Scientists found that specific genetic sequences, known as HAQERs, have a significant impact on human language abilities. These regions evolved before humans and Neanderthals diverged and are thought to be responsible for the development of modern human language.
Researchers have demonstrated that noninvasive brain stimulation can alter the activity of the hippocampus, a critical deep brain region involved in emotion and memory. Personalizing the stimulation site using a patient's unique brain connectivity pathway increases the neuromodulation effect.
A new study led by University of Iowa Health Care researchers found that TENS reduced movement-evoked pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia, with effects lasting for at least six months. The treatment was also shown to be safe, effective, inexpensive, and readily available.
Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care identified acetazolamide as a potential target for preventing opioid use disorder relapse. The study found that blocking the activity of brain enzyme carbonic anhydrase 4 boosted acid-sensing ion channels, reducing drug-seeking behavior and relapse in mice.
Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have developed a new class of medication, pegcetacoplan, which directly targets the root cause of C3 glomerulopathy, a rare and severe kidney disease. The treatment has shown significant results, with up to 67% of children achieving complete remission and stabilization of kidney function.
Researchers found that people with MS have a distinct oral microbiome compared to healthy individuals, characterized by a loss of beneficial bacteria and an increase in disease-causing bacteria. The study suggests that oral microbial and metabolic changes may contribute to inflammation and disease processes in MS.
Dr. Michael Welsh's research on cystic fibrosis paved the way for a triple-drug combination therapy that has transformed CF from a fatal condition into a manageable one for over 90% of patients. His work also revealed the function and 'broken' nature of the CFTR protein, laying the foundation for targeted therapies.
Researchers at U. Iowa identify a specific metabolic pathway that fuels tumor growth in MPNST, providing a promising new target for treatment. By blocking this pathway, tumors grow more slowly and are more vulnerable to chemotherapy.
A University of Iowa-led study has revealed the unexpected structure adopted by the DNA repair protein RAD52 as it binds and protects replicating DNA in dividing cells. This understanding may help researchers develop new anti-cancer drugs targeting RAD52.
Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have identified a cellular route used by Ebola virus to traverse skin layers and emerge onto the skin surface. The study suggests that the skin's surface may be one route of person-to-person transmission, with human skin specimens actively supporting EBOV infection.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers has identified the first and only neurons necessary for salt appetite in mice and humans. These HSD2 neurons are triggered by aldosterone, a hormone that controls sodium levels, and play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Researchers found that patients taking beta-blockers had a significantly lower risk of developing Huntington's symptoms and slower symptom worsening compared to non-users. This suggests that beta-blockers may provide benefit to patients at various stages of the disease.
A randomized phase 2 clinical trial shows that adding high-dose, intravenous vitamin C to chemotherapy doubles the overall survival of patients with late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer from eight months to 16 months. Patients also experience improved quality of life with reduced side effects.
A genetic mutation that causes Huntington's disease may also enhance early brain development and play a role in promoting human intelligence. Children with the HD mutation have bigger brains and higher IQ than children without the mutation.
Researchers found that men taking terazosin-type medications had about a 40% lower risk of developing dementia with Lewy bodies compared to those taking tamsulosin or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The study suggests that these drugs may have broad potential for treating neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers developed a drinkable foam infused with carbon monoxide to enhance the effectiveness of autophagy inhibition in treating various cancers. The study showed significant reductions in tumor growth and progression in mice and human cancer cells, opening a promising new approach for therapies.
A recent study reveals the importance of brain hubs in neural networks and their rapid compensation when lost. The researchers obtained direct recordings of human brain activity before and after surgically disconnecting a critical language hub.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered that rare lung cells called pulmonary ionocytes mediate chloride and water absorption in airway surfaces. This unexpected function challenges previous assumptions about cystic fibrosis treatment.
Researchers have identified a specific area of the amygdala brain region that can cause prolonged loss of breathing after a seizure. This finding offers new insight into the mechanisms underlying Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare but fatal complication of epilepsy.
Researchers found that reduced brain wave strength is linked to cognitive dysfunction in PD patients, suggesting EEG as a diagnostic tool. The study aims to improve diagnosis and develop targeted therapies for cognitive symptoms.
A new study finds that a combination of chemotherapy drugs performs better than BCG in preventing high-grade cancer recurrence in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This alternative treatment has shown excellent safety and efficacy outcomes, providing a viable option for patients facing a shortage of standard care treatm...
New materials called gas-entrapping materials (GeMs) can carry high concentrations of therapeutic gases directly into tissues, including tumors. This improves the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy and radiation treatments in mouse models of prostate cancer and sarcoma.
A new study has identified two distinct brain networks associated with risk and resilience in depression. The salience network is linked to increased depression symptoms, while the default mode network is linked to decreased depression symptoms. These findings may lead to new treatments for depression using neuromodulation therapies.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a fundamental biochemical mechanism underlying memory storage, which is impaired in Alzheimer's disease models. The study reveals that restoring this protein folding mechanism reverses memory impairment in mouse models.
A diet rich in isoflavone may provide protection against multiple sclerosis-like symptoms when combined with specific gut bacteria that can break down the compound. The study found that mice fed an isoflavone diet had a microbiome similar to healthy individuals, while those without it lacked beneficial bacteria.
