A new study published in Science Advances found that a drug called phenylbutyrate can help cells clear herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses. When used in combination with acyclovir, the drug combo is more effective and reduces side effects associated with long-term use of acyclovir.
Researchers from UIC have discovered distinct pathways for bone and teeth formation, which can be manipulated to enhance healing processes. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing new treatments to cure dental diseases and bone injuries.
A new study found that Chicago neighborhoods with limited internet access and low health insurance coverage had higher COVID-19 death rates. Neighborhoods with high rates of COVID-19 mortality were often characterized by social vulnerability factors such as low educational attainment and high percentages of Hispanic/Latino residents.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a new method to produce ammonia with a significantly lower carbon footprint. The process uses a mesh screen coated in copper as a catalyst, which helps bind nitrogen to hydrogen to form ammonia.
A new study suggests that female reproductive steroids play a protective role against COVID-19 symptoms, providing anti-inflammatory functions and stimulating antibody production. The research also highlights the importance of nutrition in boosting the immune system, particularly through phytoestrogen-rich foods.
Research by the University of Illinois Chicago found that older children derive more happiness from experiences than possessions. To enhance memories and social value, families can take pictures or videos during events.
Researchers at UIC are studying the burden of tobacco use and developing a smoking cessation program for high-risk populations. The project, Mi Quit CARE, uses patient portals like MyChart to deliver interventions and aims to increase quit rates among low-income communities.
Researchers at UIC are conducting three national NIH studies to investigate the safety and effectiveness of various types of blood thinners for treating adults diagnosed with COVID-19. The trials aim to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular or pulmonary complications, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart attacks.
Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered four major factors influencing the motion of magnetic particles in fluids, including magnetic field strength, particle properties, and electrical charges. This knowledge can be used to improve drug delivery, biosensors, and other applications.
The University of Illinois Chicago will launch a post-secondary certificate program to prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment. The two-year Co-Op program, set to begin in fall 2021, will provide full student status, career pathways, and integration with other UIC students.
A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation shows that simultaneous robotic-assisted kidney transplant and weight loss surgery is safe for obese patients. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in surgical complications and improved cardiac function, with all patients experiencing a substantial weight loss.
A University of Illinois Chicago researcher analyzed over 13.9 million COVID-19-related tweets to track public concerns worldwide. The study found negative sentiments towards the pandemic's impact on economies and healthcare sectors until March 2020, when optimism about economic recovery grew.
A study published in Science Communication found that watching high-quality, engaging media programs on climate change can reduce political polarization among Democrats and Republicans. Participants who were most engaged with the program showed greater perceptions of climate change risk and efficacy in taking action.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a protein called DUSP4 that may help prevent or treat epilepsy. Boosting levels of DUSP4 could potentially block the spread of epileptic centers in the brain and reduce seizure activity.
A new study suggests that shifting American diets to increase vegetable and nut intake while decreasing red meat and added sugar consumption could reduce environmental degradation by 28-38%. This approach would also improve health outcomes, making it a win-win for the environment and human health.
A five-year study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers will assess the effectiveness of acupuncture and guided meditation in managing sickle cell disease pain, aiming to reduce opioid use. The study, funded at $7.1M, will explore non-pharmacological pain management interventions for approximately 360 patients.
Researchers at UIC will develop specialized sensors to enable drones to adapt to various fuel types, expanding their range and capabilities. The funding will also support the education of students in combustion, sensing, and optimization.
Two studies found that dealing with rude emails at work creates lingering stress and affects productivity, sleep, and family life. Researchers urge employees to psychologically detach from stressful workdays and managers to set clear expectations regarding email communications.
A University of Illinois Chicago team has been awarded over $4 million to establish a research center focusing on the health and function of people with serious mental illness. The center will test interventions to help patients access medical care, learn illness self-management strategies, and rebuild their lives.
Researchers found that taking azithromycin with QT-prolonging drugs increases the risk of cardiac events by 40%. These events include fainting, heart palpitations, and cardiac arrest. The study suggests doctors should monitor patients taking azithromycin for these medications.
A new study found that 1 in 10 older adult dental patients were inappropriately prescribed opioid medication combinations, often with psychiatric medications. These combinations increased the risk of hospitalizations and emergency room visits by 23%.
A University of Illinois Chicago study explores the effects of COVID-19 shelter-in-place and physical distancing measures on heart disease patients' hopelessness and physical activity. Researchers will evaluate the 'Heart Up!' intervention's impact on health outcomes.
A novel approach is being tested to deliver care to those with moderate depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence. Researchers at UIC are developing a voice-enabled, AI virtual agent named Lumen to deliver Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to patients with moderate, untreated depressive and/or anxiety symptoms.
The University of Illinois Chicago is leading a consortium to investigate how adolescent binge drinking affects genes, brain circuitry, and behaviors through epigenetics. The five-year project aims to identify neurobiological changes resulting from early binge drinking and its impact on adult psychopathology such as anxiety and addiction.
