Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed genetic tests that may help identify individuals at risk of substance abuse and behavioral disorders. The study found differences in gene expression between people with a history of smoking and those without, suggesting potential blood tests for identifying risk factors.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a link between genetic information in white blood cells and mental health conditions like panic disorder. The study found distinct patterns of gene expression in individuals with and without panic disorder, which could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapies.
University of Iowa researchers have discovered new genetic mutations associated with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate, a common form of the condition. The findings may eventually help clinicians predict a family's risk of having more children with the condition.
Men who receive false-positive prostate cancer results experience heightened anxiety about their risk of developing the disease and report issues with sexual function. The study emphasizes the importance of discussing the pros and cons of screening with patients to minimize adverse effects on quality of life.
A University of Iowa study found antidepressant treatment improves post-stroke cognitive abilities, including executive function, in stroke survivors. The improvements occurred 21 months after treatment ended and were independent of changes in depression.
A UI researcher emphasizes the importance of understanding molecular processes in solving environmental issues, as demonstrated by the case of Antarctic ozone thinning. She advocates for further research on molecular assembly and disassembly to safely recycle materials from outdated computers.
A recent study has found that male and female rates of robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault have closed significantly over the past few decades. The research suggests a decline in violence against men and women, with notable differences in intimate partner violence and non-lethal victimization.
Researchers have identified a genetic variation associated with a mild form of schizophrenia, which also confers improved overall survival. The HOPA12pb gene variation affects dopamine-releasing neurons and may hold the key to developing new treatments for schizophrenia and other related illnesses.
Research by G. Edgar Folk and colleagues found that Arctic animals, including rodents, maintained a 24-hour cycle of rest and activity despite living in continuous light. The study suggests that these animals may be conscious of the sun's position in the sky and use it as a cue to regulate their circadian rhythm.
The International Harmonization Project has developed new guidelines for assessing lymphoma treatment, providing uniform criteria for clinical trials and interpreting response to treatment. The revised guidelines incorporate PET scans and immunohistochemistry, allowing for more accurate assessment of tumor viability.
A University of Iowa and University of Michigan Health System study found that adults living with children eat an additional 4.9 grams of fat daily, including 1.7 grams of saturated fat, compared to those without children. Healthy eating habits must focus on the entire household, not just individuals.
A team of University of Iowa researchers has made significant progress in understanding how the deadly Francisella tularensis bacterium evades the human immune system. The study found that the bacteria can inhibit the ability of white blood cells called neutrophils to kill it, allowing it to replicate and cause harm.
Researchers discovered a new immune defense mechanism that produces a highly effective antibacterial compound called hypothiocyanite. However, this process is defective in airway tissue and cells containing the CF gene mutation, suggesting that thiocyanate levels may be low in CF patients.
Researchers uncover that junk DNA can generate microRNAs, regulating protein production, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery expands our understanding of functional genomics and sheds light on the mysterious role of non-coding sequences in human development and disease.
Researchers at the University of Iowa identified a crucial role for IRF6 gene in skin development, which may lead to new treatments for cleft lip and palate. The study found that IRF6 regulates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, shedding light on this critical cell type.
A team of researchers has identified a specific protein segment within the GBV-C viral protein NS5A that strongly inhibits HIV from replicating in cells grown in labs. This finding builds on earlier work showing that people with HIV who are also infected with GBV-C live longer than those infected only with HIV.
University of Iowa experts are warning that a commonly prescribed asthma medication combination can be deadly for certain patients. The long-acting asthma drug salmeterol used in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid can worsen asthma symptoms for those who do not need the combination, leading to life-threatening problems.
A $14.6 million NIH grant will fund an international, multidisciplinary effort to leverage recent genetic discoveries into possible treatments for AMD. The investigation aims to explore the role of complement factor H and factor B genes in the immune system and develop diagnostic tools and treatments.
Two University of Iowa studies examine factors that hinder or help physicians disclose medical errors. The research reveals a range of positive and negative motivations, including responsibility to patients, self, profession, and community. Understanding these factors can improve patient safety and doctor-patient relationships.
Researchers at University of Iowa and partners visualize magnetic interactions between two atoms less than one nanometer apart, enhancing magnetic semiconductor materials. The technique could lead to smaller, more efficient computer chips using spintronics technology.
A study found that children living near Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) in Iowa are more likely to develop asthma, with a prevalence rate of 24.6% compared to 11.7% in areas far from the facilities. The results suggest that CAFOs release inflammatory substances that can affect the health of nearby communities.
Pharmacists are increasingly involved in collaborative care for hospitalized patients, improving medication safety and patient understanding. This expansion of their role has led to better outcomes and job satisfaction for pharmacists, as they work closely with patients, physicians, and nurses to optimize treatment.
A study led by University of Iowa researchers found that people with schizophrenia struggle to understand body language, including facial expressions and non-verbal cues. Even those with mild symptoms and taking medication, they have difficulty extracting information from these socially relevant clues.
Researchers at UI Hospitals and Clinics discovered a fundamental problem in predicting case durations for diagnostic scans under anesthesia. By analyzing experts' estimates, they implemented a solution that significantly improved accuracy and reduced pre-anesthesia fasting times for young patients.
A University of Iowa and VA study found that certificate of need programs limit the growth of high-cost medical services but do not harm patients. Hospitals with higher volume rates for certain procedures tend to perform better, suggesting a potential role for regulatory policies in ensuring quality care.
