A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that low birth weights among African-American women are more closely related to racism, stress, and socioeconomic factors than genetics. The report highlights the impact of institutional and interpersonal discrimination on infant health outcomes.
A national study found that ICSI use for male-factor infertility has increased significantly, with a stable proportion of patients receiving treatment. States with mandated insurance coverage showed greater use of ICSI beyond male-factor infertility indications.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago created a theoretical blueprint for assembling a nanoscale propeller with molecule-sized blades. The propeller's efficiency in pumping liquids is highly sensitive to its chemical and biological composition, finding that hydrophobic blades pump more water while hydrophilic blades become ...
Researchers successfully formed a single chemical bond on a single molecule, then broke it without disturbing adjacent atoms. They created a molecular-sized electronic switch with reversibility achieved.
Researchers have successfully propagated a prion from one organism into another, expanding our understanding of these infectious proteins and their role in fatal neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery opens up new avenues for studying prion propagation and highlights the need to search for additional prions.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that antidepressants significantly lower the risk of suicide attempt in young adults ages 18 to 25, even those with severe depression.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that young adults who want to quit smoking are less likely to use evidence-based behavioral treatment. Only 4-5% of young adult smokers use any form of treatment, compared to 32% of older smokers.
Researchers develop new therapy to re-activate silenced genes, potentially blocking cell death in stroke patients. The therapy targets histone deacetylase enzymes, which can modulate gene expression and produce neuroprotective proteins.
A study by researchers at UIC found a strong association between the use of contact lens solution AMO Complete MoisturePlus and Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare severe eye infection. The study suggests that the solution's ability to kill Acanthamoeba is compromised, increasing the risk of infection.
A University of Illinois Chicago study found that over 92% of Illinois dentists perform oral cancer examinations, but many lack proper training and techniques, leading to incomplete screenings. The study emphasizes the need for additional training and increased vigilance in detecting oral cancers.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has received a $7 million grant from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to study endometriosis and its effects on fertility. The research aims to develop new therapies and better understand embryo implantation and pregnancy.
Scientists have found an enzyme called Pak 1 that acts on the heart's pacemaker to slow the rapid beating of the heart's 'fight-or-flight' reaction to adrenaline. This discovery opens up new avenues for diagnosis, drug design and treatment of common heart diseases.
Researchers found that doubling state spending on these services reduces the risk of nursing home admission among childless seniors by 35 percent. States' varying levels of commitment to providing these services have been linked to different outcomes for seniors with and without family support.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered how antibiotic linezolid inhibits bacterial growth. By binding to ribosomes, linezolid kills bacteria and disrupts protein synthesis. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of action and potential improvements for the drug.
Researchers at UIC College of Pharmacy have developed a hydrogel-based delivery system to control chemotherapy drug release for glioblastoma multiforme and other solid tumors, reducing side effects. The innovative approach aims to improve survival rates for brain tumor patients.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are studying fatigue in cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplants using ecological momentary assessment. Patients use a wearable device to record their fatigue intensity, providing an instant measurement of symptoms that can interfere with daily functioning.
A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that LASIK surgery is safe and effective for patients aged 40-69 years old, with reliable predictability of correction. The study also highlighted challenges faced by older adults, including difficulty with near vision after LASIK due to presbyopia.
A fossil trove discovered in a Kendall County cave may rewrite the region's geological history. The site preserves nearly-pristine plant spores, leaves, and scorpion parts, including needles from conifers dated to be the oldest ever found in North America.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that knocking down a specific RNA-binding protein can inhibit ovarian tumor cell growth and invasiveness. The study suggests this protein could be a new target for diagnosis or treatment of ovarian and other cancers.
A clinical trial enrolling over 2,700 uncircumcised men found that circumcision reduced the risk of acquiring HIV by 53% compared to uncircumcised men. The study's results suggest that circumcision can be an effective addition to other prevention and reproductive health services in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new study published in the American Journal of Public Health confirms the association between passive smoke in the workplace and an increased risk of lung cancer. Researchers found a 24% increase in lung cancer risk among people exposed to passive smoke, with highly exposed workers facing a 100% increased risk.
Researchers at UIC aim to develop a compound blocking mania associated with bipolar disorder, improving on dated 'mood stabilizers' like lithium and valproic acid. The goal is to create safer, more effective treatments for the mental illness affecting over 2 million Americans.
Most fertility clinics fail to adhere to advertising guidelines, leading to potential misinformation for patients. Private clinics were more likely to publish success rates and use comparative marketing, but often failed to provide accurate information.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago discovered that receptor numbers on nerve cells are controlled by brain's level of glutamate, a previously ignored neurotransmitter. This finding has implications for understanding perception, learning, and behavior, including homosexuality.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have solved the structure of the iron regulatory protein-RNA complex, which regulates iron transport and storage in cells. The complex has two forms with distinct functions, and its unique arrangement allows it to bind RNA with high affinity.
