Researchers emphasize the need for improved computer models of black carbon and other aerosol pollutants to accurately forecast health and climate impacts. The use of satellite data from NASA-funded projects has shown that air pollution can be transported across continents, with significant effects on local and regional climate.
Researcher Vicki Grassian emphasizes the importance of atmospheric aerosols in understanding climate change. Her laboratory studies explore heterogeneous chemical interactions with trace gases, cloud nucleation, and dust's optical properties to improve modeling and field research.
A new clinical trial shows that high doses of 'load' through programmed electrical stimulation of the muscle significantly slows bone density loss in patients with spinal cord injury. Average bone density in the femur was almost 40% lower in patients who received low or no load compared to those who received high load.
Researchers discovered MRSA contamination in 26 out of 395 raw pork samples collected from US stores, highlighting the need for safer handling practices. The study also found no significant difference between antibiotic-free and conventionally produced pork products.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified the critical sugar chain produced by the LARGE enzyme, which plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle cell viability. The study's findings could lead to rapid testing of potential muscular dystrophy therapies and treatments for Lassa fever.
University of Iowa researchers have found a way to cure mice of bloodstream malaria infections by rescuing an immune system pathway. The study's findings suggest that blocking the action of inhibitory receptor molecules could be an effective strategy for treating existing malaria infections.
Researchers analyzed soils in Cedar Rapids for industrial pollutants like PCBs and chlordanes, finding levels similar to other urban/industrial sites globally. The study highlights the need for caution regarding contaminated soil as a source of exposure to persistent organic pollutants.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers pinpoints CaM kinase as the key player in cardiac rupture. Blocking this protein may help prevent cardiac rupture and reduce death risk. The study also found that activated CaM kinase prompts heart muscle cells to produce an enzyme called MMP9, implicated in heart rupture.
A University of Iowa researcher is using a canine model to study the genetic basis of glaucoma. The goal is to identify potential genetic markers that could be used to diagnose and treat humans with the disease.
A recent study found high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the deep sediments of the Indiana Harbor and Ship Canal, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The discovery was made by researchers from the University of Iowa Health Care, who used submersible vibro-coring systems to collect sediment samples.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a new function for the harmonin protein, which is mutated in Usher syndrome. The protein plays a critical role in transmitting sound information to the brain.
A University of Iowa research team discovered a new genetic cause of retinitis pigmentosa by analyzing DNA sequencing and induced pluripotent stem cells. The study identified a mutation in the MAK gene as the likely cause of the disease, which affects about 1 in 4,000 people in the US.
Researchers found that women share more about their infertility than men, and they often turn to other women for support. Couples adjust their information-sharing habits based on each partner's feelings of stigma and societal pressure.
A UI biologist found that Candida albicans can form two types of biofilms: a traditional pathogenic one and a second sexual one. The discovery reveals that 90% of cells colonizing humans make resistant, non-sexually competent biofilms. A minority of cells form highly permeable and penetrable biofilms that support mating
Most study participants preferred an opt-in consent process, while 41% supported a broad description of how samples and health information might be used. The study suggests that public support and trust for biobanks can be built by implementing an informed consent process that meets formal requirements and standards.
A University of Iowa study found that women who make their sexual debut as young teens are more likely to divorce, especially if the experience was unwanted or had mixed feelings. This link holds even for those who delay sex until adulthood.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for muscle wasting disorders using a compound found in apple peel called ursolic acid. The study found that ursolic acid promoted muscle growth and reduced muscle atrophy in mice, while also lowering body fat, blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Researchers found that carbon black nanoparticles activated a double source of inflammation in the lungs, causing immune cells to die and leading to a secondary inflammatory response. The study suggests environmental exposures to diesel exhaust or printer ink could contribute to lung inflammation.
Researchers discovered a novel strain of Staphylococcus aureus, ST398, in an Iowa child care worker who reported no contact with livestock. The finding is an unexpected occurrence in a study examining the presence of Staphylococcus aureus in child day care facilities.
A team of researchers identified TIM-1 as the cellular protein that acts as a receptor for Ebola and Marburg viruses. An antibody targeting TIM-1 blocks infection by both viruses, potentially providing a way to prevent initial infection and limit outbreak spread.
University of Iowa researchers identify TRAF6 as essential for LMP1 functions, which can be targeted to develop new therapies for B cell lymphomas and autoimmune diseases. The discovery may lead to the development of novel treatments that mimic CD40 activation while avoiding disruptions in normal immune function.
A study published in Journal of Vision found that pigeons recognize human faces and emotional expressions in a way similar to humans. The researchers suggest that both specialized and general processes are involved in face recognition, contradicting previous assumptions about uniquely human cognitive processes.
A University of Iowa study finds that patients treated with antidepressants after a stroke have significantly greater improvement in physical recovery than those on placebo. The study demonstrates that this effect continues to improve for at least nine months after the medication is stopped.
