Researchers found that diagnosis codes captured only about one-fourth of clinically documented self-harm history, highlighting a common gap in health systems. A new study used a novel machine learning method, PULSNAR, to estimate the probability of self-harm history present but missing from diagnosis codes.
A team of researchers found that intentionally raising and lowering blood CO2 levels through rhythmic exposure or controlled breathing may boost the glymphatic system's effectiveness. This approach could preserve brain function, improve cognition, and reduce cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients.
Researchers found that OTULIN, an enzyme regulating the immune system, drives tau formation and brain inflammation. Deactivating OTULIN halted tau production and removed it from neurons.
Early life adversity disrupts activity across multiple brain networks when threats are encountered later in life, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The study found that mice subjected to adversity in infancy showed abnormal brain activity in response to threats as adults.
A UNM researcher has identified 10 disease processes that contribute to vascular-based brain injury, including effects of nano- and microplastics. The findings suggest a potential half of Alzheimer's patients may also have vascular disease, paving the way for new classification and treatment approaches.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico are launching a Phase 1a/1b clinical trial for a new vaccine engineered to clear pathological tau protein from the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s dementia. The trial aims to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the novel vaccine.
A new drug developed by UNM researchers enables surgeons to better see nerves during surgery, improving safety and efficiency. The Phase 3 trial is currently underway and aims to assess whether the imaging agent improves overall surgical outcomes.
A new study confirms that intensive lifestyle modification is more effective than metformin in preventing the onset of Type 2 diabetes. The health benefits from lifestyle intervention persisted for over 20 years, with participants experiencing a reduced risk of developing diabetes compared to those on metformin.
Researchers at UNM hope to launch human clinical trials for a vaccine targeting the tau protein associated with Alzheimer's dementia. The experimental vaccine generated a robust immune response in both mice and non-human primates, building on earlier research.
A new study finds that treating hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder leads to better outcomes after discharge. The program, which pairs patients with treatment programs and medication, increases the likelihood of follow-up care and reduces hospital stay length.
Researchers have found that oxalic acid can generate nanoparticles of the toxic metal gadolinium in human tissues, which has been associated with serious health problems such as nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. This discovery may lead to a possible way to mitigate some of the risks associated with MRI scans.
Researchers have found that more than 30 species of rodent and small mammals carry the hantavirus, including ground squirrels, chipmunks, and house mice. The study suggests that humans can get infected by breathing in aerosolized droppings excreted by these animals.
A new 'concierge' approach called the Kidney Transplant Fast Track enables more people to receive transplants and erases racial disparities. This streamlined process coordinates testing onsite and often performed by the transplant center, increasing patient suitability and reducing wait times.
Researchers have found alarmingly high levels of microplastics in human brains, with concentrations increasing by 50% over eight years. The plastic accumulation appears to be linked to food consumption and agricultural practices.
A new randomized controlled trial found that pain coping skills training (PCST) significantly reduced chronic pain in dialysis patients, enabling them to perform daily activities with less interference. PCST, a 12-week coaching session followed by automated voice response sessions, addressed pain-related anxiety and stress.
A recent study published in The Journal of General Internal Medicine found that providers trained through the Project ECHO model improved diabetes care for nearly 900 patients, reducing their A1c levels by an average of 1.2%. This significant improvement indicates a reduced risk of microvascular complications.
A study published in Toxicological Sciences found significant concentrations of microplastics in both human and canine testicular tissue, with polyethylene and PVC being the most prevalent polymers. The research suggests a potential link between microplastic exposure and reduced sperm count, particularly in dogs.
Microplastic particles have been found in the ocean, animals, and tap water, with humans ingesting 5 grams per week. Researchers at UNM exposed mice to microplastics, finding they migrated to organs like liver, kidney, and brain, altering metabolic pathways.
UNM researchers found that even low to moderate alcohol use during pregnancy can contribute to subtle changes in prenatal development, including lower birth length and shorter gestation duration. Sex-specific differences were also observed, with male infants affected more by the effects of drinking during pregnancy.
A new study tested cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for treating sleeplessness in dialysis patients, finding no meaningful difference in symptoms. The researchers suggest that multiple medical conditions and medication interactions may be driving the insomnia.
A recent study by UNM Health Sciences researchers has found that microplastics are present in all 62 human placenta samples tested. The concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, with polyethylene being the most prevalent polymer found. The study suggests that microplastics may be linked to puzzling increases ...
Researchers at the University of New Mexico have developed a new vaccine that can lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 30% and reduce the risk of heart disease. The vaccine is based on a non-infectious virus particle and has shown promising results in animal trials.
A new study finds that many wells and community water systems in the US contain unsafe levels of toxic contaminants, including cancer-causing substances like arsenic and lead. Climate change will exacerbate the issue, particularly in underserved communities, as clean sources of drinking water become harder to find.
Researchers found that Native American patients were sicker and more likely to die in the hospital due to COVID-19, despite having fewer pre-existing conditions. They also had higher viral loads in their blood, which may be linked to immunological responses or social determinants of health.
