Research reveals significant socioeconomic disparities among US medical students, with high-income students overrepresented across racial and ethnic groups. Low-income students remain underrepresented, despite efforts to address this issue.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School implemented a cohorting model during the pandemic, which provided high-quality care to infectious patients and contained outbreaks. The study found a 2% improvement in in-hospital survival rates and reduced complications for COVID-19 patients.
Researchers found that blood pressure medications increase the effect of opioids in the brain, fine-tuning a specific circuit and reducing addiction risk. This discovery suggests a new strategy to boost opioid signaling with minimal dependence on pain treatment.
A University of Minnesota-led study found that COVID-19 boosters significantly reduce infections and hospitalizations. The research showed that booster doses are particularly effective in reducing hospitalizations among the elderly and those with comorbidities.
A Phase 1 clinical trial conducted by University of Minnesota researchers demonstrates the safety and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy drug in treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Participants showed a significant decrease in HIV-infected cells in their blood for up to six months following treatment.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School developed a COVID-19 prediction model that performed well across gender, race, and ethnicity for three different outcomes. The logistic regression algorithm created to predict severe COVID-19 facilitated shared decision-making with patients regarding discharge, reducing undue de...
Research found that patients with hepatitis B were unable to afford generic drug entecavir due to high out-of-pocket costs, despite generic manufacturer competition. The study concludes that patients appear shielded from benefits of generic competition, leading to a significant patient-cost burden.
Researchers have published an extensive 7T fMRI dataset to study how humans perceive and interpret naturalistic photographs. The Natural Scenes Dataset provides a massive scale of brain data for training complex deep-learning models that predict brain activity.
A multi-state study shows that family medicine physicians are crucial in rural maternity care, delivering babies in 67% of hospitals and being the only doctors in 27%. The loss of obstetrical services poses a significant burden to pregnant people and infants, with patients facing long distances for care.
A new study led by University of Minnesota Medical School researcher Xavier Revelo found that macrophages play a role in protecting the heart after injury. The research team discovered a large increase in cardiac macrophages early in response to a cardiac injury similar to high blood pressure.
Parents of preschoolers used lower levels of structure and autonomy support during the COVID-19 pandemic, associated with negative parent mood and higher coercive control. The study suggests a need for public health advocates to support families in re-establishing healthy eating routines after the pandemic.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School published a framework to advance female equity in academic medicine and science. The framework proposes solutions such as engaging diverse community perspectives, communicating thoughtfully, and investing in diverse communities.
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers shows that merging AI with electrical brain stimulation can enhance specific brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility. The method improved cognitive control in patients undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.
The University of Minnesota Medical School will host a statewide center for spinal cord injury research and education, aiming to provide clinical care and expand research on the condition. The center will conduct studies and educate local physicians on their findings, particularly in reducing below-level neuropathic pain.
Researchers discovered a mechanism that could prove useful in treating heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a common and hard-to-treat condition. The new approach reduces exposure to increased cardiac stiffness, which is associated with lower-filling pressures inside the heart chambers.
A new research center, C2DREAM, will study the impact of structural and interpersonal racism on health inequities for BIPOC communities. The program aims to develop novel cardiovascular health interventions for rural and urban BIPOC communities.
A multicenter study found cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to be highly accurate in diagnosing and excluding cardiac tumors. The results show that CMR provides prognostic value beyond clinical factors.
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that fully vaccinated individuals with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have a stronger immune response, producing more memory B cells. This increased immune response may reduce the risk of breakthrough infections and potentially fewer doses needed for booster shots.
A University of Minnesota Medical School-led study found that patients on blood thinners before having COVID-19 were admitted less often to the hospital and had reduced deaths. The use of blood thinners also benefited hospitalized COVID-19 patients regardless of medication type or dose.
A study analyzing data from the Association of American Medical Colleges Graduate Questionnaire found that sexual minorities, particularly female, are underrepresented in undergraduate medical training and certain specialties. The researchers concluded that standardized data collection and consideration of diversity in recruitment are ...
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that nicotine withdrawal can lead to overeating high-calorie foods, possibly linked to the brain's opioid system. This connection may hinder smoking cessation and increase the risk of relapse, emphasizing the need for better understanding the factors driving cravings for unhealthy food.
The first-in-human clinical trial for a vaccine to treat opioid use disorders has enrolled its first patients. The vaccine, developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School, aims to selectively prevent the euphoric and toxic effects of oxycodone.
A study analyzing AAMC data reveals that nearly 40% of medical students rely on family or personal funds for tuition. The study also found disparities in scholarship distribution and loan reliance among high- and low-income students, raising concerns about unequal access to medical education.
A recent study by the University of Minnesota Medical School found that schools' social climates play a stronger role in weapon-carrying behaviors among US high school students than their racial or ethnic backgrounds. The study also discovered that males who experienced violence or felt unsafe at school were more likely to carry weapons.
Recent studies from the University of Minnesota Medical School have found that dramatic drug price increases lead to higher outpatient costs and decreased patient access to appropriate treatment. The studies recommend transparency laws and separate review thresholds for off-patent drugs to address extreme pricing.
