A University of Iowa study identifies a faulty signaling pathway that causes exercise-induced fatigue in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. The research suggests that targeting this pathway may lead to therapies for this type of fatigue. Viagra was shown to overcome the signaling defect and relieve the fatigue.
A recent study from the University of Iowa found that nearly half of human DNA, composed of repetitive sequences like Alu elements, gives rise to functional exons that regulate gene expression. These findings suggest a link between 'junk' DNA and human-specific traits, such as muscle-related diseases.
Researchers at the University of Iowa and France have discovered a gene variant that causes sinus node disease, a potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder. The study found that variants in the ANK2 gene result in dysfunction in the protein ankyrin-B, leading to variable heart rates and bradycardia.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with isolated cleft lip, which affects approximately one in five cases. The study found that the variant disrupts proper expression of the IRF6 gene, leading to disruptions in AP2 binding and contributing to the development of cleft lip.
A new study shows that most general practice doctors are willing to discuss their own patient care errors with colleagues, but about one in four do not. The findings highlight the importance of learning from mistakes and provide opportunities for emotional support for physicians.
A study by University of Iowa researchers found PCB11, a toxic substance linked to paint pigments, present throughout Chicago air. The compound was detected in 91% of samples collected between 2006 and 2007, raising concerns over human health implications.
University of Iowa researchers are investigating the roles of the pituitary gland and sympathetic nervous system in interstitial cystitis inflammation. The study aims to identify potential causes of the painful bladder condition, which affects over 1 million Americans.
A new pig model for cystic fibrosis has been developed, closely mirroring the disease in human infants. The study's findings suggest that this model will aid in understanding the disease and may speed up the discovery of new treatments.
Researchers found that immune-defense cells influenced by embryonic stem cell-derived cells can prevent transplant rejection in mice. The study's results suggest a potential method for reducing the need for immunosuppressive drugs in human organ and bone marrow transplants.
A team of University of Iowa investigators are applying findings from heart research to the study of asthma, focusing on an enzyme known to play a role in heart failure. They aim to learn more about airway smooth muscle cells and their response to the enzyme CaM kinase II.
Scientists have made direct measurements of the solar wind termination shock using Voyager 2 data, which could help understand how cosmic rays are produced. The observations reveal intense plasma wave turbulence and unexpected effects, sparking revisions to theories.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a brain pathway that reacts to low pH levels, shutting down seizure activity. The study reveals that an acid-activated ion channel, ASIC1a, plays a crucial role in terminating seizures, providing new insights into the condition and potential therapeutic approaches.
A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals a new dimension for a key heart enzyme and sheds light on an important biological pathway involved in cell death in heart disease. The team found that oxidation can sustain the enzyme's activity, which is implicated in arrhythmias, hypertrophy, and heart cell death.
University of Iowa researchers have successfully wiped out established Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by activating the bacteria's quorum-sensing system. The discovery offers insight into a dispersal mechanism for biofilms and might help identify new therapeutic targets to combat chronic infections.
A University of Iowa study reveals a biological link between pain and fatigue, with a protein called ASIC3 playing a crucial role in protecting against muscle fatigue in women. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome due to hormonal differences.
The University of Iowa has received a five-year, $2.1 million NIH grant to continue its mentorship project for junior faculty members in pediatrics. The program trains clinicians to study the underlying mechanisms of conditions such as prematurity and heritable disorders.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that the PPAR gamma protein regulates blood pressure and vascular function, shedding light on why certain diabetes medications also lower blood pressure. The discovery may lead to more specific treatments for cardiovascular diseases associated with type II diabetes.
Researchers found an association between leptin resistance and high blood pressure in people with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Leptin resistance disrupts brain signals that regulate appetite and metabolism.
A new study found that patients who prefer a highly active role in their treatment do not necessarily have better luck managing chronic health conditions. Those who preferred an active role had higher blood pressure and cholesterol levels over a 12-month period compared to those with a less active approach.
A genetic defect in the p22phox protein causes a severe immune deficiency in humans, similar to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). The study found that mice without this protein also develop a severe balance disorder due to the loss of gravity-sensing crystals in the inner ear.
A University of Iowa study shows that poor women in Iowa are more likely to experience clinically significant postpartum depression than their wealthier counterparts. 40% of Iowa mothers with a household income less than $20,000 suffered from depression, compared to 13% of those with higher incomes.
Researchers have identified a key role for a glaucoma gene, sFRP1, in the development of the disease, which causes high pressure in the eye. Over-expression of this gene disrupts the WNT-signaling pathway, leading to elevated intraocular pressure and vision loss.
Researchers have discovered a new ALS drug target by identifying an unexpected protein-protein interaction between SOD1 and Rac1. This interaction, which is impaired in familial ALS, leads to excessive ROS production and oxidative stress, contributing to the disease's progression.
Physicians report a disconnect between disclosing medical errors to patients and reporting them to hospitals, with only 18% of respondents reporting minor errors to their institution. The study suggests that lack of understanding on how and what to report contributes to the gap.
A new study suggests that African-American women's magazines often encourage fad diets and faith-based approaches to weight loss, while mainstream magazines focus on evidence-based diet strategies. Mainstream magazines were twice as likely to suggest eating more whole grains and protein, smaller portions, and low-fat foods.