Researchers found that wildfire smoke triggers chronic brain inflammation affecting learning and memory regions, lasting up to 28 days. The study's findings are concerning given the frequent exposure of people to wildfire smoke.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' care approach reduces opioid-exposed newborns' hospital stays and medication use. This approach prioritizes family-centered care and non-pharmacological interventions to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Researchers found that excessive iron absorption by tumor cells drives colorectal cancer growth, and a specific gene pathway is key. Inactivating this pathway can extend animal survival and potentially be used to treat cancer.
Researchers found that gadolinium nanoparticles from MRI contrast agents can infiltrate kidney cells, causing severe side effects like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The study used electron microscopy to detect tiny deposits of gadolinium in the kidneys of people who had been injected with contrast agents prior to their MRIs.
Researchers have identified a new protein in the cerebrospinal fluid that can reliably detect endothelial injury, a key contributor to cognitive impairment in pre-symptomatic stages of Alzheimer's. The discovery offers hope for improving diagnostic tests and potentially preventing damage to the brain endothelium.
A new study published in BMJ Open found that COVID vaccines are more effective in areas with higher infection rates, highlighting the need for targeted vaccine distribution. The researchers calculated absolute risk reduction and number needed to be vaccinated, revealing significant differences in effectiveness across geographical regions.
Researchers have developed a new MRI technique that captures the brain's function during normal behavior, revealing its activities on a scale previously unknown. This 'time-lapse' imaging method, called manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI), uses manganese as a contrast agent to highlight brain cell activity and neural projections.
A new study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that vaccines are most effective when distributed in areas with the highest baseline risks. The researchers used absolute risk reduction to guide the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, prioritizing counties and states with lower numbers needed to vaccinate (NNV).
A recent study published in Toxicological Sciences suggests that exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to premature aging, dementia, depression, and psychosis. Researchers found that tiny particles from woodsmoke can travel thousands of miles and reach the brain, causing age-related changes in brain tissue.
A new study by UNM researchers found that patients treated in rural emergency departments had similar outcomes to those receiving care in urban EDs for life-threatening conditions. However, rural patients with vague symptoms fared worse due to limited diagnostic capabilities and transfer processes.
Researchers at UNM's AIM Center have discovered how SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus interferes with the autophagy process, a vital cellular mechanism for recycling debris and invading microorganisms. The study found that the virus hijacks cellular membranes to evade immune systems.
A study by University of New Mexico researchers found that 65% of women with a normal prior co-test had undergone re-screening within three years, far more often than recommended. Meanwhile, some women were not re-tested for over five years after a negative co-test or cytology alone, increasing their risk for poor outcomes.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center have created a powerful computational tool called REDIAL-2020. This online suite of models enables scientists to quickly identify small molecules capable of disarming COVID-19, narrowing the field for future experiments and accelerating the discovery process.
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) affects millions worldwide, causing cysts and benign tumors to form in the kidney, leading to kidney failure. Researchers led by Dr. Manoocher Soleimani found that changes in cells lining the collecting ducts are responsible for cyst formation, offering new avenues for potential treatments.
University of New Mexico researchers have identified three medications with potential to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection: amodiaquine, zuclophentixol, and nebivolol. These drugs showed promise in test tube experiments and could be combined with remdesivir for a more potent attack.
Researchers say AI and machine learning can help improve the peer review process by detecting discrepancies in research papers. With many COVID-19 studies published without thorough review, AI-powered tools may be able to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that human reviewers might miss.
A University of New Mexico research team has identified brain-wide neural correlates of the transition from fear to anxiety, shedding new light on the brain's response to fearful events and why some people don't easily recover. The study found that vulnerability to anxiety correlates with elevated activity in specific regions of the br...
Scientists at UNM Health Sciences Center have developed a non-toxic method to eradicate Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. The approach uses yeast cells infused with orange oil, which kills the larvae when ingested.
Researchers discovered that lower circHomer1a levels in the brain's frontal cortex are correlated with schizophrenia symptoms and impaired cognitive flexibility in mice. The study suggests that circular RNAs play a crucial regulatory role in gene expression, potentially serving as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment targets.
A new study from UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists reveals that cervical cancer screening every three years is protective against cervical cancer. Most cancers are caught before spreading, making treatment easier. Screening was found to reduce localized and distant cancers.
A University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center-led research team has discovered a cancer-fighting compound that also reduces fat in obese mice. The team found that the compound, G-1, increases energy expenditure and targets brown fat cells, leading to weight loss and improved diabetes symptoms.
Researchers estimate that there may be as many as 10 million people worldwide suffering from a rare disease, which is likely to hinder treatment development due to inconsistent and imprecise definitions. The study calls for a unified definition of rare diseases to improve care for patients and develop effective treatments.
Researchers developed a new method to predict disease progression by analyzing Denmark's entire population health records. The approach revealed surprising correlations between diseases, such as gout and cardiovascular disease, and showed that certain diagnoses are often followed by others in a causal sequence.