against cancer. This discovery opens new avenues for cancer treatment and may lead to effective combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors or dendritic cell vaccines.
A 100-million-year-old hagfish fossil provides critical evidence of the evolutionary history of these enigmatic creatures. The discovery helps place hagfish in a more accurate position within the vertebrate family tree, suggesting a closer relationship with lampreys than previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have found a promising treatment for multiple sclerosis, a disabling immune-mediated disease that damages nerve fibers. Sephin1, a small molecule, may delay harm to nerve cells by protecting oligodendrocytes and reducing inflammation.
Researchers found that healthy infant gut microbes protect against cow's milk allergy when transplanted into mice, while those from allergic infants caused an allergic reaction. A specific bacterial species, Anaerostipes caccae, was identified as the protector against allergic responses.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine designed a study to improve patients' sleep by using electronic health record nudges and educating nurses. The results showed significant reductions in nighttime disruptions, including fewer room entries and improved medication administration.
A team of researchers found that animals switch to more stable gaits during speed-related transitions to minimize unstable dynamic states and reduce the risk of tripping or falling. The study, which examined nine animal models across various species, suggests that gait transitions prioritize stability over energy savings.
Researchers from the University of Chicago have developed a high-throughput RNA sequencing strategy to study the activity of the gut microbiome. The new tools analyze transfer RNA, allowing scientists to understand the activity of naturally occurring microbiomes and study their responses to environmental changes.
The phase-2 JULIET trial found that CAR-T cell therapy achieved a 52% favorable response rate in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with 40% experiencing complete responses. Sixty-five percent of patients remained relapse-free after one year.
Researchers developed a new oral immunotherapy drug, AR101, derived from peanut protein, to build tolerance in peanut allergy sufferers. The study found that more than two-thirds of participants taking the active drug could tolerate a dose of peanut protein equivalent to about two peanut kernels.
A study analyzing Twitter data from over 246,000 users found that social media usage largely reflects daily work schedules and school calendars. The data show a daily slowdown in tweets at night, with weekend usage shifting later than weekdays.
A recent study discovered a non-coding genetic variant, rs17114036, that enhances endothelial response to blood flow, reducing the risk of coronary artery disease. This variant is associated with increased expression of phospholipid phosphatase 3 (PLPP3), which promotes vascular health.
Researchers uncovered genetic adaptations in ancient Andeans, including cardiovascular modifications and a starch-digesting enzyme variant, allowing them to thrive in the harsh environment. The study suggests that these adaptations enabled highlanders to survive European contact with less population decline than lowlanders.
Under dim light conditions, cyanobacteria divide asymmetrically to produce short daughter cells. The Min system's oscillation pattern changes depending on cell length, allowing bacteria to survive in stressful environments.
A study published in Nature reveals that the RNA modification m6A facilitates learning and memory in mice by promoting translation through the Ythdf1 reader protein. The researchers found that knockout mice showed significant deficits in spatial learning and fear memory, but these deficits were reversible upon re-expression of Ythdf1.
Researchers from UChicago used genetic analysis and CRISPR/Cas9 editing to discover a single gene that controls the white or yellow spots on the wings of Heliconius butterflies. This gene, called aristaless1 (al1), acts as a switch for color variation, with elevated expression leading to white spots.
A genetic polymorphism in the D2 enzyme affects thyroid hormone conversion, leading to hypothyroidism-like symptoms in mice and potentially affecting human patients. The study aims to develop a new treatment agent to address this issue.
A study comparing DNA and RNA data from Nigerian breast cancer patients to those in a US database found aggressive molecular features prevalent in tumors from Nigerian women, which could explain disparities in breast cancer mortality. The study highlights the potential for targeted therapies to reduce mortality gap.
A UChicago research team will collaborate with Pitt to develop robotic arms patients can control with their minds, receiving sensory feedback from attached prosthetic hands. The project aims to create a prosthesis with the same dexterity and functionality as the natural human hand.
A study by neurobiologists at UChicago sheds light on the grim final days of a female octopus after reproduction. The researchers found that the optic gland produces distinct molecular signals that control a mother octopus' behavior, leading to its decline and eventual death.
Research teams identified CT45 as an independent prognostic factor for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. High levels of CT45 were associated with extended disease-free survival, with patients living up to 7.5 years longer than those without sufficient CT45.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have developed a novel gene therapy approach that protects mice from lethal cocaine doses and reduces drug-seeking behavior. The therapy involves modifying skin grafts to quickly degrade cocaine and has shown promise in preventing addiction and overdose.
A study at the University of Chicago Medical Center and University of Washington found that twice-a-year MRI scans detected more small early stage breast cancers than annual mammograms. The research suggests that intensive surveillance can be crucial for improving outcomes in young women with high-risk genetic mutations.