A new study by the University of Iowa found that early intervention with electrical stimulation can significantly reduce bone mineral density loss in SCI patients. The therapy, which involves delivering defined doses of load to targeted muscles and bones, was shown to improve bone health and muscle strength.
The STEPPS program, developed by Nancee Blum and colleagues, enhances standard treatment for borderline personality disorder with group meetings focusing on self-awareness and behavioral skills. Researchers in the Netherlands report a significant reduction in hospitalization days and improved symptoms among participants.
A study of 31 pathological gamblers and their relatives found a genetic link to the disorder. The research suggests that family members share genes that increase the likelihood of impulsive behavior.
The University of Iowa is part of a five-year Department of Defense grant to develop a multifunctional chip using spin technology. This chip could revolutionize computing and storage capabilities in small portable devices like cell phones, reducing power consumption and increasing efficiency.
A new computational model developed by Dr. Moshe Wald helps physicians plan the best approach for IVF/ICSI treatments for couples. The model considers various factors, including a woman's age, man's infertility issues, and sperm retrieval methods.
Researchers have detected a massive lightning storm on Saturn, with flash rates exceeding those of Voyager 1 and intensities comparable to Earth's thunderstorms. The storm has been observed since January 23 and has varied in intensity, with some 25 episodes occurring since its initial detection.
PET imaging has shown to be a valuable tool in improving cancer care management by accurately assessing treatment outcomes and monitoring tumor response. Studies have demonstrated that PET can detect residual scar tissue rather than viable tumor, leading to changes in how PET is used in cancer care.
UI researchers discovered a giant star orbiting a 'medium-sized' black hole every 62 days, indicating the star's enormous size and brightness in X-rays. This finding may help confirm a class of black holes with masses between 100 and 10,000 solar masses.
A US study found IVF babies had a 6.2% risk of major birth defects, compared to 4.4% for naturally conceived babies. The study suggests a relationship but doesn't prove IVF is the cause, leaving room for further investigation.
MARSIS reveals a 'lumpy' ionosphere on Mars with unexpected bumps related to strong magnetic fields, providing insights into the planet's subsurface. The discovery sheds light on what happened to water that likely carved deep canyons on Mars.
A study published by University of Iowa researchers has identified the CHIP protein as a crucial component in managing neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's and Alzheimer's. By suppressing misfolded proteins, CHIP may provide a promising route to therapy for these devastating brain disorders.
A study by the University of Iowa found that 37% of high schools have defibrillators, but surprisingly, cardiac arrests are relatively uncommon in these schools, with a rate of about 2 percent per year. In contrast, senior centers had higher rates of cardiac arrests, with only 10% having defibrillators.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that children with more conduct disorder symptoms tend to have an earlier age of first drink. The study analyzed data from nine sites and found no link between family history of alcoholism and early drinking age.
U-Iowa researchers aim to find genes and pathways that protect against toxic effects of alcohol on the fetus. The two-year study will utilize neonatal rodents to examine the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in fetal brain development.
Researchers at the University of Iowa developed a new gene therapy vector that can effectively deliver therapeutic genes to liver cells, converting Hemophilia A from a severe to a mild form in mice. The correction lasted 30 weeks and showed promise for reducing bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia.
Researchers at U Iowa successfully used RNA interference to prevent genetic deafness in mice, offering a potential new treatment for humans. The gene-silencing technique targets dominant negative mechanisms that cause deafness in humans.
Researchers Bill Kurth and Don Gurnett used Cassini data to study Saturn's kilometric radiation, a phenomenon similar to Earth's northern lights. The higher resolution instrument provided detailed information on the spectrum and its variability, shedding new light on the radio emissions above Saturn's auroras.
A recent study found that nearly half of patients admitted for heart-related symptoms do not have acute coronary syndromes. Emergency physicians with a fear of malpractice are more likely to order unnecessary tests and admit low-risk patients, increasing healthcare costs.
The new center will explore basic biological mechanisms and translational research on muscular dystrophies, while providing advanced diagnostic services to patients. Researchers will investigate new treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and develop mouse models to test potential therapies.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a new vaccination strategy that dramatically speeds up the immunization process by greatly reducing the required 'lag time' between initial vaccination and booster shots. This finding has important implications for immunotherapy, where developing immunity fast is critical.
Scientists confirm Voyager 1's crossing of the termination shock at 94 AU, marking a significant milestone on its journey to interstellar space. The spacecraft is expected to reach the heliopause in another 10 years or so, providing valuable insights into the solar system and beyond.
Researchers, led by Daniel Eberl, studied the Myosin VIIA gene in fruit flies to understand deafness. They found that this gene is essential for hearing in both fruit flies and humans. This discovery will help scientists design experiments to test specific mechanisms of hearing.
Researchers at U Iowa have made significant breakthroughs in treating Huntington's disease by reducing protein levels in genetically engineered mice. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrates the effectiveness of RNA interference in improving HD-like symptoms in a mouse model.
A recent multi-center study found a direct link between residential radon exposure and increased lung cancer risk, with risks estimated to be 11-21% higher than average levels. The study, pooling data from seven North American studies, supports earlier findings and provides unambiguous evidence of the association.
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity under hypnosis for pain suppression, finding reduced activity in pain network areas and increased activity in other regions. This suggests that hypnosis blocks the pain signal from reaching the brain's perception centers.