A study comparing LASIK and LASEK found no clinically significant differences between the two procedures. Both procedures were deemed safe, effective, and predictable for treating low to moderate myopia.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new formula to determine the initial dose of digoxin for patients with congestive heart failure. The formula uses blood digoxin levels, kidney function, and ideal body weight to provide more accurate dosing recommendations, reducing the risk of overdose or underdose.
Gene-bending proteins recognize and bind tightly to bent DNA conformation, suggesting DNA plays a role in guiding correct bending protein to site on DNA. This finding challenges the conventional dogma that it is the protein that bends the DNA.
A survey of 591 youth tobacco cessation programs across the US found that most were school-based and provided effective treatment with highly skilled staff. However, fewer programs existed in low-income and rural communities where youth smoking rates are higher.
A new research tool developed by Susan Liebman may provide a means for treating the earliest stage of Alzheimer's disease. The yeast model system detects A-beta small aggregate formation, allowing for high-throughput screening of compounds to inhibit aggregation.
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that pioglitazone significantly slowed the thickening of carotid artery walls, reducing the risk of heart attack. The medication was shown to be effective regardless of age, sex, or diabetes duration.
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago examines how genetic variations affect brain activity, cognition, and symptom response to risperidone. The research aims to identify genetic markers that predict treatment success and potential side effects in patients with schizophrenia.
A US study found an inverse relationship between antidepressant prescriptions and child suicide rates, with counties having high prescription rates showing lower suicide rates. The study predicts that no SSRI prescriptions would lead to 253 more suicides per year among children and adolescents.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered that spectrin can perform both structural and adhesive functions in cells, contradicting previous assumptions about its role. This finding has implications for understanding genetic diseases such as anemia and muscular dystrophy.
A special set of proteins coordinates trafficking through cellular compartments, enabling quick entrance and exit. The mechanism may have applicability in the biomedical field due to its universality across species.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified an antibiotic that specifically targets the FoxM1 gene, which is responsible for cancer cell proliferation. The antibiotic, siomycin A, was found to induce cancer cells to commit suicide in a process called apoptosis, with no effect on normal cells.
A study found that herpes virus infects cornea cells through a process similar to how phagocytes engulf foreign invaders, allowing the virus to evade the immune system. This unusual pathway opens up new strategies for developing therapies against ocular herpes and has implications for understanding other herpes virus infections.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Medicine identified a molecule that plays a critical role in lung tissue recovery following severe injury. The study found that FoxM1, a protein controlling cell proliferation, is involved in endothelial regeneration and barrier integrity restoration.
Researchers identified a gene mutation that regulates smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure in rats, leading to hypertension. The study may lead to improved treatments by targeting the proliferation of smooth muscle cells.
Researchers used a flash-freeze physical-fixation technique to study nematode worms and found that membrane packets of neurotransmitter localize in new places. The technique provides an accurate picture of where synaptic proteins cluster, information previously unknown to scientists.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a molecular motor that helps cells determine which way is up by transporting a key lipid. This process is essential for maintaining cell polarity and preventing cancerous metastasis. The study sheds light on the trafficking and disposition of polarity determinants.
A brain protein called BDNF plays a critical role in regulating anxiety and alcohol consumption in rats. Lower levels of BDNF in specific areas of the brain increased anxiety and drinking behavior, while restoring normal BDNF levels diminished these effects.
The newly discovered tomosyn protein appears to play a key role in regulating synaptic release of neurotransmitters, suggesting its involvement in learning and memory. Mutant worms lacking tomosyn exhibit excessive neurotransmitter release, highlighting the protein's negative regulatory effect on synapse efficiency.
Researchers at UIC University found a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and behavior problems in toddlers. The study, published in Child Development, found that prenatally exposed children were nearly 12 times more likely to show clinical levels of behavior problems.
University of Illinois researchers found unexpected two-way communication between blood stem cells and T cells, changing their fate. This loop may lead to a strong immune response, increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease or rejection.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that polyQ-AR, a mutated protein in Kennedy disease, inhibits fast axonal transport by activating JNK enzyme. This inhibition leads to selective neuron death and loss of motor neurons.
A study found that early exposure to estrogen or BPA increases the risk of precancerous lesions in the prostate. Researchers discovered that this leads to epigenetic reprogramming, altering gene expression patterns that promote prostate disease with aging.
Research using transgenic mice found that lower levels of selenoproteins accelerate prostate cancer development, highlighting the importance of selenium-containing proteins in preventing cancer. Further research is needed to understand how selenium supplements can maximize benefits.
A recent study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers suggests that approximately 61.8% of sexual assault subjects have drugs in their system, with 4.2% reporting being drugged without knowledge. The study also found that voluntary drug use impairs decision-making, increasing the risk of sexual assault.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found a significant correlation between the rise of video games and internet use, as well as rising fuel prices, and a decline in U.S. national park visits. The study suggests that increased home entertainment activity may be contributing to a decrease in outdoor activities.