A study published in Nature Medicine found that bitter compounds can open lung airways better than current asthma treatments. The researchers discovered taste receptors in the lungs that respond to bitter substances, which could lead to new therapies for asthma and other obstructive lung diseases.
Julie Dunning Hotopp, a UM School of Medicine Institute for Genome Sciences researcher, received a $2.5 million award from the National Institutes of Health's New Innovator program. She will study DNA transfers between the microbiome and the human genome to understand how certain infections can lead to cancer years later.
Researchers found that celiac disease is on the rise, with increasing cases in the elderly, challenging the common speculation that it develops in childhood. Environmental factors may play a role in developing tolerance to gluten before an autoimmune disease sets in.
Researchers developed a novel 3D imaging approach that combines CT images with conventional ablation techniques to improve the accuracy of ventricular tachycardia treatment. The new method successfully predicted areas of abnormal electrical activity in 81.7% of heart segments analyzed.
A new study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that a mentorship program paired healthy young adults with urban middle school students helped them adopt healthy habits, active lifestyles and a healthy weight. The program, called Challenge!, showed promise as a way to have a major impact on children's lives.
A new study found that a simple 2-question survey can effectively identify families with hungry children, allowing for early interventions and preventing serious health consequences. The study analyzed data from over 30,000 families nationwide and found that only two questions could accurately identify most families affected by hunger.
Researchers linked kynurenic acid to cognition and found that reducing its levels in mice improved their cognitive function. The study suggests a promising strategy for enhancing memory and treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
The study found that transposons are surprisingly prevalent and active in lung cancer genomes, disrupting the blueprint of the human body. Researchers predict that this variation will lead to more genetic disorders and diseases.
A new study by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that blocking a hormone called glucagon decreases the taste system's sensitivity to sweetness. This discovery could lead to the development of new food additives that enhance flavor without adding sugar.
A new study led by the University of Maryland School of Medicine reveals that vaginal microbes can vary significantly between healthy women, even among those from the same ethnicity. The research identifies five main groups of microbial communities and finds that certain communities are more common in Hispanic and black women.
The University of Maryland Medical Center's Historical Clinicopathological Conference has re-examined Simon Bolivar's death, suggesting chronic arsenic poisoning led to a serious respiratory illness. Dr. Paul G. Auwaerter believes the symptoms align with gradual arsenic poisoning, contradicting the initial diagnosis of tuberculosis.
A study published in Oncogene reveals that microtentacles, extensions of plasma membrane on breast cancer cells, play a key role in metastasis. Targeting these microtentacles may provide a new way to prevent or slow the growth of secondary cancers.
Children exposed to cocaine in the womb face negative effects, particularly on sustained attention and self-regulated behavior. However, research suggests that growth, IQ, academic achievement, and language functioning are less affected by prenatal cocaine exposure.
A new FDA-approved stent graft keeps blood vessels open longer in dialysis patients, reducing the need for repeated invasive procedures and cost savings. The study found that patients with the stent were more than twice as likely to have open vessels after six months.
Researchers have developed a new malaria vaccine that has shown strong and long-lasting immune responses in young children, surpassing antibody levels found in adults. The vaccine, FMP2.1/AS02A, targets the blood stage of the disease and was tested in 100 Malian children, with all doses proving safe and well-tolerated.
A comprehensive survey of 317 laparoscopic surgeons found that 87% experience physical symptoms or discomfort due to minimally invasive techniques. The study highlights the need for ergonomic solutions to address the risks associated with these procedures, which have already benefited millions of patients worldwide.
A study published in the December 2009 issue of HeartRhythm found that only half of eligible heart failure patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death. The study also revealed wide variations in ICD use, with certain patient groups more likely to receive the devices.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will coordinate a consortium of national experts in stem cell research, with a focus on regenerative therapy and new clinical therapies. The seven-year grant aims to advance the field at a faster pace and realize potential for new treatments sooner.
Exposure to tobacco smoke in either the donor or recipient before heart transplantation leads to accelerated immune system rejection of the transplanted heart. The study found a significant reduction in the transplanted organ's chance of survival by 33-57 percent.
Researchers have identified a new molecular pathway and class of molecules that can prevent potassium buildup in the bloodstream, which can cause fatal cardiac arrest. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to treat hyperkalemia, a condition affecting 8% of hospitalized patients.
Researchers have charted extreme genetic differences in the malaria parasite, which could make it difficult to develop a broadly protective vaccine. The study found that certain regions of the protein are recognized by the immune response, allowing researchers to narrow their focus and reduce the number of immunologically important types.
A six-year study by surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that minimally invasive mitral valve repair is safe and effective, with a low risk of complications. The study showed that 99% of repaired valves were working properly and all patients survived with minimal hospital stay.
Researchers at UM Medical Center have identified haptoglobin 2 precursor as the molecular link to zonulin, a protein associated with inflammatory disorders. This discovery could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tools for celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a common gene variant associated with reduced response to Plavix, a popular anti-clotting medication. The study confirms a previously reported link between the CYP2C19 gene and decreased response to clopidogrel.
