An Achilles heel in cancer cells
Scientists identified a protein called Akt as the key to exploiting a vulnerability in cancer cells. By targeting this protein, researchers were able to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
University of Illinois Chicago
Race guides neighborhood evaluation, study says
Researchers found that white participants rated neighborhoods with black residents more negatively than those with white residents or a mix of both. The study's findings demonstrate the ongoing impact of racial stereotypes on social perceptions and neighborhood evaluations.
Cigarette smoke could alter shape of heart
Researchers found that cigarette smoke exposure in rats leads to significant changes in the left ventricle's shape and increased levels of activated enzymes. Norepinephrine levels also rise in response to cigarette smoke, suggesting a link between stress hormone release and cardiovascular damage.
UIC researchers developing new drug class to combat Alzheimer's
Researchers at UIC are developing a new drug class that targets nitric oxide delivery to the brain, aiming to slow Alzheimer's disease progression. The team proposes delivering nitric oxide via bioactive molecules to restore and protect brain function.
Clue to genetic cause of fatal birth defect
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine discovered a novel enzyme linked to anencephaly, a rare fatal birth defect. The study suggests that a genetic test may be developed to diagnose the condition early in pregnancy.
What to do with leftover embryos in fertility clinics?
A recent survey found that most infertility patients support using leftover embryos for stem cell research, with 73% in favor. However, there is a growing demand from patients who want to sell their extra embryos to others, with 56% approving of the practice.
Ocean floor geysers warm flowing sea water
A team of earth scientists found ocean floor geysers in the Pacific Ocean that warm flowing sea water. This discovery suggests possible marine life in a previously barren area.
UIC leads multi-center study to evaluate blood flow and stroke risk
A multi-center study led by UIC aims to assess blood flow and stroke risk in patients with first-time symptoms caused by 50% or greater blockage of the arteries leading to the back of the brain. The study will compare blood flow of patients who had a stroke since their initial symptoms with those who did not have a stroke.
Are diabetes and obesity linked to periodontitis?
A new study led by Dr. Keiko Watanabe found that periodontitis accelerates insulin resistance in rats with a high-fat diet. The research will explore the impact of periodontitis on diabetic complications in the retina, aorta and pancreas.
Uninsured patients receive unpredictable, rationed access to health care
A study by University of Illinois Chicago found that uninsured patients receive inconsistent care across public, for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals. The research analyzed financial reports, surveys and staff practices, revealing significant differences in how institutions ration uncompensated care to self-pay patients.
String probes for devastating childhood digestive disease
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing string probe tests to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis, a condition where defense cells attack the esophagus. The test uses a swallowed string with gelatin capsule to measure inflammatory proteins and replace repeat endoscopies.
Pond scum could be key to new cancer therapies
Scientists are using cyanobacteria and plant materials to identify anticancer lead compounds that may be more effective than current treatments. The goal is to develop naturally occurring substances that target key cellular targets such as the proteasome and histone deacetylase.
UIC in NIH-funded islet transplantation study for type 1 diabetes
Researchers at UIC are testing new approaches to islet transplantation to improve insulin independence and glucose control for adults with difficult-to-control type 1 diabetes. The study aims to find the most effective combination of anti-rejection drugs to maximize islet engraftment and reduce toxic side effects.
UIC researchers make promising finding in severe lung disease
Researchers at UIC have identified a novel function for an enzyme involved in tissue injury in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The finding offers new therapeutic targets for lung inflammation and injury prevention.
Researchers urge focus on distributors, not users, of growth hormone
The illegal distribution of growth hormone (hGH) by distributors has grown worse despite overwhelming evidence of its risks and dangers. Researchers call for measures to address the issue, including accurate public information and revocation of organizations promoting hGH use.
Hot flashes underreported and linked to forgetfulness
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that women experience underreported hot flashes and these symptoms are linked to poor verbal memory. Objective measurement of hot flashes reveals a strong relationship between the number of hot flashes and memory performance.
Promising advances in islet cell transplants for diabetes
University of Illinois Chicago researchers modified the procedure for islet cell transplantation and achieved insulin independence in diabetes patients using fewer but better-functioning pancreatic islet cells. The study results are published in the American Journal of Transplantation.
UIC scientists discover how some bacteria survive antibiotics
Researchers found that certain bacteria can activate genes that protect them from antibiotic action, leading to effective treatment options. The study could lead to more targeted and efficient antibiotics for various infections.
