The University of Illinois at Chicago has received a $3 million grant to expand its patient safety process to six additional hospitals. The process, known as the Seven Pillars, aims to improve communication, learn from mistakes, and ensure timely resolution when patients are harmed.
A comprehensive survey of free clinics in the US found that they provide an estimated 3.1 million medical visits and nearly 300,000 dental visits annually, filling gaps in the health safety net for low-income patients.
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered a cellular response that breaks down and inhibits excess scar tissue in wound healing. Fibroblasts recruited to the wound site enter a state of reproductive dormancy called senescence, which accelerates collagen breakdown and limits scar tissue formation.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago has identified new autism susceptibility genes, including SHANK2, SYNGAP1 and DLGAP2, through an international collaboration with Autism Speaks. These findings suggest that multiple rare variants or genetic changes may contribute to the development of autism.
Researchers at University of Illinois College of Medicine found that adding ARC to anti-cancer agent ABT-737 makes it effective against a wide range of cancers. The combination of agents shows tremendous synergy, reducing the dose required while lessening side-effects.
Researchers identified a previously unknown brainstem pathway in vertebrates, which stimulates neural activity and locomotion. This finding suggests new research directions for treating Parkinson's disease, particularly targeting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Researchers predict that a combination of drugs targeting three or more mutated strains of the hepatitis C virus is necessary to eradicate the virus. The findings suggest that a new treatment approach involving multiple direct-acting antivirals may be needed, potentially shortening treatment duration and improving cure rates.
A new study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that women who have given birth may be at increased risk for breast cancer due to inflammatory-related genes in their breast tissue. The researchers discovered a protective effect of pregnancy on breast cancer risk, suggesting a balance between high-risk inflammatory and protectiv...
A four-year project funded by the National Cancer Institute investigates the effect of food advertising on children's weight outcomes, separating it from TV watching time. The study found that 98% of child ads were for high-fat, sugar, or sodium foods.
A new chemical compound has been discovered that may help treat and prevent diastolic heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to relax after contraction. The research found that adding tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) to blood vessels can restore function to the heart and prevent the disease from developing.
Researchers found that lankacidin and lankamycin, two antibiotics produced by streptomyces, are more effective when used together against MRSA and other pathogens. The combination prevents protein assembly and inhibits bacterial growth, offering a new strategy for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.
A device created by UIC geoscientists simulates extreme sea floor conditions in a lab chamber, allowing scientists to examine samples under harsh conditions using X-ray diffraction. The device can simulate deep-sea pressure and temperatures, enabling the study of mineral formation, clay mineralogy, and hydrothermal systems.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a mechanism for cell flattening, a crucial step in processes like clot formation and cancer spread. The study found that a G protein interacts with integrins to inhibit RhoA, allowing cells to flatten and move.
Researchers discovered that longer proline repeats contract protein bubbles, helping to form longer enamel crystals. This finding could lead to new ways to engineer tooth enamel.
Research suggests that commercially marketed raisin bran cereal causes significantly higher levels of acid in dental plaque than plain bran flakes or unsweetened raisins. Conversely, unsweetened raisins do not increase plaque acidity when added to bran flakes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to shape graphene into desired forms using only a nanodroplet of water. The method utilizes weak van der Waals forces between water nanodroplets and graphene, allowing for the creation of complex structures such as capsules, sandwiches, knots, and rings.
Researchers found that naked mole rat brain tissue can survive for over half an hour without oxygen, which could lead to new treatment options for brain injuries caused by heart attacks, strokes, and accidents. This adaptation may also provide insights into how to prevent permanent human brain damage after temporary loss of oxygen.
Researchers at UIC will study the relationship between tax rates on food and beverages with high sugar or fat content and individual survey data to determine if differential tax rates equate to differences in consumption and body mass index among various groups, including low-income recipients.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, lose their direction when the protein p55 is absent. This leads to impaired healing and slower response times to infections.
Adult stem cells from bone marrow have shown promise in preventing and treating acute lung injury by repairing damaged endothelial cells. Researchers found that these progenitor stem cells, named Flk-1 and CD34, can repair lung damage and improve survival when administered to mice with ALI.
A national survey found that most girls and young women were aware of the HPV vaccine's benefits, but lacked knowledge about the HPV virus and other sexually transmitted infections. The study suggests that education on the HPV virus itself is crucial for informed decision-making.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that a gentle touch application can decrease grip force required to lift objects in individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study suggests that applying a light touch from the opposite hand's finger may aid in regaining control and coordination, making everyday tasks more manage...
A recent study by researchers found that only people who engage in vigorous outdoor sports, like hiking and backpacking, tend to become supporters of mainline conservation groups. The typical backpacker gave $200 to $300 per year after a dozen-year lag. In contrast, casual woodland tourists do not support these causes.
Researchers will drill through Lake Vida's thick ice cap to study the brine and sediment below, aiming to understand the ecosystem's history and its survival strategies in extremely cold conditions. The project, funded by a $1.1 million grant, may reveal insights into life on Earth dating back thousands of years.
