How chewing like a cow helped early mammals thrive
Early mammals developed side-to-side jaw motion, enabling them to grind food and eat a more diversified diet. This adaptation contributed to their survival during mass extinctions.
University of Chicago Medical Center
Untreated sleep apnea in children can harm brain cells tied to cognition and mood
A study of children with untreated sleep apnea found significant reductions in gray matter, particularly in regions related to movement, memory, and emotions. The findings suggest that early detection and therapy are crucial for preventing long-term brain damage and cognitive deficits.
Parallel cellular pathways activate the process that controls organ growth
Researchers have identified a parallel pathway controlling organ size in fruit fly models, activating at a newly recognized cellular domain. The Hippo signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating cell function and tissue growth.
How cells communicate to move together as a group
Researchers discover Fat2 and Lar proteins trigger leading and trailing edge movements during epithelial migration, enabling coordinated tissue movement. This process is crucial for embryonic development, wound healing, and cancer progression.
Molecules form gels to help cells sense and respond to stress
A specific protein forms gels in response to stress, which helps cells function and grow under challenging conditions. This gel-like structure is not a sign of damage but rather an adaptive response.
By boosting innate immunity, researchers eradicate aggressive prostate cancer in mice
Cabozantinib activates neutrophils, the first-responders of the immune system, to infiltrate tumor cells and trigger an immune response that leads to complete clearance of invasive prostate cancers. This innovative approach could lead to novel combination cancer immunotherapies.
Evaluation of emergency medicine residents points to gender bias
Emergency medicine residents are evaluated on 23 categories, but by the end of their third year, males receive higher scores and advance faster, while females trail behind. The study highlights the need for faculty physicians to be aware of gender bias in residency training.
Aggression disorder linked to greater risk of substance abuse
Research from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that people with intermittent explosive disorder are five times more likely to develop substance abuse problems. Early psychological intervention and treatment can delay or prevent substance abuse in adolescents with IED.
Taking a high-priced cancer drug with a low-fat meal can cut cost by 75 percent
A study found that taking abiraterone acetate, a widely used prostate cancer drug, with a low-fat breakfast is as effective as taking it on an empty stomach, but at a significantly lower cost. The finding could save patients thousands of dollars per month.
UChicago receives $2.4 million NIH grant to build visual prosthesis
A multidisciplinary team from UChicago is developing wireless brain implants that can convert camera input into electrical stimulations to produce useful visual perception in the brain. The technology could restore partial vision to people who have lost their sight, significantly improving their quality of life.
Outstanding Investigator Award honors University of Chicago cancer researcher
Thomas Gajewski, a pioneer in cancer immunotherapy, has received a $4.2 million grant to support his research on overcoming tumor resistance. His team is exploring new approaches, including drugs that enhance immune system function and the role of gut microbiota in cancer.
Under and misuse of hormone therapy decreasing, but still high
A nationwide registry of over 1 million patients with hormone-sensitive breast cancer reveals that 1 in 6 women missed post-surgical adjuvant endocrine therapy, which can lower cancer recurrence risk by 29%. Despite improvements, 18% of eligible women remained untreated between 2004 and 2013
Regulating 'gasotransmitters' could improve care for sleep apnea
Researchers found that blocking the enzyme responsible for hydrogen sulfide production can prevent or reduce apneas during sleep. This approach has potential to help people with multiple forms of sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive and central apneas.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2017
Scientists engineer animals with ancient genes to test causes of evolution
Researchers created genetically modified fruit flies containing reconstructed ancient genes to study the evolutionary effects of genetic changes. They found that the accepted wisdom about the molecular causes of the flies' evolution is incorrect, challenging a classic example of adaptation.
Nigeria: Clean-burning stoves improve health for new mothers
A clinical trial in Nigeria replaced biomass and kerosene cookstoves with ethanol stoves, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in pregnant women. The study found a significant decrease in high blood pressure among women who cooked with ethanol, with risks reduced by 97% compared to those using traditional...
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 13, 2017
Seeing vape pen in use boosts desire to smoke among young adults
A new study found that viewing vape pen use increases the urge to smoke in young adults, similar to watching someone smoke a cigarette. The study's results suggest that vape pens can be a potent trigger for smoking, despite their design differences from traditional cigarettes.
280 million-year-old fossil reveals origins of chimaeroid fishes
A 280 million-year-old fossilized skull reveals the origin of chimaeras, a group of cartilaginous fish related to sharks. The discovery provides crucial evidence for the evolutionary history of these deep-water dwelling fish.
