A study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that fetal exposure to BPA increases the risk for prostate cancer later in life. Human prostate tissue is susceptible to BPA, which mimics estrogen and has been linked to several cancers.
Researchers found that a single gene defect in MADD leads to fasting hyperglycemia and insufficient insulin secretion in mice. The study suggests that type 2 diabetes can be directly caused by the loss of a properly functioning MADD gene, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for treating people with this mutation.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that beatboxers use the whole vocal tract to produce a range of sounds, spreading the energy among several structures and minimizing wear on any single part. This technique may be protective of the vocal folds and could help singers relieve stress on their vocal cords.
A new study published in Childhood Obesity found that food and beverage ads on children's TV programs are nutritionally unhealthy for kids. The researchers assessed the nutritional content of over 84% of food and beverage products advertised during children's programming.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a novel co-catalyst system that efficiently converts carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide, a useful starting material for synthesizing fuels. The system uses inexpensive and easy-to-fabricate carbon-based nanofiber materials, offering a promising solution for producing synth...
US researchers found that graphic warning labels similar to those in Canada would reduce smoking rates by 2.9-4.7 percentage points, resulting in 5.3-8.6 million fewer smokers in the US. The study challenges the FDA's regulatory impact analysis and calls for a revised proposal to require graphic warnings.
A team of researchers discovered that abnormal mitochondria may be responsible for cancer cells' resistance to radiation therapy. The study found that a mutation in the E2F gene led to dysfunctional mitochondria that produced less energy, making cancer cells more resistant to radiation-induced cell death.
Researchers discovered mutations in immunity genes in every breast cancer analyzed, suggesting an important role of immune system mutations in breast cancer development. The study's findings could lead to targeted prevention and therapy using vaccines or antiviral drugs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a molecular switch that causes small, beneficial clots to enlarge further during wound healing. By blocking this switch, potent anti-clotting drugs can be developed to prevent large clots from forming while preserving the body's ability to form primary clots.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a common food additive that can block a deadly new strain of avian influenza virus from infecting healthy cells. The compound, tert-butyl hydroquinone, targets a previously untapped region of the flu virus called hemagglutinin.
A new process developed at the University of Illinois Chicago suggests that base metals can be used as catalysts in the manufacture of petroleum-based products. The process, which uses copper and iron, has the potential to reduce costs and environmental impact by replacing rare and expensive metal catalysts.
Research finds that growing up poor and stressed can affect an adult's ability to regulate emotions, with lower family incomes at age 9 associated with greater activity in the amygdala and less activity in the prefrontal cortex. This dysfunction is linked to mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago identified a protein expressed by human bone marrow stem cells that guides blood vessel formation. The study found that mesenchymal stem cells support functional blood vessel growth, and their genetic signature may be used to individualize stem cell treatments for heart patients.
Schools with district or state policies discouraging sugary foods and beverages were more likely to restrict those items at parties, with a 2.5 times higher rate than schools without such policies. Approximately half the schools had no restrictions or left decisions to teachers.
Researchers found that alcohol intoxication reduces coupling between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, impairing ability to accurately appraise environment and respond to social signals. This study provides insight into maladaptive behaviors seen in alcohol intoxication, including social disinhibition and aggression.
A protein involved in nerve-cell migration is implicated in the spread of brain cancer, according to new research from the University of Illinois at Chicago. The study found that cadherin11 promotes cancer cell migration and invasion by regulating cell adhesion and movement.
Scientists have identified a unique enzyme that is abundant in cancer cells but rare in normal adult tissues. By silencing this enzyme, researchers were able to stop the growth of cancer in laboratory mice without causing harm.
Researchers have found that a drug already approved to treat multiple sclerosis may also slow and potentially reverse cardiac hypertrophy, a disorder that often leads to heart failure. By mimicking certain lipids in the body, FTY-720 significantly reduces heart mass and improves overall cardiac function.
The University of Illinois Chicago will lead a $15.3 million NIH project to follow up with all Chicago participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a large-scale study of Hispanic/Latino health. The study aims to investigate chronic diseases and risk factors in this population.
A new study by University of Illinois Chicago researcher Gail Prins found that early exposure to BPA in the developing prostate increases the risk of later prostate cancer. Prostate stem cells become sensitized to estrogen through BPA exposure, making them more susceptible to cancer development.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago discovered that genetic mutations associated with inherited ALS can cause delays in nutrient and protein transport within nerve cells. This slowdown can lead to cell death, contributing to the neurodegenerative disorder.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that laws and district policies limiting sugar content in foods reduced sweets sales to 32.3% of schools. The availability of sugar-sweetened beverages decreased significantly, with only 3.6% of schools with a ban compared to 13.1% without one.
The study aims to investigate how men's and women's hearts use fat for energy differently, with potential consequences for heart disease diagnosis and treatment. Changes in fat metabolism may affect insulin production and lead to diabetes, as well as cause stiffness in heart cells.
A new set of guidelines aims to cut medication errors with anticoagulants, which account for nearly 7% of hospital errors. The guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary team approach, patient education, and standardized dosing protocols to reduce errors by up to 78%.
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) team created a web-based tool to help physicians, hospitals and clinics make the transition without hiring experts. The study shows that the translations from ICD-9 to ICD-10 are organized into clusters, making it convoluted and entangled.