Researchers at UIC develop a unique method for precisely controlling the deposition of hydrogel to coax bone marrow stem cells into specialized cells. This technique allows for more accurate interactions between cells and their surroundings, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative therapeutics.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats have poor hearing due to six mutations in genes associated with hearing loss. Without cochlear amplification, the constant noise they produce doesn't harm their hair cells, making this adaptation beneficial for their survival.
The University of Illinois Chicago has received a $2.5 million grant to improve the training of primary care physicians to treat substance use and mental health conditions in rural and urban underserved populations. The program will incorporate an interprofessional approach, enabling doctors to provide holistic care and address complex...
Researchers found associations between disrupted sleep, elevated blood pressure and changes in the gut microbiome in a 28-day rat study. The study suggests that dysfunctional sleep impairs the body for a sustained period, leading to undesirable changes in the gut microbiome.
A new breast cancer treatment developed by UIC researchers has shown safety and effectiveness in Phase 1 clinical trials, with no toxic side effects reported. The drug, TTC-352, halted disease progression in six patients with metastatic breast cancer, offering a promising alternative to traditional hormone therapy.
A new study aims to determine if sleep optimization interventions can help adults with Type 1 diabetes improve their sleep and glycemic control. Participants will receive a wearable sleep tracker and brief phone counseling sessions.
Researchers at UIC have discovered that blood vessel cells play a crucial role in programming macrophages to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair. The study found that Rspondin3, a protein released by blood vessels, helps guide the programming of macrophages.
A new study found that cold temperatures are responsible for 94% of temperature-related deaths, even though hypothermia affects only 27% of hospital visits. This highlights the need for improved awareness and education around cold injury risks, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that nearly half of breast cancer survivors in the US experienced delays in care due to COVID-19. The most commonly reported delay was for routine follow-up visits, with other common delays including chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
A new study published in Social Psychology Quarterly explores how high school students categorize their peers into groups based on physical appearance. The research found correlations between these groupings and aspects of mental health, academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, social status, and risk-taking behaviors.
The University of Illinois Chicago's Center for Clinical and Translational Science received $22 million in funding to support multidisciplinary research bridging science labs and patient care. The center has helped train hundreds of researchers and staff, with a strong focus on addressing health disparities and community needs.
Researchers developed a peptide-derived nanoparticle that prevents blood clots without causing an increased risk of bleeding. The new drug showed promising results in animal models, reducing damage to the heart and improving survival rates.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that two daily fasting diets, with eating windows of 4-6 hours, can lead to significant weight loss and improved cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants lost about 3% of their body weight by reducing calorie intake and showed reduced insulin resistance and oxidative stress levels.
A recent study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that despite federal and state policies to expand access to birth control, only 10.1% of Los Angeles County pharmacies provide this service without age restrictions. The study suggests that regulations alone are not enough to address disparities in contraceptive use, hi...
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry shows that fish oil creates an antidepressant response when tested in patient-derived adult stem cell models. Researchers found that the treatment works through a different mechanism than prescription antidepressants.
The Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics at UIC is continuing its research on the epigenetic mechanisms of alcohol abuse disorders. Researchers will use animal models and human postmortem brain tissue to examine how epigenetic changes mediate withdrawal symptoms and promote increased drinking.
A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that high estrogen levels may increase feelings of reward in response to alcohol in female mice. The research suggests that treatment for alcohol use disorder may be more effective if sex differences are considered.
Researchers have quantified over a century of changes in Cook County, finding 80% wetland loss and species extinctions. The study aims to inform restoring aquatic ecosystems' health.
Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found increased amounts of unmodified tubulin in depressed individuals' cells compared to non-depressed individuals. Tubulin's modification plays a crucial role in harnessing Gsa signaling molecules, which are involved in neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Researchers at UIC are studying the effectiveness of sarilumab and remdesivir as potential COVID-19 treatments in hospitalized patients. The trials aim to determine whether these drugs can provide evidence-based therapeutic options for this highly contagious virus.
A study published in Immunity identifies an enzyme that blocks self-healing in blood vessels during inflammation, hindering regeneration. Removing this enzyme allows cells to fully regenerate, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving endogenous regeneration.
A new study published in Circulation found that noncitizens in the US are less likely to receive treatment for cardiovascular disease risk factors due to lack of insurance coverage and a usual source of care. The disparities were significant, with only 16.5% of noncitizens receiving treatment for high cholesterol.
Scientists have successfully manipulated individual atoms to exhibit collective behavior, a crucial step towards creating room-temperature superconductors. The study uses atomic manipulation to place cobalt atoms on copper surfaces in a perfectly ordered pattern, demonstrating the potential for higher temperatures.
A study of beverage sales in Cook County, Illinois, found that purchases of taxed beverages decreased by 21%, even after cross-border shopping adjustments. The tax was most effective on larger-volume purchases, with a price elasticity of -0.8.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified distinct genetic profiles for endothelial cells in various organs, including heart, brain, and lungs. These findings suggest that targeting specific blood vessels could lead to more effective treatments for vascular diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago report that hospital visits associated with homelessness have tripled since 2011. Their findings show that annual conservative estimates of homelessness using hospital-based data have exceeded HUD estimates since 2016.