Understanding the causes of neurological abnormalities that result from premature birth
New research reveals that low birth weight babies may develop motor and neurological deficits due to peripheral nerve defects. The study suggests delayed myelination of the peripheral nervous system as a contributing factor.
The neighborhood effect: Sicker patients draw on shared resources
A recent study published in JAMA found that patients on the same hospital ward are at increased risk of their own medical crises when a neighboring patient becomes critically ill. The odds of a second patient experiencing a comparable crisis increase by up to 53% if two critical-illness events occur within a six-hour period.
Asian-Americans are at high risk for diabetes but rarely get screened
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that Asian Americans have a high prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and are less likely to undergo recommended screening. Only 47.1% of Asian Americans received appropriate screening, compared to 60.2% of non-Hispanic blacks.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 15, 2016
Long-sought genetic model of common infant leukemia described
Researchers have created a mouse model that replicates the human genetic flaw causing infant leukemia, making it easier to study. The model mimics the disease found in humans both phenotypically and molecularly, with all mice developing Pro-B ALL identical to patient cases within 22 weeks.
Study: UChicago's CommunityRx intervention helps patients find community resources
The program, launched in 2012, has generated over 506,000 customized prescriptions for an estimated 200,000 or more patients. More than 83% of participants reported the personalized referrals were 'very useful.'
Checkpoint blockade helps only a subset of patients, why?
Two studies published in PNAS found that checkpoint blockade therapy is only effective for a subset of cancer patients with 'hot' T-cell-inflamed tumors. Researchers identified dendritic cells and tumor antigens as key factors influencing treatment response.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2016
Making the microbiome part of precision medicine
The microbiome plays a crucial role in human health and disease, making it essential for personalized medicine. Research suggests that understanding the microbiome's interactions with genetics, environment, and lifestyle can lead to more effective treatments, including targeted therapies and antibiotics.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateNov 1, 2016
Restoring the sense of touch in amputees using natural signals of the nervous system
Researchers have found a way to produce realistic sensations of touch in two human amputees by directly stimulating the nervous system. The study verifies earlier research on how the nervous system encodes intensity and determines perceived sensation through activation charge rate.
Tumor markers can reveal lethality of bladder cancers, guide treatment
Researchers found that detecting poorly differentiated basal tumor cells in early-stage cancers and overexpressing cell division cycle 25C can predict an increased risk of death. A test for this protein could help determine whether a patient is likely to benefit from drug treatment.
Researchers identify enzyme that removes molecular modifications from transfer RNA
Scientists have discovered an enzyme called ALKBH1 that can remove molecular modifications from transfer RNA (tRNA), causing a measurable effect on protein translation in the cell. This finding sheds new light on how cells control gene expression and suggests that tRNA influences cellular processes beyond protein translation.
New tool for cancer patients measures the stress of expenses
A new survey tool, COST, measures a patient's risk for financial stress and ability to tolerate it. The study identified employment status, household income, and psychological distress as key factors contributing to financial toxicity.
Out of sync: How genetic variation can disrupt the heart's rhythm
Atrial fibrillation, a common irregular heartbeat, is linked to genetic variations in genes controlled by Tbx5 and Pitx2. The study offers insights into the mechanisms underlying heart arrhythmias, potentially leading to targeted treatments for patients with AF.
Sexual function problems occur after heart attack, disparities exist between men and women
After a heart attack, both men and women experience impaired sexual function, but women are less likely to be counseled on their capabilities, leading to higher problem rates. Physicians must address these issues for high-quality life outcomes.
New techniques boost understanding of how fish fins became fingers
Scientists from the University of Chicago used gene-editing techniques to study the development of zebrafish fins and discovered that the same cells responsible for fin rays also form fingers and toes. The research challenges previous assumptions about the transformation from fins to limbs.
Study suggests ways to block hypertension in those with sleep apnea
Researchers identify the signaling cascade leading to apnea-associated hypertension and propose a new treatment method by inhibiting cystathionine-y-lyase enzyme. Blocking hydrogen sulfide synthesis can prevent carotid body activation and hypertension in sleep apnea patients.
Growing up on an Amish farm protects children against asthma by reprogramming immune cells
Research found that Amish children have altered immune responses, with increased neutrophils and enhanced innate immunity activation. Mice exposed to Amish house dust showed protected airways from asthma-like responses. The study highlights the key role of innate immunity in preventing asthma.