Obese patients who received robotic kidney transplants had significantly fewer wound complications than those receiving traditional open surgery. This minimally invasive procedure provides a better quality of life for high-risk patients often bypassed for transplantation.
The UIC Center for Clinical and Translational Science has selected six research projects to receive $30,000 per year pilot grants. These grants aim to support the development of new ideas and generate preliminary data for applying for highly competitive grants from outside sources.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method to introduce exactly four copper ions into each quantum dot, enabling fine-tuning of optical properties and production of vibrant colors. The study opens up possibilities for producing spectacular dyes with consistent results.
Engineers have fine-tuned the sensitivity of nano-chemical sensor made from insulating base coated with a graphene sheet to detect trace gas molecules. The study's findings open up new possibilities for modulation and control of chemical sensitivity without compromising graphene's intrinsic properties.
Researchers found that a combination of chemoradiation therapy and surgery improves overall survival in stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer patients. Five-year survival rates were twice as high for those who received chemoradiation followed by surgery compared to those who only had chemoradiation.
A study by the University of Illinois Chicago and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that individualized care leads to better health outcomes. The researchers used concealed audio recorders to collect data on doctors' behavior, revealing that contextual factors have a significant impact on patient care.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have found that a unique modification to microtubules in neurons makes their cytoskeleton singularly robust. This discovery may help guide the search for treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at UIC will study how young adults use e-cigarettes, snus, and other new tobacco products, seeking to understand their motivations and potential effects on tobacco dependence. The study aims to develop effective ways to convey factual information about alternative tobacco products to young adults.
A four-month instructional dance program for Latino seniors aims to increase their level of physical activity, balance, and cognitive function. The BAILAMOS program, led by UIC associate professor David Marquez, seeks to prevent disability among this disadvantaged group.
Researchers found a significant decrease in carotid intima-media thickness one year after islet transplant, indicating slower atherosclerosis progression. Patients achieved insulin independence and showed improved glycemic control.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that cholesterol regulates key signaling proteins in cells, challenging existing views on its role in heart disease. The research found that cholesterol interacts with a scaffolding protein to activate its partner, shedding light on the importance of cholesterol in cellular processes.
University of Illinois Chicago researcher Karen Troy has received a $1.6 million grant to investigate the effects of mechanical forces on bone strength. She will conduct two studies, one testing dose response and another examining rate-dependent effects, using quantitative computed tomography to measure changes in bone mineral density.
Scientists have found metabolically active bacteria in the brine of an Antarctic lake sealed under ice for over 2,800 years. The discovery provides new boundary conditions on life's limits and suggests that chemical reactions between the brine and underlying sediment generate energy for microbes.
A study published in the journal Alcohol found that patients with higher blood alcohol levels were less likely to die from injuries, even among those with severe injuries. The protective effect was observed across various injury types and increased with higher blood alcohol concentrations.
Researchers discovered that powerful antibiotics can only partly block protein synthesis in bacteria, allowing the cells to continue producing proteins that may ultimately lead to their own demise. This finding has significant implications for antibiotic development and could lead to the creation of more effective treatments.
Researchers identified a genetic signature that distinguishes patients with complicated sarcoidosis from those with a more benign form. The 20-gene pattern can be used to identify patients at risk of serious complications and potentially life-threatening disease.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that white non-Hispanic construction workers in Illinois receive higher workers' compensation settlements compared to Hispanic or black workers with similar injuries and disabilities. The disparity amounted to approximately $6,000 more for white non-Hispanic claimants.
A new test, Esophageal String Test (EST), uses a string that stretches through the esophagus to monitor eosinophilic esophagitis treatment. This non-invasive test can accurately diagnose EoE as effectively as endoscopy with biopsy, potentially reducing complications and improving patient care.
Researchers studied how naked mole-rats adapt to acidic environments, finding that they don't respond to acidification with physiological or behavioral responses. This lack of response is thought to be related to their unique nerve system, which may offer clues to alleviating pain in humans.
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine has received a five-year, $3.4 million federal grant to improve healthcare for Latinos by increasing opportunities for students to pursue health careers and enrich their education.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention establishes the association of IL-16 with prostate cancer in men of both African and European descent. Researchers found new polymorphisms in the gene unique to African Americans that confer risk, providing a potential biomarker for prostate cancer.
The study aims to evaluate the relationship between zoning code reforms, physical environment, and physical-activity behavior in communities nationwide. Researchers will analyze data from over half of US counties to determine if zoning reforms are linked to increased physical activity levels among adults.
The UIC study will compare two community-based health promotion programs for older adults with osteoarthritis, evaluating the effectiveness of adding a weight management component. Researchers aim to improve joint stiffness, pain, and function, as well as reduce anxiety and depression in participants.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researcher S. Jay Olshansky found that Americans with lower levels of education have life expectancies similar to those in the 1950s and 1960s. Highly educated individuals live significantly longer, with the most educated white men living 14 years longer than the least educated black men.
A new study at University of Illinois Chicago found that the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) helps cancer cells survive during initial tumor formation and when they spread to other organs. AMPK promotes cell survival by regulating NADPH, a molecule that reduces harmful reactive-oxygen species.