Researchers have identified a new type of brain plaque, called mitochondrial plaques, that may emerge at the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. These plaques contain high levels of amyloid precursor protein and can directly affect neurons, making them a potential target for new treatments.
University of Minnesota researchers found that certain immune cells, regulatory T cells, prevent helpful T cells from eliminating hidden cancer cells. By combining treatment strategies, they improved the immune response and reduced cancer spread in preclinical models.
A researcher at the University of Minnesota Medical School has been awarded a $3.7 million NIH grant to develop robust AI models for primary open-angle glaucoma prognosis. The project aims to improve patient outcomes by identifying patients at high risk of vision loss earlier and more accurately.
The University of Minnesota Medical School research team has received a $10 million NIH grant to study how animals fight infection. The team will utilize a 'cellular zoo' of living cells from over 100 animal species to understand how different species recognize and respond to viral infections.
Dr. Susan Culican will join a year-long program in Washington D.C., immersing herself in health policy and serving as a senior advisor to federal government leaders. She aims to bridge healthcare experience with policymaking to improve care through evidence-based policy reform.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team led by Dr. Mark Schleiss has received a $3.87 million NIH grant to investigate congenital CMV transmission during pregnancy. The study aims to develop preventive and therapeutic strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes and prevent lifelong disabilities in children.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has been awarded a 4-year, $2.2 million grant to better understand the underlying causes of retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and develop new treatments. The focus is on fibulin-3, an extracellular matrix protein that causes blinding eye diseases.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that metformin reduced the risk of clinician-diagnosed long COVID by 50% when administered during acute COVID-19 infection. The study, which enrolled nearly 3,000 adults, showed improved long-term outcomes and no safety concerns.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team led by Dr. Monica Campo is studying early immune responses in lung cells and their impact on tuberculosis infection outcomes.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that removing olfactory groove meningioma may improve blood sugar control and weight in some patients with diabetes. The research team tracked long-term changes in hemoglobin A1c levels after tumor removal surgery.
A medical school team has been awarded a $6 million grant to develop gene-replacement preclinical models of Parkinson's disease. The goal is to better understand the disease and support early-stage therapeutic research by identifying critical pathogenic mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have developed a new method called PARTAGE that provides a clearer picture of how the genome is regulated and disrupted in diseases like cancer. The method allows for the measurement of three key features from the same sample: DNA duplication, genomic alterations, and gene activ...
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrated that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can rapidly reverse systemic inflammation and improve survival in patients with fulminant C. difficile infection. The treatment protocol achieved a 78% 30-day survival rate among 18 critically ill patients.
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified certain naturally occurring polyunsaturated lipids that selectively induce death in senescent cells, which are old and damaged cells that accumulate with age. These lipids trigger a process called ferroptosis, which can be used as a potential treatment for age-r...
Researchers discovered Marburg virus enters human cells up to 300 times more efficiently than Ebola, thanks to its unique entry protein. A nanobody has been identified to block its attachment to the receptor, providing a potential therapeutic strategy.
A global study synthesizes evidence on dementia inequities in Indigenous communities, highlighting their cultural strengths as neuroprotective resources. The authors recommend centering culture and community in brain health research to promote lifelong equity and strengths-based models of dementia care.
The study found that metformin reduces the risk of developing Long COVID by approximately one case for every 50 cases of acute SARS-CoV-2 treated with 14 days of metformin. Metformin can be used alone or combined with other treatments to prevent Long COVID in most adults.
Researchers identified the spleen as a key control center for transplant tolerance, triggering donor-specific regulatory T cells to calm the immune response. This targeted approach induces controlled, donor-specific state in T cells, preserving body's ability to fight infections while supporting long-term graft acceptance.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School identified a key protein called GDF3 that drives inflammatory responses in older adults. The study showed that GDF3 signals through SMAD2/3, inducing permanent changes in the genome and increasing inflammatory cytokines.
University of Minnesota researchers found that reducing chronic inflammation can significantly protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-like pathology in preclinical models. The strategy aims to intervene before severe damage occurs, potentially delaying or preventing vision loss for those with early signs of AMD.
A research team led by the University of Minnesota Medical School will investigate alternative genetic decoding in single-celled organisms and identify readthrough-inducing drugs to treat genetic disorders caused by premature termination codons. The goal is to restore normal function of genes and proteins in cells, potentially helping ...
A new study found that access to wheelchairs through Medicare-listed suppliers is inconsistent and often challenging due to administrative requirements and long delivery timelines. The research highlights the need for policy changes to assist vulnerable older adults in accessing critical medical equipment.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team, led by Ziad Nahas, has been awarded a $4.4 million grant to explore how large-scale brain networks regulate mood in bipolar disorder. The team will test a novel type of brain stimulation called Personalized and Adaptive Cortico Electrostimulation (PACE) to relieve symptoms and ide...
Researchers discover molecules that can rewire G protein-coupled receptor signaling, turning busy receptors into precision tools. The findings hold promise for new treatments with fewer side effects.
