A study by University of Iowa researchers has identified areas of the brain controlled by breathing, providing an important insight into SUDEP. Breathing loss was recorded when the amygdala was stimulated in human subjects, even if they were aware and awake.
A study by University of Iowa scientists found that adding high salt to a high-fat diet prevents weight gain in mice, suggesting non-caloric nutrients can significantly impact energy balance and weight gain. The researchers discovered that digestive efficiency, not caloric content, is the key factor in suppressing weight gain.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that prolonged exposure to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rabbits, mirroring the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Anti-bacterial therapy or vaccines may hold promise for preventing or treating the disease.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found no benefit from bone marrow transplantation in mice models of Rett syndrome, contradicting earlier findings. The study suggests that the initial results were due to factors other than those considered in the new experiment.
A University of Iowa team is working on a minimally invasive approach to repairing damaged cartilage and preventing osteoarthritis. They have created an injectable, bioactive hydrogel that encourages self-healing of cartilage damage.
Researchers found that mice lacking the estrogen-related receptor alpha gene exhibit abnormal behaviors related to eating and social interactions. The study identifies ESRRA as a key gene contributing to the risk of anorexia nervosa, with implications for treating the disorder.
A new injection approach shows promise as a potential weight-loss therapy by making muscles less energy efficient and increasing calorie burning. This could help people overcome their body's natural resistance to weight loss, especially for those with limited mobility.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein called RGS6 that controls both alcohol craving and organ damage. The team found that inhibiting RGS6 could represent a new approach to counteract alcohol dependence and protect against cell-killing actions of alcohol.
Scientists at the University of Iowa created human insulin-producing cells that respond to glucose and correct blood-sugar levels in diabetic mice. The findings may represent a step toward developing patient-specific cell replacement therapy for type 1 diabetes.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered previously unrecognized differences in the brains of patients with bipolar disorder using a novel MRI imaging approach. The study found elevated signal in cerebral white matter and cerebellar region of patients, suggesting abnormal cell metabolism may play a role in the disorder.
A new study identifies TET1 as a master regulator in cancer progression by silencing tumor suppressor genes. Adding TET1 back to cancer cells reactivates these genes, reducing abnormal proliferation.
Researchers show that Alzheimer's patients experience sustained states of sadness and happiness despite little or no recollection of movie clips. The study highlights the importance of caregivers' actions on patients' emotional state, suggesting simple techniques can improve quality of life.
Researchers identified six hub regions as crucial for cognitive function and found that damage to these areas caused widespread cognitive impairments. In contrast, lesions to other locations resulted in significantly less impairment. This study's findings may improve diagnosis and prognosis for brain injury patients.
A new class of compounds has been shown to protect brain cells from damage caused by blast-mediated TBI. The compounds, called P7C3 series, block axon damage and preserve normal brain function, even when treatment is delayed until 24-36 hours after injury.
Research by University of Iowa scientists reveals that cystic fibrosis causes a primary defect in mucociliary transport, resulting in impaired detachment of mucus from airway glands. This leads to airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, and increased susceptibility to lung infection.
University of Iowa researchers have identified a biomarker that can predict preeclampsia at least 6 weeks into pregnancy, enabling early detection and potentially preventing severe health issues. The study's findings hold significant implications for obstetric care in rural and underserved communities.
Researchers discovered a new form of neurotransmission involving acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs) that influence addiction-related behavior. Targeting ASIC activity may lead to new therapies for treating drug addiction.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that pathological gambling runs in families, with first-degree relatives eight times more likely to develop the problem. The study also identified connections between pathological gambling and other psychiatric disorders, such as social anxiety disorder and PTSD.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a natural compound in green tomatoes that stimulates muscle growth and protects against muscle wasting. Tomatidine, found in green tomatoes, generates changes in gene expression opposite to those that occur in muscle cells affected by muscle atrophy.
A new study published in Circulation reveals how changes in the organized cell membrane network of heart muscle leads to heart failure. Colchicine, a drug used for gout treatment, protects normal heart function by reducing microtubule density, while taxol accelerates damage during heart failure.
Researchers discovered a genetic mechanism controlling the production of a large spike-like protein on staph bacteria that prevents clumping and reduces disease-causing ability. The study suggests targeting clumping behavior for therapy, potentially reducing staph infections.
Researchers identified a molecular link between liver cancer, cellular stress and health problems that increase the risk of developing this cancer. The protein CHOP promotes liver cancer in mice and may do so in humans too.
Researchers have identified a gene network of 39 biologically related genes associated with alcohol dependence. The study, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, suggests that this network may hold new targets for treating or preventing alcoholism.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers found that staph bacteria superantigens trigger pro-inflammatory molecules in fat cells, amplifying inflammation and potentially leading to diabetes. Chronic exposure to these toxins creates a 'perfect storm' for inflammation, worsening the risk of developing diabetes.
Researchers have identified two genes that increase the risk of developing eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia. The genes, ESRRA and HDAC4, interact in a brain signaling pathway and produce the same biological effect, suggesting a new potential target for understanding and treating the complex condition.
