Scientists from the University of Chicago identified a newly-evolved gene, panish, which determines head-to-tail polarity in midge fly embryos. This discovery suggests that genetic changes to fundamental biological processes occur more often than previously thought, and opens new research avenues.
Researchers identify Enterococcus faecalis as primary microbial culprit behind post-surgical colon leaks. The bacteria degrades intestinal connective tissues and activates enzymes that cause small holes in the intestine during healing, leading to leaks. Identifying E. faecalis could lead to more effective ways to reduce leak rates.
A church-based education program led by trained community members helped Latino adults with diabetes adopt healthier lifestyles, including reduced high-fat food consumption and increased exercise. Participants reported significant improvements six months after the program concluded.
A new study found that using a simple device for eight hours a night can help people with prediabetes improve their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment was shown to lower glucose metabolism, insulin regulation, stress hormone levels, and blood pressure.
Research at University of Chicago Medical Center reveals how immune system shapes gut microbiota to limit infections, providing a potential new approach to prevent bacterial infections without antibiotics. The study identifies a critical protein ID2 that plays a key role in this process.
A University of Chicago research team describes the precise mechanism used by carotid body cells to detect oxygen levels and regulate breathing rates. The primary sensor is heme oxygenase-2, which induces synthesis of carbon monoxide to stimulate or relax breathing.
Researchers found that honokiol reduces excess growth of cardiac muscle cells, decreases ventricular wall thickness, and protects heart muscle cells from oxidative stress. Honokiol activates SIRT3, a protective protein associated with delayed aging, stress resistance, and metabolic regulation.
New research reveals that increased health insurance access does not fully close the gap in health outcomes for minority and low-income populations. Expert Marshall Chin emphasizes the need for financial incentives, improved communication, and support for vulnerable populations to overcome existing disparities.
A recent study by University of Chicago researchers found that trees' defensive responses to insect attacks have downstream effects on nearby streams, impacting aquatic ecosystems. The simulation showed that stressed trees funneled valuable nutrients away from leaves, affecting leaf chemistry and decomposition rates.
A study found that guanabenz, a blood pressure medication, enhances an innate cellular protective response and prevents myelin loss in animal models of multiple sclerosis. The drug's unique mechanism provides protection against MS by reducing inflammation and preserving myelin levels.
Scientists at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois have developed a new technique using gold nanoparticles to stimulate normal, non-genetically modified neurons with light. The technique shows great promise for potential therapeutic use in diseases such as macular degeneration.
Researchers have identified a protective mechanism for tail-anchored proteins, which are crucial for various cellular functions. The study reveals a dimeric structure of the transport molecule Get3 that shields these proteins from harmful aggregation and guides them to the correct membrane location.
Researchers discovered that epigenetic modifications to mRNA act as a structural switch allowing RNA-binding proteins to recognize inaccessible regions. This phenomenon, known as the m6A switch, affects practically all RNA-protein interactions, with widespread implications for gene expression and regulation.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that lack of sleep can lead to elevated levels of free fatty acids in the blood, causing temporary pre-diabetic conditions in healthy young men. Insufficient sleep also results in increased insulin resistance, a hallmark of pre-diabetes, that persists for nearly five hours.
Scientists have identified antibodies isolated from individuals with seasonal flu vaccinations that neutralize H7N9 and other influenza strains, providing broad protection. These antibodies account for a small percentage of the total immune response but show promise as potential therapeutics.
Two 160 million-year-old fossils of Agilodocodon scansorius and Docofossor brachydactylus provide evidence of early mammalian ecological diversity. These ancient mammals had adaptations for arboreal and subterranean lifestyles, suggesting genetic mechanisms operated long before modern mammals.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center have created a new screening tool for ovarian cancer that can rapidly test compounds to block metastasis. The three-dimensional cell-culture system mimics human tissue and has identified small molecules that inhibit adhesion and invasion.
Researchers discovered clusters of gene-blocking microRNAs expressed only in oligometastatic cells, which can shut down specific genes involved in metastasis. These findings suggest microRNAs could provide a personalized biomarker to predict tumor aggressiveness and guide effective treatment.
A study identified thousands of genes expressed in the uterus during the evolution of pregnancy in mammals, with many recruited from other tissue types by transposons. These genes played a crucial role in establishing maternal-fetal communication and suppressing the maternal immune system, protecting the developing fetus.
A new study published in Neurology found that low-frequency deep brain stimulation at 60Hz significantly improves swallowing dysfunction and freezing of gait in Parkinson's patients. This treatment is more effective than standard high-frequency DBS at alleviating these symptoms, which can lead to disability and mortality.
Two UChicago research teams have received $1.7 million grants from the NIH to develop new treatments for sleep apnea and severe asthma. The projects focus on disrupting molecular processes to target breathing problems, with hopes to bring patients closer to life-changing medications.
A large-scale study found rare genetic mutations in three genes (GRASP, GSDMB, and MTHFR) associated with asthma risk, but only in specific ethnicities. These findings suggest gaps in the current understanding of asthma genetics.
Researchers found that non-model fish, the spotted gar, shares genetic machinery with mammals for building autopod structures. This study provides regulatory support for an ancient origin of Hox expression responsible for building tetrapod limbs.
A recent study of over 4,000 genes found that most RNA expression differences do not affect protein abundance, suggesting a previously unknown buffering mechanism regulates gene expression. This discovery highlights the importance of further analysis in studies relying on RNA measurements to characterize gene function.
The article highlights the persistent health gap between whites and blacks, despite improvements in care access. Effective strategies for closing this gap include reporting clinical performance data by race, offering tailored interventions, and creating risk-adjusted scores.
A phase-Ib clinical trial found durable responses in almost one out of five patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer treated with pembrolizumab. The treatment produced significant activity, with five patients experiencing complete or partial responses, and seven others showing stable disease.
Scientists found that a trace nutrient can cause genome-wide changes to how organisms encode proteins, boosting speed and accuracy. The nutrient's availability determines which codons are optimal for protein production, leading to widespread genetic changes.
A recent clinical trial found that young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who received high-intensity pediatric protocols had better overall survival rates, with 78% achieving overall survival and 66% maintaining event-free survival. This is a significant improvement over previous studies for this age range.
The University of Chicago is establishing the nation's most comprehensive computational facility to store and harmonize cancer genomic data, expanding access for scientists. The Genomic Data Commons will provide an interactive system for researchers to analyze and identify potential therapeutic targets.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that female birds' color vision is essential for mate selection and sexual dimorphism. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, suggests that the expression of a specific opsin gene is linked to the evolution of colorful plumage in males.
A mouse study identified a malfunctioning neural circuit as the root of motor impairments seen in autism, where abnormal synaptic pruning and Purkinje cell function contribute to motor learning deficits. The findings may shed light on the intense world syndrome phenomenon in autism.
The STING pathway plays a crucial role in detecting tumor cells and promoting an aggressive anti-tumor response. Activating the pathway triggers production of chemical signals that help the immune system identify tumor cells and generate killer T cells.
The Chicago Biomedical Consortium is launching a $3 million Infrastructure Initiative to promote investment in high-impact scientific equipment at its member universities. The initiative aims to make modern instrumentation available to the CBC research community, enabling them to stay at the forefront of biomedical discovery.
A large study found that surgery for sleep apnea significantly improves asthma control in children, with a 30% reduction in acute asthma exacerbations and a 38% decrease in severe asthma attacks. The study suggests that early identification and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may help reduce asthma severity and improve outcomes.
A new drug, OTS964, can eradicate aggressive human lung cancers transplanted into mice by inhibiting the action of a protein overproduced by several tumor types. The drug was well-tolerated and effective when taken as a pill or injected intravenously.
A new study reveals SIRT6 can promote the development of skin cancers by increasing inflammation and cell proliferation. Inhibition of SIRT6 expression decreased COX-2 levels and tumor growth in mice.
The University of Chicago has established a national Center of Excellence to study the genetics of drug abuse in rats, using genome-wide association studies and behavioral research. The center aims to shed light on the genes behind drug addiction and explore potential therapeutic interventions.
A $6.2 million grant will fund the Hepatitis C Community Alliance to Test and Treat (HepCCATT) program to build Chicago's capacity to test for and cure HCV infections. The initiative aims to screen 18,500 people annually and treat 2,500, with a focus on underserved communities.
Recent trends in cancer drug spending show a significant increase, with hospitals profiting from discounted prices through the 340B program. Researchers found that hospitals serving more affluent communities increased their profits, while patients may not receive the intended discounts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that older adults who failed a simple smelling test were more likely to die within five years. The researchers found that olfactory dysfunction was a stronger predictor of mortality than chronic diseases like heart failure and cancer.
Researchers identified a single gene central to monarch migration and another controlling pigmentation. Migratory butterflies have reduced levels of collagen IV α-1, increasing flight efficiency, while a new gene functions as a pigmentation switch.
Sick mice produce specialized sugars to feed their gut microbiota and resist infection. Healthy recovery requires both L-fucose production and intact gut microbiota. The study suggests a potential role for L-fucose in preventing or tolerating Crohn's disease.
Researchers challenged the long-held principle that separate groups of nerves and receptors are responsible for distinct components of touch. They found that all types of afferents contribute to the overall sensation, regardless of specific textures or shapes. This new understanding has far-reaching implications for the study of somato...
A recent UChicago study found that pregnant teens will turn to supportive parents and adults in their lives for help making the abortion decision. The majority of young women involved a parent or guardian, driven by factors like close relationships, need for logistics assistance, and concerns about parental interference.
Researchers discovered a unique population of neurons in the lateral intraparietal area that shift their sensitivity to color and direction based on what's being attended. This study provides new insights into how the brain combines visual information for decision-making and higher-order processes.
A new study in mice finds that common gut bacteria protect against food allergies by inducing immune responses that prevent allergen exposure. Reintroducing Clostridia bacteria reverses sensitization to peanut allergens, indicating a unique protective role.
The University of Chicago Medicine and Advocate Children's Hospital have received a $1.8 million NIH grant to establish the first Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Clinical Center in Chicago. The center aims to identify people at risk or early stages of type 1 diabetes through international collaboration.
A new study by University of Chicago researchers found that long-distance migration in New World birds evolved from ancestral species in North America. Contrary to previous hypotheses, the team discovered that shifts southward were more common than northward movements.
A new tool, COST (COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity), measures a patient's risk for and ability to tolerate financial stress in cancer care. The study found that financial toxicity affects 30% of cancer survivors, with significant impact on workability and quality of life.
Researchers resurrected an ancient ancestor of a human protein and created millions of alternative histories to test the role of chance events in evolution. They found that two extremely unlikely mutations were necessary for the protein's modern-day function to evolve.