Recent research by Natalie Denburg and colleagues found that 35-40% of healthy older adults exhibit poor decision-making abilities, which is associated with increased vulnerability to deceptive advertising. The study suggests that these individuals may experience disproportionate aging of the brain region critical for decision-making.
A new study by University of Iowa researcher Vera Loening-Baucke found that acute and chronic constipation accounted for nearly half of all cases of acute abdominal pain in children. The study recommends that physicians perform a simple rectal examination to diagnose constipation as a cause of abdominal pain.
A University of Iowa study found that even when both partners are highly educated and earn a significant income, women tend to sacrifice their careers for their husbands' promotions. The research suggests that entrenched gender roles contribute to this phenomenon.
Researchers at the University of Iowa are studying risky decision-making among pre-teens, focusing on factors that contribute to risk-taking behaviors such as smoking and drinking. The three-year study aims to identify profiles of at-risk children and track how their decision-making deficits affect everyday choices.
A new genetic study from the University of Iowa found that women are more likely than men to have altered serotonin processes related to depression. The study, which analyzed data from 192 individuals, suggests that genetic variations may play a role in tailoring antidepressant treatment for individual responders.
The University of Iowa team identified two key genes involved in moisture sensing, allowing fruit flies to detect subtle changes in humidity. This discovery provides crucial insights into the mechanisms of hygrosensation and its potential applications in understanding sensory processes.
The University of Iowa has been awarded a four-year $1.2 million grant to develop evidence-based guidelines for caring for elderly patients with mental health issues. The grant will support the creation of new curricula and competencies in geropsychiatric nursing, aiming to improve mental health care for America's older population.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a gene called AP2C that plays a linchpin role in estrogen signaling pathways. Silencing this gene significantly decreased tumor growth and delayed establishment of tumors in mice.
A U. Iowa team discovered two cell-signaling proteins, Nox1 and Nox2, play a significant role in disease progression of inherited ALS, significantly increasing lifespan when deleted from mice. Nox2 deletion nearly doubles lifespan and survival index, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for ALS treatment.
Researchers will evaluate a new approach to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to target movement-evoked pain after surgery, with the goal of decreasing pain and improving function in older adults. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of active TENS to placebo TENS and standard care.
A University of Iowa professor has identified a new eating disorder called purging disorder, which is characterized by women eating normal or small amounts of food and then purging. The disorder differs from bulimia nervosa in terms of the amount of food consumed and the compensation methods used.
Two studies examine triage guidelines for emergency heart patients and find that those who followed the guidelines had similar outcomes to those who did not. However, low-risk patients who were discharged after receiving standard treatment had a small risk of developing acute coronary syndrome in the long term.
Research at the University of Iowa suggests that a patient-centered approach can be detrimental for patients who prefer a more traditional 'doctor-centered' style. The study found that when these patients are matched with patient-centered doctors, they are less likely to follow treatment recommendations and feel satisfied with their care.
A University of Iowa professor suggests that word repetition, variations in word difficulty, and simultaneous learning of multiple words account for the vocabulary explosion in children. The researcher's computational simulations support this theory.
A University of Iowa study shows that disrupting the acid sensing ion channel protein (ASIC1a) reduces innate fear behavior in mice. The findings suggest that this protein may be a critical component of brain systems underlying innate fear.
A new study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that specialty orthopedic hospitals have a 40% lower risk of complications compared to general hospitals for Medicare patients undergoing hip or knee replacement. Despite admitting fewer complex cases, specialty hospitals still exhibit better outcomes.
Researchers identify dysferlin as crucial for resealing heart muscle cell membranes, leading to cardiomyopathy in mice. Exercise exacerbates damage in mice with dysferlin deficiency, highlighting potential treatment target.
The discovery of a pygmy-sized giant panda skull in south China reveals that the modern giant panda has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. The ancient species lived on bamboo shoots and was adapted to eating bamboo early in its development, highlighting its unique dietary specialization.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that veterinarians with occupational exposure to birds have significantly higher levels of antibodies against avian influenza viruses. The greatest risk factor for infection was examining sick birds, highlighting the need for priority access to pandemic vaccines and antivirals.
Two UI studies show that the NSAID celecoxib has potent anticancer activity, killing head and neck cancer cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. This finding suggests that combining celecoxib with chemotherapies may provide better tumor control than radiation alone.
A study found that nearly all physicians admit they would disclose a hypothetical error, but less than half have actually done so. The survey also revealed that those with more experience and those who prioritize forgiveness in their spiritual beliefs were more likely to disclose errors.
University of Iowa researchers have identified a genetic mutation in sperm cells that contributed to autism in two daughters. The study provides insight into how this mutation affects the glutamate synapse and may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
A study of 119 Iowa hospitals found that rural hospitals do not have higher death rates for heart attack care, contrary to previous research. The study used a more sensitive analytic method to control for biases and found comparable patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that biofeedback treatment can correct bowel function in nearly 80% of patients with dyssynergic defecation. The study compared biofeedback to standard treatment of laxatives, diet, and exercise, and found that biofeedback was significantly more effective in improving muscle function.
Researchers found that overexpression of RAMP1 protein increases sensitivity and responsiveness to CGRP, a neuropeptide thought to cause migraines. The study suggests people who get migraines may have higher levels of RAMP1 than those who don't.