A US study found that 59% of partnered men and 51% of women with dementia lived at home were sexually active. However, many faced unaddressed sexual function problems and lacked clear medical guidance. The study aimed to provide normative evidence for informing decisions about sex for people with dementia.
Researchers found that rapidly spreading ovarian cancer cells recruit CAFs to accelerate cancer proliferation and spread by enhancing energy sources. Blocking glycogen mobilization could be a therapeutic strategy for reducing tumor dissemination.
Researchers have found that disrupting the non-canonical NF-κB pathway improves the effects of radiotherapy by enhancing the immune system's ability to interact with radiation. This new approach may lead to novel combination strategies for improving cancer treatment.
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with increased risk of breast cancer in Nigerian women. The study found that nearly half of patients were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis.
A novel finger-prick test is 100% sensitive and specific for detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy. The test can rapidly inform obstetricians about the need for prompt treatment, potentially saving lives and preventing severe brain damage.
Researchers discovered an anti-cancer gene called LIF6 in elephants that helps destroy cells with damaged DNA, potentially preventing cancer. This gene emerged around 25-30 million years ago and may have played a key role in enabling the growth of modern elephants.
Researchers found that states expanding Medicaid eligibility in 2014-2015 saw a significant increase in diabetes medication prescriptions, with a 30% rise per 1,000 people. This growth was particularly notable for newer, more advanced forms of insulin and other medications, suggesting improved treatment outcomes.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that acetazolamide increases sensitivity to treatment and enhances survival in mice with glioblastoma. The drug, which is also used to treat altitude sickness, was able to restore the effectiveness of chemotherapy by blocking a protein called BCL-3.
A study found that 15.6% of US women incorrectly identify Catholic hospitals as secular when asked about their primary OB/GYN hospital, highlighting the need for greater transparency in hospital affiliations and religious restrictions on reproductive care.
Weichselbaum, Professor and Chairman of Radiation and Cellular Oncology at the University of Chicago, has made significant contributions to understanding oligometastasis. His work on curing tumors through surgery or radiation therapy has been supported by several studies demonstrating successful treatments.
A study published in CHEST found that early lactate measurements were associated with improved patient survival, particularly among emergency room patients who received timely tests. The research suggests that abnormal lactate values prompt rapid interventions, leading to better outcomes for sepsis patients.
Researchers from the University of Chicago and University of Nebraska discovered that Australian fairy-wrens can recognize individual birds from other species and form stable, positive relationships. This cooperation allows them to better defend their territories and share benefits such as increased foraging success and reduced vigilance.
A clinical trial at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that a comprehensive care physician model reduced hospitalization rates by 15-22% and improved patient satisfaction. The model, which involves a single doctor providing care in both clinic and hospital settings, was preferred by patients and economically beneficial.
Researchers found that bacterial signals play a crucial role in developing pre-leukemic myeloproliferation, a precursor condition to leukemia, in mice with TET2 mutations. The study suggests that targeted treatments could reverse the disease by blocking aberrant IL-6 signals.
A study confirms a curable state between single and widespread cancers by identifying molecular patterns that predict patient outcomes. Researchers found that patients with limited spread of disease could achieve prolonged survival with surgery or targeted radiation therapy.
A recent study found that DES-exposed patients with clear-cell adenocarcinoma had significantly increased mortality rates, with risks up to 27 times higher than the general U.S. population. The risk of death decreased with age, emphasizing the importance of early detection and aggressive treatment.
A human protein, teneurin, plays a key role in embryonic development and nervous system wiring by binding to other proteins on cell surfaces. Its unique structure, resembling a bacterial toxin, allows it to perform multiple functions through alternative splicing.
A study found that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) improve blood glucose control, reduce hypoglycemia episodes, and increase quality of life for patients with type 1 diabetes. The use of CGMs is cost-effective over manual testing with strips, with savings of $3,796 per year.
A new study found that specific bacteria in the small intestine play a key role in fat absorption and digestion, with certain microbes multiplying in response to high-fat foods. The findings suggest that these microbes facilitate the production and secretion of digestive enzymes, enabling rapid absorption of calorie-dense foods.
Researchers developed a genetic screening tool that identified two key genes, SLC35A1 and CIC, that enable the influenza virus to infect human lung cells. The study found that modifying these genes can make cells resistant to the flu, which could lead to new antiviral drug targets.
Researchers argue that targeting neuraminidase, the 'N' protein, could substantially decrease infection rates and reduce disease severity for those infected with the influenza virus. The current anti-flu vaccines concentrate on hemagglutinin, leaving a big hole in immunity.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that taking a standard prostate cancer drug with food can boost its impact and lower costs. By decreasing the daily dose, preventing digestive issues, and cutting costs by 75 percent, patients could save up to $300,000 per month.
Researchers have discovered a key link between RNA cytosine methylation, methyltransferases, and chromatin structure in regulating 5-azacytidine response in leukemia. The study's findings offer new insights into predicting drug resistance and potential therapeutic targets for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myelo...