Dental chair a possible source of neurotoxic mercury waste
Researchers have found high levels of methyl mercury in wastewater from dental clinics and offices, which can become a potent neurotoxin when exposed to sulfate-reducing bacteria. The study estimates that up to 11 pounds of methyl mercury could be entering the US public water supply each year.
Fruit fly phlebotomy holds neuroscience promise
Researchers developed a technique to extract small amounts of hemolymph from fruit flies, which could expedite understanding of neural physiology and disease mechanisms. The new method is more efficient and precise than traditional methods, allowing for individual organism analysis.
UIC researchers may have found test for depression
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago discovered a new biomarker for depression by analyzing the location of a protein in the brain. The study found that depressed individuals have a greater proportion of Gs alpha protein confined to lipid rafts, which can be used to predict the efficacy of antidepressant therapy.
Brain chemistry ties anxiety and alcoholism
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found a key molecular event in the brain that links anxiety with alcohol addiction. The researchers discovered a protein called Arc that is produced in response to alcohol exposure, which helps reduce anxiety-like symptoms. Restoring levels of this protein may help alleviate withdrawal-indu...
Researchers find possible target to treat deadly bloodstream infections
A new study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago has identified a crucial enzyme for bacterial growth in blood, offering a potential target for antibiotics. The study found that most E. coli bacteria strains cannot grow in human blood if they lack a specific gene involved in nucleotide biosynthesis.
Grant to study if early BPA exposure leads to late prostate cancer
A five-year grant aims to uncover the genetic mechanism behind increased sensitivity to estrogen due to low-dose BPA exposure, which may predispose men to prostate cancer later in life. The study will use human prostate-like structures and animal models to characterize dose-response and gene modifications.
Sept. 11 terrorism continues to impact mental health of Americans
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that Sept. 11 terrorism-related thoughts and fears are associated with increased psychological distress and alcohol abuse in Americans. The study measured the effect of macro-level sociological stressors on mental health, four years after the attacks.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Public Health Association·DateFeb 12, 2008
Robot plumbs Wisconsin lake on way to Antarctica, jovian moon
A robotic probe called ENDURANCE will test its performance in cold, icy conditions on Lake Mendota, simulating the environment of Jupiter's moon Europa. The probe is designed to map underwater environments and collect data on biological conditions.
Communing with nature less and less
Researchers found a significant decline in per capita visits to U.S. national parks since the late 1980s, correlating with an increase in sedentary activities like video gaming and watching movies. This shift, known as 'videophilia,' has far-reaching consequences for physical and mental health, particularly in children.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2008
Breast cancer diagnosis comes late for women in gentrifying neighborhoods
Research found women living in gentrifying neighborhoods in Cook County are at higher risk of distant-stage metastasis than those in similar non-gentrified areas. Disruption to social networks and access to healthcare services may contribute to the increased risk.
Naked mole-rats bear chili pepper heat
Researchers have restored the naked mole-rat's ability to feel pain, particularly in response to capsaicin, but remain insensitive to acids. This unique resistance may hold key to developing new pain relief strategies.
New UIC center to study end-of-life transition
The UIC Center for End-of-Life Transition Research will conduct four studies on topics such as advanced heart failure, oral health in terminally ill cancer patients, and suicide prevention among Asian American college students. The center aims to advance the science of end-of-life care for people of all ages.
In fruit flies, homosexuality is biological but not hard-wired
A team of neurobiologists has discovered a gene controlling fruit fly homosexuality and found it can be turned on and off within hours using genetic manipulation or drugs. The research provides insight into the biological basis of sexual orientation and may one day enable the domestication of insects like fruit flies for useful purposes.
World's most powerful MRI ready to scan human brain
The University of Illinois Chicago's 9.4 Tesla MRI successfully completed safety trials, allowing for the visualization of biological processes in the human brain. This technology has the potential to tailor radiation therapy based on a brain tumor's real-time response to treatment.
UIC chemists characterize Alzheimer's neurotoxin structure
New research by University of Illinois at Chicago chemists identifies intermediate step in amyloid plaque formation as a toxic culprit. Tiny spheres averaging 20 nanometers assemble into sheet-like structures comparable to fibrils, making them more than 10 times poisonous.
