The University of Minnesota Medical School is studying how pain influences drinking behavior, particularly in individuals with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. Researchers aim to identify new treatment targets to help people with pain avoid alcohol-related problems.
The University of Minnesota Medical School is studying the epigenetic factors of low back pain using a five-year, $3.2 million grant. This research aims to identify new treatments targeting disc degeneration and chronic back pain.
A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health examines the inequities faced by adolescents with multiple marginalized social identities, including assigned sex, gender modality, sexual identity, racial and ethnic identity, access to economic resources, weight status, and mental health. The research suggests that initiatives aim...
Researchers identified an antibody that assists some variants of the virus in infecting cells while blocking others, a dual-role effect. The study highlights the complexity of developing treatments as viruses evolve, but notes this phenomenon has not been observed in humans.
A new algorithm has been developed to improve the accuracy of intracranial EEG data, which is critical for diagnosing and treating epilepsy. The Automated Bad Channel Detection (ABCD) algorithm demonstrated higher accuracy than human raters, particularly in identifying channels with high-frequency noise.
A randomized clinical trial tested the effectiveness of two eight-week telehealth mindfulness-based interventions, finding they improved pain and overall well-being among veterans with chronic pain. The scalable format made it accessible for patients, suggesting a potential solution to accelerate non-medication pain treatment.
A research team at the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified small molecules that can reduce protein production linked to AMD. Blocking a cellular pathway, GSK3, may prevent or modify AMD with administration of a single drug.
A new study published in PNAS reveals that cancer patients who receive hematopoietic cell transplants from donors with lower socioeconomic status experience reduced overall survival and increased transplant-related mortality. The research highlights the profound impact of social inequality on health outcomes, particularly in cancer care.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that the cortex can transform unorganized inputs into highly organized patterns of activity, demonstrating self-organization. This process occurs entirely within the cortex itself, indicating that the brain is able to organize its own function during development.
University of Minnesota researchers found that immunotherapy improves CD8+ T-cell responses in older mice, reducing mortality from infections. The treatment, PD1 blockade, enhances the ability of T cells to kill harmful cells infected with a virus.
Researchers found that metformin decreases the amount of COVID-19 virus in the body and lowers the chances of viral rebound. The study showed a significant reduction in long COVID cases and hospitalizations among adults treated with metformin.
Researchers have introduced a refined method for analyzing brain signals, providing a more detailed understanding of the brain's complex activity. This enhancement enables scientists to better understand how brain activity correlates with different tasks and behaviors.
Researchers found that different areas of the brain start with a similar organization in early development, using a shared blueprint to guide neural growth. This suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders may act similarly across diverse brain areas.
Researchers found that tumors with high levels of stroma are twice as likely to exhibit chemoresistance to conventional treatment. The study aims to utilize a readily obtainable biomarker, TSP, to tailor more effective treatments for patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
A new study has created specific growth charts for children with Fanconi anemia, showing that they tend to be shorter and thinner than other children. The researchers found that boys with the condition have average heights at the lower end of the general population curve, while girls have average heights but variable weights.
Madhu Kannan, a University of Minnesota Medical School assistant professor, has been selected for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Collaborative Pairs Pilot Project Awards to explore innovative approaches to understanding human prion diseases. The project will utilize cutting-edge approaches combining gene editing and neural activity i...
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have explored a new approach to combat HIV by enhancing Natural Killer cell function. The study found that providing healthy NK cells and an anti-HIV drug resulted in significant reductions in infection burden, offering a potential cure strategy.
A new U of M Medical School study reveals that bias-based bullying amplifies emotional distress in youth with multiple marginalized social positions, such as race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ status. The research analyzed over 80,000 students and found a significant reduction in emotional distress among those who experienced no bias-based bu...
A study published in Transplantation Proceedings found an association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and increased mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Patients with MASH had a higher risk of death compared to those without, highlighting the importance of early identification.
Research finds that animated short videos are an effective means for disseminating environmental health information to health professionals. The studies showed significant increases in participant knowledge and perceived comfort in identifying at-risk patients impacted by air pollution.
A U of M-led study introduces an innovative genetic engineering method that avoids cost and safety concerns associated with viral vectors. The method combines CRISPR-Cas9 precision genome editing and a novel DNA integration mechanism, integrating large DNA sequences into human T-cells with high efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have discovered a novel mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 varies its mode of infection in human cells. The study reveals that the virus can alternate between being highly infectious and avoiding detection by the immune system.
Researchers found 48% of Ojibwe tribal elders reported frequent visions of benevolent spiritual beings and/or ancestors. The study emphasizes the importance of cultural context in diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis of neuropsychiatric disease.
A recent study published in Circulation found that non-ischemic or dual cardiomyopathy occurs in 1 out of every 6 patients with coronary artery disease. These conditions are characterized by heart muscle damage and can lead to worse long-term outcomes. The researchers used cardiac MRI to determine the cause of cardiomyopathy, which has...
A research team at the University of Minnesota Medical School has identified the cerebellum as a critical component in coordinating brain networks essential for social recognition memory. This discovery holds promise for the development of targeted therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, which often feature loss of recognition memory.
