Researchers found progeria cells have low catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity, making it hard to remove toxic peroxides. Reintroducing these enzymes could halt or reverse the problem using adenovirus gene transfers.
A University of Iowa researcher found that fast-tracking can decrease staffing costs for hospitals with hourly-paid staff, but not those with set salaries. The approach allows patients to wake up quickly, reducing recovery room time and increasing productivity for hospital staff.
A University of Iowa research team has developed a way to isolate replicating DNA molecules for studying the replication process. This advance will allow investigators to better understand DNA replication and may lead to improved therapies for treating diseases such as cancer.
Researchers found distinct brain activity patterns in introverts and extroverts using PET scans. Introverts exhibit more internal processing, while extroverts show increased sensory processing.
A University of Iowa study found that patients with schizophrenia who had frequent social interaction lived on average 25 percent longer than those with little or no interaction. The researchers also discovered that married patients lived somewhat longer than unmarried patients.
Scientists have confirmed that a protein complex, when defective, causes limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Researchers developed a cell culture system to mimic the defect and found that complete assembly of the sarcoglycan complex is dependent on simultaneous synthesis of all four sarcoglycans.
A computer model developed by Jay Rubinstein suggests that increasing the signal pulses from external processors can produce more independent neuron activity, similar to natural acoustic stimulation. This breakthrough could lead to substantial improvements in all types of sound coding for people with cochlear implants.
A study suggests that an imbalance in genes expressed on the X chromosome may lead to ovarian cancer development. The research found nonrandom X-chromosome inactivation in over 50% of women with invasive ovarian cancer, particularly those with BRCA1 mutations.
A University of Iowa researcher has discovered that termite bacteria consume hydrogen, converting it into acetate, an excellent food source for termites and cows. This finding could lead to improvements in cattle nutrition and decreases in their methane emissions, a major contributor to global warming.
A team of UI researchers has found a way to permanently deliver therapeutic genes to the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis. The method uses a retrovirus that integrates into host DNA, allowing the gene to be reproduced in cells. This could lead to a permanent cure for CF and other genetic lung diseases.
Researchers found that alendronate significantly increased bone mineral density at the spine and hip in men and women taking steroids, reducing fracture risk. The study showed improved outcomes for post-menopausal women receiving 10mg of alendronate.
Scientists have identified SLP-76 as a critical protein for the development and activation of T cells, an essential part of the immune system. This finding provides valuable insights into the basic biology of immune system activation, which is crucial for understanding immunodeficiency disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Two studies found a direct relationship between RN staff mix and lower rates of medication errors, patient falls, and other adverse occurrences. However, the optimal RN staffing level remains unclear, with medication errors increasing above 87.5% RN care hours.
A mutated tumor suppressor gene has been identified as the cause of familial juvenile polyposis, a disorder affecting about 1 in 100,000 people. The discovery may provide insights into colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers have identified a key chemical message that triggers the formation of biofilms, complex communities of bacteria that are notoriously resistant to antibiotics. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments for bacterial infections.
University of Iowa researchers have shed light on the mysteries of metastasis by studying uveal melanoma, a potentially blinding and fatal form of cancer. They found that abnormal proteins respond to hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor, attracting blood vessels and causing cancer cells to spread.