$2.2M NIH grant to develop drugs to suppress cocaine cravings
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $2.2 million grant to develop therapeutics for suppressing cocaine cravings by targeting 5-HT2 receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in controlling a person's desire to use drugs.
Effects of social isolation traced to brain hormone
Altered levels of an enzyme controlling brain hormone production linked to social isolation-induced anxiety and aggression in mice. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the psychological effects of social isolation, which could lead to the development of new treatments.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2007
Imaging shows structural changes in mild traumatic brain injury
Researchers found that diffusion tensor imaging can identify structural changes in the white matter of the brain, correlating to cognitive deficits even in patients with mild TBI. The study also discovered axonal damage and myelin abnormalities in more severe injuries.
Mice roar message: genetic change happens fast
Two scientists report a new type of mouse replaced an old type in Volo Bog between 1976 and 2001, with genetic differences apparent in just 25 years. The study suggests that environmental changes can drive rapid adaptation in animal populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
New UIC center to study drug choices, safety
The University of Illinois Chicago has established a new center to study how consumers and clinicians make critical treatment decisions about therapeutic products. The center will design and test systems to optimize drug choice, monitoring, and safety, with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes.
$4 million nursing grant focuses on at-risk premature infants
The study aims to develop a model that combines audio, tactile, visual, and vestibular stimulation with teaching programs for mothers of premature infants, reducing behavioral problems and improving early infant health. By reducing hospital stays by three days, the grant hopes to save over $2 billion dollars annually.
Possible safer target for anti-clotting drugs found
Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified calpain-1 as a key enzyme in blood clot formation, which could lead to safer anti-clotting treatments. The study also found elevated protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B levels in mice lacking calpain-1, potentially providing insights into diabetes and obesity research.
Hormone therapy boosts sexual interest but not memory, study finds
A study led by Pauline Maki found that hormone therapy increased sexual interest and reduced hot flashes in younger mid-life women, but did not improve memory performance. The therapy combination of estrogen and progesterone showed a 32% increase in sexual thoughts and a 44% increase in sexual interest compared to the placebo group.
Childhood vaccination may protect adult eyes
A study found that childhood vaccination for the rubella virus may have eliminated an inflammatory eye disease from the U.S.-born population. The vaccine was implemented in 1969, and subsequent reductions in Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) cases were observed, especially among foreign-born patients.
Shrinkage of prostate led to overestimation of cancer risk in trial
Researchers reanalyzed data from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, finding that prostate shrinkage may be responsible for the excess prevalence of high-grade cancer in the drug-treated group. Adjusting for changes in gland size due to finasteride use eliminated all excess high-grade tumors.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 12, 2007
UIC researchers find promising new targets for antibiotics
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified new sites on bacterial protein-making machinery where antibiotics can be delivered to treat infections. The study found that targeting specific regions of the ribosome, a crucial cellular component, may provide a novel approach to developing effective antibiotics.
Chemists get grip on slippery lipids
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how lipid binding domains interact with cell membranes to modulate functions. The study provides new targets for developing small molecules and drugs that specifically modulate signaling pathways.
First finding of a metabolite in 1 sex only
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a chemical compound, 2-aminoethyl phosphonate, in male blue crabs that is not present in females. The presence of this metabolite has significant implications for understanding animal development and biochemistry.
Ancient organisms discovered in Canadian gold mine
Scientists have found evidence that archaea and other life domains coexisted for at least 2.7 billion years, challenging current understanding of the history of life on Earth. The discovery was made in a deep Canadian gold mine, where oily lipid remains of ancient archaea were analyzed using advanced techniques.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2007
Key to out-of-control immune response in lung injury found
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a deadly complication of severe traumatic injury, bacterial infections, and more. A recent study found that a protein called Cblb modulates the inflammatory response in ARDS, with mice lacking the gene being less likely to survive.
UIC researchers to develop new drugs to fight bioterrorism
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Pharmacy will conduct four projects to discover new medicines for bioterrorism and other infectious diseases. The Institute for Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences will also explore natural products for therapeutic potential against anthrax and other pathogens.
CeaseFire receives $1.7 million grant to expand outside of Illinois
The Chicago Project for Violence Prevention has received a $1.7 million grant to expand CeaseFire, a public health and epidemic control approach, to cities outside of Illinois. The program will be implemented in Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Newark, N.J., and aims to reduce shootings and killings through community mobilization and outreach.