A study led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill investigators found that giving daily antiretroviral syrup to breastfeeding infants or treating their HIV-infected mothers with highly active antiretroviral drugs is safe and effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission through breast milk.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found an efficient way to deliver a corrected gene to lung cells, restoring normal function in tissue models. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for cystic fibrosis patients.
A multi-national group of investigators discovered that nearly a third of schizophrenia's genetic basis may be attributed to thousands of common genetic variants. These variants add up to a significant risk for developing both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Researchers at UNC have redefined the process of X-inactivation, a genetic phenomenon that helps females avoid toxic genes. The new findings suggest Xist gene's role is more nuanced, and its absence may not trigger X-inactivation but rather allow genes to become active again.
Researchers found that physically active elderly individuals exhibited healthier cerebral blood vessels compared to less active counterparts. The study showed a vessel pattern similar to younger adults, with increased small-diameter vessels and less twisting.
Researchers discover that a secondary viral infection can trigger the reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), leading to uncontrolled cell growth and potentially developing into cancer. Activation of specific toll-like receptors allows the virus to replicate, spreading throughout the body.
A recent study published in PLOS Pathogens has uncovered clues to the development of cancers in AIDS patients, revealing specific miRNA biomarkers that accurately identify stages of tumor progression. The research team also found that certain miRNAs were lost as tumors progressed, accelerating cancer growth.
A new blood test has been developed to detect the p16INK4a biomarker, which is strongly correlated with chronological age and behaviors that accelerate aging. The test has been validated in a study of 170 healthy human volunteers, showing a strong correlation between biomarker expression and age.
Researchers have discovered a new target for the diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration by blocking the activity of the CCR3 protein. This approach shows promise as a safer and more effective alternative to current treatments, which target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found a new protein SFRP2 that stimulates angiogenesis in various tumor sites. The discovery provides a potential target for developing new drugs to starve tumors of blood supply and destroy them.
A landmark UNC-led study finds radiofrequency ablation significantly effective in treating dysplasia in people with Barrett's esophagus, eradicating abnormal cells and reducing cancer risk. The procedure showed high rates of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia and progression to disease.
A recent study found that chemotherapy in addition to surgery or radiation improves survival rates among older women with early-stage breast cancer. Combination therapy showed significantly better outcomes than single-drug treatment, with a 17% higher relapse-free survival rate at three years.
Researchers at UNC identified the p18 gene as a potential cause of luminal-type breast cancers, which account for 70-80% of all cases. The study found that defects in this gene lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.
A UNC-Duke study found that impaired brain plasticity in mice with Angelman syndrome is linked to severe cognitive deficits. The researchers discovered a latent ability for brain cells to express plasticity, which could lead to new treatments or a cure for the disorder.
A new method for testing drugs predicts toxicity in some people, with genetic variations being key factor. The approach has potential to improve the development process and reduce costs.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified a compound that could treat secondary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of brain tumor. By replenishing α-ketoglutarate, they reversed the effects of IDH1 gene mutation, which contributes to tumor growth.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered that TH17 cells, a subset of immune cells, can cause transplant rejection. The study's findings may lead to the development of targeted therapies to prevent graft-versus-host disease, which is a major complication of transplants.
A new UNC study finds that chronic low-back pain has more than doubled in North Carolina since the early 1990s, with a significant increase in prevalence across all ages and racial groups. The study suggests that increased healthcare costs for back problems may be due to rising prevalence rather than increased service use.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified a gene that causes obesity when mutated, affecting metabolism without impacting appetite. The study's findings provide new insights into epigenetics and open possibilities for novel pharmacologic approaches to treating obesity.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that disrupting the circadian clock can slow the progression of cancer. The study suggests that altering one of four essential 'clock' genes can extend the lives of mice with cancer by 50% by making cancer cells more vulnerable to cell suicide.
Research challenges common perception that mental illness alone increases risk of future violence, instead finding mental illness combined with substance abuse to be a significant predictor. Other factors such as history of past violence, unemployment, and parental criminal history were found to be more predictive of future violence.
A new UNC study found that the circadian clock influences a cell's repair machinery, which can affect the potency of cancer drugs. By targeting the daily oscillations of this enzyme system, researchers believe clinicians can maximize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.
Cancer cells and nerve cells share a common way to survive by inhibiting apoptosis through glucose metabolism. This pathway allows both cells to evade death and proliferate uncontrollably in cancer cells but is essential for nerve cell survival.
The Infant Brain Imaging Study (IBIS) is expanding its research on infant brain development and autism symptoms. The study aims to identify changes in brain structure and behavior that may indicate the onset of autistic symptoms, with potential benefits including early screening measures and treatments.
A study by UNC researchers found that palladin, a protein expressed mostly in invasive breast cancer cells, plays a crucial role in their ability to migrate and spread. Knocking down palladin expression reduced the ability of breast cancer cells to metastasize.
A multi-project study will investigate how cocaine exposure during pregnancy affects maternal-infant interactions, brain development, and hormonal responses. Researchers hope to inform the development of innovative interventions for mothers struggling with substance use.