Researchers conducted a clinical trial on losartan for mildly-ill COVID-19 outpatients and found it was ineffective in reducing hospitalization rates. The medication also did not worsen symptoms of COVID-19 or cause significant side effects, according to the study published in EClinicalMedicine.
Researchers found a direct link between placental mTOR and an infant's birthweight, with implications for obesity and Type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study suggests that manipulating mTOR in the placenta can cause permanent impact on offspring health.
A preclinical study suggests that senolytic drugs can significantly reduce mortality and severe disease in elderly people infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study found that treating older mice with senolytic drugs increased their survival rate from nearly 0% to 50%, reducing cellular senescence and inflammatory markers.
A research team led by Jerica Berge will examine the effectiveness of real-time intervention methods, including ecological momentary intervention and home visiting, to improve family meal quality and reduce childhood obesity disparities. The five-year NIH grant aims to create a new model of treatment for primary care settings.
The University of Minnesota Medical School is launching a new clinical trial to study the effectiveness of ivermectin, metformin, and fluvoxamine as potential treatments for COVID-19. The multi-site trial aims to prevent hospitalization and 'long COVID' in patients with COVID-19.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that COVID-19 outcomes are worse for racial and ethnic groups in the Twin Cities, independent of socioeconomic status. Non-English speaking also contributes to worse outcomes, according to the research.
University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that senescent immune cells drive tissue damage and shorten lifespan. The team identified these cells as the most dangerous type of senescent cell, paving the way for developing senolytic drugs targeting them.
Researchers developed an exosome-based therapeutic strategy to target and treat late-stage colorectal cancer by disrupting immunosuppressive factors. In preclinical models, this approach proved effective in enhancing the anti-tumor immune response and controlling tumor growth.
A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that organ tissues develop immunity to viruses over time, leading to a broader understanding of the immune system's role in surveillance. The research reveals that up to 25% of cells in organs are immune cells, significantly contributing to the body's cellular makeup.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota identified a new drug target for glioblastoma patients who defy conventional wisdom by surviving beyond expectations. Glioblastoma cells subvert immune system cells called microglia and macrophages, leading to tumor growth.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School discovered a novel gene, JAG2, associated with a specific form of muscular dystrophy. The study found a distinct pattern of abnormalities on muscle MRI that may aid in identifying patients with this condition.
A new study by the University of Minnesota Medical School and School of Public Health found correlations between COVID-19 and six unhealthy eating behaviors, including extreme weight control and binge eating. The study highlights the need for affordable and accessible interventions to prevent and treat eating disorders, particularly am...
Two researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School will lead a new VA-funded network to expand lung cancer screenings and research among veterans in the Upper Midwest region. The $4.5 million grant aims to increase veteran access and participation in lung cancer clinical trials, addressing barriers such as distance travel,...
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School suggests that disease-driving B cells contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, led by Fanta Barrow, found that a Western diet and changes in gut microbes activate these pathogen-fighting B cells into 'disease-promoters',
Researchers developed two new rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19, one to detect variants and another to differentiate with other illnesses. These tests use the CRISPR/Cas9 system and can produce results in under an hour.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School studied SARS-CoV-2 infections and found that remdesivir is effective in blocking virus replication in all cell types in the upper respiratory tract. The study also identified goblet cells as the main producer of pro-inflammatory responses, common in severe COVID-19 cases.
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that Pap test samples can detect proteins also present in ovarian cancer tumor tissues. This discovery suggests potential biomarker candidates for early detection of ovarian cancer, which currently has no early warning system.
Researchers developed an enhanced CMV detection method that accurately detects the infection in newborns with almost 90% accuracy. This improvement enables earlier intervention, which can improve hearing, speech, language, and intellectual/neurodevelopmental outcomes for affected children.
Researchers found metformin use reduced mortality risk by 21-24% among female patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The study suggests inflammation reduction as a key mechanism, but more research is needed.
A randomized clinical trial by University of Minnesota researchers found that taking hydroxychloroquine once or twice weekly did not prevent COVID-19 development in healthcare workers. The study showed a significant side effect increase with hydroxychloroquine use.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School will develop next-generation monoclonal antibodies targeting fentanyl-like chemicals to treat acute intoxication and overdose. The grant supports the development of antibody-based medical countermeasures, which would not interfere with life-saving medications like naloxone.
Researchers at University of Minnesota Medical School have received seed funding for a clinical study investigating the use of metformin as a COVID-19 treatment and prevention method. The team aims to definitively study whether or not metformin prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 disease, with potential benefits of reduci...
The team will investigate the molecular linkages between aging and Parkinson's, exploring whether decreasing senescence can slow or stop the disease. Genetic predisposition and age are critical factors in defining a person's risk for Parkinson's.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have been awarded a $6.6 million grant to develop a novel neuromodulation device for treating mental health disorders by synchronizing brain waves and reducing energy consumption.
A recent study published in Radiology found that prostate MRI quality is highly variable across institutions, with a significant impact on cancer detection and treatment outcomes. The study's findings suggest that improved standardization and training are needed to ensure consistent imaging results and better patient care.