Researchers at UNC identified a molecular marker of pancreatic cancer that may help diagnose the disease earlier. A specific form of a protein called palladin is produced in large amounts in tumor-associated fibroblasts surrounding a pancreatic tumor, making it a potential diagnostic tool.
Scientists have discovered that Rho GDI1 plays a crucial role in balancing the levels of other Rho proteins, which are involved in cell migration, proliferation, and death. This finding may lead to new therapies targeting the balance of these proteins to prevent cancer.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that a common cancer drug can activate an Epstein-Barr virus infection, making cancer cells more susceptible to antiviral medications. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for EBV-related cancers.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have discovered that the Ku protein plays a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA strands. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding the development of cancer and other age-related diseases.
Dr. Sean McLean, an assistant professor of pediatric surgery at UNC, has been awarded a four-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to study pulmonary hypertension using a mouse model for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The award aims to increase faculty diversity in academic medicine.
A new study published in Gastroenterology found biofeedback to be more effective than electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS) and digital massage in relieving chronic rectal pain. Researchers identified patients most likely to improve through physical examination, highlighting the potential for personalized treatment approaches.
A recent study reveals that women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) have distinct biological responses to stress and pain, differing from those with major depression. The findings suggest that PMDD is a separate entity from depression, warranting more precise treatments.
A study found that rhesus monkey babies born to mothers with flu during pregnancy had smaller brains and brain changes similar to those in human patients with schizophrenia. This suggests a possible increased risk of schizophrenia in human babies whose mothers had the flu while pregnant.
A study by UNC researchers found that abused children are more likely to suffer from unexplained abdominal pain and nausea or vomiting. The study analyzed data from over 800 children and showed a significant association between abuse and gastrointestinal symptoms.
A new 27-item questionnaire, the M-3 checklist, is a valid and effective tool to help primary care doctors screen patients for four common psychiatric illnesses. The checklist was developed by a team of mental health practitioners and experts and was found to be effective in screening for any mood or anxiety disorder 83% of the time.
A recent UNC study found that obese children as young as 3 years old have elevated levels of C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers, indicating a strong relationship between weight status and inflammation. The study suggests that obesity may be unhealthy for young children, even at a young age.
New research from UNC suggests that acetylation of metabolic enzymes plays a key role in regulating cellular metabolism. The study identified approximately 1,000 new proteins with acetyl groups, expanding the previously recognized repertoire of 50, and found that altering metabolic fuels can alter acetylation levels.
A study conducted in six countries showed that training birth attendants in newborn care and resuscitation significantly increases a baby's survival rate. The intervention resulted in a 30% reduction in stillbirths and a 15% decrease in perinatal mortality, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide each year.
Researchers found that sorafenib therapy can reduce large kidney tumors by up to 40% prior to surgery, making patient recovery less challenging. The study's results suggest a promising new treatment option for patients with advanced kidney cancer.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill created a first-of-its-kind map of the human genome's regulatory elements, revealing clusters specific to pancreatic islet cells. The study identified genetic variants associated with type II diabetes and found that certain genes are 'turned on' or 'off', opening new avenues for understanding the disease.
Researchers found that PrEP prevented rectal and intravenous HIV transmission in humanized mice with 90% protection rate. The study suggests PrEP can block multiple routes of HIV transmission, providing a promising approach to prevent new infections.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center identified four distinct molecular subtypes of GBM, each associated with a specific disease process. The study provides a solid framework for investigation of future targeted therapies that may improve the prognosis of this devastating cancer.
A protein complex called elongator may play a significant role in erasing epigenetic instructions on sperm DNA, enabling the formation of new embryos. This discovery could have implications for stem cell research and cancer treatment.
Researchers at UNC have discovered a single calcium atom controls bacterial motility required for infection. By blocking this site, the bacteria can't move, stopping its ability to establish infections like meningitis. The finding identifies a key step in bacterial infection and could lead to new drug targets.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina found genetic variations that lead to less efficient glucose metabolism in African-American patients compared to whites. These findings suggest a link between diet and environment in shaping genetic predispositions to diabetes.
Charles M. Perou has been awarded the AACR's 2009 Outstanding Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on breast cancer subtypes and racial disparities in diagnosis. His findings have led to a reevaluation of treatment approaches, with his work being incorporated into clinical practice worldwide.
The University of North Carolina's Graduate Training Program in Translational Medicine has received a $700,000 HHMI grant to integrate medical knowledge into its Ph.D. programs. This program aims to train researchers to translate basic science discoveries into improved treatments for patients.
Flibanserin, originally developed as an antidepressant, has been shown to improve sexual desire and satisfaction in women with low libido. The results of pooled clinical trials found significant improvements in sexual encounters, desire, and distress associated with sexual dysfunction.
Scientists at UNC and UCSF developed a computational method to compare drug structures with naturally occurring ligands, predicting potential new uses and unexpected side effects of approved drugs. The approach has been validated in wet laboratory experiments.
Researchers from UNC Health Care have discovered a crucial link between the synthesis of histone messenger RNA and apoptosis, a normal biochemical response to cell damage. The study identifies FLASH protein as essential for producing histone proteins, which regulate gene expression.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered a genetic lesion associated with schizophrenia disrupts brain development, altering neuron numbers and GABAergic cell placement. This finding supports the neurodevelopmental hypothesis, offering new avenues for understanding the disease's molecular mechanisms and potential biomarkers.
