Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus


CU professor leads study on discontinuing therapy for MS patients over 55

A new study investigates the safety of discontinuing disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis patients over 55, finding low risk of new clinical activity but unclear benefits. The study suggests that some older patients may consider a personal trial of discontinuation due to the low risk of recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Scientists discover mechanism affecting heart development in Down syndrome

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a molecular mechanism contributing to congenital heart defects in infants with Down syndrome. The study found that an abnormal interferon response inhibits key molecular events required for heart development, leading to impaired cardiogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Do chatbot avatars prompt bias in health care?

A team of University of Colorado School of Medicine researchers explores the impact of chatbot avatars on patient experience, trust, and compassion in healthcare. They found that chatbots may reinforce social stereotypes and biases, but also have potential to increase trust among underserved patient groups if designed with respect for ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

CU researchers weave deeper understanding of diverse ancestry and gene expression

A new study published in Nature Genetics examines the relationship between gene expression and ancestry, revealing ancestry-specific patterns of genetic architecture. The research analyzed whole genome and RNA sequencing data from African American and Hispanic/Latino children, exploring ancestry-related differences in gene expression.

Where do our limbs come from?

Scientists from the University of Colorado School of Medicine have made a significant discovery about the origin of paired appendages, a major evolutionary step that has been debated for over 100 years. The research team found that cells from the lateral plate mesoderm contribute to both heart development and limb formation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Stroke drug offers neuroprotection without long term impact on memory and learning

Scientists at CU Anschutz Medical Campus developed a neuroprotective peptide that targets a key protein in the brain, providing significant benefits without lasting harm to memory and learning. The temporary inhibition of CaMKII showed no pre-formed memory erase and prevented brain cell damage even at low doses.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2023

Blood of elite cyclists holds clues to treating and preventing chronic diseases

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus used metabolomics to study elite cyclists' metabolism during training and racing. The study identified healthy metabolomic signatures that can help detect dysregulations of key areas ahead of time, potentially leading to personalized exercise-as-medicine approaches for preventing chronic diseases.

Obesity associated with increased risk of complications after surgery

New research published in the journal SURGERY found that obesity is associated with increased risk of complications following surgery, including infection, blood clots, and kidney complications. Patients with overweight or obesity had higher risk-adjusted odds of developing these post-operative outcomes compared to those of normal weight.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSurgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Research shows that lymph node sampling during kidney tumor surgery is safe

Researchers analyzed outcomes for 144 Colorado patients who had lymph node sampling at the time of surgery for kidney tumors between 2005 and 2019. They found no statistically significant difference in clinically significant complications between patients who underwent more extensive lymph node sampling than those who didn’t.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Study shows involuntary displacement of people experiencing homelessness may cause significant spikes in mortality, overdoses and hospitalizations

A new model shows that encampment sweeps, bans and move-along-orders contribute to 15-25% increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over a 10-year period. Involuntary displacement is linked to increased overdose deaths, hospitalizations, injection-related infections and hindered access to medications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2023

Patients with schizophrenia have favorable surgical risk, opening the door for ethical consideration of neurosurgical interventions like Deep Brain Stimulation

A study published in Frontiers in Surgery finds that patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder have lower postsurgical mortality than those with Parkinson's disease, suggesting DBS as an ethical option for treatment-refractory cases. Comprehensive consideration of factors is done on a case-by-case basis for successful DBS.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalFrontiers in Surgery·DateApr 3, 2023

New study reveals thousands of prenatal supplements fail to provide adequate nutrition for pregnant women and babies

A new study reveals that only one affordable prenatal supplement meets nutritional guidelines, but its high cost and complex dosing regimen make it inaccessible to many. The study calls for improved nutritional care during pregnancy and more research on nutrient-dense foods.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 3, 2023

Innovative technology shows great promise against certain head and neck cancers

Researchers have developed a microfluidic squeezing technology that stimulates anti-tumor activity in a subtype of HPV16-positive head and neck, cervical, and anal cancers. The treatment uses peripheral blood mononuclear cells trained to recognize and attack cancer cells without genetic modifications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInvestigational New Drugs·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 3, 2023

CU School of Medicine researchers part of national team that identified a new dietary approach to treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis

A new dietary approach has been identified to treat eosinophilic esophagitis by eliminating only dairy products, showing similar effectiveness to the standard six-food elimination diet. This breakthrough study led by CU School of Medicine researchers offers a more patient-friendly treatment option with fewer drawbacks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateFeb 28, 2023

Study suggests fructose could drive Alzheimer’s disease

A study suggests that fructose metabolism in the brain may be driving the development of Alzheimer's disease, an evolutionary survival pathway gone awry. Researchers found that fructose reduces blood flow to areas involved in self-control and memory, leading to progressive brain atrophy and neuron loss.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Gene expression study reveals new molecular associations with obesity

A recent gene expression study has discovered 45 novel genes associated with body mass index (BMI), shedding light on the biology of obesity and potential treatments. The research, conducted in a diverse multiethnic cohort, highlights the importance of genetic factors in obesity and opens doors to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

University of Colorado researchers identify new pathway for preventing cardiac fibrosis

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a new mechanism for slowing scarring of heart tissue, a process known as cardiac fibrosis. The study's findings suggest that inhibiting the degradation of eicosanoids may be a promising approach to preventing or reversing cardiac fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCirculation Research·DateJan 6, 2023

Olfactory viral inflammation associated with accelerated onset of Alzheimer's disease

A new study suggests that olfactory viral inflammation may accelerate the onset of Alzheimer's disease by disrupting connections between the sense of smell and memory centers. Researchers found altered myelination in the olfactory tract, leading to inflammation in the hippocampus, which controls memory and learning.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Largest study of its kind reveals adjuvant chemotherapy improves overall survival for pancreatic cancer patients

A nationwide retrospective study showed that adjuvant chemotherapy after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and surgery significantly improved overall survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, regardless of lymph node status or resection margins. The study included nearly 900 patients and was published in JAMA Oncology.

CU faculty lead report on 10 recommendations to promote firearm injury prevention

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the US Department of Defense have co-hosted a summit on firearm suicide prevention. The CU faculty lead report outlines 10 recommendations to improve evidence-based interventions, including repealing prohibitions on questioning service members about personal firearms and implementi...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMilitary Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 6, 2022

New research from the University of Colorado Cancer Center explores options for motherhood in lung cancer patients

A study from the University of Colorado Cancer Center highlights the need for more data on pregnancy and targeted therapy in women with oncogene-driven lung cancer. The authors share their experience with pregnancies and surrogacy, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalClinical Lung Cancer·DateDec 2, 2022

CU Anschutz researchers find less-invasive treatment for certain head and neck cancers

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus have identified a less invasive way to treat HPV-unrelated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas by combining radiation with immunotherapy. The approach resulted in remarkable success rates, including 75% of patients experiencing major pathological responses or complete responses.

New research can help older adults plan for changes in driving and firearm use

A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...

University of Colorado study investigates aggression toward caregivers in Parkinson’s disease patients

A University of Colorado study reveals aggressive behavior towards caregivers is a significant issue in Parkinson's disease, with factors including grief, loss of motor symptoms, and cognitive fluctuations identified as contributing to the problem. The research also highlights the impact on caregivers' mental health and relationships.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMovement Disorders·DateNov 7, 2022

Common sedative can increase risk of heart damage when used at night

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus found that administering midazolam increases the risk of myocardial injury in non-cardiac surgery performed at night. The timing of drug administration can affect its efficacy and increase the risk of heart damage, suggesting a need to reevaluate treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2022

Research shows care from an allergist results in lower health care costs for children with peanut allergy

Researchers used big datasets to show that annual health care costs were significantly higher among children without allergist care for peanut allergy compared to those who received care. Care from an allergist resulted in lower total health care costs, saving $1,923 per child.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Research finds that life-saving intervention is not risk-free in pediatric patients

Research found that blood transfusions following solid tumor removal in pediatric oncology patients are associated with higher rates of post-surgery infectious complications, shorter disease-free intervals, and tumor recurrence. The study aims to inform thoughtful use of blood transfusion and encourage multi-center data collection.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022