Researchers at University of Florida have safely given new genes to patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, enabling them to produce trace amounts of the protective protein for up to one year. This potential step toward a gene therapy could benefit approximately 100,000 Americans with the condition.
Researchers at the University of Florida successfully programmed bone marrow stem cells to become vision cells by mimicking environmental conditions with chemical compounds. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for age-related macular degeneration, affecting nearly 2 million people in the US. The study's findings have signifi...
The University of Florida has been awarded nearly $26 million to speed up the transformation of scientific discoveries into medical advances. The grant will support multidisciplinary research in various fields, including biomedical informatics and gene therapy.
Researchers found that salamanders' regenerative cells retain the 'memory' of their original tissue, contributing only to the same type of tissue. This suggests that harnessing salamander's regenerative wonders may be within the realm of possibility for human medical science.
A genetic glitch called copy number variation in a single chromosome is associated with neuroblastoma. Researchers have identified this link, which could lead to the development of targeted therapies for the disease.
Almost half of older kidney transplant candidates (over 60) will die before receiving a transplant due to increased wait times. Researchers urge these patients to consider live-donor options to improve survival chances.
Medical students practice breast exams on a mixed reality human, improving their technical abilities and empathy towards patients. The system allows for unscripted interactions, teaching students to build their database of experience and respond to patient concerns.
A well-preserved 54-million-year-old skull from the Plesiadapiform group revealed that primitive primates relied more on smell than sight. The study's findings narrow the possibilities for what caused primates to evolve larger brain sizes, contradicting common assumptions about brain structure and evolution.
Parents' attempts to soothe anxiety and assist with OCD behaviors can exacerbate the condition in children, according to a new study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Researchers found that accommodations like excessive bathing or checking rituals worsen symptoms, while therapy helps improve outcomes.
Researchers found that microglial cell degeneration contributes to loss of neurons and dementia, contradicting the popular neuro-inflammation theory. The study suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs may not be effective in fighting dementia.
Researchers develop synthetic protein that induces blood clotting, cutting off tumor's nutrient and oxygen supply. The treatment resulted in a 53% decrease in tumor volume and slowed cancer cell growth by 49%.
Researchers found that protein aggregates, previously thought to cause ALS, actually appear later on, increasing in number before symptoms appear. This discovery suggests a larger therapeutic window to treat the disease if diagnosed early.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new type of molecular nanomotor driven by photons that is simpler and more efficient than previous designs. The nanomotor uses a single molecule of DNA, making it biocompatible and potentially useful for medical devices.
A new system, called HyGreen, monitors health-care workers' hand hygiene by detecting sanitizer or soap fumes given off from their hands, reminding them to clean up disease-causing organisms. The technology aims to reduce hospital-acquired infections, which cost the US healthcare system over $30 billion annually.
Researchers found that interglacial warming resulted in dramatic changes to the diets of animal groups, with some becoming mixed feeders that grazed on grasses. The study highlights the importance of the fossil record in understanding long-term ecological responses to climate change.
Researchers at UF have developed gene therapy that restores the faulty enzyme for glycogen storage disease type 1A, allowing dogs to survive for extended periods without glucose supplementation. The treated dog, born with the deadly disease, is now 20 months old and healthy after receiving precise doses of cornstarch every few hours.
Researchers found that tundra plant growth may initially keep up with rising CO2, but ultimately can't soak up excess carbon from thawing permafrost. This could lead to a significant increase in atmospheric carbon, highlighting the urgent need to address human-caused emissions.
Researchers found that almost all HIV virus was packed into macrophages in diseased cells, which are immune cells that 'eat' invading disease agents. This discovery could lead to new treatments by targeting these infected macrophages.
A study by University of Florida researchers suggests that the nervous system may be the primary cause of severe breathing problems in children with Pompe disease, a rare genetic disorder. The discovery shifts responsibility from muscle weakness to signaling between the spinal cord and the diaphragm.
The study compares genetic structures of Arabidopsis thaliana and Persea americana to understand how the first flowering plants evolved from non-flowering plants. Researchers found significant overlap among organ types, suggesting a genetic 'fossil' that allowed for flower transformation.
Researchers found that mockingbirds can recognize individual humans who pose a threat to their nests, leading to aggressive behavior. The birds' ability to recall these threats may be key to their success in urban environments where many species struggle to thrive.
Researchers have identified a key interaction between smallpox virus and human protein human nuclear factor kappa-B1, which inhibits inflammation pathways. This finding may reveal new strategies for developing treatments for smallpox and understanding the human immune system.
A team of scientists and engineers from Stanford, University of Florida, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory created an n-type transistor out of graphene nanoribbon, opening the door to faster, smaller, and more versatile computer chips.
Researchers found that considering partner characteristics together is the strongest predictor for STDs. Adding simple questions about partner characteristics to STD screenings could help catch more patients who need testing and education.
Researchers design a lock-like molecule that controls blood clotting based on exposure to light. The biological hardware could be used to prevent the formation of tiny blood vessels that feed tumors, and also release drugs only on diseased cells or organs. This technology has potential applications in cancer treatment and drug delivery.
Martin Cohn, a UF developmental biologist, has been named an HHMI Early Career Scientist for his groundbreaking work on limb development and evolution. His research has led to new insights into the formation of human problems such as birth defects.