Researchers aim to understand the 'language' of the human genome by linking proteins to their genomic blueprints. The goal is to enhance efforts to solve pressing health issues like heart disease and cancer.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher has been awarded a four-year grant to study the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines in Nicaragua. The study aims to determine how well the vaccine works in developing countries and identify shifts in rotavirus strains as a result of immunization programs.
The University of North Carolina has secured a five-year, $6.2 million renewal grant to continue its work in the National Institutes of Health's Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network. This funding will enable the discovery of rare disease-causing gene mutations and define early adverse clinical events in infant and childhood studies.
A UNC study found that using audio recordings of guided imagery at home in addition to standard medical treatment can significantly reduce abdominal pain in children. The benefits were maintained for six months after treatment ended, highlighting the potential of self-administered treatment as a cost-effective and accessible option.
A UNC study found that the GSK-3 gene plays a crucial role in regulating the balance between neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Deleting this gene led to an overabundance of proliferating stem cells, resulting in fewer mature neurons. This discovery has implications for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that treating pregnant women with mild gestational diabetes resulted in fewer serious birthing problems. The treatment reduced the risk of large babies, shoulder damage during birth, and cesarean delivery.
The University of North Carolina has been awarded a $13-20 million Cancer Genome Atlas Grant to better understand the mechanisms responsible for uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. The project aims to develop a comprehensive catalog of genetic and genomic changes in cancers, which could fuel rapid advances in cancer research.
The University of North Carolina has been awarded a $8.6 million NIH grant to investigate the complex factors contributing to psychiatric disorders such as autism, depression, and anxiety. By using laboratory mice to screen genetic possibilities, researchers aim to understand how genes and environment interact to shape these traits.
Recent trials have shown small reductions in prostate cancer mortality, but the potential benefits must be balanced against increased diagnosis rates and treatment complications. Developing more effective decision support tools may improve discussions between men and their physicians about screening.
Researchers at UNC are working on developing new methods to measure cellular signaling and tackle chronic pain. Dr. Joseph DeSimone is using a Pioneer Award to create new delivery methods for biological therapeutics, while Dr. Mark Zylka aims to treat pain with enzyme-based treatments. These projects have the potential to profoundly im...
A new study published in Academic Pediatrics found that parents are more likely to understand a body mass index (BMI) chart if it's color-coded, like a traffic light. The color-coded charts were most helpful to parents with the lowest math abilities, increasing correct answers from 51% to 81%.
Blood vessels can spur their own growth and deliver oxygen to tissues and tumors through internal cues. The study found that a protein called Flt-1 plays a key role in regulating this process.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a genetic risk factor for severe liver disease in people with cystic fibrosis, specifically the SERPINA1 gene variant. Those carrying this variant are five times more likely to develop cirrhosis and other liver complications than those with the normal version of the gene.
The study reveals that a specific protein, srGAP2, plays a crucial role in controlling the migration and branching of neurons during brain development. By manipulating this protein's activity, researchers were able to observe its effects on filopodia formation and neuronal behavior.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that giving insecticide-treated bed nets to nearly 18,000 mothers in the Democratic Republic of Congo prevented an estimated 414 infant deaths from malaria. The intervention also reduced long-term disability and was more cost-effective than prevention measures in the US.
A study led by a University of North Carolina researcher found that black patients with high blood pressure experience poorer communication with their doctors compared to white patients. The results showed that black patients had shorter office visits, less biomedical and psychosocial exchange, and less rapport building with their doct...
Researchers develop a new technique using light to control protein behavior in cells and animals, enabling precise manipulation of cellular activity. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cancer spread and developing new treatments.
Scientists at the University of North Carolina have found that drugs targeting ERBB3 could be more effective in killing colon cancers resistant to current EGFR inhibitors. Genetic studies show that blocking ERBB3 can significantly reduce cell growth and induce cell death in human colon cancer cells.
Women with a family history of breast cancer who breastfed had a 59% lower risk of developing the disease. The study suggests breastfeeding can lower cancer risk without medication.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have decoded the entire structure of an HIV genome, revealing intricate patterns and structures that play a previously unappreciated role in the virus's lifecycle. This breakthrough opens doors for further research and potential antiviral drug development.
A new study investigates the effects of the Khmer Rouge trials on Cambodians, finding that while most believe justice will be served, nearly 90% experience painful memories. The trials' impact on mental health remains uncertain, with higher rates of PTSD among those who remember torture and murder.
A new study finds that while most Cambodians believe the Khmer Rouge trials will deliver justice, over 87% of people who experienced torture during the regime say the trials will rekindle painful memories. The trial's impact on mental health is still unknown.
A groundbreaking clinical trial has shown that exercise can significantly improve symptoms of fatigue and depression, increase cardiovascular endurance, and maintain quality of life for adult leukemia patients undergoing treatment. The study demonstrated a substantial reduction in total fatigue and depression scores, as well as improve...
A University of North Carolina study found that establishing a regular relationship with a healthcare provider reduces racial disparities in prostate cancer diagnosis. Men with ongoing relationships are more likely to receive screenings and less likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease.