A new study reveals that gut microbes can increase the absorption of dietary fats, allowing the body to extract more calories from the same amount of food. Firmicutes bacteria are found to play a key role in this process, and their abundance is influenced by diet.
A study by UNC pediatrics researchers found that younger overweight children consume more calories per day than their healthy weight peers, but older overweight children consume fewer calories. This surprising finding suggests that different strategies may be needed to help children in both age groups reach a healthy weight.
Researchers have characterized the lung squamous cell carcinoma genome, identifying commonly known cancer genes and mutations that could be targeted therapeutically. The study, led by UNC Lineberger scientists, paves the way for developing better, more targeted treatments for this devastating disease.
Two UNC researchers, Dr. Joseph Piven and Dr. Linmarie Sikich, have been awarded $12.6 million grants to establish new autism research networks and conduct studies on early brain markers and oxytocin-based treatments. These grants further solidify UNC's position as a premier institution for autism research.
Research using mice reveals heavy alcohol use rewires brain circuitry, making it harder for alcoholics to recover psychologically following a traumatic experience. The study found that chronic exposure to alcohol impairs the ability to control emotional responses, putting people at greater risk for PTSD.
Researchers discovered that FAM123A interacts with microtubule-associated proteins regulating cell movement. This interaction is crucial for normal development and life, as well as disease prevention.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique that can detect subtle changes in fetal brain structure and facial features associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. The study's findings suggest that the timing of maternal alcohol use during pregnancy can influence the severity and type of birth defects, expanding the scope for dia...
A laboratory study reveals that Elesclomol triggers cell death in metastatic melanoma cells by suppressing oxidative phosphorylation. The research also suggests a two-pronged strategy to target both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation for effective cancer treatment.
Researchers found that B cells from patients with chronic GVHD are more active and resistant to programmed cell death. The study identifies BAFF as a promising target for developing new therapies, such as anti-BAFF agents or small molecule inhibitors.
A UNC-led team describes a previously uncharacterized protein NLRC3 that inhibits NF-Kappa B activation and forms a novel TRAFasome complex. This discovery provides insight into mechanisms controlling inflammation and identifies potential therapeutic targets.
A new study found that treating chronic venous leg ulcers with a topical spray containing a unique living human cell formula increases the likelihood of wound closure by 52%. The treatment, HP802-247 from Healthpoint Biotherapeutics, was tested in a Phase II clinical trial and showed promising results.
Researchers have discovered a new strategy to directly attack and eradicate latent HIV infection using the deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat. The study showed that vorinostat was able to unmask hidden virus in patients receiving treatment for HIV, increasing active HIV levels by an average of 4.5-fold.
A UNC-led team studied 2228 Kenyan men and found no evidence of HPV type competition after vaccination. The study suggests that different HPV types act independently, making it unlikely for type-replacement to occur following large-scale vaccination programs.
New study reveals that mephedrone activates brain's reward circuits similarly to cocaine, increasing addictive potential and compulsive drug taking. The findings justify maximum restriction of bath salts access by the FDA.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that eating small amounts of egg every day for months lowered the threshold for allergic reactions in 75% of children with egg allergies. After two years on treatment, 28% were able to incorporate egg into their regular diets.
A multicenter clinical trial published in JAMA found that silymarin supplements have no effect on serum ALT levels or hepatitis C virus levels. The study involved 154 patients with chronic hepatitis C and showed no significant differences in response between treatment groups.
Researchers found that 31% of children identified as at-risk for autism by 12 months received a diagnosis by age 3. The First Year Inventory questionnaire completed by parents shows promise in identifying early developmental delays, warranting early intervention.
Researchers at UNC Health Care developed a non-invasive ultrasound method to detect cancer using blood vessel 'tortuosity.' This technique filters out tissue signals, allowing for clear visualization of small blood vessels. The study found a definitive difference between tumor and healthy vasculature, with limitations in detection depth.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used injections of non-depleting antibodies to rapidly reverse the onset of Type I diabetes in mice. The treatment maintained disease remission indefinitely without harming the immune system, with some animals remaining free of diabetes after over 400 days.
A new study found a significant association between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia or bipolar disorder in parents or siblings. The study suggests that ASD, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder may share etiologic risk factors.
A national survey found that US military veterans with protective factors such as employment, social support, and spiritual faith were 92% less likely to report severe violence. The study suggests that addressing these factors can help reduce the likelihood of violence in returning veterans.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care have discovered a new role for the SMN gene in spinal muscular atrophy, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that faulty processing of genetic material is not the primary cause of the disease, but rather a separate function of the SMN gene.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that breast milk has a strong virus-killing effect and protects against oral transmission of HIV. The 'BLT' mouse model was used to demonstrate this, with the oral cavity and upper digestive tract of mice mimicking human cells affected by HIV transmission.
Saskia B. Neher, a UNC School of Medicine assistant professor, is one of 22 promising scientists to receive the 2012 Pew Scholars award, supporting her research on LPL regulation and its implications for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that a subtype of CD4-positive immune cells called Th17 cells in the gut could influence disease outcome and help control HIV growth. Increasing these cells may promote an environment with more anti-viral capabilities, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at UNC Health Care identify a key genetic switch that determines melanoma's ability to spread. Inactivating the LKB1 gene causes non-aggressive cells to become highly metastatic.
