A new study found that an enriched hops extract activates a chemical pathway in cells that could help prevent breast cancer. The research discovered a compound called 6-prenylnarigenin (6-PN), which increased a detoxification pathway linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.
The University of Illinois at Chicago is part of a national initiative to enroll 150,000 participants in the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program. Participants will share health and lifestyle data to develop personalized prevention strategies and treatments.
The risk of blindness caused by spinal fusion surgery has decreased nearly three-fold since the late 1990s, with an estimated 60% decline over two decades. The study attributes this reduction to advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and changes in anesthesia practice, such as stricter blood pressure limits during surgery.
A five-year federal grant will discover progesterone-like compounds from commonly consumed botanicals and their role in women's health. The research aims to improve safety and inform decisions on self-medicating with botanicals.
Researchers have discovered a technique to improve the function of engineered organs and tissues by starving stem cells of glutamine, leading to more mature and functional endothelial cells. This method may prove useful for tissue engineering, particularly in the creation of functional blood vessels from human embryonic stem cells.
A new nanomaterial has been developed that is both transparent and highly conductive to electric current. The material, created through a cheap and simple method, has potential applications in roll-up touchscreen displays, wearable electronics, flexible solar cells, and electronic skin.
Scientists discover that temperature inversions and low-level atmospheric phenomena isolate the ice surface from the atmosphere, recycling water vapor and halting loss or gain of ice. This process, known as boundary-layer recycling, occurs in the center of Greenland's ice sheet and is surprisingly efficient.
Researchers have developed zinc-oxide nanoparticles that can prevent the herpes simplex virus from entering cells and stimulate natural immunity to develop. The particles, called ZOTEN, work by attracting the virus and allowing immune cells to process it.
A study published in Nature Communications found that visceral fat is strongly linked to metabolic disease and insulin resistance. Researchers identified the regulatory molecule TRIP-Br2 as a key player in this process, which could lead to potential therapeutic agents against obesity.
Researchers have mapped the core set of genes that enable strep bacteria to acquire new genes for antibiotic resistance and escape the immune response. The study identifies 83 specific genes in 29 regions of the strep chromosome that are required for DNA uptake.
A recent study by three paleontologists reveals that over 85% of mammal species at high risk of extinction lack a fossil record. The researchers found that body size and geographical range are key factors in determining whether a species will leave behind a fossil legacy.
A new study found that one in six older adults now regularly use potentially deadly combinations of prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements. The study identified 15 potentially life-threatening drug combinations, with nearly half involving nonprescription medications or supplements.
A University of Illinois Chicago researcher found that scientists with financial ties to firms that make, use, or dispose of industrial and commercial products are less likely to find adverse health risks. In contrast, authors employed by the military reported negligible risks in 64% of studies.
Salmonella bacteria have a unique molecular switch called SsrB that allows them to switch from actively causing disease to lurking in a chronic but asymptomatic state called a biofilm. This switch enables the bacteria to survive inside macrophage vacuoles and then form biofilms, which can be resistant to host defenses and antibiotics.
Civilians injured by law enforcement officers have longer hospital stays and more injuries compared to those who were treated for altercations with other civilians. These findings are based on 10 years of Illinois hospitalization data.
Scientists successfully implanted encapsulated insulin-producing human stem cell-derived islet cells into mouse models of diabetes, maintaining long-term blood glucose control without immunosuppression. The study uses chemically-tweaked gel capsules that resist scar tissue buildup, a major hurdle in previous research.
A new prototype lithium-air battery has been shown to produce only lithium superoxide, not peroxide, as it discharges, offering high efficiency and good cycle life. This discovery was made using a state-of-the-art mass spectroscopy apparatus that measures electrochemical reaction products in situ during charging or discharge.
Researchers found that regions of the brain normally working together to process emotion become decoupled in people who experience multiple episodes of depression. This disruption may lead to inaccurate emotional information processing and negative biases.
A multicenter study found that patients with low blood flow in the back of the brain are at higher risk for recurrent strokes. The study used a new MRI-based technology to identify patients who can benefit from angioplasty, which may outweigh the risks for some individuals.
A new University of Illinois at Chicago study examines the impact of cutting teacher benefits on taxpayer savings. The researchers found that most of the cost of health insurance is passed onto teachers themselves through deductions from their salaries.
A recent study found that Latinos with greater African ancestry are at increased risk for high intraocular pressure, a condition that can lead to glaucoma and blindness. The study, led by Xiaoyi Gao, analyzed the genomes of over 3,500 participants and found that those with more African ancestry had higher pressure inside the eye.
A new dynamic social-network analysis tool has revealed that the two species have vastly different community structures, with zebras forming large, stable groups and onagers forming smaller, more transient groups. This study provides insights into the adaptive value of these behaviors in response to different environmental pressures.
A long-known tumor suppressor, pRb, works by restricting the activity of KDM5A, a molecule that regulates fuel burning in mitochondria. Cancer cells rely on fermenting sugars for energy, making them more vulnerable to metabolic therapies.
The UI Cancer Center and Governors State University have received a joint grant to conduct community-based research on reducing cancer-related health disparities in the region's south suburbs. The program will provide training for GSU junior faculty and support minority undergraduate and graduate students in health disparities research.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can analyze a person's intention despite interruptions or disturbances, allowing for more accurate control of robots and prosthetics. This technology could be used to guide cars on icy roads or assist stroke patients with mobility issues.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has been chosen as one of six research centers in the US to combat emerging infectious diseases. Researchers will study how healthcare workers can care for patients without putting themselves at risk, addressing concerns about Ebola and other diseases.
