Scientists at UNC are developing new treatments to prevent sexual transmission of HIV, building on significant progress made in measures to prevent infection. The project aims to explore candidate drugs and experimental compounds that can be tested in humanized BLT mice.
The University of North Carolina will lead a national effort to find a cure for AIDS by developing ways to purge the latent HIV virus from patients' immune systems. The five-year grant aims to better understand where and how the virus is established, and how to eliminate it.
Researchers on the final space shuttle mission are conducting an experiment to prevent bone loss in astronauts. The study uses mice as a model, exposing them to microgravity and testing a novel agent that blocks sclerostin, a protein involved in bone formation.
Researchers from UNC Lineberger have contributed to a comprehensive view of cancer genes in ovarian cancer, identifying sets of genes associated with patient survival patterns and potential therapeutic targets.
Scientists have manipulated brain wiring responsible for reward-seeking behaviors using optogenetics, a technique that can tweak microcircuitry with millisecond precision. The study found that targeting the connection between the amygdala and nucleus accumbens may represent potential treatments for addiction and other neuropsychiatric ...
A new study highlights the importance of parental involvement in helping teenagers understand and prepare for workplace risks. The research found that most parents are unaware of the hazards their teens face on the job, but can play a critical role in ensuring good safety standards by asking the right questions.
Researchers have discovered that both types of polycythemia, previously thought to require different treatments, can be effectively treated with JAK2 inhibitors. This finding offers new hope for patients with Chuvash polycythemia, a disease affecting only a small number of people worldwide.
A new study found that acute Hepatitis A virus is more efficient at evading the host's interferon response, allowing it to linger in the body for almost a year. This discovery undermines current theories on chronic Hepatitis C development and highlights the need for further research into Hepatitis-host interactions.
Research finds one-third of pregnant women with depression have a history of eating disorders, while many others have experienced physical or sexual abuse. Mental health screenings are crucial to identify at-risk patients and provide early treatment.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have shown that transplantation of adult stem cells enriched with IGF-I can help mend bone fractures not healing properly. The treatment speeds up the healing process, restoring bone formation and strength.
A new online tool, Mouse Phylogeny Viewer, allows researchers to select from 162 strains of laboratory mice for which the entire genome has been characterized. This tool enables scientists to design better experiments by selecting strains with greater genetic diversity, ultimately improving the translation of results to humans.
A UNC laboratory study shows that Tacrolimus, a commonly used organ transplant rejection medication, inhibits breast cancer growth by over 70 percent in pre-clinical studies. The drug works by blocking new blood vessel growth to tumors, a therapeutic strategy to inhibit tumor growth.
A new study by researchers at the University of North Carolina found that nearly 19% of young adults between 24 and 32 years old have elevated blood pressure. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found significant disparities in hypertension rates among different demographics.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that the pelvis continues to widen as people age from 20-79, leading to an estimated three-inch increase in waist size. This finding suggests that pelvic growth contributes to increased body weight and body fat accumulation over time.
A team of researchers has pinpointed genome regions that contribute to the debilitating lung disease associated with cystic fibrosis, providing insight into its causes and potential diagnostic markers. The study also points to new therapeutic approaches for related diseases such as COPD.
Humanized BLT mice, created with human bone marrow, liver, and thymus tissues, have been shown to reproduce the design of a recent clinical study on topical microbicide tenofovir. The results demonstrate 88% protection against vaginal HIV transmission, warranting consideration for future testing in people.
Researchers discovered a link between cell rigidity and proteins associated with cancer activity, using innovative collaboration between physics and cell biology. Exerting mechanical force on cells activates Rho GEF proteins, leading to tumor growth and metastasis.
A UNC-led study found that early initiation of antiretroviral treatment in people infected with HIV can prevent them from transmitting the virus to their partners. The study showed a 96% reduction in HIV transmission to partners among those treated promptly, highlighting the critical impact of early treatment on preventing the spread o...
A new study of U.S. veterans ages 70 and older found that healthy seniors benefit most from current colon cancer screening methods, while less healthy veterans may experience a net burden. The study highlights the need to target screening for those who are likely to benefit and re-evaluate screening for those who are not.
University of North Carolina researchers presented three studies: meditation reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and psychological distress; colonoscopy screening rates decreased among insured Americans during the recession due to high out-of-pocket costs; and diets high in fiber actually increase the risk of diverticulosis, not ...
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine isolated normal stem cells with aggressive breast cancer properties and identified a genetic intersection that contributes to metastasis. The study suggests a new target for treating triple negative breast cancer.
Researchers have found that brain enlargement in autism is due to increased folding on the surface of the brain and not an increase in gray matter. Brain growth in children with autism begins as early as 1 year old and continues until age 2.
In 2007, US unintentional drug poisoning deaths reached epidemic proportions, with prescription opioid overdoses driving the crisis. Opioid pain medications are involved in more overdose deaths than heroin and cocaine combined, according to a CDC report.
A study of roundworm chromosomes may provide insight into large-scale genome duplications that occur in developing tumors. The research found that chromosome ends erode and fuse, creating genome rearrangements that contribute to tumor development.
A study from UNC School of Medicine found that saturated fatty acids activate immune cells to produce inflammatory protein interleukin-1beta, leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Angelique Whitehurst receives grant to study genes that support tumor cell survival and develop new therapeutic targets. Her work aims to selectively destroy tumor cells while leaving normal tissue unharmed.