Researchers have found an imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition in individuals with Angelman syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by seizures, cognitive delay, and severe intellectual disability. This imbalance may underlie the high seizure activity observed in AS patients.
Researchers have identified a new genetic signature associated with basal-like breast cancer, which is more prevalent in African Americans. The discovery suggests that combination therapy targeting multiple pathways could be an effective treatment strategy for this aggressive subtype.
A DNA replication protein called Cdt1 is involved in both DNA replication and mitosis, a later step of the cell cycle. This discovery provides a possible explanation for why many cancers have genomic instability and an abnormal number of chromosomes.
A UNC-led team discovers that lung cancer molecular subtypes correlate with distinct genetic alterations and patient response to therapy. The study refines their previous report on three molecular subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer, suggesting new avenues for targeted treatment.
A new maintenance therapy, lenalidomide, has been shown to improve outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma who have undergone a stem cell transplant. The study found that patients treated with lenalidomide had a 59% chance of surviving free of disease progression after three years.
Embryonic stem cells have a rapid suicidal response to DNA damage, eliminating them from the developing embryo. This adaptation prevents mutations from harming the organism and allows scientists to harness their potential for therapeutic use.
A UNC study successfully delivers therapeutic doses of a cancer drug using nanoparticle carriers, overcoming pharmacologic challenges that led to its abandonment. The study demonstrates improved efficacy and reduced toxicity for the abandoned drug.
A $2.4 million grant will help identify genetic variations that can predict the response to various treatment options for type 2 diabetes, with the goal of reducing cardiovascular disease. The study aims to target interventions to patients most likely to benefit and least likely to be harmed.
Karl Deisseroth, Edward Boyden, and Feng Zhang received the $10,000 award for developing optogenetics to control neural circuits. This technique has revolutionized neuroscience by allowing selective stimulation of neurons associated with behaviors.
A large-scale randomized study found that daily antiretroviral drugs given to HIV-infected mothers or their breastfeeding babies for 28 weeks significantly reduced HIV transmission through breast milk. However, early weaning was found to be of little protective value against HIV transmission and may even increase infant mortality.
Scientists at UNC have developed a new method for delivering long-lasting pain relief through PAPuncture, which mimics the molecular mechanism behind acupuncture. The treatment has been shown to provide up to six-day pain relief in animal models and may be applicable to any area where regional anesthesia is performed.
A study published in JAMA found Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to be more effective in reducing certain side effects and preventing cancer recurrence compared to conventional conformal radiation therapy (CRT). IMRT was also comparable to proton therapy, a newer technique.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method for three-dimensional RNA structure prediction, enabling scientists to understand the functions of RNA molecules that dictate human cell behavior. The technique has the potential to help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases.
A team from UNC Health Care has developed a broad-based test to measure the activation of protein kinases, enabling the measurement of drug resistance in cancer. The test can identify combinations of drugs that block resistance, offering personalized therapies for breast cancer.
Scientists have pinpointed the region on dengue virus that humans target with their immune system, challenging current vaccine research. The discovery reveals human antibodies bind to a complex structure on assembled dengue viruses, not small fragments as previously thought.
A UNC-led team reveals that gene switches don't simply flip on or off, but instead exhibit dynamic binding behavior involving stable and transient states. This discovery offers new insights into gene regulation and potential applications in genetic medicine.
Researchers have discovered gene variations that predispose cystic fibrosis patients to develop an intestinal blockage while still in the uterus. These variants involve genes responsible for ion transport in the lower end of the small intestine, increasing the risk of meconium ileus and serious health problems.
A study led by neuroscientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine found that activation of GABA neurons in a specific area of the midbrain inhibits dopamine neuron function, leading to a disruption in reward consumption. This discovery could lead to new mental health therapies.
The discovery of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) structure could lead to the development of new medications targeting addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and other conditions. Salvinorin A, a hallucinogenic compound from the Salvia plant, interacts with only one receptor type in the human brain.
A recent study has successfully flushed latent HIV infection from hiding using a drug used to treat certain types of lymphoma. The results show that targeting the biological mechanism that keeps the HIV virus hidden can be effective in providing a cure.
A study by UNC Health Care researchers found that a supercharged version of the protective protein focal adhesion kinase (FAK) can reduce heart attack damage by 50% in mice. The enhanced protein, called SuperFAK, was engineered to activate stronger survival signals and deactivate at the right time, reducing permanent heart damage.
A team from UNC Chapel Hill discovered how a long-studied protein complex influences cell movement and how cells respond to external cues. Cells without the protein complex exhibit altered structure and movement, affecting their ability to sense chemical cues and navigate surfaces.
During the US economic recession, continuously insured Americans underwent fewer screening colonoscopies due to increased direct out-of-pocket costs. This reduction in screenings was observed across all age groups, with a notable impact on those aged 50-64.
Researchers discovered significant brain development differences in 6-month-old high-risk infants who later developed autism compared to those who did not. Infants with autism showed elevated white matter fiber tract development at 6 months, followed by slower changes over time.