A new UNC study suggests that cell phone text messaging can be an effective tool for self-monitoring healthy behaviors in children. The study found that children who used text messaging to report their calorie intake, exercise, and screen time had a lower attrition rate and greater adherence to monitoring than those using paper diaries.
Scientists have discovered a biological transformation that occurs in the absence of an enzyme, taking 2.3 billion years to complete. This finding highlights the importance of enzymes as catalysts in life processes and has implications for drug design and molecular studies.
Researchers discovered a new therapeutic target for pain control, identifying a protein that acts in pain-sensing neurons to convert chemical messengers into ones that suppress pain. The protein, PAP, is eight times more effective at suppressing pain than morphine and has longer-lasting effects.
A new study found that people with an initial negative colonoscopy have a very low risk of developing colorectal cancer within five years. Based on this study, rescreening may not be necessary sooner than five years after the initial screening. The study's findings confirm what many gastroenterologists already believed.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have transformed human skin cells into insulin-producing cells using pluripotent stem cell technology. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments or even a cure for the millions of people affected by diabetes.
A novel clinical trial will compare online CBT with face-to-face group therapy for treating bulimia nervosa. The study aims to test the effectiveness of CBT4BN and reduce attrition rates among participants.
A study from UNC School of Medicine suggests molindone, a first-generation antipsychotic, is as effective as newer drugs like olanzapine and risperidone in treating childhood schizophrenia. The medication may offer benefits due to fewer side effects, including weight gain and increased risk of heart disease.
A new study published in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found that ondansetron significantly reduces vomiting and hospital admissions in children with acute gastroenteritis. The medication also decreases the need for intravenous fluids by nearly two-thirds.
A US study found that nearly half of all US adults and two-thirds of obese adults will develop symptomatic knee osteoarthritis by age 85. Maintaining a normal weight reduces the risk, according to researchers from the University of North Carolina.
A University of North Carolina study finds that strong social support, internal belief systems, and concrete strategies for dealing with temptations are crucial for women to remain smoke-free postpartum. In contrast, easy access to cigarettes, reliance on cigarettes to cope with stress, and low self-esteem can lead to relapse.
Researchers are conducting a clinical trial using low-dose contraceptives to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which affects 5-10% of women. The study aims to understand the underlying physiology and develop new treatments for this debilitating condition.
A study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that fibrocytes, cells involved in wound healing, can form premetastatic niches that facilitate cancer spread. Researchers found that injecting these cells into mice nearly doubled the rate of metastasis, a finding that could lead to new treatments.
A new study by UNC and Caltech researchers found that some parents of children with autism process face information differently than other parents, suggesting a genetic link. The study analyzed 42 parents of autistic children and found that those who were socially aloof relied more heavily on the mouth to recognize emotions.
A new UNC study reveals that stopping moderate drinking may lead to health problems, including depression and reduced brain capacity. Treatment with antidepressant drugs can prevent the development of depression and restore brain function.
Researchers have identified a critical gene, LKB1, that is mutated in almost a quarter of all human lung cancers, leading to more aggressive tumors. The study provides a new target for therapies and enables better patient prognoses.
Researchers found that the genetic variation in laboratory mice is vastly greater than previously thought, with 8.3 million variations described. The pedigrees of the 15 mouse strains studied differ from each other to a far greater degree than previously assumed.
A new study has identified a specific genetic variation linked to severe premenstrual depression in women. The study found that four genetic variants in the estrogen receptor alpha gene were more common in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, suggesting a hereditary link to the condition.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and heterotaxy, an abnormal position of the heart and lungs. This connection suggests that PCD may cause respiratory complications in children with congenital heart disease, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that early life sun exposure increases the risk of melanomas with BRAF gene mutations. Patients who reported high levels of sun exposure before age 20 were more likely to have this mutation. In contrast, patients with NRAS gene mutations had higher exposure between ages 50-60.
A new study found that taking folic acid supplements does not reduce the risk of developing precancerous colon tumors and may even increase it. Researchers also suggest that fortification of grain-based foods with folic acid may be a contributing factor to increased risk.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care identified protein Ack1 as a trigger for advanced prostate cancer recurrence in men undergoing hormone treatment. This finding may lead to the development of targeted therapies against this protein.
A study led by Dr. Diana Perkins identified lower levels of microRNAs in the brains of adults with schizophrenia compared to healthy individuals. The research suggests that altered expression of microRNAs may be involved in the development of schizophrenia, potentially related to disordered synaptic plasticity.
A multi-center study found that MRI screening detected cancer in the opposite breast in 30% of women with recent breast cancer diagnosis. The cancers were missed by previous mammography and clinical exam. The authors recommend MRI screening for high-risk populations, but emphasize its expense and limited ability to detect calcifications.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered a cellular mechanism that regulates DNA replication after exposure to UV radiation, potentially offering new protection against skin cancer. The study identified two proteins, Timeless and Tipin, which form a complex to slow down DNA replication in response to damage.