A new study confirms that testing for congenital CMV using the routine dried blood spot (DBS) method is a reliable and effective way to identify newborns at risk for long-term developmental challenges. The test detects over 90% of symptomatic CMV cases, effectively identifying babies in need of early interventions.
Researchers discovered that COVID-19 can persist in gastrointestinal tissue for up to six weeks after a positive nasal swab test, leading to increased inflammation and damage. The study highlights the need for monitoring patients with high levels of SERPINA1, who may be at risk for poor outcomes.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has launched a groundbreaking study on infants born with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). The five-year, $3.3 million grant will track the development of 200 infants over three years to better understand the virus's impact on long-term health and inform medical providers' clinica...
Researchers discovered a cancer signaling pathway's role in regulating the blood-retina barrier, potentially damaging protective mechanisms. The study also identified a new gene linked to inherited eye condition FEVR, highlighting the need for further investigation into vascular disorders.
A University of Minnesota research team has found that measuring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater continues to accurately predict subsequent COVID-19 case counts in a community. The study demonstrates the continued importance of wastewater surveillance for public health planning and informing real-time decision-making frameworks.
Researchers developed a simpler way to identify patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. CMR phenotyping can help determine which patients would benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary prevention, improving decision-making in clinical practice.
A new University of Minnesota report shows a continued 30-year decline in MN teen birth rates, with lower chlamydia rates than in decades. The report also emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and providing accurate sexual health information to all youth.
Researchers have successfully tested a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique to enhance the immune system's fight against advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The treatment showed encouraging signs of safety and potential effectiveness in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer, halting tumor growth and even achieving complete responses.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has received a $500,000 grant from The Wasie Foundation to support rare disease research and patient care. The gift will fund small pilot grants and assist families with genetic testing costs, enabling faster diagnoses and better treatment outcomes.
Researchers will examine the link between cellular senescence and Parkinson's disease onset and progression. The team aims to find new ways to slow disease progression and establish senescence as a novel target for treatment.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study identified a key heart marker predicting ischemic stroke and dementia, which could lead to improved patient outcomes. The left atrium's ability to stretch was found to be the most accurate predictor.
A University of Minnesota research team has been awarded a $3.8 million grant to develop a new cell therapy targeting Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to adapt cancer treatment techniques to create specialized immune cells that can clear harmful proteins from the brain.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that anxiety and apathy lead to different patterns in how people process uncertainty and make decisions. Participants made choices between exploring new options or sticking with familiar ones, revealing distinct computational mechanisms underlying these behaviors.
A recent study published in Communications Biology reveals that the Sudan virus binds to human cells through a specific protein called NPC1, which enables it to attach with nine times greater affinity than Ebola. This discovery may contribute to the high fatality rate of the Sudan virus.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study reveals that medical equipment is the leading cause of out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients, with wheelchairs and hearing aids among the most expensive items. The research emphasizes the need to address accessibility and affordability issues to improve cancer survivor care.
A research team from the University of Minnesota Medical School received a $1.2 million grant to study the use of TMS in addition to CBIT as a treatment for children with Tourette syndrome. The trial found that this new treatment improved brain circuits involved in tics, and the researchers hope it could lead to a future treatment option.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed two new nanobody inhibitors for Ebola: Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2. These tiny antibodies target different parts of the virus, preventing it from attaching to cells and spreading. Lab tests show promising results, achieving a 100% survival rate in Ebola-infected mice.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that implementing point-of-care ultrasounds in the first trimester enhances care for pregnant patients and reduces emergency visits. This integrated approach allows comprehensive care during a single visit, improving diagnosis and patient outcomes.
Researchers developed a preclinical model of brain stimulation therapy that enhances the brain's ability to process conflicting evidence. This improvement in cognitive flexibility could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like depression, ADHD, and addiction.
A new University of Minnesota Medical School study highlights how children ages 4 to 12 interpret common medical phrases, revealing surprising misunderstandings. The research team recommends that healthcare professionals avoid jargon and use developmentally appropriate language to improve child patients' experiences.
A new DNA sequencing test called AR-ctDETECT has been found to distinguish between patients with poor and favorable prognoses in advanced prostate cancer. The test identified circulating tumor DNA in 59% of patients and showed that detectable ctDNA was associated with worse overall survival.
A recent study published in Circulation found a correlation between lower levels of coagulation factor XI and an increased risk of heart failure. The research, conducted on two large community-based cohorts, also linked lower factor XI levels to a greater likelihood of atrial fibrillation and worse heart function.
A two-week arts intervention found to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being in adolescents with depression. The study suggests that engaging in the arts offers a pathway for exploring new ways of thinking, developing insights, and sparking self-discovery.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team found that social stress causes DNA damage and senescence in preclinical models, accelerating aging. The study highlights a potential way to understand how life stress impacts the aging process.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team has found that giving iron supplements to children living with HIV can optimize brain development. The study, published in the Lancet HIV journal, demonstrates that iron is not only beneficial but also safe for these children.
A study of 50 U.S.-licensed physicians found that GPT-4 did not significantly improve clinical reasoning compared to conventional resources. The integration of GPT-4 as a diagnostic aid alongside clinicians showed promising results but required further exploration to understand its potential benefits.