Adolescent binge drinking may lead to subtle yet persistent alterations in the frontal cortex, impacting decision-making and related behaviors. Reduces neurotransmitter activity and forebrain volume, increasing risk of impulsive actions and poor adaptation to life situations as adults.
Studies reveal Tet protein maintains pluripotency in stem cells by silencing differentiation genes while activating pluripotency genes. The protein's product, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, plays a crucial role in regulating transcription and is the first genome-wide location of its role in development and disease.
Carey Anders will receive a $181,000 grant to test the effectiveness of PARP-inhibitors and nanoparticle agents in treating triple-negative breast cancer brain metastases. The research aims to improve survival rates for women with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Dr. Bryan Roth has received the PhRMA Foundation Award in Excellence in Pharmacology/Toxicology for his groundbreaking research on drug discovery and development. His work aims to understand how central nervous system drugs affect brain neurons and mitigate side effects, particularly for conditions like schizophrenia and depression.
Researchers have discovered a molecule, Wnt1, that improves the function of endothelial progenitor cells, increasing blood flow to organs with previously blocked circulation. The finding could enhance clinical trials testing these powerful cells in patients hospitalized with cardiac arrest.
A UNC study found a significant increase in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma among young white females, with incidence rates rising by 111% between 1975 and 2007. The researchers suggest that the epidemiology of this cancer may be unique and not associated with human papillomavirus or tobacco/alcohol use.
A new commentary by four experts cautions against inflated expectations in genomics research, highlighting the need for balance and realism. They recommend reevaluating funding priorities, fostering statistical rigor, and developing high-quality evidence before integrating genomic ideas into medical practice.
Researchers have identified the gene DOT1L as critical for heart function, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. The study found that low levels of DOT1L enzyme can cause heart disease, including congestive heart failure.
Researchers at UNC are developing computer models to help physicians predict which treatments will work best for children with upper airway problems. The project aims to create tools to evaluate the pediatric airway and predict medical or surgical interventions for specific children with conditions such as Pierre Robin sequence.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill pinpointed Erk as crucial for nerve fiber insulation with myelin, allowing signals to be sent between brain and limbs. This discovery informs study of neurodevelopmental disorders like neurofibromatosis, where Schwann cells grow unregulated.
Researchers have identified a key molecular mechanism in nerve fibers that ensures rapid conductance of nervous system impulses. The myelin sheath, which acts as an insulating membrane, allows electrical impulses to hop from one node to the next along the axon.
A new study reveals that a biomarker test for DNA methylation is technically feasible and could aid in earlier and more precise diagnosis of melanoma. The test distinguishes malignant melanomas from non-malignant moles, with high predictive value.
Researchers at UNC Health Care discovered the Kaposi sarcoma virus produces a homolog protein that binds to cellular proteins, preventing inflammatory response and allowing the virus to evade immune system detection. The study highlights the virus's ability to lie dormant in the body over a lifetime by avoiding cell death.
Researchers discovered that IDH mutation leads to a metabolic battle between molecules ?-KG and 2-HG, contributing to cancer development. Bolstering ?-KG production could offer a new treatment option for patients with the mutation, which affects 75% of people with low-grade brain tumors and 20% of those with acute myeloid leukemia.
A team of researchers has made a discovery about how the Ras oncogene chooses a signaling pathway and its consequences in cellular development, a key issue in cancer. The study used a common roundworm, C. elegans, to identify the critical events leading to pancreatic cancer.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered a molecule, microRNA-29, that can make brain cells resistant to programmed cell death or apoptosis. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.
Researchers identified a chaperone enzyme, Rad18, that plays a key role in accurate DNA repair, and a signaling protein, Cdc7, that ensures error-free repair. This discovery offers a promising new target for cancer therapies, potentially overcoming resistance to DNA-damaging treatments.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill are conducting a clinical trial to determine if estrogen replacement therapy can help prevent depression and cardiovascular illness in women between 45-55. The study, funded by the NIH, aims to identify which women will benefit from estradiol treatment during perimenopause.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have developed particles that closely mirror key properties of red blood cells, potentially paving the way for synthetic blood. The new discovery has also shown promise in treating life-threatening medical conditions like cancer.
A pair of clinical trials found that two weeks of rifaximin treatment significantly reduced IBS symptoms, including bloating and abdominal pain. The benefits persisted for 10 weeks after treatment was stopped, suggesting a potential underlying cause of IBS: alterations in gut bacteria.
Researchers have identified the molecular signals that influence circadian rhythms in organisms, including humans, mice, and fruit flies. The study reveals how cryptochrome protein interacts with light to regulate these rhythms.
A recent study from the University of North Carolina found that widely used histone antibodies may not always recognize their intended targets, but instead bind to other sites. The researchers used a new approach to generate modified histone proteins and tested commercial antibodies, which often showed off-target binding issues.
Researchers found that inactivating the NLRP3 protein can increase the effectiveness of therapeutic cancer vaccines. This discovery may lead to more effective cancer treatments and is the first to link immature myeloid cells, NLRP3, and vaccine response.
A new study found that combining exenatide with insulin provides better blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes, achieving near-normal levels in 60% of participants. Additionally, Byetta recipients lost an average of four pounds during the study, while placebo recipients gained two pounds.