Researchers uncover evolutionary origin of vertebrate limbs by analyzing genetic elements first used to develop dorsal fins in ancient fish. The findings suggest that these elements were later redeployed to produce paired appendages, like arms and legs.
Massive data analysis reveals that seasonal flu outbreaks originate in the southern and southeastern US, moving northward. The models incorporate health claims, weather, geography, and Twitter data to track the spread of influenza.
Scientists analyzed 94 hominin fossils, finding average brain size increased gradually over three million years due to evolution of larger brains within populations. The research also shows the impact of introducing new, larger-brained species and extinction of smaller-brained ones on brain size evolution.
New research suggests that immune history with flu plays a significant role in vaccine effectiveness, rather than egg adaptations. The study found that antibodies produced from previous encounters with flu tend to take precedence over new vaccinations, making the vaccine less protective for those with a history of infection.
A study by researchers at the University of Chicago found that duplicate copies of a gene in fruit flies evolved separate male- and female-specific functions, resolving competing demands between sexes. These changes occurred rapidly, with the genes specializing relatively quickly.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered that birds and primates share similar brain cell types linked to cognitive abilities, such as goal-directed behaviors. This finding suggests that these species may have evolved intelligence independently, despite their distinct anatomical structures.
Mobile health units offer a portable approach to bringing healthcare to communities, with over 2,000 units in service nationwide. Adolescents surveyed expressed interest in learning about sexual health through MHUs, with high rates of willingness to obtain birth control and recommend the service to friends.
Researchers discover piRNAs, small RNA molecules that identify and silence foreign genetic sequences in cells. The study sheds light on a basic mechanism affecting fertility in animals.
Researchers have developed a novel PET tracer that can measure damage from multiple sclerosis by targeting potassium channels, providing quantitative information about underlying biochemical processes. This breakthrough has the potential to improve diagnosis and monitoring for MS patients.
A study by University of Chicago researchers found that specific strains of commensal bacteria can improve response rates to immunotherapy for patients with advanced melanoma. The presence of these beneficial bacteria enhances T-cell infiltration and killing of cancer cells, leading to a vigorous and durable response.
Ecologist Cathy Pfister used WWI-era maps to study kelp forest changes in the Pacific Northwest. The abundance of kelp beds remained constant despite climate change, except for areas closest to Puget Sound and Seattle.
A cost analysis shows that individualized blood sugar goals for diabetes patients can save more than $13,500 over a lifetime compared to uniform national recommendations. Lower medication costs are the primary factor in these savings.
A study found that bi-annual dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) exams were more effective in detecting breast cancer in younger women with a high-risk genetic profile than an annual mammogram. The intensive surveillance strategy reduced anxiety levels and improved quality of life for participants.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that men infected with one type of HPV are 20 times more likely to be reinfected within a year. Vaccination before sexual contact is crucial in preventing initial infection, while vaccinating previously infected men could also reduce reinfection risk.
Researchers have discovered that amputees can rewire their brains to control a robotic arm through electrodes implanted in the brain. The study found that chronic amputees can create new connections between brain areas, even years after an amputation, and that these connections become more robust with training.
A new study reveals that codeine was still being prescribed to one in 20 children undergoing tonsil and adenoid surgery two years after the FDA issued a warning about its risks. The research suggests safer alternatives like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be effective for managing post-surgical pain.
A new study found that analyzing genetic variations in tumor tissues can help physicians make better treatment choices for patients with gastric and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The research suggests focusing on metastatic sites to improve outcomes.
Researchers developed a targeted approach to immunotherapy by conjugating cancer drugs to peptides that bind to tumor tissues. This method showed promise in mice models, improving efficacy while minimizing treatment-related side effects.
A genetic inversion led to the development of mimicry in Asian swallowtail butterflies, with some species maintaining multiple forms of disguise to evade predators. The researchers found that the genetic change carried unrelated material, potentially introducing long-term disadvantages.
A recent study found that foreign-born adults are significantly less likely to report health-related impediments to working and apply for disability benefits. This is due to various factors such as greater longevity, lower rates of chronic disease, and strong social supports.
A new flu forecasting tool combines data on virus spread with evolutionary analysis to predict the severity of upcoming seasons. By factoring in how much the virus has changed compared to recent years, the model can generate disease forecasts before the season begins, significantly earlier than existing tools.
CAR T-cell therapy, approved by the FDA, has been shown to double long-term survival rates for patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The treatment, offered at UChicago Medicine, involves reprogramming a patient's immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells.
A long-term study found that global sensory impairment can predict poor health outcomes, including greater risk of death, in older US adults. Adults with worse sensory impairment had slower physical and cognitive abilities, and a higher risk of dying over five years.
A long-term study of 3,000 adults found that those who couldn't identify four out of five common odors were more than twice as likely to develop dementia. The study's lead author notes that the sense of smell is closely connected with brain function and health.
Researchers found connections between Toxoplasma infection and neurodegenerative diseases, including altered GABAergic signaling and manipulated human olfactory receptors. The study also identified potential mechanisms by which the parasite may cause disease, providing insights for designing medicines and vaccines.
Researchers discovered over 800 alternative ways evolution could have led to the protein's new function, highlighting chance mutations' role. The study reveals how idiosyncratic evolution unfolded, with many possible mutations occurring before reaching the historical solution.
Lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in both cancer metastasis and immune therapy. Researchers have discovered that VEGF-C levels in the blood before immunotherapy can predict its effectiveness in melanoma patients, with patients showing strong responses to treatment when VEGF-C levels are high.
Researchers have identified a gene, H2-Ob, that enables mice to resist persistent viral infections by producing specific antibodies. This gene is part of the MHC locus and acts as a negative regulator of the immune response, keeping chronic infections in check.
Fossil discoveries of Maiopatagium furculiferum and Vilevolodon diplomylos reveal ancient gliding behavior among extinct mammalian ancestors. These Jurassic mammals lived 100 million years before modern mammal fliers, with adaptations allowing them to thrive in a dinosaur-dominated landscape.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have created a new classification system for common diseases based on genetic and environmental correlations. The study analyzed health insurance claims data from nearly half a million people and found surprising relationships among diseases such as migraine and irritable bowel syndrome.
A new automated system for measuring nighttime oxygen levels could help diagnose sleep apnea in children who snore. The approach was most accurate for children with severe apnea and detected 90% of those with severe disease. The test is simple, inexpensive, and can be performed at home using a pulse oximeter.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a novel gene therapy approach that uses skin transplants to treat type-2 diabetes and obesity. The method uses CRISPR technology to deliver a hormone that stimulates insulin production, reducing blood glucose levels and promoting weight loss.
The program will train staff at 20 health centers to offer group visits for diabetes patients, partnering with Care Message to implement a text messaging system. The goal is to consolidate services into one visit, provide education, and social support to help patients manage their blood sugar levels.
A study in mice found that antibiotics taken late in pregnancy and during nursing can alter the gut microbiome and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in offspring. The antibiotic treatment also caused lasting changes in the mothers' gut microbiomes, which were passed on to their offspring.
Researchers argue that synaptic plasticity and intrinsic plasticity are crucial in forming physical memory traces in the brain. Intrinsic plasticity plays an important role in adapting to new information and experiences, often without changes to connections between neurons.
Researchers analyzed lists of names to extract information on mobility, gender imbalance and nepotism. They found a decline in nepotism in Italy from 2000 to 2015, but noted that changes in the academic system and faculty retirements also contributed to this trend.
A computer model developed by neuroscientists at the University of Chicago can simulate the entire nerve response of the hand to any pattern of touch stimulation, providing insights into how the nervous system perceives touch. This tool will enable scientists to create realistic touch sensations in bionic hands for amputees.
Research at the University of Chicago Medical Center identified genetic variations that pre-dispose children to severe forms of neuroblastoma, paving the way for more targeted treatments. Children with MYCN-amplified tumors have a lower survival rate, but understanding their genetic predispositions could lead to more effective therapies.
A new statistical analysis rebuts a previous study claiming a link between declining inpatient beds and increased suicide rates. The authors suggest focusing on proper diagnosis and treatment of depression and training primary care physicians to screen patients for mental health care.
Researchers tracked bacterial diversity in a hospital over 12 months, finding constant flow of microbes between patients, staff, and surfaces. The study reveals how human skin-associated microbes replace construction bacteria upon hospital opening.
A 3.3 million-year-old fossil skeleton known as Selam has provided the first glimpse into how early human ancestors' spines were organized. The study found that portions of the human spinal structure enabling efficient walking motions emerged over 3.3 million years ago.
The Illinois Colon CARES portal, launched by UChicago Medicine and the Center for Asian Health Equity, aims to increase access to colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and vulnerable populations. The initiative seeks to enhance communication across health systems and provide timely results to patients.
A large data set has revealed genetic variations that are more common in black women with breast cancer, which could lead to more personalized risk assessments and improved treatment outcomes. The study also found that black women were more likely to develop aggressive breast cancer subtypes.
Two UChicago studies were recognized as among the top three clinical research papers of 2016 by the Clinical Research Forum. Geneticist Carole Ober and immunologist Anne Sperling led a study showing that house dust mites from Amish homes suppressed allergic asthma in young children. Another team, led by pulmonologist John P. Kress, fou...
A new study found that areas with trans fat bans in restaurants had significantly fewer hospitalizations for heart attack and stroke compared to areas without restrictions. The decline was 6.2%, highlighting the power of public policy to impact cardiovascular health.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the confusing nature of state laws governing medical decision-making for incapacitated patients. The research found a complex and conflicting system that poses barriers to safeguarding patients' choices in their most vulnerable moments.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that the shape and mechanics of fish fins evolve in parallel with the sensory system, tuned to swimming behavior. The researchers mapped fin shape on an evolutionary tree to determine how the mechanical properties and nervous systems of the fins evolved over time.
A new research initiative aims to reduce HIV infection and transmission by providing job readiness and employment skills to young men who have sex with men and young transgender women. The project, funded by the NIH, will explore how economic stability can prevent adolescent homelessness, drug use, and migration to high-risk environments.
The pivotal MOMENTUM 3 trial found that patients with the new HeartMate 3 LVAS experienced fewer adverse clotting and bleeding events than those with the control device, HeartMate II. The study also developed a novel scoring system to quantify these events.
A new study links common reovirus infection with the development of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder caused by an improper immune response to gluten. Reovirus-induced immune responses can lead to the loss of oral tolerance to gluten, setting the stage for celiac disease.