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University of Illinois Chicago


UIC research identifies potential pathways to treating alcohol use disorder, depression

Researchers at UIC's Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics have discovered a key regulator of gene expression and anhedonia during alcohol withdrawal. Blocking STAT3 activity alleviates withdrawal-induced depression in rats, and similar results are seen in human postmortem hippocampus samples of individuals with alcohol use disorder.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 14, 2021

340B hospitals offer more assistance removing barriers to medication access

According to a new study, hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program provide more medication access services than comparably sized non-340B hospitals. The study found that 340B hospitals offered an average of 6.2 services, including prior authorization assistance and free or discounted outpatient medications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalResearch in Social and Administrative Pharmacy·DateMay 5, 2021

Study reveals bias among doctors who classify X-rays for coal miner's black lung claims

A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateMar 26, 2021

New shape-changing 4D materials hold promise for morphodynamic tissue engineering

Researchers developed novel hydrogel-based 4D materials that can change shape in response to physiological stimuli, supporting high cell densities and mimicking natural tissue development. These materials have potential for bioengineering blood vessels, organs, and studying biological processes involved in early development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021

UIC researchers invent new gene-editing tool

Researchers have discovered a new gene-editing technique that allows for the programming of sequential cuts in genes, enabling researchers to better investigate time-sensitive processes like cancer development. The discovery was made by UIC's Bradley Merrill and colleagues using special molecules called 'proGuides',

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 23, 2021

New drug target for Ebola, Marburg viruses

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a second site on the filovirus glycoprotein that small drug molecules can bind to prevent infection. This finding holds promise for developing effective treatments for Ebola and Marburg viruses, which cause hemorrhagic fever with mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 8, 2021