Researchers discovered that patients with FSGS who received sparsentan treatment experienced improved kidney function and reduced proteinuria, a key indicator of kidney damage. The study suggests sparsentan may be a potential new treatment option for the disorder, offering hope for patients affected by FSGS.
A new pathway to prevent cardiovascular disease has been discovered through a University of Minnesota-led study, highlighting the potential of TREM2 as an immunotherapeutic target. The research found that deleting the TREM2 gene in macrophages inhibited atherosclerosis progression.
A University of Minnesota Medical School professor is receiving a $4.39 million grant to study atrial myopathy, a heart condition associated with increased risk of dementia and vascular brain injury. The project aims to characterize the progression of atrial myopathy and its relationship to dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
University of Minnesota researchers identified top-performing primary care practices that deliver high-quality diabetes care through proactive patient outreach. These practices prioritize good communication and engagement with patients, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship essential for overall health.
A U of M Medical School professor has received a $3.5 million grant to develop a reproductive health curriculum for Tanzania that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. The project aims to improve healthcare services and build in-country capacity for comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has received a $16 million grant from the NIH BRAIN Initiative to create detailed maps of brain connections. This project aims to better understand how complex neural pathways generate human behaviors and develop treatments for brain disorders.
The study found that homicide rates among health professionals are lower than the general population, with most related to domestic violence or societal trends like gun violence. The research highlights the need for prevention strategies beyond healthcare settings to address societal roots of violence.
A research team led by University of Minnesota Medical School assistant professor Michele Statz aims to improve access to civil justice for rural and Indigenous communities in Alaska. The project, funded with a $1 million grant, will develop a model to replicate in other communities across the country.
Researchers found that hepatitis C treatment improved response to hepatitis B vaccine in individuals who previously didn't respond. The study recommends checking for hepatitis B immune protection and offering vaccination after treatment.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that most state-level pandemic triage plans still discriminate against older adults, individuals with disabilities, and minoritized racial and ethnic groups. The plans restrict access to critical care resources for patients with specific health conditions.
A study by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that high costs for hepatic encephalopathy treatment are associated with decreased treatment retention among patients. Patients who are younger and have metastatic cancer or depression are more likely to skip their medication.
A new study finds that integrating longitudinal tobacco cessation care into lung cancer screening improves quit rates and enhances the benefits of screenings. Researchers recommend incorporating behavioral treatment and medication into the screening process to help smokers quit.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have successfully tested a new oral antifungal therapy, Lipid Nanocrystal Amphotericin B, against cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-positive individuals. The treatment demonstrated improved survival rates and reduced toxicity compared to conventional intravenous amphotericin B.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a breakthrough in treating Hurler syndrome using gene therapy. The new approach produced normal enzymes from the liver that were able to sustain normal connections within specific neural networks, restoring brain connectivity.
A University of Minnesota-led study found that long-term consumption of aspartame and saccharin is associated with increased volumes of visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous adipose tissue. The researchers recommend considering alternative approaches to artificial sweeteners due to potential health consequences.
A University of Minnesota-led study identified higher incidence of brain hemorrhage, hardening of the arteries, and small vessel disease in Hmong stroke patients. Risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes are prevalent among this community.
Dr. Beau Webber received a two-year Translation to CURE award to study genetically engineered gamma delta T cells for treating metastatic osteosarcoma. This innovative approach aims to address the limitations of current immune-cell based therapies and offers new hope for childhood cancer treatment.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School are developing tools to detect early symptoms of depression, psychosis, and suicidality using biomarkers and advanced technologies. The project aims to provide early prevention and detection, potentially saving lives by intervening earlier in a condition's trajectory.
A University of Minnesota-led study demonstrated the safety of microbiota transplant therapy (MTT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). MTT showed improved gut bacteria balance but did not significantly reduce infections. The study's results will inform a larger follo...
The Midwest AViDD Center has awarded $3 million in funding for six high-potential antiviral drug discovery projects targeting pandemic viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, Lassa and Ebola. These projects will expand the Center's expertise across disciplines to discover effective responses to pandemics and life-threatening infections.
A large-scale randomized clinical trial found that metformin prevents the development of long COVID. Over 1,100 participants reported on their symptoms for up to 10 months after initial COVID-19 diagnosis. The study suggests metformin could have significant public health implications as a preventive measure.
Researchers found people with anxiety and depression disorder experience greater alcohol use disorder symptoms, even at similar levels of drinking. The study analyzed data on 26,000 adults and found that those with internalizing disorders predicted more alcohol-related symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that genetic background and social rank are critical contextual modifiers of aging and lifespan in animal models. They discovered that low social status corresponds to a shorter lifespan, but with varying effects depending on the individual's genetic predisposition.
A study published in Science Advances reveals that viral SARS-CoV-2 variants are developing resistance to protease inhibitors, including Paxlovid. Researchers warn that this could undermine the effectiveness of antiviral treatments and highlight the need for next-generation compounds with different resistance profiles.
Research from the University of Minnesota Medical School found weight stigmatizing experiences are common among adolescents and associated with higher prevalence of disordered eating behaviors. Positive family and parenting factors can help alleviate this stressor but cannot completely protect young people from negative effects.