A groundbreaking study reveals that HPV-positive patients with head and neck cancer have significantly better survival rates than those without the virus. Blacks in the study had a low rate of HPV infection, leading to worse survival outcomes, which may explain historical disparities in prognosis.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that Abatacept reduces severe illness and death in mice exposed to Influenza A virus by tempering the immune response. The treatment approach also improves survival rates for mice infected with a lethal dose of influenza virus.
The study provides a powerful tool for developing effective treatments against the common cold by sequencing the genetic codes of human rhinoviruses. The researchers found that the viruses are organized into about 15 small groups and can mutate rapidly, making a 'one drug fits all' approach ineffective.
A study by University of Maryland researchers has identified a common gene variant associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. The STK39 gene produces a protein that helps regulate salt processing in the kidneys, which plays a key role in determining blood pressure.
Researchers discovered a gene mutation that significantly reduces triglyceride levels and produces a favorable cholesterol profile in the Old Order Amish population. Carriers of this mutation have higher levels of HDL-cholesterol and lower levels of LDL-cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered that joyful music can promote heart health by dilating blood vessels, similar to laughter. The study showed a significant increase in blood vessel diameter after listening to joyful music, while anxious music caused narrowing.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has developed a web-based training and examination program for reading electrocardiograms (ECGs), aiming to increase expertise among general practitioners. The program, called ACCIS, includes interactive computer modules that teach and assess ECG interpretation competence.
The minimally invasive endograft procedure enables doctors to fix the artery without making an incision, reducing blood loss and recovery time. This innovative approach has evolved treatment options for blunt aortic injury, stabilizing the injured artery and offering a life-saving option for patients with multiple traumatic injuries.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center developed a minimally invasive procedure to bypass narrowed aortic valves in high-risk elderly patients. The study showed that this procedure can be performed safely without stopping the heart and offers effective treatment for those who were previously considered too frail for s...
A study by University of Maryland researchers found that high physical activity levels can blunt the effect of the FTO gene variant, which is linked to increased risk of obesity. The study analyzed genes and lifestyle of Old Order Amish individuals, finding no association between the gene and body weight in highly active participants.
A study found that minimally invasive robotic bypass surgery reduces hospital stays, complications, and costs for patients, particularly those at high risk. The procedure also shows better long-term results in bypass graft patency, providing quality of life benefits.
A genetic variation found predominantly in African Americans acts as a natural 'beta-blockade', protecting against death and the need for a heart transplant. The discovery adds to evidence that genetic differences influence medication response, highlighting potential for personalized medicine.
University of Maryland researchers found a unique olfactory system in mice that can detect hormones involved in regulating water and salt balance. This discovery may lead to new understanding of social information transmission between individuals.
Researchers develop a fluorescent marker to distinguish between mitochondria in neurons and glial cells, providing insights into neurodegenerative diseases. The study sheds light on the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in aging and neurological disorders.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that galantamine, an Alzheimer's medication, can effectively counteract the toxic effects of nerve agents and certain insecticides. The treatment was shown to protect the brain from organophosphorus compounds, even when administered after exposure.
Researchers found an association between specific genetic variations and a 50-100% increased stroke risk in younger women, with particular emphasis on the PDE4D gene. The study suggests a potential genetic test to identify high-risk women who may benefit from more intensive screening and counseling.
Researchers identified a common genetic variation that determines response to beta-blockers in patients with heart failure. The Arg-389 variant showed a 38% reduction in death rate among those with two copies of the gene. This discovery may lead to personalized medicine for heart failure treatment.
A new combination therapy after surgery has improved survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients by 50%, increasing median survival from 16.9 to 20.6 months. The study found significant benefits for patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the pancreas.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial shows inhaled cyclosporine reduces chronic rejection by two-thirds and death rate by five times compared to placebo. The study, conducted from 1998 to 2001, included 56 lung transplant patients who received either the inhaled drug or a placebo.
Researchers found elevated C-reactive protein levels frequently accompanied traditional heart disease risk factors like smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. High CRP levels were more common among those with at least one risk factor for heart disease.
A new imaging tracer, Zemiva, reveals metaabolic disturbances in the heart and shows that disturbances in fatty acid metabolism can persist up to 30 hours after an ischemic episode. The study used SPECT images to evaluate the tracer in patients with myocardial ischemia.
A new combination of irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 21.5 points in 77% of patients, with 83% achieving acceptable diastolic blood pressure levels. The study included diverse patient groups and showed significant results.
A University of Maryland study found that more than 86% of dialysis patients with severe heart failure experienced improved cardiac function after a kidney transplant. The study, which followed 103 patients between 1998 and 2002, suggests that a timely transplant can significantly improve heart health for these patients.
A study found that laughter increased beneficial blood vessel relaxation by 22%, while mental stress caused a 35% decrease. Laughter offsets the negative impact of mental stress on the endothelium, which regulates blood flow and cardiovascular health.
Researchers identified protein biomarkers in amniotic fluid linked to preterm labor, predicting success of cervical stitching. The study also found additional biomarkers suggesting other causes of preterm birth.
A study of 224 patients with end-stage renal disease found that blood tests measuring troponin T and C-reactive protein can detect silent, small heart attacks and coronary artery disease. The results may help doctors gauge the risk of heart disease in dialysis patients without cardiac symptoms.