A team of researchers led by UIC's Mary Jo LaDu will examine the biology of apolipoprotein E and its receptors in the central nervous system. The $10M grant aims to understand the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $1.9 million grant to create a user-friendly version of OptIPuter, a global science networking platform. The new software aims to make it easy for scientists to collaborate and visualize data on ultra-high-resolution display panels.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing an educational comic book to teach AIDS patients about food safety, highlighting risks such as listeria and toxoplasmosis. The study aims to improve awareness and reduce life-threatening infections among AIDS patients.
University of Illinois researchers found that thiazole antibiotics stabilize other cancer-causing proteins and inhibit the proteasome, a molecular complex degrading old proteins. This inhibition may lead to effective anti-cancer treatment through combination therapy with well-known proteasome inhibitors.
Studies found that botanicals were safe, but did not have a significant effect on reducing hot flashes or improving cognitive function compared to hormone therapy. The studies enrolled over 150 women and followed them for 12 months.
The new UIC Center of Excellence in Eliminating Health Disparities aims to reduce health disparities in Chicago by conducting research, education, policy changes, and community partnerships. Researchers will focus on prostate and colorectal cancer, as well as breast cancer initiatives.
A study found substantial changes in rodent size and shape over the past century, tied to human population density and climate change. Rodents from around the world, including Channel Island deer mice and white-footed mice, exhibited significant anatomic changes, with increases and decreases in 15 traits measured.
A long-term study found that repealing the National Maximum Speed Law in 1995 resulted in approximately 12,500 deaths due to increased speed limits across the US. The study suggests that reduced speed limits and improved enforcement with speed camera networks could save lives.
The University of Illinois Chicago's Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a five-year, $20 million NIH grant to accelerate translational research. The center will facilitate collaborations among researchers, community partners, and national peers to move basic science findings into clinical trials.
The University of Illinois Chicago is leading a five-year study to increase demand for evidence-based, Internet-based smoking cessation treatment among young adults. The project aims to develop interactive, Internet-based ads and evaluate their effectiveness in motivating young smokers to use the stop smoking program www.BecomeAnEx.org.
The study reveals that the mutated huntingtin gene activates JNK3 enzyme, inhibiting axonal transport and leading to neuronal cell death. The mechanism explains the late onset of the disease, as young neurons have a robust transport system that gradually declines with age.
Researchers at UIC are conducting a study to assess the effectiveness of collaborative virtual environments in improving public health preparedness and response planning. The study, funded by a $1.6 million grant from the CDC, uses Second Life to train public health workers in emergency preparedness.
Researchers found that a diabetes drug, pioglitazone, significantly reduced gray matter loss in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. The treatment showed no adverse reactions and was well-tolerated.
Researchers will evaluate health and monetary benefits of green, affordable housing for low-income residents, comparing data before and after moving. They expect significant improvements in respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health outcomes.
A new study found that whale sharks from different oceans are genetically similar, indicating migration and interbreeding among far-flung populations. This suggests that conservation efforts must consider the sharks' global habitat usage to effectively protect them.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive brain scanning technique that may help diagnose Parkinson's disease and track its progression. The technique uses diffusion tensor imaging to examine the substantia nigra region of the brain, which produces dopamine.
A study found that stroke survivors who practiced tai chi improved their balance and reduced the risk of falls. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that requires concentration and balance control, and can be taught to community centers or parks.
UIC researchers are conducting a study to determine the health effects associated with recreational activities on Chicago's waterways. The CHEERS study will establish water quality standards for people who enjoy activities on the waterway and measure actual pathogens in the water that cause disease.
Researchers have discovered a mode of action for mysterious protein snarls found in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting a combination therapy approach. The findings identify two proteins, amyloid beta and tau tangles, that wreak havoc on the nervous system, causing neural function loss and memory decline.
Scientists have identified a new, infectious prion in yeast that can affect the expression of hundreds of genes. The discovery raises questions about the role of these proteins in degenerative brain diseases and their potential impact on human cells.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a method to filter out interfering signals in LIBS, allowing for more accurate analysis of suspected bombs and other hazardous materials. By using polarizing filters, they improved sensitivity while reducing costs.
Researchers at UIC will enroll 500 men with early-stage prostate cancer to investigate the biological factors behind poorer outcomes in obese patients. The study aims to identify new approaches to preventing prostate cancer recurrence or progression after treatment.
Researchers have found a way to increase sensitivity of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) by doping samples with paramagnetic copper-acid solution, reducing the waiting period from up to three seconds to 20 times.
A survey of 3,146 earth scientists found consensus on the reality of climate change, with climatologists showing strongest agreement. Petroleum geologists and meteorologists were among the biggest doubters, but most still acknowledge human involvement in global warming.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered compounds that show high antiparasitic activity against Leishmania parasite, which could potentially be modified to treat the disease. The new compounds are less toxic than miltefosine and can kill the parasite inside blood cells.
The University of Illinois Chicago's ImpacTeen project will study policy and environmental factors influencing youth behaviors related to nutrition, physical activity, obesity, and tobacco use. Researchers will assess state policies, school wellness programs, and community environments to inform effective policy and decision-making.