A new study found that diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or genetic predisposition to PTSD is associated with increased risk of suicide death among individuals with bipolar disorder. The research suggests that understanding the genetic contribution to PTSD can help identify different strategies for suicide prevention.
A single-dose, intranasal COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to fully protect mice against lethal infection and block animal-to-animal transmission of the virus. The vaccine targets mucosal cells in the nasal passages and airways, where SARS-CoV-2 infections occur.
A small molecule drug enhances the killing effect of radiotherapy by selectively generating hydrogen peroxide in cancer cells, which are more susceptible to its toxic effects. The study demonstrates synergistic effects in mouse models of lung and pancreatic cancer.
A new study challenges the idea that gray matter is more important than white matter for cognitive health. Damage to dense structural connections in the brain was found to be a better predictor of poor outcomes than damage to functional hubs.
A large observational study found that taking terazosin for enlarged prostate is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Men taking terazosin were 12-37% less likely to develop the disease compared to those taking tamsulosin, according to the study published in JAMA Neurology.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that administering a neuroprotective compound during pregnancy can prevent long-term neurodevelopmental problems associated with prenatal stress. The research showed that the compound, P7C3-A20, protected the developing brain from damage caused by chronic prenatal stress.
A repurposed mouse model has been shown to develop symptoms of severe COVID-19 and milder disease, including loss of the sense of smell. The study found that convalescent plasma protected the mice against lethal disease, suggesting a promising tool for understanding COVID-19 and developing new treatments.
Exposing diabetic mice to electromagnetic fields normalizes two major hallmarks of type 2 diabetes, including reduced blood sugar levels and improved insulin sensitivity. The effects are long-lasting, suggesting a potential EMF therapy for managing diabetes during sleep.
A new study has found that people with Parkinson's disease have a 30% higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to those without the condition. The analysis, conducted by researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care, also found that patients with PD were generally older and more likely to be male than those without PD.
A new study has pinpointed the specific brain cells responsible for triggering sugar cravings and overconsumption. The research, led by Matthew Potthoff and Matthew Gillum, reveals that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) acts on glutamatergic neurons to lower sugar intake and sweet taste preference.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a gene therapy approach to convert lab mice into models of COVID-19. This tool allows researchers to rapidly test treatments and vaccines, including poly I:C, convalescent plasma, and remdesivir, which prevented weight loss and lung disease in infected mice.
New clinical trial in the UK will test bemcentinib's antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, a potential treatment for early COVID-19 infection. The drug targets AXL, a cell surface receptor used by different enveloped viruses to enter cells.
A 12-week study involving 1,600 emergency department personnel will assess the effectiveness of practices and personal protective equipment in preventing COVID-19 acquisition. The study aims to identify key strategies for reducing transmission risk among frontline health care workers.
Researchers have successfully developed a MERS vaccine that fully protects mice against the deadly virus, and it may hold promise for developing vaccines against COVID-19. The vaccine uses a harmless virus to deliver a MERS coronavirus protein into cells, generating an immune response.
University of Iowa scientists have identified a specific area of the brain involved in seizure-induced loss of breathing, which could help predict and prevent sudden unexpected death due to epilepsy. The Amygdala Inhibition of Respiration (AIR) site was found to be critical in children with epilepsy.
Researchers identified a protein and signaling pathway that may contribute to sudden cardiac deaths in patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The study found that loss of integrin β1D prevents proper calcium control, leading to arrhythmias.
Researchers found that people with one mutated copy of the cystic fibrosis gene, known as CF carriers, are at higher risk for various CF-related conditions, including pancreatitis and type 1 diabetes. The study's results suggest a substantial burden of illness from these conditions, impacting over 10 million Americans.
The University of Iowa will expand its decade-long study on brain development in children at risk for Huntington's Disease (HD) with a new $18 million NIH grant. Researchers found that children as young as 6 years old had abnormalities in the striatum, an area known to deteriorate in HD, suggesting compensatory mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have made significant breakthroughs in delivering gene-editing proteins to airway cells without causing harm. The new peptide-based platform shows promise in treating diseases like cystic fibrosis, COPD, and asthma by repairing or modifying disease-causing mutations.
Researchers have found that a drug used to treat enlarged prostate may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Using big data and bench science, they discovered that terazosin can block cell death by activating an enzyme called PGK1, which is critical for cellular energy production.
A new study identifies CD40 as a key entry point for two dangerous bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Blocking the interaction between CD40 and superantigens may represent a universal strategy for preventing life-threatening illnesses.
Researchers developed a novel gene therapy approach that utilizes engineered transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules to suppress nonsense mutations. This technology has the potential to correct 10-15% of inherited genetic diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis.
A study found that supplementing mouse moms with nicotinamide riboside increases the quantity and quality of their milk, resulting in long-lasting physical and behavioral advantages in their offspring. The pups benefited from improved metabolic health, better motor coordination, learning and memory, and resilience to stress.
A new study found that antibiotics are being overused in up to 50% of patients undergoing common urological procedures, with extended use following the procedure being the main issue. This excessive use can promote antibiotic resistance and expose patients to potential harm.
Researchers discovered that presynaptic active zones can accommodate additional calcium channels, increasing synaptic strength and overturning previous thinking on channel dominance. This finding opens up a new avenue of research for treating neurological disorders.