Researchers found naked mole-rats naturally lack Substance P, a neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the central nervous system. Introducing Substance P restored pain signaling in these animals, sparking hope for new therapies to treat fibromyalgia.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences documents harm caused by habitat fragmentation to a tree species native to Tanzania. The research found that birds that disperse seeds for the tree are rare or absent in fragmented areas, leading to poor seed regeneration and threatening the tree's survival.
A new treatment approach combines a tailored medication regimen with the RAINBOW psychotherapy program to alleviate symptoms of bipolar disorder in children. The program has shown promising results, with 94% of children improving after treatment.
The UIC Center for Population Health and Health Disparities will explore how individual and socio-ecological factors affect prognosis and outcome for breast cancer victims. The study aims to design better interventions to lower the incidence of death in minorities due to late-stage diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at UIC aim to develop new drugs to combat engineered strains of Bacillus anthracis, a serious threat that can cause widespread disease and death. The four-and-a-half-year program will integrate multiple strategies to find novel antimicrobials and direct inhibitors against the anthrax toxin.
Researchers are developing an automated search and retrieval process for drug names to minimize medication errors caused by soundalike words. The software will use intelligibility and perceptual neighborhood measurements to predict confusability scores.
Researchers at UIC College of Medicine identified 57 genes involved in cell proliferation, including some not previously known to play a role in cancer cell growth. The study found that certain fragments inhibited the multiplication of breast cancer cells by shutting down genes necessary for cell growth.
A one-year study is being conducted at the University of Illinois Chicago to explore the effectiveness of botanicals in treating menopause symptoms. The research aims to determine whether these alternatives can provide relief from hot flashes and other symptoms, while also examining potential risks.
A study of 239 heart-attack victims reveals that African Americans waited significantly longer than non-Hispanic whites to receive treatment, with blacks delaying by over three hours and whites by two hours. This delay can lead to reduced mortality rates if treatment begins within an hour after symptoms onset.
Researchers use eye movement tests to investigate brain abnormalities causing mental disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The study aims to develop a noninvasive tool for diagnosing brain disorders.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago nutrition scientists reveals a potential genetic link between selenium and breast cancer prevention. The research identifies specific versions of a gene that may require more selenium in the diet for cancer-preventive benefits.
Researchers discover that PTEN can be activated by phosphorylation, a process that counterbalances cell growth and suppresses tumor growth. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapy for cancers associated with PTEN gene mutations.
A groundbreaking study has identified mirtazapine as a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea, significantly reducing symptoms and improving breathing patterns. The medication, already approved for depression, showed the largest benefit and most consistent improvement of any pharmaceutical therapy in controlled studies.
Researchers discovered rapid evolution in the white-footed mouse population, with significant changes in gene sequence frequencies over three 50-year intervals. The findings suggest that humans may be a cause of this rapid evolution, and challenge current phylogenetic and phylogeographic methodology.
A laboratory study found that tea polyphenols inhibited the growth of oral bacteria, reducing volatile sulfur compounds. The study also showed that low concentrations of polyphenols hindered the enzyme catalyzing hydrogen sulfide formation, cutting its production by 30%.
A possible predictor of tamoxifen resistance has been identified in a University of Illinois Chicago study. High levels of protein kinase C alpha may indicate reduced effectiveness of the drug, and researchers hope to develop more effective strategies for treating cancer recurrence.
Researchers have identified genetic defects causing excessive estrogen production in three male patients, including a man and his son, leading to severe gynecomastia. The defects involved misplaced promoters associated with housekeeping genes, resulting in continuous aromatase enzyme production and elevated estrogen levels.
Researchers documented how HIV enters human T cells, where it multiplies and subverts the immune system, using time-lapse microscopy. The study reveals that HIV exploits the dendritic cell's special relationship with T cells to gain entry and launch its assault.
Research found extensive changes in brain processing of simple motor movements in patients with all three illnesses. The primary motor cortex took over hand motion control in some cases, while others relied on the cerebellum for coordination.
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that a protein in the brain, CREB, controls drinking behavior in laboratory animals. Low levels of active CREB or neuropeptide Y correlated with symptoms of anxiety and excessive alcohol consumption.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new method for growing conducting polymers, called Surface Polymerization by Ion-Assisted Deposition. This method allows for the creation of large areas of films with controlled chemistry and shape on a nanometer scale.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have successfully synthesized amphidinolide T1, a highly potent compound with potential as an antitumor agent. The breakthrough, achieved through retrosynthetic analysis and sophisticated technologies, could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
A new study reveals that Viagra encourages platelets to aggregate, potentially leading to thrombosis and life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes. The researchers found that the drug's active ingredient raises levels of cGMP, which initially causes platelets to clump but later reverses to prevent excessive buildup.
Researchers have discovered that the FoxM1B gene plays a crucial role in tissue healing and regeneration. The study found that the gene is essential for cells to divide and multiply, allowing tissues to repair and regenerate. Without FoxM1B, DNA duplication fails, leading to accelerated aging and age-related diseases.
Researchers find liquid lake beneath 62 feet of ice, containing seven times the saltiness of normal seawater. The isolated brine is believed to harbor life due to its chemical composition, with microbes returning to life after gradual melting.