Researchers discovered that GDNF delivery to specific brain areas can cause unwanted weight loss in Parkinson patients. The finding suggests that gene therapy techniques in the brain potentially could control obesity and highlights the importance of placing therapy in the correct region.
Researchers found that DBS in either brain target effectively treated motor symptoms, but produced unique effects on mood and mental sharpness. The discovery may impact the selection of DBS patients, especially those with pre-existing memory or cognitive disabilities.
A University of Florida study has resolved a long-standing debate in shark paleontology by concluding that modern great whites evolved from the broad-toothed mako shark. The preserved fossil, dating back 4-5 million years, features a complete jaw with intact teeth and vertebrae.
A recent study found that older adults who consume moderate amounts of alcohol perform worse on cognitive tests than their younger counterparts, despite similar blood alcohol levels. The researchers suggest that this is due to factors other than age-related declines in cognitive skills, such as changes in how alcohol affects individuals.
A new study forecasts when climate factors will match at geographically distant airline departure and destination points, helping to detect and intercept invasive species. The findings provide a framework for monitoring airline flights and planning more efficiently.
A national-level analysis confirms that Physician Health Programs, which couple referral to treatment with rapid responses to noncompliance, are successful in helping doctors stay drug-free. The study found that over three-quarters of enrolled doctors stayed sober for five years and were able to return to medical practice.
A new study found that patients waiting for a kidney transplant who receive care at centers with shorter wait times tend to live longer. The research analyzed data from nearly 109,000 patients and found that waiting time had the strongest effect on survival, with patients at centers with long waits having a higher risk of death.
Researchers developed a method to use genetic information to determine optimal doses of warfarin, reducing the risk of adverse effects. The study included data from 4,043 patients worldwide and found that patients on the extreme ends of the dosage range saw significant benefits.
Researchers have found that vitamin supplements composed of antioxidants beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium can prevent both temporary and permanent hearing loss in test animals exposed to loud noise. The supplements may also provide 'post-noise rescue' by protecting against cell death and permanent hearing loss days after ...
A new University of Florida study analyzing DNA from living flowering plants shows that the ancestors of modern trees diversified rapidly 90 million years ago. This event led to the formation of forests that supported similar evolutionary bursts in animals and other plants.
Researchers have discovered a 42- to 45-foot-long snake species called Titanoboa, which lived during the Paleocene Epoch and was larger than previously estimated. The discovery provides insights into the climate and ecosystems of tropical South America 60 million years ago.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a new gene-targeting therapy that uses an RNA enzyme to inhibit strains of the herpes simplex virus. The technique has shown promise in experiments with mice and rabbits, but further research is needed before it can be attempted in people infected with herpes.
Researchers developed a quality-of-life survey for children, allowing doctors to understand the results in the same way they understand blood pressure test results. The survey includes questions about children's daily lives, helping pediatricians identify potential health problems.
The Supe people's advanced stone pyramid temples and maritime farming community were devastated by a series of earthquakes and flooding caused by El Nino events, rendering their fertile fields and bays uninhabitable. The region's collapse serves as a cautionary tale for modern times, highlighting the risks of environmental vulnerability.
University of Florida researchers develop a new approach to lab-on-a-chip technology by harnessing biologically powered molecular forklifts. This innovation allows for the creation of 'smart dust' that can detect biological threats and other contaminants without the need for electricity or rinsing.
Research suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels due to climate change could lead to a greater accumulation of mercury in soils, potentially slowing its release into water. However, this means that even with reduced emissions, the metal will remain a pollution source for an extended period.
Engineers have achieved a new record in efficiency of blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), which can produce high-quality white light similar to standard incandescent bulbs. The breakthrough paves the way for more efficient and affordable lighting solutions.
Children participating in group weight-management programs showed significant decreases in BMI scores compared to control groups. The study found that families and group leaders worked together to set individualized dietary goals and promote physical activity, leading to a 4% decrease in overweight children in treatment groups.
Scientists analyze brain structure and find PHLPP enzyme silences vital cell-survival protein, leaving vulnerable cells susceptible to damage. The discovery could lead to solutions for age-related memory loss and provide insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that rooted plants can mysteriously move down greenways, contradicting expectations based on physical forces. The study found that plants with no obvious mechanism for dispersal colonize corridors more quickly and at farther distances than isolated habitats.
University of Florida engineering researchers have built a prototype baby monitor that uses Doppler radar to remotely scan the in-and-out movement of a baby's chest due to respiration. The system can detect when a baby stops breathing and sends an alarm to a portable unit kept by parents.
Researchers at the University of Florida and the University of New Mexico have developed microscopic spheres that trap and kill harmful bacteria using conducting polymers and singlet oxygen. The spheres, dubbed 'roach motels,' showed promising results in killing over 95% of nearby bacteria after exposure to light.
A team of scientists found that climate change allows certain plants to defend themselves against local enemies more effectively than native plants. This shift in the balance of ecosystems could lead to an increase in invasive plant species and a loss of biodiversity.
Research reveals sea snakes dehydrate in saltwater and prefer freshwater or diluted brackish water. The findings may help explain the patchy distribution of sea snakes and their vulnerability to climate change.