A study of 47,000 patients found that nearly a third received more than 25 radiation treatments, despite guidelines recommending no more than 15. Privately insured patients were 40% more likely to be overtreated, highlighting the need for education and financial transparency.
Researchers found early ultrasound signs of water absorption changes in cervix before delivery, indicating potential preterm birth risk. Current cervical length measurement methods are limited in their usefulness.
Researchers at UI Health have successfully transplanted stem cells from healthy siblings into adult patients with sickle cell disease, achieving a 92% cure rate and eliminating the need for chemotherapy. The procedure offers a new prospect for adults with the disease, who previously had limited treatment options.
Researchers will investigate three projects: one on menopausal symptoms, another on biological activity of botanicals, and a third on interactions with prescription drugs. The goal is to determine the safety and efficacy of botanical dietary supplements as alternatives to hormone therapy.
A new study found that police officers serving in states with high private gun ownership are more than three times more likely to be killed on the job. States with higher gun ownership rates had a stronger relationship between public gun exposure and officer homicide rates.
Researchers found that Ebola and Marburg viruses use G protein-coupled receptors to enter cells, which can be blocked by existing drugs targeting these receptors. The study identified 20 GPCR antagonists effective against the two viruses, paving the way for potential therapeutics.
A new study found that depressed female patients have abnormally high expression levels of genes regulating the glutamate system, which may contribute to their increased suicidal risk. The research suggests that drugs targeting this system, such as ketamine, could provide rapid relief from depression and potentially save lives.
Researchers created a tethered artificial ribosome called Ribo-T, which works nearly as well as the natural cellular component. The engineered ribosome enables production of new drugs and biomaterials, and may lead to better understanding of ribosome function.
A new study using human embryonic stem cells suggests that early exposure to bisphenol A may lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer. The research found that BPA caused the development of prostate organoids to produce an overabundance of prostate stem cells, which could be a risk factor for cancer.
A new study has found that biomarkers, specifically phosphatidylethanol (PEth), are significantly higher in binge drinkers than moderate drinkers. PEth levels were positively correlated with the number of drinks consumed and self-assessment survey scores.
The study identifies two enzymes, KDM4A and KDM4C, which alter gene expression in embryonic stem cells to direct their differentiation into endothelial cells. The enzymes work through epigenetic modifications, changing the activity of genes without altering DNA itself.
A team of researchers solved the long-standing issue of how grain boundaries affect heat conductivity in graphene thin films. They devised a technique to measure heat transfer across single grain boundaries, finding it was 10 times lower than theoretically predicted values.
A study published in NMR in Biomedicine found that brain cell density remains constant with age, contrary to previous assumptions that brain cell loss is associated with aging. The researchers used ultra-high-field MRI scans to make detailed images of the brain, revealing preserved cell density throughout the brain.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of ER clinical encounters could pose difficulties due to the new ICD-10 coding system. The researchers identified convoluted mappings in 27% of commonly used emergency room ICD-9 codes, which may lead to incorrect reporting or reimbursement.
A recent study published in Preventive Medicine found that growing up in a home with a regular smoker nearly doubled the chances of becoming an adult smoker among Hispanics. The study, which looked at data from over 13,000 adults, also found that childhood exposure to household smoking was strongest for Cubans and Puerto Ricans.
Researchers found that larger spheres, at least 1.5 millimeters in diameter, triggered lower immune response and developed less scar tissue on their surface. This breakthrough could lead to a viable cure for type 1 diabetes by eliminating the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.
The study reveals amyloid beta-42 forms three flat structures with a 'salt bridge' that stabilizes its toxic shape. This discovery provides new insights into amyloid propagation in Alzheimer's disease and may impact the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have made a significant breakthrough in battery technology by replacing lithium ions with magnesium ions, which can carry twice the positive charge. This development could lead to the creation of high-voltage, high-energy batteries that can outperform existing lithium-ion batteries.
A study published in Clinical Toxicology found that US poisonings are underreported by 60-90%, with charges approaching $8 billion annually. Alcohol and illicit drug use were the most common reasons for hospital visits.
The University of Illinois College of Medicine will create a Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (CARE) to investigate the impact of long-term alcohol exposure on genes. Researchers will explore how epigenetic changes influence gene expression and behavior, aiming to develop new pharmacotherapies for alcoholism.
A University of Illinois Chicago study found that a neighborhood's small yards have a greater impact on the variety of native birds than larger landscape features. The researchers identified bird-friendly landscaping features such as fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to increase bird diversity in backyards.
A study found that combined sewer overflows can lead to a significant increase in emergency room visits for gastrointestinal illnesses, contaminating drinking water sources. The researchers analyzed data from three areas with combined sewer systems and found a 13% increase in ER visits after extreme precipitation events.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that women who believe smoking helps them manage their weight are less swayed by anti-smoking policies than other female smokers. The researchers suggest that policymakers should consider addressing concerns about weight gain to enhance the effectiveness of quitting smoking initiatives.
A report suggests that raising retirement age would widen benefit disparities for those with lower life expectancies, placing greater financial burdens on them. The current retirement age of 65 does not reflect increasing life expectancy, and adjusting it could exacerbate existing inequalities.