Researchers at UIC provided the first images of HIV in living cells, revealing how the virus enlists host assistance to wreak havoc on the body's defenses. The visualization, which took four years to develop, shows HIV particles hitching a ride aboard dynein, a molecular motor, and crossing the microtubular highway to reach the nucleus.
The grant will fund research and development projects to create virtual exercise environments, adapt fitness equipment for individuals with disabilities, and promote tele-exercise. The goal is to overcome barriers and increase demand for accessible equipment and facilities.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic mechanism to prevent cancer development by targeting the Cdk4 gene. The study showed that knocking out this gene can make cells resistant to cancer even if their tumor suppressor defense is deficient. Cells then enter senescence, offering a promising new option for cancer therapy.
A new UIC study sheds light on the relationship between early sexual development and childhood obesity, revealing an opposite link for boys and girls. Early maturation is associated with increased height but not weight gain in boys, while early maturity in girls is linked to both increased height and weight.
New research at the University of Illinois Chicago found that chromatin, not proteins, provides structural support for chromosomes during cell division. The study used a novel methodology involving DNA digestion and glass tube pipettes, which may help unlock the puzzle of how cells divide.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have isolated a protein from bacteria that kills cancer cells without causing harm. The protein, azurin, was tested in mice with human melanomas and showed significant tumor shrinkage, with no deaths or adverse reactions.
Researchers at UIC have identified a compound that inhibits cell migration, a process linked to cancer progression. The discovery uses a high-throughput assay and has the potential to be used in combination therapies against cancer.
The University of Illinois Chicago is developing a new model for dental education to address disparities in oral health care, increasing the diversity of the dental workforce. The program will provide community-based experiences and full scholarships to recruit minority and low-income students.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a way to render cancer cells more susceptible to immunological attacks and chemotherapy. By inserting the E1A gene into malignant cells, they can prevent tumor cells from blocking immune defenses, paving the way for new treatments.
Research suggests that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin may be effective in treating uterine cancer by inhibiting the COX-2 enzyme. The study also found increased levels of COX-2 and prostaglandins in endometriosis, a painful condition where tissue from the uterus attaches to other organs.
A new longitudinal study examines the drinking habits of 450 lesbians in Chicago, comparing them to a larger sample of heterosexual women. The research aims to identify factors that increase or buffer lesbians' risk for alcohol-related problems.
Researchers have found that two diabetes medications, thiazolidinediones, can prevent the development of multiple sclerosis in mice and reduce symptoms. The study suggests that these insulin-sensitizing drugs may also be effective in treating other neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a signaling mechanism in yeast cells that controls cell growth and differentiation, with potential implications for cancer treatment. The study found that pheromone triggers cells to stop dividing and orient their growth toward the source of pheromone.
Decitabine has been shown to be effective in treating patients who don't respond to traditional treatment, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. The study found that decitabine works by increasing fetal hemoglobin production, which can help alleviate the severity of sickle cell symptoms.
Researchers at UIC are testing a new vaccine for advanced prostate cancer, targeting patients with a specific immune type. The vaccine uses a fragment of the protein PSA to stimulate the immune system and destroy tumor cells.
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing has launched a five-year AIDS prevention project in Malawi, training health workers to become leaders in combating the pandemic. The project aims to educate hospital staff, nurses, and medical officers on HIV transmission and safe-sex practices, as well as mobilizing community peer ...
Human neural stem cells transplanted into normal mice and reeler mice showed symmetrical migration in the former but failed to migrate in the latter. This suggests that protein reelin plays a critical role in directing stem cell migration, potentially underlying schizophrenia's distorted perception and thinking.
A study of 984 Chinese children found that about half continued their high-fat diet six years later, highlighting the importance of early diet in preventing chronic diseases. Socioeconomic factors such as family income and education level also played a significant role in shaping dietary patterns.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a five-year, $7 million NIH grant to study the mechanisms of fertility and infertility. Researchers will investigate hormone regulation, immune response, and other factors contributing to endometriosis and infertility.
Researchers found that high-dose, short-term chlorambucil treatment resulted in sustained inflammation reduction for 77% of patients with severe, non-infectious uveitis. The study's findings suggest that chlorambucil may become a preferred treatment option for these patients.
A University of Illinois study suggests that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treating severe depression, with better tolerability and fewer side effects. rTMS showed significant improvement in depression scores, with a 55% reduction in the treatment g...
Researchers found that certain cancer drugs induce features of cellular aging, which can help stop the growth of cancer cells. The study suggests that some cancer treatments may have an unexpected side effect: causing premature aging in tumor cells.
The StarLight network provides high-speed connectivity for researchers worldwide, enabling real-time collaboration on complex projects. With speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second, StarLight supports cutting-edge applications such as virtual reality presentations and data mining.
Professors Vera Pless and Janet Beissinger create educational games to teach kids about cryptography and coding theory, making math accessible and fun. The project aims to help youngsters understand the importance of coding in business security and online safety.
Scientists at UIC found that increasing FoxM1B gene expression restored liver cell growth rates and division activity in aged mice, potentially treating aging-related diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for the elderly using gene therapy.