Antibiotics weaken Alzheimer's disease progression through changes in the gut microbiome
Researchers found that long-term antibiotic treatment decreased levels of amyloid plaques and activated inflammatory microglial cells in mice brains, while altering the gut microbiome. The study suggests a link between the gut microbiome's composition and immune system activity impacting Alzheimer's disease progression.
International team describes step-by-step progress in battling toxoplasmosis
Researchers from 14 institutions describe three significant steps forward in combating toxoplasmosis, including the discovery of critical molecular targets for new medicines and compounds effective against malaria. The findings offer renewed hope for the development of curative treatments for those with toxoplasmosis.
New technique targets gene that causes neurodegenerative disease
Scientists have developed a new technique to selectively block the disease-causing protein in mice with spinocerbellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6). The method uses a modified virus to deliver micro RNA that prevents SCA6 from developing, offering a potential treatment for other diseases caused by mutations in bicistronic genes.
Simple procedure could improve treatment for common eye disease
A new, minimally invasive procedure called Descemet stripping has shown promise in treating Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED), a common eye disease. The procedure restored clear vision to three out of four patients without the need for corneal transplants.
UChicago to support NIH million-person precision medicine study
The University of Chicago will support a nationwide precision medicine study enrolling 1 million participants, with the Illinois consortium aiming to recruit at least 35,000 additional participants annually. Participants will provide health and lifestyle information, genomic data, and access their clinical records for better disease pr...
People with anger disorder have decreased connectivity between regions of the brain
Research suggests that individuals with intermittent explosive disorder (IED) exhibit reduced connectivity in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), a region connecting the frontal and parietal lobes. This disruption may impair social cognition, contributing to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of others' intentions.
Anti-anxiety medication limits empathetic behavior in rats
Researchers found that rats given midazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, were less likely to free trapped companions due to reduced empathy. In contrast, control rats and those treated with a beta-blocker showed no such limitation, suggesting emotional reactions drive helping behavior.
Cross talk between hormone receptors has unexpected effects
Researchers discovered that progesterone receptor dramatically alters how estrogen receptors interact with cell's DNA, leading to inhibition of cellular proliferation and metastasis. Combining tamoxifen with a progestin antagonist showed added benefit in shrinking tumors.
Microbiota affect the rate of transplant acceptance and rejection
A mouse study reveals that skin grafts between mice treated with antibiotics before transplantation survive roughly twice as long. The team also found that changing the composition of microbiota affects organ transplants, suggesting a new strategy to improve transplant outcomes in humans.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 20, 2016
Modern mussel shells much thinner than 50 years ago
Studies found that shells from California mussels (32% thicker) and Native American sites (94% thicker) were significantly thinner than modern specimens. Ocean acidification is a major driver of this decline.
Radiation and vaccination can magnify effects of immunotherapy
Researchers found that combining local radiation therapy with anti-cancer vaccines can increase the response rate for immunotherapy agents by boosting T cell infiltration into tumors. This combination may help physicians better treat many types of cancer and could potentially lead to improved outcomes.
Genomic Data Commons at University of Chicago launches new era of cancer data sharing
The Genomic Data Commons (GDC) brings together genomic datasets and analyzes the data using a common set of methods, democratizing the analysis of large cancer genomic datasets. This platform enables researchers to access and share high-quality data, tools, and support to accelerate studies of cancer biology and personalized treatments.
Novel immunotherapy approach shows promise in blood cancers
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a novel immunotherapy approach that activates the STING pathway, which has shown promising results in treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in animal models.
Helmet-based ventilation is superior to face mask for patients with respiratory distress
A new study shows that helmet-based ventilation outperforms face mask ventilation for patients with respiratory distress syndrome, reducing the need for intubation and improving survival rates. Patients using helmets spent less time in the intensive care unit and had better outcomes.
Stopping cancer in its tracks
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that inhibiting autophagy, a cellular housekeeping process, effectively blocks tumor cell migration and breast cancer metastasis in tumor models. Autophagy is essential for tumor metastasis, and its inhibition can be an effective approach to block metastatic dissemination.
Similarities in species diversity and range in both terrestrial birds and marine bivalves
Researchers found that both groups show a nested pattern of distribution, with narrow-ranging lineages concentrated in the tropics and broad-ranging lineages extending into higher latitudes. Species diversification drives expansion across climatic divides, increasing the likelihood of successful crossings.
RNA splicing mutations play major role in genetic variation and disease
Researchers identified thousands of RNA splicing mutations involved in complex traits and diseases, enabling accurate functional interpretation of genome-wide association study data. The findings highlight the importance of RNA splicing in linking genetic variation to disease.