Researchers have created a pig model that genetically replicates the most common form of cystic fibrosis, revealing how the CF protein is misprocessed and leads to disease symptoms. The study suggests that a small amount of active CFTR protein activity is not sufficient to prevent disease in pigs.
A new gene mutation has been identified as the cause of a rare form of muscular dystrophy, with severe cognitive impairment. Researchers created a mouse model to study the mutation and found similar muscle and brain abnormalities, offering hope for potential treatments.
A University of Iowa study suggests that people who feel depressed report experiencing a higher number of past symptoms, while those who feel anxious report more symptoms in the present moment. The study highlights the importance of considering mood when making diagnosis and treatment decisions.
A new study reveals that Alu elements inserted into existing genes can alter protein production rates, contributing to evolutionary differences between humans and other primates. The research uses high-throughput RNA sequencing data to quantify the frequency and location of Alu-derived exons in human genes.
A study published in Current Biology pinpointed the amygdala as the brain region causing fear. The researchers observed a patient without an amygdala, who failed to experience fear despite encountering traumatic events. This discovery may lead to new interventions for PTSD and anxiety disorders.
Toddlers who played with a broader array of objects learned new words twice as fast as those who played with similar objects. They also developed the ability to generalize knowledge and learn names of new objects by focusing on material rather than shape.
Researchers developed a comprehensive genetic test that can screen all 54 known deafness-causing genes in one run, costing $2,000. The new OtoSCOPE test offers quicker answers for families anxious to determine treatment options or learn the likelihood of future children having hearing loss.
A new study found that infants with cystic fibrosis have reduced IGF1 levels compared to healthy infants, suggesting that IGF1 deficits begin early in the course of CF disease. This could lead to new therapies for growth defects in people with CF.
A University of Iowa study reveals that young men vary in their ability to remember sexual cues, with good-looking women being more easily recalled. Men with a history of serious relationships perform better, while those with higher aggression scores do worse.
A new study published in Human Reproduction found that children conceived by IVF perform at least as well as their peers on standardized tests from grade 3 to 12. The study also discovered factors such as older mother age, higher education levels of both parents, and lower divorce rates linked to better test scores.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found that structural defects in heart muscle cells occur before functional decline, suggesting a potential window for intervention. The team used imaging techniques to visualize changes in T-tubule networks, which were accompanied by reduced junctophilin-2 levels and compromised integrity.
Researchers discovered that specific cadherin molecules expand molecular diversity and specificity in cell-cell adhesion, shedding light on autism and mental retardation. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of synapse formation and brain circuit assembly during normal development.
A recent study conducted by a University of Iowa professor and his colleagues found that increasing the ratio of black carbon to sulfate in the atmosphere increases climate warming. Black carbon from diesel engine exhaust and cooking fires was found to be more efficient at warming than biomass burning plumes.
The study reveals how HIV protein Tat interacts with the human protein P-TEFb, altering its shape. This knowledge may lead to the design of inhibitors that target P-TEFb only when it is interacting with Tat, potentially reducing viral replication without harming normal cell function.
A computerized system can accurately detect early eye problems related to diabetes and reduce the need for expensive human screenings. The system uses digital camera images of the retina to automatically identify signs of fluid and internal bleeding associated with diabetes damage.
The iScrub Lite app simplifies monitoring hand hygiene compliance and provides feedback to healthcare professionals. It helps standardize and streamline data entry, reducing errors and delays in reporting results.
A new experimental model using pigs with a CF-causing gene mutation has provided valuable insights into the development of lung disease in people with cystic fibrosis. The study's findings suggest that infection precedes inflammation in CF lungs, supporting early and aggressive treatment to delay or prevent lung disease.
The University of Iowa Superfund Research Program has received a five-year, $16 million grant to investigate the health impacts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water, soil, and air. The program will also explore novel clean-up methods using plants.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers suggests that patient-physician compatibility affects adherence to doctor's orders and even a patient's health status. When doctors and patients share similar attitudes on control, patients do better in managing their conditions.
The article highlights that even grand achievements like suspension bridges and Olympic high jumping originated through trial-and-error learning. By shifting focus from perceived foresight to actual origins of behavior, researchers can better understand the forces uniting evolutionary and developmental processes.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers found that individuals with amnesia retain emotional responses to happy and sad movie clips, even when they cannot recall the content. This challenges traditional views on memory loss and highlights the importance of caring for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a new test that uses CT scans to measure blood flow in the lungs, identifying smokers most at risk of emphysema. The study found subtle differences in blood flow patterns between smokers with normal lung function and those with early signs of emphysema.
The study found that more specialized hospitals had better outcomes for patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgery, with fewer serious complications and deaths. Hospitals that performed a higher volume of orthopedic surgeries were categorized as more specialized.