A multi-center study found that wearing back braces significantly reduced the risk of curve progression and the need for surgery in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Patients who wore a brace more than 13 hours per day achieved success rates of 90-93%.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered that bacterial toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus cause lethal effects on the heart in infective endocarditis and sepsis. The study found that blocking superantigen action could be a new approach to treating deadly staph infections.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified three proteins necessary for constructing a key section of the critical sugar chain that enables the central protein to function properly. Defects in these proteins can cause congenital muscular dystrophy, a group of muscle diseases.
A University of Iowa study reveals significant disparities between minority and white clients in completing substance abuse treatment programs. Successful completion predicts greater likelihood of getting off drugs, abstinence from alcohol, and employment six and 12 months after treatment completion.
Researchers found that brain circuits controlling obsessive-compulsive behavior are intertwined with those controlling food intake and body weight. The study suggests that minor disruptions in this system may lead to disorders like anorexia nervosa or OCD, as well as obesity, where individuals overconsume high-fat foods.
Researchers identify mTORC1 protein as a key player in controlling blood pressure and link its abnormal activation to cardiovascular disease and obesity. Targeting this pathway may lead to better hypertension treatments for at-risk patients.
A new University of Iowa study suggests that deployment of a parent puts children at an increased risk for drinking alcohol and using drugs. The study found a three-to-four-fold increase in binge drinking among children of deployed or recently returned military parents compared to non-military families.
A new study by the University of Iowa confirms that pregnancy leads to permanent changes in a woman's feet, including increased length and width. The arch of the foot flattens out, potentially contributing to an increased risk of arthritis in women.
A new University of Iowa study suggests that diabetes may be linked to an increased risk of death from heart attacks due to the over-activation of a key enzyme. In diabetic mice, this enzyme's activation led to abnormal heart rhythms and an elevated risk of sudden death.
A study found that 40% of top-ranked and 36% of non-top-ranked hospitals struggled to provide a price estimate for total hip replacement, with costs ranging from $11,100 to $125,798. The researchers suggest consumers should ask for cost information and be persistent in obtaining it.
A recent study found that soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with mild TBI have measurable abnormalities in their brains, including 'potholes' in the white matter. These abnormalities are related to the severity of the injury and are correlated with cognitive deficits.
A gene called NEK2 promotes drug resistance in cancer, leading to faster growth and poorer patient outcomes. The finding may improve diagnostic and prognostic tools for cancer care.
Researchers at the University of Iowa discovered that cancer cells are surprisingly resilient to fluid forces in the bloodstream, which could help improve liquid biopsy approaches for detecting cancer cells. The study's findings suggest that resistance to fluid shear stress may be a key characteristic of malignant cells.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has identified a new cause of hydrocephalus, a devastating neurological disorder affecting newborn babies. By bypassing a faulty cell signaling defect with a drug treatment, researchers were able to reduce the severity of the condition and improve patient outcomes.
University of Iowa researchers have discovered that CaM kinase II triggers cell death in heart cells following a heart attack. Blocking the enzyme can prevent heart cells from dying and protect against heart failure.
Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have discovered a new biological pathway that can be targeted to eliminate or reduce severe side effects of diabetes drugs. The study identified the Cullin-3 pathway as key to blood pressure-lowering effects, potentially leading to more specific and effective treatments.
A new class of small molecules, P7C3 series, has been identified to block cell death in animal models of Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The compounds protect newborn neurons from cell death and correlate with improvement of disease symptoms.
The study found that the number of total knee replacements increased by over two and a half times from 1991 to 2010, driven by an aging population and increased demand among older adults. The procedure is highly effective, allowing patients to remain active as they age, but also represents a major healthcare expense for Medicare.
Cystic fibrosis causes two abnormalities in the pancreas that affect insulin production, leading to diabetes. The study also found that CF can disrupt insulin regulation as early as birth, with defects in chloride channel protein potentially contributing to the problem.
Researchers have discovered a genetic process that can restore function to a defective protein responsible for cystic fibrosis. By manipulating a specific microRNA network, they were able to partially restore the protein's function and increase its production.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that cystic fibrosis makes airways more acidic, reducing bacterial killing. Making the airway liquid less acidic with baking soda restores normal bacterial killing levels.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers shows that a natural substance found in apple peel can partially protect mice from obesity and some of its harmful effects. Ursolic acid increases muscle and brown fat in mice on a high-fat diet, leading to increased calorie burning and reduced obesity, pre-diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
A team of researchers has discovered that a part of the brain, known as the frontopolar cortex, plays a critical role in making short-term predictions about what will happen next. This region helps individuals make decisions in rapidly changing environments by learning from past experiences and anticipating future events.
The University of Iowa researchers created a non-invasive method to measure pH changes in the brain using MRI-based techniques. The study found that pH changes occur with normal brain function and can be detected using this new technique.
A team of University of Iowa researchers found that a lack of gamma-protocadherin cell adhesion molecules in the cerebral cortex disrupts neural circuitry formation. This discovery may help understand causes of human developmental disorders like autism, mental retardation, and schizophrenia.